Why the Moon Festival is Specially Celebrated

The Moon Festival is a special Chinese holiday because it celebrates bounty, family and freedom.In old rural China, the Moon Festival is an occasion to give thanks for the bountiful harvest that year.Based on legend, the Chinese Moon festival is also a romantic time to celebrate love for family.History contributes its own basis. A landmark political victory is attribute to this Chinese holiday.The Moon Festival is celebrated during the 15th of the 8th month of the Chinese calendar, when the full moon is believed to be at its fullest and brightest. This year 2008, it is celebrated on September 14th.Moon Festivals in China are commemorated by families eating dinner together, and then going outdoors to appreciate the wondrous beauty of the full moon.

Prayers and wishes are sent forth to the Lady of the Moon. Moon poetry is also read. For family members or lovers who are not together, the Moon Festival is the perfect time to gaze at the moon and remember loved ones. Simultaneously gazing at the moon, even though the loved one is far away, makes families and lovers feel closer.Moon festival events are held in many countries for its Chinese residents. Lantern festivals, fairs and moon-gazing activities are commonly held throughout the world to honor the season and the moon. In the US and other countries, Chinese moon festivals are also celebrated by families through night picnics, moon poetry reading and moon-gazing.There are several bases why this holiday is close to the hearts of the Chinese.

The Moon Festival and ThanksgivingIn old rural China, villagers were more attuned to the moon calendar to time their planting and harvesting. It is this time of year when villagers have finished working on the fields. Families finally get together again and give thanks for the harvest.The Moon Festival and Love for Family.The romance of the Moon Festival is not forgotten as it is surrounded by colorful legends centering on love and family. There are many variations, but a common thread is about Hou Yi the Archer and his wife Lady Chang'E.In the olden days, it was said that 10 suns arose and shone on the earth. The extreme heat from the suns dried up the earth and the fields. People starved. Hou Yi the archer shot down 9 of the suns and saved the earth. The Jade Emperor was pleased and awarded him with the Elixir of Life. Hou Yi had a wife, Chang'E. There are different versions to the story.

One version is that Hou Yi gave the elixir to Chang' E for safekeeping. Another version says that Hou Yi hid the elixir and Chang'E accidentally found it. Either way, Chang'E ingests the Elixir of Life. She becomes very light and floats up to the heavens. She also changes into a toad. Hou Yi chases her through the heavens, but does not succeed in getting her back. Chang'E lands on the moon. Hou Yi accepts their fate and has a Moon Palace built for her. The gods, touched by Hou Yi's love for Chang'E, allow them to meet there once a month, when the moon is full.The Jade Rabbit's origins also have different versions. It is commonly told that the rabbit accompanies Chang'E on the moon and continually concocts the Elixir of Life.
　　
Historically, the mooncake and the moon festival has also been instrumental for the Chinese to overthrow the Mongol rulers. In 1368, written messages were baked into mooncakes with instructions to rebel against the ruling Mongols of the Yuan Dynasty. The messages instructed that on the night of Eight-fifteen, every family is to raise flags and lanterns on their rooftops at night, between eleven and one o' clock. Villagers were instructed to beat on drums and gongs. When the Mongol army saw this setup, they were deceived to be outnumbered and they retreated. The Chinese regained their freedom.The Moon Festival evokes incredible emotions of gratitude, love and appreciation for freedom. The feelings of families giving gratitude for the year's blessings are strong by itself. Combining it further with appreciation that one's ancestors had the courage to stand up for freedom further highlights the positive feelings toward this festival.

Jakarta International Kites Festival

Jakarta International Kites Festival is one of the most popular Indonesian festivals holding in Jakarta. It's an annual festival holding in the month of July every year for duration of two days. Anyone who is interested in an authentic cultural experience may take flights to Jakarta and join this fair. The history of kites is interesting and can be traced long back into time. It was started in China and has become a traditional sport in many Asian countries including; India, Pakistan, Thailand, China, Korea and Japan. Each country has its own way of conducting this activity in accordance with that country's cultural values, customs and religious beliefs. In some of the countries it is considered as sacred activity while for some others it's just a sport.

 In Jakarta Kite Festival has been greatly contributing to Jakarta flights since last many years.In Asian countries people of all ages especially children and youngsters are seen flying kites mostly made out of dried symmetrical leaves on sewing thread and sled style kites which are made out of sheets of folded paper. In these countries a day is dedicated to this activity that is called Basant Festival. People from different countries take flights to Jakartato join this festival. Jakarta is the venue where tradition of kite flying is celebrated with its full glory. Other countries as well as other Indonesian cities greatly participate in this festival. This year's participant countries include; Malaysia, China, Japan, and Netherlands. This fair provides a podium for kite lovers to exhibit their skills as well as display the various kites which with their shapes and colors have reached artistic proportions.

The Kite Festival invites enthusiastic kite fliers from all parts of the world and is adding to cheap Jakarta flights at an ever increasing rate.Kites of different colors and sizes can be seen flying all over the sky in celebration of one of Indonesia's oldest pastimes. A giant size dragon kite may also be seen in the sky. It gives a perfect occasion to capture in your camera. The Jakarta Kite Festival is the most popular form of entertainment for the Jakarta people and is even attended by oversea contestants for example every year a great number of foreigners take cheap flights to Jakarta from UK and many other countries to join this colorful festival. It is a worth attending and capturing festival.

Diwali Is A Festival of Joy and Prosperity

History of Diwali festival:

Diwali  is a festival of joy and prosperity. There are many different stories behind the festival. On the day of Diwali, people wear new clothes, light fireworks and exchange Diwali gifts between each other. People living in other countries also send gifts to India for this festival. This festival is usually celebrated in the month of October or November. Hindus celebrate this festival for 5 days consecutively. Other than Hindus, people of other religions like Jainism and Sikhism also celebrate Diwali.Narakasura was a demon who ruled a kingdom named Pradyoshapuram.

 He tortured the people and treated them as slaves. Many people were affected. He indulged himself in all sorts of evil activities like kidnapping girls, killing small people and many others. Though people were angry at him, they could not do anything as he was the ruler. They then decided to take the help of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna defeated him in a battle and provided freedom to the people. The death of Narakasura is celebrated as Diwali.The ancient tradition is to wake up early in the morning, take oil bath, and wear new clothes.

Diwali gifts are being exchanged between friends and family members and then crackers and other fireworks are burst to enjoy the day with lots of fun and happiness. On this special day, people living in foreign countries send different types of gifts to IndiaThe main intention of this festival is to come to light from all the evil things. To depict this, people light diyas and candles in the evening. People express their emotions and feelings via gifts and therefore Diwali gifts play a major role on this day.

Online websites to send gifts to India

People, who are staying far away and cannot come to India for Diwali, can make use of the online websites that helps us in sending gifts to India. The websites contain a wide collection of gifts of different ranges. One can select the best gift along with Diwali sweets and chocolates and can send them to India for their loved ones.

Sending gifts to India via online is the recent trend and many people follow this technique to send Diwali gifts.online gifts are of many varieties. Gifts of different colors, patterns and designs are available at reasonable rates and therefore one can make use of these online websites to send Diwali gifts to India within a short time.

Australian Customs

For foreigners, we should see their daily life, religious beliefs, social etiquette and the political economy different from ours. But this is a relatively stable and universal. For some individuals may be somewhat different.Australia's cities are modern city, as the government to promote and grow flowers and grass to protect the environment, so each city will build the same as the garden. Some indigenous people do not want to live in government housing, but would rather live in squalid conditions in the cabin. Australian clothing and Western Europeans are the suits and ties. Indigenous costumes with Western Europeans, the difference is that they seldom wash clothes, dirty looks. There are the indigenous people naked or covered with a piece of cloth tied at the waist.
Some wear armbands, necklaces, forehead, nose hoop, and bone needles.Festival, they also painted onto a variety of colors. Australians generally like to eat beef, mutton, chicken, duck, eggs, game and so on. Food should be light, stress patterns, not spicy food, is interested in Chinese food. Eat a variety of fried eggs, scrambled eggs, cold cuts, ham, shrimp, fish, and tomatoes. Western likes to eat butter fish, fried shrimp, assorted platter, grilled tomatoes.Taboos and etiquette: Australians are very polite, never in public, loudly. In banks, post offices, bus stations and other public places are patient and orderly.
 Handshake is a way of greeting each other, hug and kiss were rare. Australia with the British society as a "women first" habit; they attach great importance to the instrument in public places; most men do not stay beard, suit formal occasions, suit jacket skirt suit for women. Australians a strong sense of time, date and time an appointment in advance contact the most appropriate gift to the hostess to bring a bouquet of flowers, you can also get a bottle of wine to the man of the house.
 Australians are very easy-going interaction with others.Australia has a population of 17,336,000, the United Kingdom and other European countries, descendants of immigrants account for about 95% of the total population, official language is English. Christian residents in the 98%, few people believe in Judaism, Islam and Buddhism. Unique geographical environment provided favorable conditions for development of animal husbandry. Here the size of the pasture throughout the country, groups of sheep on the hillside. Its output and export volume are the largest in the world. Australia is a nation of immigrants; they treat others friendly and serious.

Experience Festivals in the Philippines

There are many traditional celebrations in the Philippines. Numerous festivals are being celebrated every year, making the country a favorite destination for tourists. Philippine celebrations are very colorful and lively, also each province in the Philippines has their own unique lists of festivity. These festivals runs for generations and this habit made this country well known around the world.Each place in the country has their own celebration of fiestas or "pista" in Tagalog. These occasions normally lasts in two to three days. It is to honor the locality's patrons and saints. During this event, residents of the area perform colorful street dances and lively band parades. The locals also cook lots of delicious native cuisines and delicacies.
It is also a tradition for the Filipinos to invite lots of people to their homes during fiestas. Houses are pretty crowded with their friends and relatives joining them to celebrate. People take pleasure from loads of foods during the day, and continue to enjoy the night inside the carnivals and fairs.Beside from town fiestas, there are certain places in the Philippines where in their own celebration of town fiestas are pretty renowned worldwide. One of these is the Sinulog festival of the Cubeuanos in Cebu City, Visayan region. This celebration is to commemorate and honor the Sto. Nino. This celebration lasts for nine days and residents perform vibrant street parades and street dances. Filipinos from the different parts of the country come to visit Cebu during the Sinulog festival to witness their very grand celebration of their fiesta.Another famous festival in the Philippines is the Panagbenga festival in Baguio City, also called the "flower festival".
Baguio City is considered as the country's summer capital and the place bloom bright and colorful flowers that add beauty to this amazing city. During the Panagbenga festival that is in February, the city conducts street parades with beautiful floats that are designed and decorated with flowers. One may enjoy the elegance and the fresh fragrance of these lively flowers during the celebration of the Panagbenga.There is also the famous Ati-atihan festival in Marinduque which is celebrated during Holy weeks where in locals wear masks portraying the Roman soldiers during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. There is parade where one man who is being slaved by these soldiers and then is crucified in the ending. The parade is like a moving theatre along the streets of Marinduque. This celebration is visited by many foreigners and tourists annually.These are just few of the many celebrations in the Philippines. There are countless others waiting to be discovered by Philippine visitors so it is a fun exciting thing for everyone to explore.

Mummer's Festival In Pernik

Form 25th to 27th of January the town of Pernik was sounded by bells, drums, folklore music and indefinite, deafening noise, coming from some strange people dressed in furs, women costumes, funny or really scary masks, and many enormous bells around their waists. The central walking alley was full of spectators, watching these diabolical creatures, jumping like mad and shaking their bodies in some ritual dances. The reason for this colourful fair was the 12th issue of Surva - the International Festival of the Masquerade games, which takes place in Pernik each year in January.The event gathers mummers from all over the country since 1966. It presents the masquerade traditions in the different folklore regions and keeps them alive. In the different parts of Bulgaria the mummers are called Kukeri, Survakari, Babugeri and Dzhamilari. This ancient custom, which dates back from the Thracian times, became even more popular after 1985, when the festival gained international-event status.
 And in 1995 the International Federation of Carnival Cities accepted the town of Pernik as its full member. Since then "Surva" is a crossing point of the mummers from all over the world and its most attractive feature is the two-day parade for ensembles from Bulgaria and abroad. The name of the festival "Surva", originates from "Survakane" one of the words that describes the winter masquerade games in Bulgaria.About 40 foreign groups from 13 countries like Macedonia, Ireland, Slovenia and even from India took part in the festival this year. The Bulgarian masquerade traditions and customs were presented by 90 ensembles from all over the country.On Saturday morning, January 26th, my friends and I went to Pernik, to visit the famous festival. We arrived in Pernik about 11 o'clock and when we got off the car we heard a thunderous ringing. The sound was coming from the big bells (chanove), which were hanged on the waists of the mummers.
We followed the sound and five minutes later we reached the central walking alley where hairy creatures with scary masks, dressed in goat furs were dancing and jumping around us. It was the first time I have been on such a festival and I was really impressed. The event was organized like a colourful procession through the central streets of the town. Then the folklore groups from the different parts of Bulgaria presented the rituals, tradition, songs, dances and costumes of their native region on the central square. Thus the festival turned into an original and unique presentation of the cultural variety in Bulgaria and abroad. The atmosphere of the carnival quickly grabbed me and I was swept away by its whirlwind. I was walking next to the ensembles, watching their mask, costumes, dances and steps.Probably some people will find that the mummers' games are non exquisite and even barbarian but they have to be rude and primary. Some of the costumes of the participants were really scary, while others were funny and grotesque.
There were men dressed like women, with young dogs, goats, pigs and fowls in their laps. Children and men in hairy raw furs were jumping and jingling with their bells like lunatics. They seemed to be possessed by some spirit, but the truth is that the domestic wine is a faithful companion of these masquerade traditions. There were folklore groups from Greece, Italy, Serbia and Ireland, but they looked more civilized and quiet compared to our wild and mad Kukeri and Survakari. Even though they were also very attractive.The roots of the masquerade games in Bulgaria date back from the ancient times. Most probably they are related to the maenad orgies during the times of the Dionysius fests. Later on the cultures on the Balkans messed and the customs transformed. Traditionally the mummers' games are performed in the very beginning of the New Year. This is a fertility ritual which aims to scary and sweep away forever the evil spirits and the weird sisters with the help of the special magic dances and the scary masks and bells, so that the crops for the next year will be rich.
 In the past only unmarried men were allowed to take part in the ritual, but nowadays married men, children and women can participate as well. Usually the masks are made by the participants themselves.Unfortunately I'm not an expert in the field of the masquerade games and I can't tell you what exactly they represented. But while I was at the festival I saw one really noisy and funny parade. The games were full of joy, conflicts, different costumes and persons, comical plays and improvisations. This national celebration was full of humor and satire and it has still kept its magical nature. The International Festival of the Masquerade games, Surva, will take place next year too and I'm sure it will host more ensembles and groups. So you have enough time to prepare your own mask. And next year you are welcome in Pernik to scare the evil spirits with other mummers and to have a real good time during the period of this unique celebration.

Different Driving Customs in Foreign Countries

First thing that you need to do is to ensure that you are familiarize yourself with international road signs. Most of the signs are in forms of pictographs for easier understanding. You will need to review the meaning of the road signs and really understand what they depict.Driving customs are different in every place. This includes hand signals and other gestures when driving. So to not be confused with driving customs, you will need to watch local drivers' signals.

For example, you might mean to give out a signal for a left turn when you stick your left arm out the window but when you go to Greece, it means differently. In Greece, sticking out the arm of a window means that it is safe to pass.Do not just stay on any lane when driving on a freeway with multiple lanes. Other countries designate individual lanes for slow and fast moving vehicles. In Europe, the fast lanes are just used for passing. If you are used to using any lane even when driving slow, do not do it in other countries as you may be given a violation.

Anticipate that you might have to drive on a different side of the road. You will have to pay attention when driving on the side of the road that you are not used to.Always drive carefully where ever you may be. You may be pushed by locals to drive faster but let it not affect you. When you encounter drivers who flash their lights at you, stop or slow down then let them go ahead of you.Keep in mind the speed limits when driving on the road. You will see the signs for the speed limit. Speed and distance measurements differ in places you go to depending on the system used.

Speed in the United States is measured in miles per hour whereas in some places it is measured in kilometers per hour.You may encounter some roads that caters to a two way traffic on a single lane. For this kind of road, you may have to have the one side of your wheels on the road and the others off it. If you are not used to driving on this kind of road, it is best that you stop and let the other vehicle pass.Generally, and international license is required when driving out of the country. It is best to have it but some just drive without it, following the rules carefully.

Important Japanese Dating Customs

Understanding Customs can give you the edge towards a very agreeable romantic relationship.Like most people from every nation around the world, the people who love their roots would like to keep the customs and traditions that their ancestors have passed onto them so that the next generation will keep them too and pass to the generation, and so on. However, as hard as they try, some parts of a certain tradition or custom can be modified, sometimes to a large degree that one might consider the tradition to be already lost. Some are still valued, kept and managed to survive and clings to the values of the people. The dating customs are among those that managed to survive through the years, making the tradition of courting come alive even in today's modern world.Before, Japanese dating customs can be very conservative compared to the Americans'.

 The culture of Japan is quite interesting and attracts travelers from all over the world, thus a marriage to a foreigner is always a possibility. It can be recalled that once, in the history of Japan, it closed the country from foreign visitors to ban the rapid changes that are eating Asia due to globalization. This might be one of the many reasons why the dating customs have been partly preserved. Yes it is partly preserved because today, technology has made easier ways to find a date.The old Japan dating custom is decided by the parents. The parents of the lady or the man hire a match maker. This match maker finds suitable partners for him or her.

The profiles with photos of the choices are put in paper arranged inside a folder. Having a suitable date then can be like shopping for a bag or shoes in a customers' book. The date once decided has to have a schedule. During the old times the parents of the girl go with her and the gentleman would have his parents to back him up.That was how things happened in the old days, but today, you would find some changes in dating customs and traditions. With cell phones and internet at hand, young adults and teenagers alike can meet many men virtually. They choose those they want to meet and then some are introduced to their parents. Ladies and gentlemen in Tokyo are far less conservative.

 They decide who to meet and have relationship with or without consent from their parents. Gals and guys from the provinces are more subtle. They still have that inkling to consult their parents if they like the one they are going on a date with. In any case, the dating custom always involves respect. Respect is earned as the good philosopher said, but in Japan, respect is a must, and must always be given.When couples are dating, they might take time in restaurants, cafés or in parks or lounges. The ideal dates are when both parties are comfortable with each other. Some romantic Japanese guys take efforts and special gestures and preparations to make a date really special. Some girls too, do this, especially when they are looking to impress the guy.

Wedding Customs In Different Countries

Which day of our life is the most exciting, long-awaited and unforgettable? Indeed, it is our wedding! A wedding’s shining light can ignite hearts of all those who attend your marriage ceremony.From as young as 12 years old I began to dream about my future family and my wedding day! I tried to get all possible information about wedding tips and ideas. My room was piled up with magazines and books on weddings in different countries, wedding traditions in different cultures and nations. Many years passed since that time. Till now this information helped not only me for my the most important day in my life, but to many of my friends and colleagues – for their wedding day. And today I would love to share my homework on weddings with you. 

Worth-trying wedding ideas from foreign cultures. Surely, it will make your own wedding very unique and really memorable. And here it follows… An example of unique combination of old and modern traditions we can find in Russian and Ukrainian weddings.Customs of weddings in RussiaNowadays, Russian weddings come in a variety of different forms. They can contain elements of a traditional Russian wedding and also hints of a European or American-style wedding. The latter have become more and more popular and modern in recent years. True Russian weddings are unique in the fact that they are always lavishly played out! We say “played out,” as a Russian wedding ceremony is usually conducted as though it were a theatre spectacle where there is a script and everyone knows their role.In times gone by, a form of courtship would have taken place to secure the union of the happy couple. 

By tradition, the groom’s parents would ask the bride’s parents for their daughter’s hand in marriage for their son. Nowadays, this tradition has become practically extinct and only from time to time will the groom ask the bride’s parents for their daughter’s hand in marriage or request an approval of their union.As part of the Russian wedding ceremony, people still enjoy the tradition of ransoming the bride. Before the young couple leave to go to the ZAGS (Registry Office), the groom must go to his future wife’s house where he will be greeted by friends of the bride, relatives and guests. They organise various fun games for the groom, like, for example, asking him challenging risque questions, persuading him to carry out certain tasks and demanding a ransom for the bride. The groom must fulfil all the tasks, namely, singing, dancing, reciting poetry, solving riddles and various other challenges.


Then, as a ransom, he must give out sweets and money to all those who have arranged the obstacles along the way to him winning his bride (in other words, those who have set the groom challenges to prove that he is worthy of his bride.)There is an age-old tradition that on the day before the wedding the bride will arrange a hen party and invite all her friends who will support and protect her in her new life. It is becoming an essential part of new traditions that the groom should organise a separate party for his male-friends; a tradition that has been imported from the West. The groom will say goodbye to his bachelor lifestyle whilst in the company of his friends.After the registration in the ZAGS or the ceremony in the church, the newlyweds and all their guests go to the reception which is usually held in a restaurant, a banqueting hall or at someone’s house. By tradition, the young couple is met by the mother of the groom or all the parents who offer them bread and salt. The young couple must then take turns to eat the bread.

 The person who eats the largest piece of bread will be the head of the household. This equal opportunity ritual between the couple has only been observed recently as before it would have always been the male who would stand at the head of the household.It is while everyone is sat around the table that all the guests will pass on their good wishes to the couple, raise toasts and offer presents. By tradition, two toddlers will be put in the centre of the room, one dressed in blue to symbolise a boy and the other dressed in pink to symbolise a girl. The guests will then offer sums of money to whichever toddler they choose. The toddler who receives the most money determines the sex of the married couple’s first child.A fundamental component of the Russian wedding is the cries of “gor’ko” where the newlyweds must stand and kiss for as long as possible. All the guests stand round them and count “1, 2, 3… 15…. 20, etc.” The longer the young couple can kiss for, the stronger their union will be.

 The guests always demand that they kiss for as long as possible. Often, the reception can be a tiring experience for the young couple as they have to entertain their guests by this kissing ritual.According to European tradition, the wedding ends with the bride throwing her bouquet over her head to all the unmarried girls in the crowd. Whoever catches it will become the next bride. After the ceremony has ended, the young couple goes off to their new house or hotel. At this point, the groom must take the bride in his arms and carry her across the threshold; a ritual that symbolises the strength of their union. As a rule, the young couple then happily journey off into the sunset for their honeymoon.Ukrainian WeddingsGiven their common Slavic roots and culture, it is not surprising that Ukrainian weddings are very similar to Russian weddings. However, some variations do exist.On the day of the wedding, the groom’s first duty is to pick up his bride from her house. Before he meets his loved one he is met by relatives and friends who will demand a ransom for the bride. This is the most special and exciting part of the whole affair. The groom must complete several tasks in order to demonstrate his strength and intellect. If he fails to complete a task, then he must give out money, sweets and drinks to the guests. 

The result of his efforts is the possession of his loved one. This tradition remains popular to this day. After the groom’s challenges, the young couple will go to the ZAGS (Registry Office) and then the church (if they so choose). A celebration of the events usually follows the registration of the marriage.Nowadays Ukrainian weddings have become more equated to the European style of wedding where the reception is held in a restaurant or banqueting hall.One of the old customs that is still being practised in today’s weddings: guests give a round loaf of brown bread to the young couple. As a rule, the loaf is baked only by those women whose family life has been very successful as it is said to bring good luck to the young couple in their own family life. The newly-wed couple will free two white doves – usually in front of the building where their wedding proceedings take place.

One of the distinguishing parts of a Ukrainian wedding is that a giltse (a large wreath which is decorated with flowers and ribbons) is placed on the table next to the karavai loaf. This symbolises maidenly beauty and innocence.On her head, the Ukrainian bride will wear a wreath with different coloured cascading ribbons. At the end of the festivities, the bride will throw the wreath into a crowd of unmarried girls. The person who catches the wreath will become the next bride. This tradition is very similar to the European tradition where the bride throws her bouquet into the crowd. It has been said that the European tradition of throwing a bouquet into the crowd came from the Ukrainian tradition of throwing wreathes, however, nowadays Ukrainian weddings usually conform to European traditions.
The host of the occasions will organise fun games, poems and little ditties. Guests usually give the couple useful, practical gifts, which will be helpful to the couple in their married life. Accepting the gifts is no easy matter. It is a national wedding custom that requires both, bride and groom, to unpack each and every gift immediately in the presence of the giver. They must unwrap the present, study it and then express their gratitude to the guest. The money usually goes to the groom, and other items and flowers go to the bride.Without any doubt, some wedding traditions are intertwined and interrelated in all cultures. There is always room for improvement in preparation for the moment of your dream – wedding day. Do your own research, share ideas with others, send me your own wedding tips – it will assist us all. Our efforts can make a difference to make wedding ceremonies better, brighter, more exclusive and worthy to be proud of.——–Lilia offers exclusive articles on marriages and weddings, co-authored by her and Alice. How to entertain guests and make your wedding unforgettable: Get free unique wedding ideas here=> in wedding portal MarryMeCity

Mother's Day

One's mother is the one person that you can always rely on in case of any trouble, she is always there no matter what you need. When life looks dark and forbidding, it is one's mother that one looks to for help and comfort. When one is away from home, one misses the simple pleasures of life that are one's mother single handed achievement. Right from childhood to when one is old, a mother can never be replaced in a person's life. The fondest memories that one takes with him/her will be those that are the precious times spent with mother. The most important woman in your life, a mother is someone who is irreplaceable and gives you unconditional love.
If you wish to show your mother what she means to you, you might consider doing something special for her on Mother's Day. Rather than the actual gift, a mother will appreciate the thought behind the effort and the loving gesture. Mother's Day is celebrated all over the word. It is the one day that you should spend with your mother no matter how far from home you are. If you cannot be physically present make sure that you mail your mother a token of your love and affection. Mother's Day is usually celebrated in March or April and was originally devised as a way of honoring one's mother to repay her for all she has done for. This is one day that you can make your mother feel special, so do not neglect the opportunity.
There has been a tradition of honoring mothers across the world and for centuries. The tradition started with the ancient Greeks and Romans. They maintained a culture of honoring mothers by dedicating a day to mother worship. Although the Romans worshipped the god, Juno they honored their mothers with gifts on this very special day.
The holiday is official in the US with President Woodrow Wilson declaring an official holiday on this day, such is the importance of the occasion. When the day was first established in 1912 they day was specifically dedicated to one's own mother rather than a universal ode to mothers all over the world. It was meant to be very personal with the occasion being kept in the family. Now as people get to spent little time with their families, Mother's Day is even more important as the day helps you remember the person who is the closest to your heart. You would not have existed without your mother and it is time to thank her for all that she has done for you and make her feel special and appreciated.
On the occasion of Mother's Day there are several things you can do. Put some thought into the gift if you do not want to go for the obvious such as flowers. Think hard what your mother would really like and make a decision wisely. You know your mother best and it is your idea that will touch her heart.

April Fool's Day

The history of April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day is uncertain, but the current thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved from March 25 - April 1 (new year's week) to January 1.Send invitationsto nonexistent parties and have other practical jokes played upon them.Communication traveled slowly in those days and some people were only informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, April 1.

These people were labeled "fools" by the general populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on "fool errands," sent invitations to nonexistent parties and had other practical jokes played upon them. The butts of these pranks became known as a "poisson d'avril" or "April fish" because a young naive fish is easily caught. In addition, one common practice was to hook a paper fish on the back of someone as a joke.This harassment evolved over time and a custom of prank-playing continue on the first day of April. This tradition eventually spread elsewhere like to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was introduced to the American colonies by the English and the French. Because of this spread to other countries, April Fool's Day has taken on an international flavor with each country celebrating the holiday in its own way.In Scotland, for instance, April Fool's Day is devoted to spoofs involving the buttocks and as such is called Taily Day. The butts of these jokes are known as April 'Gowk', another name for cuckoo bird. 


The origins of the "Kick Me" sign can be traced back to the Scottish observance.In England, jokes are played only in the morning. Fools are called 'gobs' or 'gobby' and the victim of a joke is called a 'noodle.' It was considered back luck to play a practical joke on someone after noon.In Rome, the holiday is known as Festival of Hilaria, celebrating the resurrection of the god Attis, is on March 25 and is also referred to as "Roman Laughing Day."In Portugal, April Fool's Day falls on the Sunday and Monday before lent. In this celebration, many people throw flour at their friends.The Huli Festival is celebrated on March 31 in India. People play jokes on one another and smear colors on one another celebrating the arrival of Spring.So, no matter where you happen to be in the world on April 1, don't be surprised if April fools fall playfully upon you.

Martin Luther King Day

Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January. It celebrates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American civil rights leader. He is most well-known for his campaigns to end racial segregation on public transport and for racial equality in the United States.Martin Luther King was an important civil rights activist. He was a leader in the movement to end racial segregation in the United States. His most famous address was the "I Have A Dream" speech. He was an advocate of non-violent protest and became the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was assassinated in 1968. In 1968, shortly after Martin Luther King died, a campaign was started for his birthday to become a holiday to honor him. After the first bill was introduced, trade unions lead the campaign for the federal holiday. It was endorsed in 1976. Following support from the musician Stevie Wonder with his single "Happy Birthday" and a petition with six million signatures, the bill became law in 1983. Martin Luther King Day was first observed in 1986, although it was not observed in all states until the year 2000.

　　Martin Luther King Day is a relatively new federal holiday and there are few long standing traditions. It is seen as a day to promote equal rights for all Americans, regardless of their background. Some educational establishments mark the day by teaching their pupils or students about the work of Martin Luther King and the struggle against racial segregation and racism. In recent years, federal legislation has encouraged Americans to give some of their time on this day as volunteers in citizen action groups.
Martin Luther King Day, also known as Martin Luther King’s birthday and Martin Luther King Jr Day, is combined with other days in different states. For example, it is combined with Civil Rights Day in Arizona and New Hampshire, while it is observed together with Human Rights Day in Idaho. It is also a day that is combined with Robert E. Lee’s birthday in some states.
Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday, but has slightly different names in some states. Non-essential Government departments are closed, as are many corporations. Some schools and colleges close but others stay open and teach their students about the life and work of Martin Luther King. Small companies, such as grocery stores and restaurants tend to be open, although a growing number are choosing to close on this day. Some compensate by opening on Washington's Birthday instead. Recent federal legislation encourages Americans to give some of their time on Martin Luther King Day as volunteers in citizen action groups. Public transit systems may or may not operate on their regular schedule.

New Year's Day

"Happy New Year!" That greeting will be said and heard for at least the first couple of weeks as a new year gets under way. But the day celebrated as New Year's Day in modern America was not always January 1.

　　ANCIENT NEW YEARS
The celebration of the new year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon (actually the first visible cresent) after the Vernal Equinox (first day of spring).
The beginning of spring is a logical time to start a new year. After all, it is the season of rebirth, of planting new crops, and of blossoming. January 1, on the other hand, has no astronomical nor agricultural significance. It is purely arbitrary.
The Babylonian new year celebration lasted for eleven days. Each day had its own particular mode of celebration, but it is safe to say that modern New Year's Eve festivities pale in comparison.

　　The Romans continued to observe the new year in late March, but their calendar was continually tampered with by various emperors so that the calendar soon became out of synchronization with the sun.
In order to set the calendar right, the Roman senate, in 153 BC, declared January 1 to be the beginning of the new year. But tampering continued until Julius Caesar, in 46 BC, established what has come to be known as the Julian Calendar. It again established January 1 as the new year. But in order to synchronize the calendar with the sun, Caesar had to let the previous year drag on for 445 days.
THE CHURCH'S VIEW OF NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS
Although in the first centuries AD the Romans continued celebrating the new year, the early Catholic Church condemned the festivities as paganism. But as Christianity became more widespread, the early church began having its own religious observances concurrently with many of the pagan celebrations, and New Year's Day was no different. New Years is still observed as the Feast of Christ's Circumcision by some denominations.
During the Middle Ages, the Church remained opposed to celebrating New Years. January 1 has been celebrated as a holiday by Western nations for only about the past 400 years.
NEW YEAR TRADITIONS

　　Other traditions of the season include the making of New Year's resolutions. That tradition also dates back to the early Babylonians. Popular modern resolutions might include the promise to lose weight or quit smoking. The early Babylonian's most popular resolution was to return borrowed farm equipment.
The Tournament of Roses Parade dates back to 1886. In that year, members of the Valley Hunt Club decorated their carriages with flowers. It celebrated the ripening of the orange crop in California.
Although the Rose Bowl football game was first played as a part of the Tournament of Roses in 1902, it was replaced by Roman chariot races the following year. In 1916, the football game returned as the sports centerpiece of the festival.

　　The tradition of using a baby to signify the new year was begun in Greece around 600 BC. It was their tradition at that time to celebrate their god of wine, Dionysus, by parading a baby in a basket, representing the annual rebirth of that god as the spirit of fertility. Early Egyptians also used a baby as a symbol of rebirth.
Although the early Christians denounced the practice as pagan, the popularity of the baby as a symbol of rebirth forced the Church to reevaluate its position. The Church finally allowed its members to celebrate the new year with a baby, which was to symbolize the birth of the baby Jesus.
The use of an image of a baby with a New Years banner as a symbolic representation of the new year was brought to early America by the Germans. They had used the effigy since the fourteenth century.
FOR LUCK IN THE NEW YEAR

　　Traditionally, it was thought that one could affect the luck they would have throughout the coming year by what they did or ate on the first day of the year. For that reason, it has become common for folks to celebrate the first few minutes of a brand new year in the company of family and friends. Parties often last into the middle of the night after the ringing in of a new year. It was once believed that the first visitor on New Year's Day would bring either good luck or bad luck the rest of the year. It was particularly lucky if that visitor happened to be a tall dark-haired man.
Traditional New Year foods are also thought to bring luck. Many cultures believe that anything in the shape of a ring is good luck, because it symbolizes "coming full circle," completing a year's cycle. For that reason, the Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Year's Day will bring good fortune.
Many parts of the U.S. celebrate the new year by consuming black-eyed peas. These legumes are typically accompanied by either hog jowls or ham. Black-eyed peas and other legumes have been considered good luck in many cultures. The hog, and thus its meat, is considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity. Cabbage is another "good luck" vegetable that is consumed on New Year's Day by many. Cabbage leaves are also considered a sign of prosperity, being representative of paper currency. In some regions, rice is a lucky food that is eaten on New Year's Day.
TOASTING
One of the most venerable New Years traditions is the champaign toast at midnight to ring in the new year. Toasting can be traced back to the ancient Romans and Greeks who would pour wine, to be shared among those attending a religious function, from a common pitcher. The host would drink first, to assure his guests that the wine was not poisoned. Poisoning the wine was a fairly common practice in ancient times, designed to do away with one's enemies. In those days the wine was not as refined as it is today so a square of burned bread (toast) would be floated in the wine bowl and then eaten by the last person to drink. The bread was put there to absorb the extra acidity of the wine in order to make it more palatable. Eventually, the act of drinking in unison came to be called a toast, from the act of "toasting" or putting toast into the wine.
AULD LANG SYNE
The song, "Auld Lang Syne," playing in the background, is sung at the stroke of midnight in almost every English-speaking country in the world to bring in the new year. At least partially written by Robert Burns in the 1700's, it was first published in 1796 after Burns' death. Early variations of the song were sung prior to 1700 and inspired Burns to produce the modern rendition. An old Scottish tune, "Auld Lang Syne" literally means "old long ago," or simply, "the good old days." The lyrics can be found here.

Great American Beer Festival

　
Festival History

　　The first festival was held in 1982 at the Harvest House Hotel in Boulder. There were 22 breweries, 40 beers and 800 attendees.
The festival moved to Denver in 1984.
The 10th festival was held at the Denver Merchandise Mart with 150 breweries, 500 beers and 7,000 attendees.
Due to continued growth and popularity, the festival was moved from Currigan Hall in Denver to the Colorado ConventionCenter in 2000.
The 2007 Festival sold out the week of the event; 2008 sold out two weeks in advance, 2009 sold out three weeks in advance and 2010 sold out five weeks in advance.
Festival Highlights
Great American Beer School—The beer education areas inside the festival hall include:

　　Craft Beer & Food Pavilion – Enjoy multiple demonstrations throughout the festival, in which chefs and brewers alike discuss the art of cooking with craft beer as well as how to pair with beer to make the perfect meal.
Farm To Table Pavilion – Join chefs, local Colorado farmers, and small and independent brewers as they discuss and pair craft beer with dishes created with locally grown ingredients. Additional ticket required.
Brewer’s Studio Pavilion – With beer that tastes so good, there must be an even better story behind it! The Brewer’s Studio gives festivalgoers the opportunity to listen to the brewers themselves as they wax philosophical on a variety of subjects as well as share their stories and beers.
The fifth annual GABF Pro-Am Competition – Entries are brewed by professional craft brewers based on award-winning homebrew recipes from American Homebrewers Association (AHA) members. Homebrew recipes are scaled up and brewed at a craft brewery for submission into the GABF Pro-Am competition.
Support Your Local Brewery Pavilion sponsored by CraftBeer.com – Learn about individual states’ beer culture and try the rare beers showcased by the guilds which are unavailable anywhere else at the festival. Nine states will be represented. Enjoy displays of malt, hops, brewing equipment and more!
Brewers Publications Bookstore – This area features books on every aspect of brewing, from style, technique and history to cooking, pairing and serving beer with food. Sample copies will be available and special book signings will be offered.
You Be The Judge Booth – Evaluate a beer with a BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) or GABF Competition beer judge.
The Silent Disco - Always a crowd favorite, the Silent Disco gives dancers the chance to dance to music only they and the other disco dancers can hear through wireless headphones. Fun for dancers and spectators alike!

Easter Traditions

　　Early pagans celebrated festivals at Stonehenge. -FlickrEaster was originally a pagan festival celebrating the spring equinox. The Christian church made a practice of incorporating pagan feasts into Christianity.
By accepting ancient pagan practices, it was easier for pagans to accept Christianity. There were many parallel stories about resurrected gods and heroes in the ancient world dating back at least to the Sumerians. Christianity found many easy converts in pagan religions that featured resurrected god myths so that it accommodated a pagan Spring festival for pragmatic reasons.
Resurrected Pagan Gods and Goddesses
According to one ancient myth, Ishtar, a Sumerian goddess, was hung naked on a stake until she resurrected herself and came up out of the underworld. Horus was an Egyptian god who also represented rebirth from death and new life.
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At one time the cult of Cybele was centered on Vatican Hill where there was a violent conflict between Christians and Cybelenes over whose god was the one true god. Cybele's lover, Attis, was born of a virgin, and every year he died and was reborn at the spring equinox feast. This festival began as a day of death and blood on a Black Friday and reached a crescendo after three days when he resurrected bringing the spring season with him.
There is no mention of an Easter celebration in the New Testament, but the "sunrise services" are a pagan remnant, as is the fact that Easter is a movable holiday in that the date is governed by the phases of the moon. Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox according to the Julian calendar. The Christian Orthodox church in the east sets its own date by the Gregorian calendar for the holiday.
According to Newman in his book, A Manual of Church History, "The fact that vernal festivals were general among pagan people no doubt had much to do with the form assumed by the Eastern festival in the Christian churches. The English term Easter is of pagan origin."
The Venerable Bede, a Northumbrian monk and the first English historian, wrote that Easter derives its name from Eostre who was the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and the month corresponding to April was called "Eostremonat" or Eostre's month.
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The symbol for the goddess Eostre is the rabbit which represented fertility. Today the bunny has morphed into the cuddly critter that delivers the Easter eggs, jelly beans and other sweet goodies. In ancient times, the Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Gauls and Chinese all regarded the egg as a symbol of the renewing universe and new life.
During the medieval times, eggs were forbidden during Lent and any eggs laid during that time were hard-boiled for preservation. In the Middle East and Greece, Orthodox Christians painted their eggs red to represent the blood of Christ. The Germans painted their eggs green and gave them as presents on Holy Thursday. They also blew out the egg yolks and albumen and hung them on trees as decorations. Throughout Europe children used them in holiday games, and the parents would hide the eggs for them to find.
One favorite game was rolling eggs down hills. Thanks to Dolly Madison, who organized the first egg roll on the lawn of the new Capitol building, today the White House sponsors the famous egg rolls on the lawn every year. This practice originally developed from the Roman races on oval tracks and awarding eggs on their spring pagan holiday.

　　Easter baskets grew from the pagan representation of birds weaving their nests as they mated. The children used the baskets when they hunted for Easter eggs.
The forerunner of the Easter parade grew out of Medieval Europe when the priests carrying candles or a crucifix would lead the parishioners on a walk after the Easter mass. This was the day when all the laity wore new clothes to represent their new life as represented by the resurrection.
Today the secular culture celebrates spring with new plantings and Easter candies, while the religious folk celebrate the resurrection. There's something in the Easter festival for everyone.