Word of the Week: “Kahweh”
October 26th, 2008The word of the week is the Arabic word “Kahweh”. This is a very important word around the world. It means coffee in English. Never forget this word.
International Halloween Traditions
October 6th, 2008
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by Darlene McFarlane, Oct 9, 2007 |
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Halloween is one of the World’s oldest holidays. The name Halloween is a Scottish contraction, derived from the proper name “All Hallow’s Eve.” It was named such because it falls on the night before the Catholic “All Hallows” day, or, “All Hallowed Souls” day. Halloween is also known as the Day of the Dead. Throughout the world, many countries celebrate Halloween, each in their own unique ways. |
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Austria
In Austria it was once believed that leaving bread and water on a table with a lit lamp would help welcome dead souls back to Earth on this powerfully cosmic night. Spain
In Spain, a pastry named Bones of the Holy, shaped like skulls, is eaten on Halloween day. It contains anise seed and is covered with an orange glaze. Children play tricks for treats. Later on, families go to the cemetery to visit deceased family members where they remain, keeping vigil throughout the night. The next day is spent cleaning the family burial plots. Japan
In Japan, water and food is placed in front of a photo of the dead, then lanterns are lit and set afloat in the water or next to a body of water to light the way of the dead souls back to Earth and to show them where their families can be found. It is called the Obon Festival, and it is a celebration of the memory of the dead. Germany
German households put away all knives on Halloween night, so that the spirits returning to Earth will not be accidentally hurt during the celebrations. Cemeteries are cleaned and wreaths and lanterns are placed at family grave sites. Italy
In Italy it is custom to set a bountiful table and then leave the house open while spending the day in church praying for the souls of the dead. They pray, hoping that the dead will return and consume the food that is left for them. One traditional food made for this day is a bread or cookie baked in commemoration of the dead called Fave dei morti (Italian for Bones of the Dead). It is made with almonds, pine nuts, sugar, eggs, and flour and shaped into large beans. Mexico
In Mexico, Halloween is celebrated with picnics, often had at the graves of dead relatives. Children run in the streets asking for coins and candy shaped as coffins or a skull and crossbones. Lanterns are hung outdoors, fireworks shows add a spectacular glow, and bonfires are ablaze. It is a very happy and festive occasion. Russia
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In Russia, blue cats, such as the Russian Blue, Burmese, and British Blue, are said to bring good luck on this day.Halloween Culture Around the World
October 6th, 2008
So Halloween is just around the corner and it got me thinking…I wonder if people from Around the World celebrate Halloween? Of course they do, right? I wasn’t so sure until I stumbled upon an article from www.oprah.com (of all places) and got a major lesson. Halloween is a global holiday. Go figure.
“In Mexico, they celebrate El Dia de Los Muertos or “Day of the Dead”. El Dia de Los Muertos starts the evening of October 31 and ends on November 2, which is All Souls Day.
The tradition of the lively event is to celebrate the belief that your deceased relatives come home. In their honor, relatives prepare altars with flowers, the deceased’s favorite foods and candles to help guide them home.
The Japanese celebrate the obon, which is similar to Mexico’s El Dia de Los Muertos in that they are honoring the spirits of the dead who return home to their families. The obon is a Buddhist tradition and is celebrated from August 13 to August 16. In welcoming back and honoring the spirits, the Japanese place foods, flowers and paper lanterns around their family altars.
A tradition that coincides with the obon celebration is the Japanese folk dance bon odori. The participants of the bon odori dress in kimonos and dance with the beat of Japanese drums (taiko) in the background.
Hailed as the birthplace of Halloween, Ireland’s celebration is more of the Americanized version these days, but it does have a few unique twists. During parties to celebrate the occasion, a game called “snap-apple” is played. An apple is tied to a string and hung from a doorway or a tree branch. A person with her hands tied behind her back then attempts to bite the apple. Also on Halloween, the Irish eat a treat called a barmbrack—a cake that contains items believed to predict the eater’s future. Finding a ring means the person will be wed soon, and a piece of string means that person will have a prosperous year.
Interestingly, it is said that the creation of jack-o’-lanterns” also originated in Ireland. In an ancient story, a man called “Stingy Jack” is not allowed into heaven because of the way he lived. He also isn’t allowed into hell because he played tricks on the devil. It is rumored that the devil gives Jack an ember out of sympathy so that he could roam the world between good and evil. Jack placed the ember into a hollowed out turnip so that he could find his way.
In China, the national holiday of Qingming, or “Tomb-Sweeping Day,” is observed. On April 5 of nonleap years, Qingming is honored as a day for the Chinese to remember their deceased ancestors. They honor them by visiting and cleaning their graves and leaving offerings of food, drink or gifts.
Qingming is a national holiday in China, and it is believed to be unlucky for a business to be open. People celebrate the day by taking trips, singing and dancing. It is also a time when the courting process begins among couples.”
THE GLOBAL ACHIEVEMENT GAP
September 30th, 2008Are you sweating it over your child’s education? Wondering what you can do about it? I came across this author and felt the need to share…
Tony Wagner an education consultant and former teacher and principal brings his most recent book on American education, THE GLOBAL ACHIEVEMENT GAP: Why Even Our Best Schools Don’t Teach the New Survival Skills Our Children Need - and What We Can Do about It.
Wagner reveals that business leaders are calling for far more analytical, innovative and collaborative thinkers in this highly competitive economy - and they are taking their business elsewhere.
The solution, argues Wagner, is a push for critical thinking skills that will serve future executives, assembly-line workers and community leaders alike. He introduces readers to some of the most innovative and exciting school programs in the country - programs that are finding tremendous success by teaching and learning models based on the Seven Survival Skills:
* Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
* Collaboration Across Networks and Leading by Influence
* Agility and Adaptability
* Initiative and Entrepreneurialism
* Effective Oral and Written Communication
* Accessing and Analyzing Information
* Curiosity and Imagination
VOTE: The New Seven Wonders of the World
September 30th, 2008
I am now obsessed with the global voting process for the new seven wonders of the world. Seriously, this is interesting stuff. Especially seeing which populations of people are voting…check out the blog post below from an avid follower:
“I have been covering the flawed voting process for New seven wonders of the world quite frequently on this blog. I still feel it is a big money making activity. Earlier Taj Mahal was not in top seven, but according to the latest standings, Taj Mahal has climbed quite a few places to reach the top 7 spots.
The organization behind the “New seven wonders of the world ” campaign in their latest report mentioned that Aisans voted most in the last round of voting- thereby ensuring that Taj Mahal came into the top 7. In my earlier post I had doubts of Taj Mahal coming in top 7, but I guess Indians took this voting seriously in the last round. I am happy ! (even though I completely disagree with the way “N7W voting“ was carried out.)
Indian bloggers across the globe have covered this event in past few months and I guess that helped a bit.
Americans and Europeans have not been too enthusiastic about voting earlier, but they too are joining the badwagon. With last day of voting being 6th of July (only 15 days left), any thing can happen to the standings. There is still a high chance that Taj could be voted out.”
Well, I would be interested in knowing what my fellow Americans think…and in the spirit of voting, let’s have our own little election. Write me and let me know what YOU think. Around the World does put the Wonders of the World as a component in our game so it would be great to know what YOU think!
Best Travel Website
September 26th, 2008Voted by Forbes.com, www.iexplore.com was rated the best travel website. You can plan a trip, explore photos and navigate the world with your cursor. Personally, I think this is a busy looking site and not the best for families looking to plan a trip with kids, however it is a great starting point to learn about the places your itching to visit. It’s worth checking out.
Travel Tip of the Day
September 25th, 2008
My cousin just visited Montreal and raved! If you’re looking for a closer place to visit than Europe, with a European twist - think old stone architecture, international cuisine and of course the language of love - then Montreal may be it!
Travel Tip: When in Montreal, it is much easier to take the metro and bus system than to drive. The police are extremely strict when it comes to driving, and unlike in the States, there is NO right turn on red in most of the city and outlying areas. Also, the automated announcements on the metro are in French and can be difficult to understand, even if you speak the language. So pay close attention to where you are when riding and remember to GRAB YOUR BUS TRANSFER TICKET - otherwise you may have to pay again.
Top 6 Best Travel Games
September 25th, 2008
The news on the street is that travel games are making a big come back. Of course, we had to add our own opinions, too. That being said, the number one travel game would have to be the new Around the World card packs. Why? Because you can select which region of the world you’re interested in learning about AND you get a free world map plus a cool Savvy Travelor bracelet. These added touches are exactly what families with kids need: a visual and something cool to collect.
Check them out at: www.aroundtheworldgames.com
For the rest of the best travel games…check out what About.us.com had to say:
Hitting the road — or the water, or the rails, or the air — can be a trying experience. But if you’re prepared with something to pass the time, your trip will seem much shorter. These board games are all designed to go along with you.
1. Scrabble Folio Edition
The classic word game is available in a deluxe travel edition, with a board that features recessed spaces to hold the letters in place and a cloth bag to carry the tiles.
2. Chess Travel Edition
A variety of Chess travel editions are available, some of which are very inexpensive. Some of the Chess travel editions also come with a travel version of Checkers, but separate Checkers travel games also are available.
3. Backgammon Travel Edition
Because it mixes skill and luck quite nicely, Backgammon is a good game to have along on a trip; it appeals to players of various ages.
4. Quoridor
Players compete to move their pawn from one side of the board to the other, but they can also erect fences to make their opponent’s journey more difficult.
5. Boggle Folio Edition
This is classic Boggle in a very travel-friendly package. It’s one of my favorite games, at home or on the road.
Traveling With Kids
September 24th, 2008
Check out this article if you’re thinking of traveling with your little ones. It can be done.
Travel with Kids - Q&A
Article by Cath Lanigan, December 2007
Our resident expert answers the Thorn Tree’s most popular questions about taking tots on the road. Read the full article ›
