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Blog entry
Countdown to Christmas 2016 - Week 10 - Latvia
Ziemassvetki mumming in Latvia; photo courtesy Vienkocu Parks
The Republic of Latvia is one of the three Baltic states in Northern Europe. Despite the main religion being Christianity, many traditions survive from the ancient pagan celebrations of the Ziemas saulgrieži (winter solstice), the longest night of the year. The people of the Baltics were the last pagans of Europe, until the German crusaders arrived in the 13th century. Over the centuries the old pagan traditions, characteristic to many Northern European countries, have blended and mixed with the Christian ones and are celebrated during Ziemassvētki, literally meaning winter festival, but also used to denote Christmas. Since the winter solstice and Christmas happen very close together, the rebirth of the Sun Maiden is celebrated on December 25, along with the birth of the Christ Child. Ziemassvētki is a mix of ethnic, religious and modern traditions all about light coming back into life.
Earthy Browns Abound - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade
Despite the grass in our back yard staying an amazing green so far into the year, I can see the slide of winter colors beginning to show up. Pretty soon our back yard, the arroyo behind the house and the desert over all will be clothed in the many varied shades of warm earthy browns with tinges of other subtle colors. Waiting . . . waiting . . . waiting . . . . for the brilliance of spring.
“Earthy Browns Abound” is the theme of this week’s “Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade. I hope you enjoy the beautifully earthy artisan creations featured here. And, please, support handmade artisan this holiday season.
Countdown to Christmas 2016 - Week 9 - Fiji
Photo courtesy of fijiislands.com
The Republic of Fiji is a South Pacific island country located approximately 1,300 miles to the northeast of New Zealand. One of the most economically prosperous countries of the South Pacific region, Fiji has become a favored vacation spot, and is perhaps best known for its year-round tropical weather. While some parts of the world are celebrating a white Christmas by making snowmen and cooking hot dinners with all the trimmings, Christmas in Fiji is a different experience entirely. The warm and sunny weather means sand rather than snow. Traditional lovo cooked meats and seafood are prepared all over the island.
Countdown to Christmas 2016 - Week 8 - Luxembourg
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Chreschtmaart in Luxembourg City; photo courtesy of visitluxembourg.com
The Grand-Duche de Luxembourg is a very small independent country in Europe; it is just a little smaller than the U.S. state of Rhode Island. Germany is located to the east, France to the south, and Belgium to the west. From the beginning of December, streets and store windows in all major cities are richly decorated and lighted. Large Chrëschtbeemchen (Christmas trees) can be found most public squares. Outdoor Chrëschtmaart (Christmas markets) can be found throughout the country. From wooden huts that are set up in town squares, a wide variety of locally produced arts and crafts, such as candles, nutcrackers, Christmas tree decorations and manger scenes, are sold. Glühwein, a popular spiced wine served hot in special mugs, is a regular part of the menu at Christmas markets all through Europe. Foods to be purchased may include various soups (with or without Mettwurscht, a local sausage specialty), crepes, fresh bakery goods and Lëtzebuerger Grillwurscht, another type of sausage. Concerts are given in bandstands and on special stages set up for the Christmas markets. Local bands, brass quartets, string trios, choirs, and soloists all contribute to the holiday atmosphere. To get an idea of the beauty of the Christmas market in Luxembourg City, check out this short video: Luxembourg Christmas market . (My bags are packed!)
Countdown to Christmas 2016 - Week 7 - Peru
Traditional Peruvian Nativity; photo courtesy of Serrv - Creating Connections
Christmas traditions in Peru date back to 1535 to when the country was pillaged by the Spaniards (although the native Quechuans in the Andes have always maintained a strong cultural identity). Due to the huge Spanish influence, the majority of the population practices Catholicism to this day. Peru is south of the equator so December is actually the first month of summer. Since the first day of summer comes just shortly before Christmas, on December 21, Christmas decorations with a snow motif is somewhat peculiar to most people (unless you live in the highlands of the Andes, of course). This is why the traditional Santa Claus, dressed in heavy red coat, pants, hat and boots and hat, is not much of a tradition in Peru. Additionally, the Peruvian government banned Santa Claus in 1972 because they believed that he was a depiction of western capitalism, greed and an anti-Christian myth.
All Creatures Great and Small - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade
Anyone who has spent even a small bit of time around me knows that I love animals, animals in all shapes and sizes and colors and temperaments. Even the so called “icky” ones are admired since they have a role to play in the complex balance of Nature. One of my favorite all time books is “All Creatures Great and Small” by James Herriot, where the theme for this post was lifted. And, after all my work with and around animals, my favorite quote in the book is this: “If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.” So very true!!!
Countdown to Christmas 2016 - Week 6 - Iceland
Jólasveinarnir (Yule Lads) - photo courtesy of Iceland 24
In Iceland, Christmas (called Yule or Jól) festivities start at 6 pm on Christmas Eve, December 24th, and last until Twelfth Night (Epiphany, January 6th). In the high north, Christmas is linked to ancient traditions related to the winter solstice, called Yule. Celebrations took place on a full moon during the time of year when the day was shortest. Not much is known about how the feast was celebrated then except that Icelandic chieftains were in the habit of inviting scores of people to Yule drinking and eating feasts. Later, Yule was superseded by the celebration of the birth of Christ with the coming of Christianity around 1000 AD.
What a Spooky Halloween, Deux! - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade
Halloween is just around the corner. Small goblins, vampires, fairy princesses and superheroes of all sorts will soon be appearing at your doors! In honor of this spooky holiday, I browsed the studios of Indiemade artist friends to find orange and/ or black handmade items that are perfect accessories for your Halloween costume. And there is even something for your best four-footed friend! Enjoy these selections:
Countdown to Christmas 2016 - Week 5 - Portugal
In Portugal, Christmas is celebrated with festive fun, but since it is a predominantly Catholic country, there is also much solemnity to the holiday. A family Christmas tradition is setting up the presépio (nativity scene), the representation of Christ's birth in the stable at Bethlehem. While some families keep the creche simple, displaying only the Holy Family, many set up elaborate scenes, including the Three Kings, shepherds and the sheep, angels, other animals, lakes (made with mirrors) and hills (made with stones, moss, and clay). The materials used to decorate the presépio are traditionally collected by the children. A few days before Christmas Eve, the Baby Jesus is taken out of the manger.
