Thursday, May 31, 2012

Christmas traditions in Germany

Germany has many traditions it shares with nine neighbors that abut. They also have a lot 'that they themselves started.

U.S. children write their letters to Santa and mail them to the North Pole with their respective wish lists. In other countries, children can write their letters and throw them into the fire so the smoke will be held in Santa their lists to the North Pole.

German children have a slightly different tradition, though. They write their letters to the Christ Child or Infant Jesus. They were kept in envelopes and decorate the bag with sugar and glue to make them glitter in the moonlight. They were then placed on the windowsill, where parents usually pick up to them to leave the appearance that the Christkind has stopped receiving them.

Another tradition is for children to fill their shoes with hay, straw and carrots and leave them at the door. They are trying to St. Nicholas groped to stop and eat his white stallion. He then returned the shoes to fill with candy and toys.

The Christmas tree tradition was started in Germany and Christmas trees are quite popular there. As the Christmas tree tradition began is a matter of debate.

The first story is a woodcutter who found a lone hungry child, while cutting trees. Befriended and fed the baby. After the meal the child kept on the road. The next day the child appeared to woodcutter and his wife as spirit and thanked him for his kindness. He explained that he was the Christ child, Christkind the Germans.

Woodcutter gave a sprig from an evergreen tree and explained that this tree would bear fruit throughout the year. This led to German evergreen trees, killing and decorated with ribbons, candy, etc. to celebrate the Christkind.

The story of how other Christmas tree was born is attributed to Martin Luther. Supposedly brought an evergreen tree one year from the outside and decorated with candles. The candles were to represent the light of Jesus Christ and heaven, according to tradition.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

The history of Christmas Card

The Christmas card, as we know, born in England in the year 1843. An artist named John Calcott Horsley was commissioned by Sir Henry Cole a rich and successful businessman in London, to create a card that could be sent to his friends and clients to wish them a Merry Christmas.

Sir Henry Cole was well known at the time, for a number of reasons. He had a hand to help modernize the British postal system. He played a leading role in building the Royal Albert Hall, and acted as manager for the construction of this huge project. He also organized the Great Exhibition of 1851, and oversaw the inauguration of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

One of Sir Henry Cole's greatest aspirations in life was to beautify the world around him. He owned and operated a wonderful art shop on Bond Street, which specialized in decorative objects for the home. His shop was hugely popular with the British upper class, and earned a tidy sum from his business.

The Christmas card that was commissioned fashioned in the form of a triptych, which is a three-panel design that allows two external panels from a folded toward the center. Each of the two side panels represented a good deed. The first shown the image of people dressed to the poor, and the side panel showed the image of people feeding the hungry. The centerpiece was the image of a wealthy family in a toast and surrounded by a huge feast.

The inscription on the inside of the card read "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you." Of the one thousand cards printed for Sir Henry Cole, only twelve exist today in private collections. The print media has become very fashionable in England during the years that followed. He also became very popular in Germany. It took a long time for the idea of taking in America, then popularized by a German expatriate named Louis Prang in 1875. Today, over 2 billion Christmas cards are exchanged each year. Merry Christmas to all!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Because Thanksgiving is Hands Down The Best Holiday

The Thanksgiving season is upon us, and a few days now, most U.S. citizens will be traveling too far the worst day of travel, to see the family prefers not to spend an afternoon with and possibly meet again in another month, and eating much more than they should for some of the best food I've ever tasted in what is a unique American holiday.

And while the cynics among us have hit a field with a fever of Their denouncing the commercialization and rollout marketing company that has developed in recent decades on the air, which remains a top holiday for many U.S. citizens.

Among the Big Five (Easter and July 4th fall as the triumvirate of Halloween, Christmas and Thanksgiving), there was never a question. The three main reasons - at least commercially, the most bang for the buck, and a true reflection of three times throughout the year. Thanksgiving falls right in the middle of the season shopping rush, and then can not escape being part of the marketing blitz. In fact, the day after Thanksgiving is always one of the busiest shopping day of the year. However, Thanksgiving is still largely excluded from Madison Avenue, except for necessary food, compared to Easter, July 4, and of course Halloween and Christmas. Easter and Christmas marketing efforts are long weeks of preparation and expenditure for fireworks is still strong. And Halloween is a festival of short duration that many children look forward to, but fear their parents - not just for sweets late at night But that remains dark and candy-grubbing weeks later.

Thanksgiving, however, remained true to its roots - a time to be with loved ones, eating good food, and travel as much as you visit. As for bang for the buck, though, nothing beats. While many start on Turkey's preparations up to a week ahead of time, the overall preparation is simple. Just introduce themselves and start eating. I mean, you've got to eat anyway last Thursday of November. But you certainly do not have to look for eggs, dynamite, light the fire, 10x buy too much candy, or have people do everything around Christmas - but we all do. Thanksgiving has remained true to its roots and has provided great satisfaction for a relatively easy investment of time, money and effort. And even if you are the host or chef for years, other family members are always willing to a. chip

Finally, Thanksgiving is a time to really sit down and consider what you have to be grateful. In fact, many families include a time around the dinner table to talk about what they have and are grateful to have. And his birthday and New Year, there is no other specific time during the year when everyone is thinking collectively. So while shopping season will hit fever pitch is just after Thanksgiving and many start stressing over the few pounds, consumer spending, the familiar interactions will take delivery next month, will remain the Last Great Thanksgiving Holiday.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Christmas Tree Traditions

Modern Christmas trees originated in 19th century Britain by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. During the Victorian era trees were the focus of the festival and were decorated with toys, sweets, candies and other sweet treats.

Young women in families with decorations of paper, silk, feathers and lace to keep the treats.

After 1865 glass trinkets, ornaments wire were started in Germany.

With the 1880 Woolworth's sold commercially produced Christmas tree decorations.

In the early real silver tinsel was used to decorate the Christmas and the modern version was started in 1950. Spiders are sometimes given credit for the construction of nets in trees which sparkled in the morning dew and sunlight that inspired the invention of tinsel.

In America fake trees gained popularity in the early twentieth century, but not in Britain until 1950. While plastic and aluminum were the trees of choice in America, the United Kingdom had a penchant for feather trees in 1920, which disappeared rapidly from 1930.

Originally in Victorian times candles were used for lights on trees. The invention of electricity has led lights in America in the mid-1880s. In 1920, candles were used infrequently.

President Franklin Pierce brought the first Christmas tree in the White House during the mid-1850. President Calvin Coolidge started the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the White House lawn in 1923.

The fairy at the top of the Christmas tree was originally a little figure of the Christ Child.

Christmas tree farms was born during the Depression. Nurseries that they could make a profit by cutting evergreens for Christmas trees, when they could not sell the land.

But all the Christmas trees are not left as a symbol of Christianity.

The Egyptians, Romans, Druids, and other cultures regarded the tree as a symbol of life. They brought green branches into their homes for the Winter Solstice as a symbol of the triumph of life over death.

Druid priests decorated oak trees with golden apples for their winter solstice celebrations farming.

In the middle ages, evergreen trees were decorated with red apples on December 24 as a symbol of the feast of Adam and Eve.

Even today, Christmas trees are unique to individual countries.

In Brazil where Christmas occurs in summer, pine trees are decorated with small pieces of cotton to represent falling snow.

In Greenland Christmas trees have to be imported because no trees live this far north.

In South Africa, Christmas is a summer festival. Instead of trees, the windows are often draped with sparkling cotton, wool, and tinsel.

And in the Ukraine a Christmas tree is not complete unless it has a spider and web for good luck.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Bracelets

A bracelet is an article of clothing or jewelry which is worn round the wrist. Bracelets can be manufactured from fabric or metal, and sometimes contain rocks, wood, and / or shells. Bracelets are also used for medical and identification, such as allergy bracelets and hospital tags. Late in the 1980 "snap bracelets, metal bracelets covered with felt that curves around your wrist when gently hit against it, were a popular fashion.

Nike and Lance Armstrong popularized the recent use of colored silicone rubber as a material for producing sports bracelets through the Yellow Livestrong band. Its success led to the use of these 'awareness' bracelets as low cost tools for information campaigns and charity projects. These sports bracelets are also known otherwise as 'baller id bands', 'wristbands' or 'baller bands'.

The in-line thin diamond bracelet that features a symmetrical pattern of diamonds is called a tennis bracelet. According to Diamond Bug, in 1987 Chris Evert, the former No. 1 woman tennis player and winner of 18 Grand Slam titles, was playing in the U.S. Open. She wore a sleek, lightweight diamond line bracelet, which accidentally broke and the match was interrupted to allow Chris to recover her precious diamonds. The incident 'tennis bracelet' has unleashed a new name for the item and sparked a huge jewelry trend. Tennis bracelets continued to be worn by various tennis stars like Serena Williams and Gabriela Sabatini.

Although bracelet, the term 'may be technically similar, means an item that sits on the arm. The origin of the term 'bracelet' is from Latin brachile''meaning 'arm', via the Old French Barcelo '. Taken in the plural, bracelets is often used as slang for handcuffs.

Wristbands
Wristbands are encircling strips worn on the wrist, made of one of several materials depending on the purpose. The term can be used to refer to the bracelet-like band of a wristwatch on the wrist or other part of a sleeve covering the wrist, or for decorative or functional bands worn on the wrist for other reasons.

A common type of wristband is the loops of plastic or Tyvek that are placed around the wrist for identification (demonstrating the wearer's authorization to be in one place, for example).

Silicone bracelets
More recently, bracelets often made of silicone, are worn to show support for the wearer of a cause or charitable organization, similar to awareness ribbons. These bracelets are sometimes called symbands be distinguished from other types of bracelets.

One of the first charities to use silicone bracelets as a way of showing support for a cause was the yellow Livestrong wristband created in 2004 by the Lance Armstrong Foundation. In early 2005, symbands become popular with many charities such as Make Poverty History and the BBC's Beat Bullying campaign.

There is also another type of Wristband called Web band. This is an online version of the actual bracelet.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Curious Christmas

Everyone enjoys the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and decorating. Children love writing letters to Santa and receive a reply with an envelope stamped "North Pole". But even more fascinating is the origin of many of our beloved Christmas traditions.

The exchange of gifts: In ancient times holiday meals were shared with family, friends, and the poor. It was believed that to be a year of prosperity, one must not be selfish to hoard what they already have guaranteed that never was blessed with more. That's why we exchange gifts today.

Tree decoration: In ancient times trees represented life on death triumph. The Romans cut trees with trinkets, candles and toys. The Druids tied shiny apples and other offerings on the branches of trees. In Monaco of Bavaria, the trees in cemeteries were decorated with holly and mistletoe. Therefore, the evergreen tree, decorating our homes today, has come to mean the ever living Christ.

Yule Log: The Druids and other ancient cultures believed that sparks from a burning log carried their wishes for a prosperous New Year to the gods. Today, with log burning fireplaces recapture this ancient custom, believing that the light of the fire is the symbol of light came from heaven when Christ was born.

Candles: In England, candles were burned together with the strain of Christmas. In America today, the candles represent the Star of Bethlehem.

Holly: The Druids believed that holly was favored by the sun, because it was always green. Today holly represents the ever living Christ. The white flowers, the purity, the red berries, his blood, leaves, his crown of thorns, and the bitter bark, his pain.

Mistletoe: results from a Norse legend. Freyja, a goddess, had arranged for his son to be protected from any danger on earth. When he was struck by an arrow made from mistletoe, Freyja mistletoe made me promise not to hurt anybody again. So today, mistletoe is a symbol of peace and love. And 'winter blossoms bring promise of grace for next spring.

Carolingian: In Scandinavian custom, every Christmas, a feast was given to the god Thor, represented by a goat. After much singing and dancing the goat would pretend to die and come back to life. Today, carolers go from door to door singing and this is the life of Christ.

Santa Claus: Santa actually started as a version of Poseidon, the greek god of the sea. The sailors feared him because he could bring terrible storms or grant them safe travels. Because he could save them from the angry waters, became known as "giver of all good." Because of the rise of Christianity, the ancient custom was changed to honor Nicholas of Myra, a bishop of Asia. Nicholas wore red dresses, riding a white horse who can fly, and delivered gifts anonymously. Today is Santa with his flying reindeer!

Friday, May 25, 2012

The Chinese year of the snake

The Chinese year of the horse is one of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Unlike our western astrology, in Chinese astrology each sign lasts for a year. Legend has it that as Buddha was about to leave the land summoned all animals to say goodbye. Only twelve up so, to show his appreciation for their loyalty, he vowed that from then on each year would bear the name of an animal.

Chinese astrology is based on the lunar calendar. This means the Chinese New Year does not fall on the same day each year and can vary up to 3 weeks. So for babies born in late January / early February it is necessary to consult the tables to determine the correct sign.

You will find a table with dates and directions below.

February 9, 2005 - January 28, 2006: Gall
22 January 2004 - February 8, 2005: Monkey
February 1, 2003 - January 21, 2004: Goat
February 12, 2002 - January 31, 2003: Horse
January 24, 2001 - February 11, 2002: Snake
February 5, 2000 - January 23, 2001: Dragon
February 6, 1999 - 4 February 2000: Rabbit
January 28, 1998 - 5 February 1999: Tiger
February 8, 1997 - January 27, 1998: Ox
February 19, 1996 - 7 February 1997: Rat
January 31, 1995 - February 18, 1996: Pig
February 10, 1994 - January 30, 1995: Dog
January 23, 1993 - 9 February 1994: Rooster
February 4, 1992 - January 22, 1993: Monkey
February 15, 1991 - February 3, 1992: Goat
January 27, 1990 - February 14, 1991: Horse
February 6, 1989 - January 26, 1990: Snake
February 17, 1988 - 5 February 1989: Dragon
January 29, 1987 - February 16, 1988: Rabbit
February 9, 1986 - January 28, 1987: Tiger
February 20, 1985 - February 8, 1986: Ox
February 2, 1984 - 19 February 1985: Rat
February 13, 1983 - 1 February 1984: Pig
February 25, 1982 - February 12, 1983: Dog

If you were born under the Chinese sign of the snake, you're a class undre Born Chinese sign of the Snake! One! Snakes are wise and subtle, achieving through wit, cunning and stealth. Usually moves slowly, it can strike with lightening speed, taking others by surprise.

People born under this sign are graceful and elegant. They are also educated, intelligent, loving, good books, music and theater. Snakes dress well and will never wear jewelry or fake substitutes cheap.

Snakes are cheap and efficient, using enough energy to get the job done. Even when at rest their minds are constantly at work. Snakes should not be underestimated, if they put their mind to it snakes can achieve great things.

Do not cross a snake, will hold a grudge for years and wait for the perfect moment to strike back.

Snakes do not display much emotion and do well in business, often accumulating considerable wealth. May be subtle if it is to their advantage.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

The Chinese year of the Horse

The Chinese zodiac has twelve signs and, unlike our western astrology, in Chinese astrology each sign has a duration of one year. Legend has it that as Buddha was about to leave the land summoned all animals to say goodbye. Only twelve up so, to show his appreciation for their loyalty, he vowed that from then on each year would bear the name of an animal.

Chinese astrology is based on the lunar calendar. This means the Chinese New Year does not fall on the same day each year and can vary up to 3 weeks. So for babies born in late January / early February it is necessary to consult the tables to determine the correct sign.

You will find a table with dates and directions below.

February 9, 2005 - January 28, 2006: Gall
22 January 2004 - February 8, 2005: Monkey
February 1, 2003 - January 21, 2004: Goat
February 12, 2002 - January 31, 2003: Horse
January 24, 2001 - February 11, 2002: Snake
February 5, 2000 - January 23, 2001: Dragon
February 6, 1999 - 4 February 2000: Rabbit
January 28, 1998 - 5 February 1999: Tiger
February 8, 1997 - January 27, 1998: Ox
February 19, 1996 - 7 February 1997: Rat
January 31, 1995 - February 18, 1996: Pig
February 10, 1994 - January 30, 1995: Dog
January 23, 1993 - 9 February 1994: Rooster
February 4, 1992 - January 22, 1993: Monkey
February 15, 1991 - February 3, 1992: Goat
January 27, 1990 - February 14, 1991: Horse
February 6, 1989 - January 26, 1990: Snake
February 17, 1988 - 5 February 1989: Dragon
January 29, 1987 - February 16, 1988: Rabbit
February 9, 1986 - January 28, 1987: Tiger
February 20, 1985 - February 8, 1986: Ox
February 2, 1984 - 19 February 1985: Rat
February 13, 1983 - February 1, 1984, Pig
February 25, 1982 - February 12, 1983: Dog

If you were born under the sign of the Chinese year of the Horse, you're so funny! Horses are usually strong, handsome people with bags of energy, natural athletes often drawn to outdoor activities. Not suitable for office work, those born under this sign dislike dealing with detail and much needed exercise to keep alert.

Horses must be at the center of attention and be liked. However, they can be stubborn and want full freedom to do what they want, regardless of other feelings. Instinctive and intuitive, Horses bit 'attention to the opinions of others.

People born under this sign like to dress and organize large parties. Never boring, are fun and very funny, if you're going on vacation and want to take a friend, pick a horse!

The characteristics of people born under the signs of other years in China can be found on our website.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Appreciating Diversity During the Holidays: It's About much more than a simple "Happy Holidays" Greeting Card

Guess who's not celebrating Christmas this year? Millions of people in the U.S..

Exactly. Tens of millions of religious Americans do not celebrate Christmas, and as followers of non-Christian religions (Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, Jews) or as individuals without religious affiliation. Because many stores tap the cash value of Christmas with their plethora of Santas, ornaments and Christmas fanfare at your nearby mall, you can easily forget the depth of this diversity in America during this season. In fact, different types of events, both spiritual, religious, and tradition based, is celebrated in many different ways during these times.

It used to be that being inclusive means sending PC "Happy Holidays" greeting cards and changing Christmas office shares to "parties Holiday". Today, it is more than simply changing labels and titles. And 'how to use the time to spend with friends and family to build understanding and awareness of others.

Three ways to build your awareness and create an inclusive environment holiday

1. Learn about other celebrations. Carve out a little 'time by shopping online or a TV show to learn about the holiday celebrations of another culture in this period. Watch a TV special on other celebrations, do a Google search for a vacation, or examine the books at your local bookstore while gift shopping '. Share your knowledge with others, and use it as an opportunity to expand the conversation at parties and at the dining table.

2. Do expectations. Realize that people celebrate a number of holidays during this time of year, and some people choose to celebrate none. Be respectful of these differences by taking interest in the traditions of others and make them feel welcome. Do not be afraid to ask people what holidays they celebrate. Discover what makes this time of year that is special. What is the chance to know different cultures and religions and traditions that accompany them.

3. Mark your calendar and address book. If the calendar or PDA using does not list holidays like Kwanzaa, Hanukah, Ramadan and Diwali, find dates and register as a reminder. Many programs like Outlook allow users to add calendar dates for celebrations from different parts of the world, automatically, making this task quick and effortless. Take a few minutes to mark your address book with the holidays that people celebrate. When writing holiday cards, recognize their holidays, and include a small handwritten note acknowledging their celebration.

A note for employers:

Here are some more things employers can do to make their workplaces more inclusive during the holidays:

- Make sure your holiday party is not a Christmas party in disguise. Decorations and food should be general and not specific to any religion.

- Consider the New Year's Party instead of a holiday party. This type of party can get all on board with the corporate mission and vision for the new year.

- Post holiday greetings on your webpage and intranet for many religious holidays.

- Be respectful of these dates and plan special events and meetings around various holidays.

- Display a multi-cultural calendar to help all employees stay aware of important cultural events for the rest of the year.

- Be flexible with the needs of different employees.

- Encourage employees to share their celebrations through stories, decorations, and foods that may lead to their jobs.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

A history lesson of Christmas

The Twelve Days of Christmas is one of the most famous Christmas songs ever written. It 'been sung for many years, and is known throughout the world. For most it is a delightful hymn, but was originally created with a very serious intent. In England between the years 1558 and 1829, it was illegal to practice Catholicism in public or private. It 'was essentially a crime to be Catholic in England during those years.

The Twelve Days of Christmas was written to help preserve the traditions of the Catholic faith during the years that Catholicism was banned in England. The song is full of symbolism and the fact that it is so well known throughout the world is witness to the faith of the followers of Catholic doctrine. The symbols in the song are as follows:

First verse - "True Love" refers to God
Second verse - "2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments.
Third verse - "3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity.
Fourth stanza - "4 Calling Birds" refers to the Four Gospels or the Four Evangelists.
verse 5 - "5 Golden Rings" refers to the first five books of the Old Testament.
Verse 6 - "6 Geese-a-who" refers to the six days of creation.
Seventh verse - "7 Swans-a-swimming" refers to the seven sacraments.
verse 8 - "8 Maids-a-milking refers to the eight beatitudes.
Ninth verse - "9 Ladies dancing" refers to the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
verse 10 - "10 Lords-a-jump" refers to the ten commandments.
verse 11 - "11 Pipers piping" refers to the eleven faithful apostles.
verse 12 - "12 Drummers Drumming refers to the twelve points of belief of the Apostles.

I love this song. And 'by far my favorite Christmas carol. I had no idea about the symbols in the song, until I googled the song lyrics one afternoon. I find it very interesting that a song we all know so well could contain so many hidden meanings. I never imagined it was something more beautiful Christmas carol. It 's always good to learn something new, especially for the great feast of Christmas. I hope you learned something, too. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Monday, May 21, 2012

Christmas Traditions Around The World

December is well known for Christmas but you know how people in countries around the world celebrate it? Here are some customs from various parts of the world.

Australia

Greeting - Merry Christmas
Name of Father Christmas - Santa Claus. Children leave him a piece of cake or biscuits and a glass of milk or a bottle of beer.
Food - Many Christmas dinners include roasted meats and vegetables, special fruit cakes and desserts with a coin baked inside. Since the temperature can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, people are starting to eat cold meats and salads, tropical fruits like mango and stone fruits like plums. Often, the main meal is eaten for lunch.
Gifts - These are left under the Christmas tree and opened Christmas morning.
Decorations - Shops and homes are decorated with tinsel, Christmas trees, decorations for the festival, and special lights.
Customs - Australian traditional songs are sung by candlelight on Christmas Eve and are broadcast on television. On Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, two sporting events take place:
The Boxing Day Test Match (cricket game) and the start of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

Brazil

Greeting - Feliz Natal
Name of Father Christmas - Papai Noel (Father Noel), who is wearing a red silk dress with boots.
Food - Many people eat a traditional feast with roast turkey and vegetables, while others eat chicken and rice or beans. Beer and wine are served. Some regions begin eating around 9:00 on Christmas Eve, while others eat around midnight.
Gifts - Local charities take in donations but do not seem to have enough presents for all children.
Decorations - Brazil has a mixture of people so Christmas is celebrated in different ways. In the northeast, is common to find cribs in the south, snow is simulated with small pieces of cotton on pine trees.
Customs - Brazilians sing a number of Christmas carols.

Greece

Home - Christougenna Eftihismena
Food - Special holiday cakes are baked.
Gifts - Most Greek people exchange gifts on the day of St. Basil, January 1.
Customs - in honor of Saint Basil, the holiday cakes are gold coins hidden inside them. The cakes are cut at midnight on New Year's Day. Who has a gold coin in his slice of cake will have good fortune the following year.

Hungary

Name of Father Christmas - in fact, the Child Jesus is said to bring gifts on Christmas Eve. A bell sounds signaling that the Angels have brought the tree and gifts.
Customs - On December 5, children leave their shoes. During the night, Mikulas and Black Peter come to fill them with goodies for good children and switches for naughty children.

India

Decorations - Sometimes, houses are decorated with mango leaves, mango and banana trees are decorated. Small, clay, wood lamps are placed on the edges of flat roofs as decorations.

Israel

Greeting - Chag Séméac (Happy Chanukah)
Name of Santa Claus - Actually, parents, grandparents and other family members gifts to children.
Food - because oil is an important part of the holiday, many foods are prepared with it. A favorite is potato latkes (pancakes).
Gifts - Since Chanukah lasts eight days, children can receive the current one every night.
Decorations - Jewish stars, blue or silver foil garlands,
dreidels (spinning tops), Chanukah Gelt (chocolate coins), and pictures of Macabees (Jewish army that recaptured the Holy Temple and Jerusalem by the Assyrian king greek Antiochus) are found around the house.
Customs - the Menorah (candelabra) is lit each night. During the first night one candle is lit on the second night, two candles, and so on until all candles are lit in the night eighth. After lit the candles, families eat a festive meal, dance, games, open presents. They also participate in Hanukkah celebrations.

Japan

Home - Kurisumasu Omedeto
Name of Father Christmas - Santa Kurohsu. He does not appear in person but is pictured in advertisements as a kind old man with a lot round the back.
Food - according to the customs of the family, eat turkey on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. Japanese families also eat Christmas cake.
Gifts - Stores sell merchandise for men, women and children, on Christmas Day, families exchange gifts.
Decorations - More and more artificial Christmas trees begin to appear. They are decorated with small toys, gold paper fans, dolls, lanterns, paper ornaments, and wind chimes. A popular ornament is the origami swan. Other decorations are mistletoe, evergreen, tinsel and lights. An amulet is put on the door for good luck and children exchange 'birds of peace,' pledging there must be no more war.
Customs - The daiku, or Great Nine, refers to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and is performed many places.

Mexico

Greeting - Feliz Navidad
Customs - Beginning on December 15, some families carry colorful lanterns and walk from house to house in their neighborhood every night until Christmas Eve. This is called La Posada, which means 'the procession.' On each of the nights, families are invited into several homes where they become guests at a party. There is plenty to eat and drink. Children play the pinata game, trying to break the cardboard figure with a stick while blindfolded, when you split, candy and small gifts fall.

Netherlands

Home - Hartelijke Kerstroeten
Name of Santa Claus - Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas), who wears a red bishop's hat and bishop's cloak and has white hair and white beard. Arrives on a white horse with his servant, Black Pete, to put in the role of small wooden gifts for children.
Food - The Dutch people eat lots of marzipan, spiced ginger biscuits, tall chocolate letters, and 'bankletter' - the initials of dough and filled with almond paste. When I'm around the tree singing Christmas songs, eat 'Kerstkrans' - a Christmas ring.
Gifts - On December 6, after hearing a knock at their door, children find a bag full of toys, nuts, and gifts.
Decorations - The Christmas tree is known as the Tree of Paradise. Decorations of the season include dolls, musical instruments, fruits, candies, and lights.
Customs - The Dutch sing Christmas carols, the most popular one "O Christmas tree or Christmas tree."

Sweden

Home - God July
Food - coffee, cakes and special cakes are served on Saint Lucia Day, December 13.
Customs - Saint Lucia Day honors Saint Lucia, who helped the blind. The eldest daughter in each Swedish family is dressed in a white dress with a red sash, wears a crown of evergreens
with seven candles in it, awakens the family with a song and serves coffee, cakes and buns. Each city also chooses a young woman to be Lucia for the day. It then serves coffee and food for the villagers to schools, hospitals and other public buildings. From these women, a national Lucia is chosen, followed by a parade, party and dance.

Now that you have this information, let your children put the information in a comparison chart. Label the left side with the names of countries and the Fund with the various information (ie: Greeting, Food, and so on). Then fill in the boxes!

Let your children to do research to find the information I have left out.

Conduct research to find the same customs of other countries, particularly countries in the heritage of the students in your class or your family.

However you celebrate the holidays, have a safe, wonderful season and a Happy New Year!

I hope these ideas are useful and inspire your creative thinking.

And remember ... Reading is fundamental!

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Why Jewish People Wear some clothing

If you are not jew, you can not understand why some Jewish-style hair and dress as they do. Their traditional dress is based on the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. Often the choice of dressing that way, is a statement that the public have chosen to follow commands of the Torah.

For example, in the Christian Bible is a book of Leviticus. The Jews have their Bible Leviticus, their book has a different name. However Leviticus 19, when translated, reflected commandments for not "round the corners of your head and do not destroy the corners of the beard. There are other prohibitions concerning the shaving of the hair. This is why some Jews (Orthodox, "true Jew" or Torah Jew) wear long sideburns. Some Jews long hair because they interpret the law in the sense that you can not raze the temple to all. Beard or cut his beard is not permitted Sabbath (rest day) and other parties.

In addition, there are some Jews who wear beards, sideburns and some articles of clothing simply because they want to appear Jewish. With the dressing in this way, the Jews have to reach the validation would be accepted as wearing a uniform or even as some Christians wear cross jewelry.

Another tradition is of some Jews to wear blacks. Early Church law has asked that Jews wear black at any time. These laws required all social classes, to wear clothes appropriate to their rank. In the eighteenth century, by law, Jews were non-persons and had to wear blacks so they could be identified at once. Although this law has long been abolished, some Jews regard blacks clothes as an expression that means "fear of heaven." Black is worn so as to put distance between the wearer and everyone else.

Other items include many Orthodox Jews wear special belts and hats. A belt of prayer to indicate that the wearer separates his upper body from his lower body like the head is the location of all that is inspired, while our bottom serves less purpose. Many men also wear a black hat or a fur-lined hat. The particular style may vary according to the European origin of a sect. All real men wear a cap Jews throughout the day. This cap is called Yamachiche. The aim is to show respect for God, separating him from wearing a hat or a cap at all times.

Jews do not consider wearing their clothes or hair in a certain way to be a ban or a rule that must follow, but rather an honor to be able to participate in the customs. Now that you know what some of the symbols represent, you know that Jews dress that way because they are celebrating their religion.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Is there really a Santa - If you know where to look

I believe in Santa Claus. I'm not a child, and even passingly younger. But, like every New Year is approaching, and the shops start stocking tinsel and strings of lights, alerting us to the fact that the holidays loom, grabbed me with a fever. And perhaps it is because this feeling is familiar that I begin to see the truth. And the truth is there really a Santa Claus.

Oh, sure. I complain as much as the person that follows the first time I holiday muzak in stores. Maybe more, having worked in the restaurant business for several years when Christmas muzak - day after day, Oh, extra hours, even it! - Turn once loved melodies in a strength test.

And I grouse about the endless chores: shopping and wrapping and decorating and card sending. But every time my mind begins to question the validity of all these efforts, a memory Stark stops cold.

It was the first time I saw Santa Claus.

It was the first Christmas after my parents separated. A sad moment, to be sure. My mother had often warned not to expect much for Christmas, which was all he could do to keep us fed, clothed and protected (this was before the food and better child-support laws).

Perhaps my expectations were lowered. I was surprised as I discovered a new kind of joy in our decorations thin (less of them made all the more valuable) in anticipation of the acquisition, production and packaging of gifts on my birthday and allowance money combined offers (probably everyone $ 10-15 at the time), and fun to help with baking cookies and other holiday delicacies.

But most of all, I was shocked when I heard the season of peace and love overwhelm me how, one evening, I saw my mother quietly writing Christmas cards by candlelight. What was in that moment, I do not know. Only it was the first time I saw Santa Claus.

I saw in my mother's quiet determination, despite everything, to look at his past troubles and celebrate the season. That moment is forever etched in my memory as one of the best moments I've ever experienced. It 'was Father Christmas, as close to being in the flesh as possible.

Over the years I have become able to recognize it. I see that every mom and dad stayed until Christmas Eve, dealing with bicycles or other assembly last minute gift, I see it in toy donation bins overflowing, I can see the coins tossed to the Salvation Army and volunteers, in fact, the same volunteers.

When I worked in restaurants, was part of my job to sell gift certificates. At first I groaned for the added responsibility, especially at a time of generally busy 'year - until I was surprised at how often I saw Santa in the faces of people who buy these gift certificates. People who had gone out of their way, who spent only a moment to think about Mom and Dad or Uncle Henry. Whatever their motives or reasons, the important thing is, they took the time to think of others, do for others, to leave the quagmire of their lives long enough to see the other and reach them.

Like many parents, I used to take my kids to the mall to see Santa. Imagine my surprise when I found Santa in every shopper tormented, any excess of work done, as the face of every child. Some people avoid the mall during Christmas. I think it is tragic to lose a chance to see Santa and I make sure to go there as often as possible. Think about it: almost every single person is buying or thinking of someone else. It is not a miracle?

It took me a long time to see Santa. As I took a bit 'to see who is really better to give than to receive. Because, in giving, we think of others and forget our troubles for a while '. Plus, giving is the best way to appreciate how lucky we are.

Oh yes, I believe in Santa Claus. And that Santa can work miracles. Remember that Christmas when I first saw Santa Claus? That Christmas morning I was overwhelmed by the gifts I received.

Sure, some people (rogues mostly) would quickly note that I simply expected less - and that my parents probably felt guilty and compensated. Now, I can only say, a miracle takes a cut closer to his understanding or experience it firsthand. But above all, I think that only shows what people can do when they decide to make an effort. Because the morning was a miracle - and the first time we have believed in Santa's Magic .--

Friday, May 18, 2012

Christmas - Pagan Origins

The Winter Solstice was traditionally celebrated on December 21 in the northern hemisphere. Well before the birth of Jesus, the ancient people marked the Winter Solstice, with celebrations and joy that the coldest part of the year was behind them. From December 22 the days begin to lengthen and the days gradually get warmer.

Christmas celebrations are to some extent, the modern equivalent of the Winter Solstice celebrations.

The actual birth of Jesus is not widely believed to have occurred in December. However, the celebrations of the birth of Jesus occurs in approximately the same day as the winter solstice. Christmas, now is the celebration of winter for the northern hemisphere. Of course, in the southern hemisphere, Christmas falls in mid summer - around the time of the summer solstice.

Saturnalia was also a celebration of Winter Solstice that occurred in ancient pagan Rome. Saturnalia was celebrated to honor the god of agriculture, called Saturn. During the Saturnalia, slaves and peasants spend time with and celebrate the festival with people from upper classes, which certainly did not occur in the rest of the year. The Saturnalia festival in itself could take up to a week in Rome. During this time, people rejoiced all over Rome. The phrase 'eat, drink and be merry' was played at its best.

So celebrations at the winter solstice were well established before the birth of Jesus but for some specific Christmas traditions with which we all know?

Do you think the Christmas tree tradition originated as a Christian? Well, think again - In Scandinavia during the winter solstice, the men and their sons went into the woods to cut a tree down. After the tree was felled, a good business record has been cut off, and the men would carry the log back home. This log was called Yule Log and the Christmas log was burned in the fireplace. The weather around the Yule Log burned, the family would feast. Again, this was a tradition of Winter Solstice, rather than a specifically Christian tradition. Often, the Scandinavian Yule log might burn for twelve days as a whole! Today, the Christmas log is represented in the form of log-shaped cake iced, and is associated with the Christian experience of Christmas.

Since the strain Christmas burnt sent sparks of fire and sparks from the fireplace, the family would count the sparks, as they believed that each spark represents a farm animal that would be born on their property the same year. These beliefs have little to do with the beliefs and celebrations of Christmas, but Christmas stock is now firmly associated with Christmas in the minds of many.

Even the Christmas story is considered by some to have been influenced by a pagan myth. But despite that, the story itself and all the traditions that have come to be associated with it form an integral part of Christmas for millions living in both northern and southern hemispheres. So if you celebrate Christmas in the snow or the beach, most likely to identify with Christmas Christmas trees, logs, lots of food, and family time.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Welcome Christmas!

Christmas is the celebration more mysterious! Christians celebrate worldwide. E 'Day special too as all traditions have been managed down from our grandparents and parents.

From November anyone forget that Christmas is coming. Colored lights decorate many town centers and shops, and artificial snow painted on shop windows, coffee. In the streets and shops, 'Christmas trees', real or plastic evergreen 'conifer', are decorated with lights and Christmas decorations.

Shopping centers become busier. speaker systems in their Christmas play 'songs', the traditional Christian Christmas carols. Very often groups of people singing these songs to raise funds for charity. In mid-December, most people decorate their homes with Christmas trees, colored lights, make different decorations around the rooms. Some people decorate their trees with apples, nuts, and candles as it was before.

In many countries, most people post Christmas greeting cards with best wishes to their friends and family, and these cards are hung on the walls of their homes then. Traditional Christmas cards showed religious pictures - Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, or other parts of the Christmas story. Today images are often winter pictures, jokes, Father Christmas, or romantic scenes of life in past times.

'Father Christmas' (or 'Santa Claus') has become the human face of Christmas. In the pictures we see the old man with long white beard, red jacket and bag of toys. Children are taught that he brings them presents the night before Christmas (or in some countries on December 6th - St. Nicholas' Day), and many children until age 7 or 8 really believe this is true. The story of Santa Claus begins with a man named St. Nicholas. He was a bishop of Myra in Asia Minor (now Turkey) in the 4th century AD. He was very shy, and wanted to give money to the poor without them knowing it. One day he climbed on the roof of a house and dropped a purse of money down the chimney. And 'landed in the stocking, which had put a girl out to dry by the fire! This may explain the belief that Father Christmas comes down the chimney and places gifts in stockings children.

For many people it is too interesting to know: How did Christmas start?

Since about 400 AD, Christians have celebrated the birth of Jesus 'Christ' means 'Messiah', the title given to Jesus Unfortunately, the true meaning of Christmas is often forgotten. It has become a non-religious holiday! More children believe in Santa Claus, not Jesus Christmas Day is a festival with food, drink too much and watch TV and other activities. But the real story of Christmas is in the Christian Bible. After Jesus was born there were some wise men who came to look for an area that is now in Iran or Saudi Arabia. It is true that there were three wise men (or Three Kings). The story said he had seen an unusual star in the sky that told them of a birth of a special king. Bringing honor to the child, brought rich gifts: gold, frankincense (a resin that burns with a beautiful smell) and myrrh (plant oil with a very strong sweet smell). These gifts tell us three basic things about Jesus: gold - a measure gift for a king, frankincense - burnt in worship of God, Myrrh - a sign of mortal human condition, used to bury the dead. Jesus lived life too difficult. He was and is 'everyman' for all of us as he has come to identify with any racial group. Christmas cards from different countries often show Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the landscape of that country, and the racial aspect of that nationality. "No other person has had an effect on human life like Jesus. He is alive, and millions who know him say today as a friend and helper in their lives. You owe it to yourself to learn more about him. He is who He claimed to be? can help us in our life today? have nothing to lose! Christmas is the time to stop and reflect on these important issues.

Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Have yourself a Merry Little Awful

Words are very powerful. In fact, the vocabulary is a very high correlation with IQ scores. We use words to communicate our thoughts and feelings. Internally, we use words to think. For both reasons - thinking and communicating - with a strong vocabulary is valuable, and improving our vocabulary is a goal worthy of self-improvement.

I'm not writing a new, highly technical or difficult word though. I'm writing on a word that most of us everyday. And I am writing to tell you that we all under-use or misuse.

The Holiday Season

I always found it interesting to observe the behavior and listen to conversations around the Christmas period. If you listen buyers will talk about long lines and inventory items. We will talk about rude employees and freight price. You speak of doing things shipped in time, find the gift for Uncle I-Never-Know-What-To-Get-Him, stale fruitcakes and bad weather. We discuss the preparation and cooking to get done, and sent cards. Will anguish knowing the decorations on their house looks ok. They will grieve over the gift they have bought before it was marked at 30%.

Have you heard the tirades, the stories of pain. It is possible that they had said or yourself. Somewhere in that conversation you describe someone or something as "horrible." Others in the conversation shook their heads in agreement.

The Christmas period

During the month the same complaints and frustrations something else also happens. People smile more. People who rarely speaks throughout the year, if the neighbors or the people whose offices are opposite ends of the corridor, stop or even make a point, to say "Merry Christmas". We also want to know "Happy Holidays!" We listen to a different set of CDs and cassettes, and for a couple of weeks is the # 1 song in America is "Joy to the World" or "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and not the latest hit from a band that no one will remember in two years. People are polite on the highways, making room for someone in their lane. People are more giving and forgiving. Even amid the bustle, the shopping and wrapping, people still have the Christmas spirit.

When I think of these circumstances, these positive changes in behavior, I'm literally terrified - that we seem to automatically go into a mental space to be more gentle, sweet and affectionate, just because we turn our calendars in December.

The Word

About a week ago, I wrote down the phrase "terrible vs awe-filled" on a piece of paper and began to ruminate on my thesis for an essay. I was going to talk about how a couple of additional letters might change a word - and our very perspective.

Aw-ful adj. [View complete fear and] an awe-inspiring, highly impressive second causing fear, terrible terrible 3, 4 awesome full of fear, reverential 5 very ugly, ugly, unpleasant, etc. [a] terrible joke *

I would bet that anyone reading this uses the word awful with his number one definition. Definitions 2, 3 and 5 - and this is another story. Then I realized my old dictionary - with a copyright 1988. Hmm ... perhaps the meaning has changed, I thought. So I went to Dictionary.com, to obtain a more recent, and here's what I found:

Awful adj.

1. Extremely bad or unpleasant; terrible had a terrible day at the office.
2. Commanding awe: "this sea, whose gently awful unrest seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath" (Herman Melville).
3. Full of wonder, in particular:
Others Filled with or displaying great reverence.
b. Obsolete. Fear.
4. Formidable in nature or scope: a terrible burden, a terrible risk.

The order of definitions is different, but the message is the same. We are cheating the terrible word! My thesis is the first to add a few letters out of the window. Terrible and frightening, the same word with two very different meanings.

While not terrible is the only word that has different meanings, is a great example precisely because of those meanings and how different they are. The words we use are powerful. They define our mood and our perspective. Help to explain the world around us.

Not Just in December

I chose December to make my point, because while we all want to get into the spirit of the season, some people seem to get faster and stay longer in this spirit. People who can "bring the spirit" are the most reverent and why we celebrate the wonderful things that can happen during that time of year. In other words, people who choose to see the fear on the season.

While I have described a series of positive and negative behaviors that occur during the holidays, I could do this for every month and every situation. I could remember what people find to be unpleasant - awful - at that time or situation, or I could describe what that is highly impressive - terrible - in that regard. So, as I write this essay in December, the message must be clear throughout the year. We can make a choice that the definition of the word you want to use, and that the definition that we seek.

The challenge

I see people who seem to find things to complain about, looking for things to confirm how things are terrible. Find what you need. If I'm looking for "very bad, unpleasant" things around me, I will find them. However, if you are looking for things that "inspire awe", I find those terrible things as well.

Which of these I see during the holidays? I try the rest of the year? Recognizing that you have a choice in what you want, you are looking for tomorrow?

I wish you a very bad Christmas and New Year impressive.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Greeting season celebrations and traditions around the world

Holiday traditions vary from country to country and from religion to religion all over the world.

Christmas
A Christian feast celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, Christmas is observed with different traditions from around the world. A common denominator in the celebration of Christmas is usually a big meal, a Christmas tree in some cultures, and the gathering of family and friends.

Italy
Christmas in Italy is known by the celebration of a meatless meal on Christmas Eve. Although the tradition varies by the number of plates, the primary objective of the meal is fish consumption. This is particularly important because meat was considered an extravagance of many of the poorest inhabitants of South Italy and, therefore, was reserved for Christmas Day.

Japan
The people of Japan have celebrated Christmas for a long time as less than one percent of their population is Christian. However, from the early 20th century, Christmas was celebrated in many cities and densely populated areas of the country. Christmas in Japan is exposed to lights and tinsel decorations, like the Western world, and Santa Kurohsu, which is said to have eyes behind your head to watch the children, brings gifts.

Brazil
Why is a former Portuguese colony, Brazil has kept many of the costumes from that heritage. Papai Noel is the Brazilian version of Santa Claus who brings gifts to children. However, Papai Noel wears silk dresses, because it is so hot during the Christmas in Brazil. A large dinner and the presence of cribs are also common in a Brazilian Christmas.

Hanukkah
Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is the Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after a war to expel the foreign presence of the Syrians. It is celebrated with the lighting of a menorah for eight nights, which means the miracle of oil that burned the eternal light in the Temple. Hanukkah is also celebrated with the consumption of special food, the gifts, and the gathering of family and friends.

Chrismukkah
While "Chrismukkah" was actually started as a joke in the early 1990s, the merger between Christmas and Hanukkah since then has become a way of sharing in the rituals of both traditions. This is a party three weeks, involving aspects of both holidays and is particularly handy in interfaith families. While the Seinfield "fesitvus" can not be removed, this custom seems to be growing in acceptance.

Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. It is celebrated by decorating the house with African decor and colors of Kwanzaa, which are black, red and green. Gift and a party, are also costumes of this holiday.

Monday, May 14, 2012

The culture of excess

We live in a society of gadgets and gizmos, toys and more toys and things that evoke feelings of luxury, style and class. This is available for almost everyone, not just the privileged few. This is the 21st century.

No other time of year is more prevalent, visible and promoted aggressively during the Christmas period.

Thanks to advances in technology, radio, print and electronic media are inundated with advertising that appeal to society at large, to people of all walks of life.

Open any newspaper or magazine and indulge yourself with endless advertising, attractive, appetizing and certainly attractive. You can not miss it, it almost on every page, you reflected in my face.

Turn on your computer and you can access more products and services with a click of the mouse. Add to this the endless ads and banners.

The young generation has grown up in this era of consumerism. They are entering a high maintenance lifestyle at an early age. Gone are the days when shopping for children it was fun. A time when it did not take much to make their young hearts happy. Life was simple.

Times have certainly changed. The traps of the good life is no longer the exclusive domain of the rich. Comfort, travel, wheels, houses, luxury, name, is accessible to anyone willing to pay the price. No longer just a dream.

This is just the beginning of consumerism in our society. For the sake of convenience, there are more and more gadgets for the home introduced faster than you can pay the existing debt. However, this is not a deterrent.

It is no longer a matter of satisfying a need, the list "you always want longer. Each member of a family has its own wish list.

Technology is wonderful, allowing man to take big steps, faster and more accurate than our ancestors. The technology makes it possible for man to explore space, the depth of the sea unexplored parts of this land. Through technology, man has made incredible progress in science, communications and medical. The technology is if a great benefit to humanity.

It 'very much a part of our daily lives. There is a downside-man wants more of the convenience that comes with it. Feeds the imagination of producers and consumers. Stimulates the need to want more. It encourages the desire to pamper themselves and loved ones with more products.

Having more than they need to promote a sense of living the good life. For every season, every occasion, the market offers boundless ideas and endless flow of material goods. Be careful, the quality is slipping down too quickly, as production and advertising are cranking higher, some quality is compromised.

The convenience that technology offers is hard to ignore. How did we manage before when mostof the chores were done manually? Imagine the time spent doing nothing?

Take a look around the house, push a button to get laundry done or the dishes. Press another button to start the car before opening the door. Set a timer for your coffee maker, for the lights to come on at a time desired, the clock radio. You would not be lost without the remote control?

What about the other gadgets and tools for the handyman? Look at other things around the house to make life more comfortable and certainly add to that feeling of comfort and luxury.

There's more. The communication revolution. Each family member must be wired. Watch the ads, imagine the convenience of having more gadgets for each family member only for so much per month. Add to this the paraphernalia that goes with it, some of which are good to have but not a necessity. But who cares? Becomes a must have.

The quest for material goods is excessive proportions. It affects the very heart of a person. Some can only measure success in relation to their goods. Some identify their self-esteem with the acquisition of material. The status and prestige words medals worn with pride. Rightly, they are happy.

How much of these goods on credit? How many sleepless nights are spent doing endless calculations and adjustments? Did not experience that sense of emptiness in the midst of a comfortable environment? There is room for a quiet moment that comes at no cost?

If this culture of magic in excess of their happiness and peace?