Cleaning the Natural Way
Posted on October 30, 2011 by beiersdo
Green Cleaning can be Fun!
I am a clean freak. I admit it. My bathroom and kitchen need to be clean or I can’t stand to use them. The rest of my house can be cluttered and dust ridden and I tolerate that within reason. But a dirty bathroom puts me over the edge.
I enjoy the empowerment of using natural products to clean my house. It’s not that I always avoided store-bought chemical cleaners. I used my share of ammonia and bleach, and still do in certain situations. But in general, I don’t keep chemical-laden manufactured cleaners in my home for regular use. I remember years ago cleaning the oven; compelled to vacant the house briefly because the fumes irritated my lungs. When using kitchen and bathroom cleaners I literally held my breath until I could wash them down the drain with the dirt they took with them. My hands and face would burn as if sunburned when handling these products without gloves and then the talc from the gloves would start my hands itching as the final insult.
Children refocus our priorities.
After children graced our home, I locked the cleaners in a cabinet with a child-proof closure and prayed that my three older children never discovered the trick to unlocking them and bringing harm to themselves. The household survived intact. Then thirteen years ago my youngest son was born with Down Syndrome. This event brought change and challenges that to this day, affect daily lifestyle. It was imperative to remove cleaners that could cause harm because the life of our son depended on it. I selected a product line called Melalueca because the company claims the ingredients are natural, safe, and effective. They work wonderfully, don’t make me flee the room because of fumes, and never irritate my hands. And I feel secure knowing my son has lived safely in the house using these cleaners.
I think this could have been me in a previous life…..
But I also have a pioneer spirit that tells me I can make cleaners on my own using natural ingredients and herbs that have served homemakers for hundreds of years. They require more patience and elbow-grease in some instances, but they work just as effectively and at a great financial savings compared to store bought! And the best part is my son Ethan can help me in making and using these cleaners with no worries.
natural cleaning agent
Vinegar is a safe and effective all-purpose cleaner
My favorite items are white vinegar and baking soda. These items clean almost everything. I keep a pretty recycled olive oil bottle full of white vinegar and a 5 # bag of baking soda under my kitchen sink ready at hand to safely scour crusty baked-on pans, stained coffee and tea cups, my stainless steel sink, and whatever else I find needs a cleaning boost. These products not only clean items, they clean drains. Pour some baking soda down the drain, bring 2 cups of white vinegar to a boil, and pour down a slow drain. Cover drain with a dish towel or jar lid opener to contain the foaming action, wait a few minutes and run hot water for a few minutes. Slow or clogged drains flush clear and fresh. White vinegar run through the coffee maker once a month keeps the coffee tasting true and the maker working properly. Hot white vinegar removes scale and mineral deposits effectively with a bit of a scrub and stubborn stains dissolve away with a dash of white vinegar. 1/2 cup of white vinegar added to the wash at rinse time makes a great fabric softener.
bowl of baking soda
Mix baking soda into a paste with water or essential oils and try it as a scratchless scrubbing powder.
Additional cleaning items are borax and washing soda (sodium carbonate). Both of these items can be found in the laundry isle at your local grocery. Borax is a natural mineral that cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, and repels cockroaches. Washing soda is more caustic/alkaline (ph 11), as is borax, but its cleaning qualities work great for tough cleaning jobs. Washing soda is frequently used as a wax remover or paint stripper so use caution when using these items because they can cause irritation.
These are the heavy hitters of natural cleaning agents.
For the aesthetic side of our personalities, add herbs and/or essential oils. I only keep herbs in the house that are safe for consumption, but the essential oils I keep safely in a secure cabinet because taken internally could cause harm. I typically don’t scent my cleaners because I don’t want my son to think they are food and eat them, but herbal or essential oils enhance cleaning efficacy and the aroma nurtures our spirits and makes cleaning a joy.
Thyme is a proven disinfectant and has it’s own distinctive scent.
A great bathroom disinfectant is made from thyme and borax. You can use fresh thyme (about 5 sprigs) or 10 drops of thyme essential oil, 1/4 cup of borax, and 2 cups of hot water. Bring water to boil and pour over the thyme sprigs in a bowl. Let steep for 30 minutes then strain. Add borax and dissolve in thyme solution. If using essential oil, mix ingredients and shake well.
Pour into a spray bottle. This solution is sprayed on bathroom surfaces and wiped clean with a damp cloth. This solution also helps prevent mildew in the bathroom (this includes the shower curtain).
An herbal scouring powder recipe combines 1 cup baking soda, 1/4 c dried sage leaves, ground, 1/4 c rosemary leaves, crushed, and 1 tsp of cream of tartar. Combine ingredients in a shaker top container. Shake well. Sprinkle a small amount of powder in the sink and scrub with a damp sponge or cloth. Rinse well with clear water. Check out additional recipes for natural product cleaners as listed in Karyn Siegel-Maier’s book The Naturally Clean Home, 2008.
Cleaning can be enjoyable to accomplish when the cleaning products are safe, effective, and inexpensive. If we make the products with our own hands; relish the scents released by our favorite essential oils; cleaning can actually become one of Life’s Simple Pleasures!
While we can’t all leave our modern way of life and join the Amish faith, the Amish way teaches us to slow down and focus on the important things in life.
Here are some simple living suggestions:
1. The Amish do without electricity and modern technology like television. Why not try turning off the TV and sitting quietly? Or you might go outside and enjoy the sounds of nature. What could be more pleasing than listening to the melody of birds singing or hearing the whisper of the wind as it caresses your face?
2. Since the Amish have no electric dryers, they hang their laundry outside to dry. When you have the time and the weather is nice, try hanging your laundry outside to dry. You’ll not only be saving energy, but the fresh, clean smell will relax your senses.
Back of Indiana Amish Buggy 300x267 Simple Living Tips
Horse and buggy
3. The Amish travel mostly by horse and buggy. They also walk many places, and some ride bikes or scooters. Whenever I ride in an Amish buggy I notice so many things around me. Why not take a leisurely walk in the country, or even a stroll around your neighborhood? It’s amazing how many things you’ll see when you walk instead of ride in a car. The fresh air and exercise is good for you, too.
4. One thing I’ve noticed about most of my Amish friends is that they like to read. Many have often said that they enjoy reading because it takes them to places they’ve never been able to visit. Reading is also a good way to relax. So as you read one of my novels, allow yourself to be drawn into the lives of my Amish characters.
5. At every Amish gathering I’ve ever been to, there’s been a lot of visiting going on. For the Amish, simple living involves spending time with their family and friends. Try visiting with a friend or family member, without the distraction of TV or radio in the background. You’ll be surprised at how enjoyable the conversation will be.
KY Amish home sm 300x225 Simple Living Tips
Amish Home
6. My husband and I have had the pleasure of eating in many Amish homes, and the home-cooked meals have always been delicious. Eating out less and fixing more home-cooked meals is a great way to simplify your living. You’ll not only be saving money, but there’s satisfaction in eating a delicious meal that’s been made from scratch.
7. While the Amish do buy some gifts that they give to family and friends, many of the gifts they give are homemade. Rather than buying all your birthday and Christmas presents, why not try making some handmade gift items to give friends and family members? There’s something satisfying about making a gift with your hands.
8. I’m always amazed when I see my Amish friend’s vegetable gardens. Besides the abundant crop that will help feed their family, their gardens are virtually weed-free. One way to live more simply is to grow a garden. If you don’t have room in your yard, you can plant vegetables in pots. Nothing tastes as delicious as fresh, homegrown produce.
lanterns 300x225 Simple Living Tips
Gas Lanterns
9. Since the Amish don’t have electricity, they light their homes with propane or kerosene lanterns. Some also use candles for extra light in their rooms. When you want to live life a little more simply, try turning off the lights and eating a meal with only candlelight. Soft candlelight can be soothing and relaxing.
10. The old saying, “Many hands make light work,” is certainly true among the Amish. At work frolics and barn raisings there’s always more than enough help to get the job done. Even for things like preparing meals, cleaning the house, and doing outside chores, everyone chips in. Try getting together with some of your friends or family to do yard or household chores. It will get done much faster, and you’ll enjoy the fellowship that comes with working together.
simpleliving quilt Simple Living Tips
Quilted Wall Hanging
11. The Amish take part in many volunteer activities. In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, many Amish men belong to the volunteer fire department. Many Amish women make quilts and other items to sell at benefit auctions which help people in other parts of the world, like Haiti. After the terrible hurricane that struck Louisiana a few years ago, some of our Amish friends went there to help rebuild. Part of simple living is helping others, so why not devote more time to volunteer activities that involve helping people in need?
12. One of the things that impresses me the most about the Amish is their strong family values. If we want to experience simple living at its best, then we need to reinforce family values and strong family ties. Why not set aside a certain time every week to spend quality time with your family? You might play some games, work on a puzzle, or do whatever you enjoy together.
13. The Amish wear simple, plain clothes, and they wear no jewelry. Many of their clothes are homemade, and they don’t own a pair of shoes to go with every outfit. Buying fewer clothes and unnecessary material things is one way to simplify your living. We can often get by on much less than we think.
OutsideofWalnutCreekCheese 300x225 Simple Living Tips
Amish women out shopping.
14. My Amish friends seem to have a more relaxed attitude than most Englishers I know. When I’m with them, I feel more relaxed and patient. Try slowing your pace, and don’t be in a hurry to get everything done quickly. You’ll feel calmer and more relaxed.
15. The Amish I know have a time set aside every day for devotions. Even a few minutes in prayer and meditation each day will make you feel closer to God and the world He created.
Use boiling water and two teabags to clean hardwood floors. The tannic acid in tea creates a beautiful shine for hardwood floors. Let two teabags steep in the boiling water for a few minutes. Pour the tea into a bucket. Take a soft cloth and wring it out in the tea. The cloth merely needs to be damp, not soaked. This will enable the floor to dry quickly. Wash the floor and be ready to be amazed by the sheen.
De-tarnish ALL your silver ALL at once... line your sink with aluminum foil, add 1/2 c table salt, 1/2 c. baking soda, fill with hot water, then dump in all your silver! Let sit for about 30 min. The tarnish all transfers to the foil! Dry well!
**This has been used by the Amish for centuries...
Add orange peels (or any citrus peel) to a quart of white vinegar in a closed container and let it set for two weeks. Combine citrus/vinegar solution half/half with water and use for cleaning. Works on floors, tile, fixtures, etc. Smells good and is tough on scum! Best of all there are no chemicals.
I use Orange Essential oil in this, and it makes my whole house smell wonderful. Enjoy!
4 cups gooseberries
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Pinch salt
2 tablespoons butter
Crust for double-crust pie
Combine sugar, flour, cornstarch and salt. Toss gently with berries. Pour into a 9-inch pie crust. Dot filling with butter. Cover with second crust, crimp and cut slits. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Reduce oven to 350 degrees and bake 25 minutes more or until crust is golden brown.
**In case you were wondering....
The gooseberry (/ˈɡuːsbɛri/ or /ˈɡuːzbɛri/ (American) or /ˈɡʊzbəri/ (British)),[1] with scientific names Ribes uva-crispa (and syn. Ribes grossularia), is a species of Ribes (which also includes the currants). It is native to Europe, northwestern Africa, west, south and southeast Asia. Gooseberry bushes produce an edible fruit and are grown on both a commercial and domestic basis.
Although usually placed as a subgenus within Ribes, a few taxonomists treat Grossularia as a separate genus, although hybrids between gooseberry and blackcurrant (e.g., the jostaberry) are possible. The subgenus Grossularia differs somewhat from currants, chiefly in their spiny stems, and in that their flowers grow one to three together on short stems, not in racemes. It is one of several similar species in the subgenus Grossularia; for the other related species (e.g., North American Gooseberry Ribes hirtellum), see the genus page Ribes.
WINDOW CLEANERS
Our good friend, vinegar, was our number one staple for windows. We mixed 1/3 cup cider vinegar with 2 pints of water. An old worn diaper was used to wash, and crumpled newspaper was used to dry and polish the window. We had no paper towels at that time.
The window cleaner I use today is also very easy to make and works very well. It is made of 1/3 cup rubbing alcohol mixed with 2 pints of rain water. I mix the concoction and put it into a spray bottle to use.
When I was growing up, there were two kinds of horse-and-buggy people in my mind - there were the Amish and Conservative Mennonites I was familiar with from northern Indiana, and then there were the Pennsylvania Dutch. I had no idea they were related!
No typical Pennsylvania Dutch meal would be complete without Shoo-fly Pie. Here's my recipe:
Ingredients:
Pie Crust shells for two pies
Filling:
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 Tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg yolk, beaten well
1/2 Tablespoon Baking Soda
3/4 cup boiling water
Make crumbs of the first four ingredients. Dissolve the molasses and baking soda in the boiling water. Alternate layers of liquid and crumbs in both pie crusts until all are used. Bake in a 300 degree oven for 45 - 50 minutes until brown and filling is set.
The taste is purely unforgettable... enjoy!
Original recipe makes 8 servings
1 large potato, peeled and chopped
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (15 ounce) can cream-style corn
3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter
1 (15 ounce) package double crust ready-to-use pie crust
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the potato, whole kernel corn, creamed corn, hard cooked eggs, salt, pepper and milk. Simmer for about 15 minutes.
Press one of the pie crusts in to the bottom and up the sides of a 9 inch pie plate. I like to use clear glass so I can check the bottom crust for doneness. Pour the hot filling into the crust. Dot with pieces of butter. Cover with the top crust, and flute the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to vent steam. Place on a cookie sheet that has been lined with aluminum foil for easy clean up.
Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the crust is browned. Serve hot.
Delish!
Original recipe makes 10 servings
1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
5 cups peeled and shredded potatoes
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 onion, minced
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Directions
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, salt and baking powder. Add potatoes, 1/3 cup of oil, eggs and onion and mix until evenly blended.
Heat 1/4 cup of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drop heaping tablespoons of the potatoes into the hot oil, flattening slightly. Cook until browned on the bottom and then flip and cook on the other side. Keep in a warm oven while frying the rest. Delicious! :)
**Perhaps a great addition to your Christmas Morning Breakfast????;)
1 16 oz. Spray bottle
99.9% Isopropyl Alcohol ( Found at the Chemist or Pharmacist)
Water
Fill up the spray bottle 3/4 of the way up with the Alcohol
Add water to fill the spray bottle. Shake well.
When you find your car covered in ice on the windows, spray onto the glass and watch it melt before your eyes!
**This will not freeze if you leave it in your car or outside... The alcohol keeps it from freezing.
***Do not spray on your paint, it is meant for glass only.
My Sister and I use this all Winter. It works.
Enjoy!
Original recipe makes 12 servings
2 cups boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, chopped
1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1 (8 ounce) package KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese with a Touch of PHILADELPHIA, divided
1/2 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 (8 ounce) packages PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup basil, chopped
12 lasagna noodles, cooked
Directions
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine chicken, artichokes, tomatoes, 1 cup mozzarella and Parmesan. Beat cream cheese, milk, and garlic powder with mixer until well blended; stir in 2 tablespoons basil. Mix half with the chicken mixture.
Spread half of the remaining cream cheese sauce onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish; cover with 3 noodles and 1/3 of the chicken mixture. Repeat layers of noodles and chicken mixture twice. Top with remaining cheese sauce and mozzarella; cover.
Bake 25 min. or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining basil. Let stand 5 min. before cutting to serve.
PREP
25 mins
READY IN
50 mins
Cook's Note: Spray the foil with cooking spray before using to cover the lasagna to help prevent the foil from sticking to the cheese on top of the lasagna.
It is a cold and wintery night in my hometown. The snow has settled and continues to fall in small glittery flakes from a loaded sky full of snowclouds. We are in for 12-16 inches overnight into tomorrow.
Today I visited family whom I don't get to see very often, and found myself crying silent tears from the absence of the Monarch of my family. She was supposed to attend with us, and it just wasn't the same. Eight weeks ago our lives were very different, and now, she is paralized from her diaphragm down. It is permanent and it is a very difficult pill to swallow considering she is my best friend and there is nothing I can do to change this.
Please send your healing and strength rituals to her and our family.
My message tonight isn;t about religion, it is about ritual. The Holidays are not about presents, or candles, not about material things at all. They are about family, genetic or not, coming together and being one. It isnt about the gifts, the material thngs one asks for under the tree or in the Hannukah, it is about love.
My family has broken up since this disaster has hit us. We have split for reasons I do not wish to get into, only suffice to say that my brothers feel superior in making decisions and have failed miserably at informing her of what to come next.
Every family, as close as you think they are, has times in life when you see their true colors, when you see if they are indeed who they claim to be, or someone playing a farse.
Cherish every moment, every Holiday that you can with your friends and family. You never know when it will be taken from you like the dark arrives every night.
My wish for you all is that you realize what is real, what is actual LIFE and not what you dream it to be. My wish is that you love what you have, and the passion to know the difference.
Blessed Be!
~Morganna
2-3" fresh organic ginger root, peeled and coursely chopped
1 head of roasted garlic cloves, peeled and mashed
1 head of raw garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 organic miso paste
1/2 organic onion, chopped
2 organic carrotts, chopped
1 TBSP butter
1 1/2 c. organic dried shitake mushrooms
fresh cracked pepper to taste
In a stick pot, saute ginger and onion in butter until the onion just begins to sweat. Add 1 Quart and 1 Cup of water to the pot and bring to a boil. Add mushrooms, then lower the heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add Miso Paste and stir until dissolved. Next, add the mashed roasted garlic and the raw garlic. Stir well. Remove from heat and ladle the soup into your favorite mug.
Enjoy and feel better soon!
Morganna
1/2 c. organic ginger root, freshly grated
1/2 c. organic horseradish root, freshly grated
1 Medium organic onion, chopped
10 cloves of organic garlic, crushed or chopped
2 organic Jalapeno peppers, chopped
Zest and Juice from 1 organic Lemon
2 TBSP of dried organic rosemary leaves
1 TBSP organic tumeric powder
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw local Honey to taste
Place all roots, fruits and herbs in a quart sized jar. Pour vinegar over the ingredients, filling to the very top of the jar. Us a plastic lid or a piece of natural parchment paper under the lid to keep the vinegar from touching metal. Shake Well!
Store in a dark cool place for about a month. Shake Daily!
After 1 month, strain out the pulp, pouring the vinegar into a clean jar. Squeeze as much of the liquid from the pulp as you can.
Add 1/4 c. of honey and stir until incorporated. Taste your cider and add another 1/4 c. of raw honey until your desired sweetness has been reached.
This was used for many many years as a cold remedy... If you think about it, it has a lot of ingredients that would help with a cold...
Enjoy!
P.S. This would last a long time in the refrigerator.
1 bag white chips (I used Nestle Premium white chips)
1 can white frosting (NOT whipped)
Crush Orange Ice Cream topping
Melt frosting in a saucepan over low heat (so to not burn it) until frosting is glossy. Add chips and continue cooking over low heat stirring until chips are melted and blended well with frosting.
Pour contents out into a greased 8" x 8" pan (or parchment paper lined pan). Drizzle Orange Crush Ice Cream topping over top and if desired, swirl topping through fudge with a fork or toothpick. Cool in refrigerator until set. Cut fudge to desired sized pieces once set.
This recipe can be altered to taste by using different flavors of chips and frosting. Or try thiese ~ White chips + lemon frosting = lemon fudge Chocolate chips + fudge frosting = chocolate fudge Peanut butter chips + white frosting = peanut butter fudge Andes Mint chips + Chocolate frosting = Mint Chocolate Fudge (I add a touch of mint extract to these) Let your imagination run with this and make all sorts of unheard of fudge.
Decadent!
Ingredients
1 pound white baking chocolate (separated)
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar (4oz)
1/4 teaspoon McCormick ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon McCormick Imitation Rum Extract
Additional nutmeg for sprinkling
Directions
Melt 8 ounces of the chocolate as directed on package. Beat cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, nutmeg and extract in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed mixer until well blended and smooth. Add melted chocolate; beat until well mixed. Cover. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or until firm.
Shape into 24 (about 3/4-inch) balls. Place on wax paper-lined tray. Refrigerate until ready to dip.
Coat only 12 truffles at a time. Melt 4 ounces of the remaining chocolate in small microwavable bowl on MEDIUM (50% power) 1 1/2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute. Using a fork, dip 1 truffle at a time into the melted chocolate. Tap back of fork 2 or 3 times against edge of dish to allow excess chocolate to drip off. Place truffles on wax paper-lined tray. (If there are any “bald” spots on truffle, cover with melted chocolate that remains on the fork.) Sprinkle truffles with nutmeg. Repeat with remaining 4 ounces chocolate and remaining truffles.
Refrigerate 1 hour or until chocolate is set. Store truffles between layers of wax paper in airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 week.
http://www.mccormick.com/Recipes/Dessert/Eggnog-Truffles
A traditional English Christmas Dinner is Roasted Turkey or Goose, roasted potatoes, brussel sprouts, cranberry sauce and for dessert Flaming Christmas Pudding. While her father King Henry the VIII started the tradition of turkey for the Christmas Celebration, his daughter Queen Elizabeth I, switched from turkey to roasted goose during her rein.
Today in England, Turkey wins the popularity contest for an English Christmas Dinner, but many continue the "Dickens", Christmas Tradition and serve roasted goose.
A traditional English Christmas Dinner always ends with a Christmas Pudding, carried into the dining room with much pomp, circumstance and delightful anticipation. The lights are lowered in the room, to better see the flame on the pudding, and everyone applauds the puddings arrival.
Christmas Pudding can be traced back to medieval times and the winter solstice celebration. The early puddings were crude affairs with wheat and other grains mixed with honey and eggs to form a dense heavy cake. Through the ages raisins, dried fruits, apples, and spices were added to become the Christmas Pudding served today.
Christmas Pudding, also called fruit pudding, steamed pudding or Plum Pudding is prepared the beginning of Advent. Traditionally the pudding was made with thirteen ingredients to represent Christ and his disciples. It should always be stirred from East to West in honor of the three wise men. All members of the household take a turn stirring the pudding, while making a secret wish. The pudding is decorated with holly leaves and set aflame with brandy before serving. It is often served with a brandy sauce, custard sauce or hard sauce.
Also on the dinner table at each persons plate is a Christmas Cracker. An English Christmas Cracker is a special little surprise gift, that when opened makes a little "pop" or cracker sound. Inside is a paper party crown, a small toy and a joke. Christmas Crackers are easily made or can be purchased online.
Here are my favorite English Christmas Recipes.
1 cup ground suet (available from the butcher)
2 cups raisins or currants or mixed
1 cup apples, cored, peeled, and finely chopped
1 cup brown sugar
¾ cup bread crumbs
¾ cup flour
½ cup candied orange peel
¾ tsp.nutmeg
¼ tsp. mace
¼ tsp. salt
Mix together. Then add 1 cup brandy and 4 large eggs. Beat together. Pour into greased pudding mold. (A clean metal coffee will work). Cover with a piece of greased aluminum
Foil, and then a piece clean muslin fabric. Tie fabric in place with string. Place on a rack inside a pot of simmering water. The water should go 2/3 up the side of the mold. Simmer 3 to 31/2 hours. Allow to cool until the pudding can be safely removed. When completely cool store in the mold in the refrigerator until Christmas. To serve, reheat by wrapping in foil and placing in the oven 250 degrees for 20 minutes. Invert onto a serving plate, decorate with holly leaves (holly berries are poisonous) and flame with Brandy.
Brandy Sauce
½ cup heavy cream
2-4 Tablespoons brandy
Mix together serve with Christmas Pudding.
Mincemeat pies are another English Christmas Tradition. They can be found from the First of December through the Christmas Season. Mincemeat was originally made using beef, although today in this country most mincemeat available in the supermarket is made with any meat. Here is my mother in laws recipe for Real Mincemeat.
1 pound beef, chopped finely but not ground
Cover and simmer in water until very tender.
Combine beef, 1 cup beef stock, 4 cups chopped apples, 4 cups raisins, 1 cup each orange peel and citron, ½ pound suet, 1 cup molasses, 1 cup sugar, 3 cups apple cider, 1 teaspoon each cinnamon and nutmeg, ½ teaspoon each allspice and cloves in a large pot.
Simmer over low heat, stirring as needed, until most of the liquid is gone and mixture is thick. If desired add brandy or rum for flavoring. Store in covered container in the refrigerator until ready to make mincemeat pies.
No British Christmas is complete without a Christmas Pudding. Everyone needs a great recipe, and this is my favourite Recipe. have been making for many, many years.
Despite reports that the traditional Christmas pudding has fallen out of favour for lighter desserts, it is as popular as ever. Christmas pudding is best made well in advance to allow it to mature which traditionally is made on 'Stir it up Sunday' the Sunday before Advent around the end of November... read more.
Don't be put off by the number of ingredients in this recipe, although it may seem daunting, simply assemble all your ingredients in advance, and the rest is easy. All that is left then, is to make a wish.
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Marinating Time: 12 hours
Total Time: 20 hours, 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients:
Serves 8 - 10
1lb /450g dried mixed fruit (use golden raisins/sultanas* , raisins, currants)
1 oz /25 g mixed candied peel, finely chopped
1 small cooking apple, peeled, cored and finely chopped
Grated zest and juice
½ large orange and
½ lemon
4 tbsp brandy, plus a little extra for soaking at the end
2 oz /55 g self-raising flour, sifted
1 level tsp ground mixed spice
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
4 oz /110 g shredded suet, beef or vegetarian
4oz /110g soft, dark brown sugar
4 oz /110 g white fresh bread crumbs
1 oz /25 g whole shelled almonds, roughly chopped
2 large, fresh eggs
Preparation:
Lightly butter a 2½ pint/1.4 litre pudding basin/17cm
Place the dried fruits, candied peel, apple, orange and lemon juice into a large mixing bowl. Add the brandy and stir well. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and leave to marinate for a couple of hours, preferably overnight.
Stir together the flour, mixed spice and cinnamon in a very large mixing bowl. Add the suet, sugar, lemon and orange zest, bread crumbs, nuts and stir again until all the ingredients are well mixed. Finally add the marinaded dried fruits and stir again.
Beat the eggs lightly in a small bowl then stir quickly into the dry ingredients. The mixture should have a fairly soft consistency.
Now is the time to gather the family for Christmas Pudding tradition of taking turns in stirring, making a wish and adding a few coins.
Spoon the mixture in to the greased pudding basin, gently pressing the mixture down with the back of a spoon. Cover with a double layer of greaseproof paper or baking parchment, then a layer of aluminum foil and tie securely with string.
Place the pudding in a steamer set over a saucepan of simmering water and steam the pudding for 7 hours. Make sure you check the water level frequently so it never boils dry. The pudding should be a deep brown color when cooked. The pudding is not a light cake but instead is a dark, sticky and dense sponge.
Remove the pudding from the steamer, cool completely. Remove the paper, prick the pudding with a skewer and pour in a little extra brandy. Cover with fresh greaseproof paper and retie with string. Store in a cool dry place until Christmas day. Note: The pudding cannot be eaten immediately, it really does need to be stored and rested then reheated on Christmas Day. Eating the pudding immediately after cooking will cause it to collapse and the flavours will not have had time to mature.
On Christmas day reheat the pudding by steaming again for about an hour. Serve with anyone of these lovely accompaniments. Brandy or Rum Sauce, Brandy Butter or Custard.
Left over Christmas pudding can be reheated by wrapping tightly in aluminum foil and heating through in a hot oven.
* Sultanas are different to raisins, see the difference in the glossary
User Reviews
Reviews for this section have been closed.
5 out of 5
Orange Christmass pudding, Member GarethAndrew
I'm not very good at sticking to recipes, and find myself ""improving "" them as I go. Sometimes this backfires, but my ""improvements"" to this recipe really made a delicious pud. I love orange, and I didn't have candied orange, so I put Marmalade in, 2 big tablespoons of it. I used a good coarse marmalade and chopped the peel quite fine, and put the syrup in as well. I also used sherry instead of brandy (and put extra on as it cooked), and changed the fruit to 250g ""cake mix"" dried fruit and 200g finely chopped dates. The orange flavour from the marmalade is quite strong, a little bitter, and just delicious. The chopped dates made it a bit sweeter and sort of diffuse into the pudding really well, making it more homogenous. I then served it with my delicious homemade vanilla ice cream (with extra vanilla paste so its got a really strong and vanilla flavor). Combination was just superbe!
Brandy Butter is the perfect accompaniment to Mince Pies and Christmas Pudding. Brandy Butter recipe is so easy and quick you'll never buy it from a shop again.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
4 oz/ 100g soft, unsalted butter
8 oz/ 225g icing sugar
3 - 5 tbsp brandy or Cognac
Preparation:
Place the soft butter into a large baking bowl. Beat with an electric hand whisk until light and creamy.
Add the icing sugar and beat again until all the sugar is incorporated.
Add the brandy or Cognac to taste and stir well. If you add too much brandy the mixture may curdle. If it does, don't worry, just add more icing sugar until the mixture binds back together.
Spoon the butter into a serving dish, cover and store in the fridge until required.
Many people suffer from the misconception that Christmas is a Christian holiday. The earliest history of Christmas is composed of "pagan" (non-Christian) fertility rites and practices which predate Jesus by centuries. The truth is, in short, the real history of Christmas has nothing to do with Christianity. Many of the traditions which we hold dear, such as decorating Christmas trees, singing Christmas carols, and giving Christmas gifts, are rooted in the traditions of non-Christian religions.
We do not observe Christmas on December 25th because it was the date in history when Jesus was born. Nobody knows exactly what that date was, but references in the Bible show it most likely did not take place in winter. Rather it is because this was the date that the Romans historically celebrated the winter solstice. This celebration was about dies natalis solis invicti: the day of the birth of the unconquerable sun, which took place on December 22nd. The winter solstice held the promise of the return of springtime and earthly renewal. In Roman history, this was the time of Saturnalia, honoring the God of Agriculture, for the week before the solstice, and Juvenalia, a feast in honor of the children of Rome, around the same time. On the 25th of the month they celebrated the birth of the sun-god Mithra. Masters and servants traded places temporarily, and everybody had a rollicking good time. It was during Saturnalia that the tradition of exchanging gifts was established. They gave one another Stenae or fruits which were intended to bring good luck. The Romans placed an enormous amount of pressure on the early Christians to rejoice along with them, and around the time of the fourth century, they began to celebrate Christmas around the same time. It was inevitable that Christians should make a connection between the rebirth of the sun and the birth of the Son.
In the Middle Ages, Christmas was a raucous, drunken celebration which resembled a carnival. Poor people would go on a Christmas"trick or treat" around the richer neighborhoods, causing them misery if they didn't get what they wanted.
Many other pagan traditions have been incorporated into Christmas. Yule was celebrated by the Norse in Scandanavia around the time of the winter solstice by bringing in large logs for the fire, in recognition of the eventual return of the sun. It could take as much as twelve days for the log to burn down. Meanwhile, the Norse would feast. The holiday usually lasted through January.
The Germans did not so much celebrate as honor the winter solstice. They believed that their god, Oden, flew through the sky at night passing judgment on his people. Generally, they would stay indoors during this season. When the Germanic people were converted to Christianity, their winter festival was naturally adopted as a celebration of the birth of Christ.
To the pagans, evergreens served as a symbol of winter's inability to stop the cycle of renewal. They were important fertility symbols which were highly revered by many cultures, including the Germans and the Celts. They helped to soothe the pagans' fears that the sun would never return, and that winter would reign eternal.
Contrary to popular belief, the tradition of cutting down a Christmas tree, bringing it into the home and decorating it is not pagan in origin, and did not appear until centuries after Christ's broth. The Romans decorated their homes and temples with evergreen clippings, but allowed the trees to remain intact, often decorating live trees with religious icons. The Druids tied fruit to the branches of live trees, and baked cakes in the shape of fish, birds and other animals, to offer to their god, Woden. We also inherited the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe from the Druids. The Christmas tree tradition we currently practice had its origins in 16th century Western Germany. "Paradise trees" were cut down to commemorate the Feast of Adam and Eve, which took place on Christmas eve every year.
Many Christians were opposed to the merrymaking and pagan origins of the Christmas festivities, especially the more solemn Christians such as the Puritans. In England in 1645, Christmas was actually canceled. In Boston between 1659 and 1681 Christmas was outlawed, and merrymakers incurred fines for their mirth.
Early carols were sung in a circle dance by European Celts in medieval times, as a part of their fertility rituals, and were later adopted as a way to celebrate Christmas. As a result they became unpopular among Christian authority. Over the ages multiple attempts have been made to ban Christmas carols. Christmas carols enjoyed a revival when St. Francis of Assisi began to favor a more joyous celebration of the Christmas season. Another pagan custom called wassailing, or singing from door to door, also became very popular among Christmas celebrants.
Many people mistakenly state that "Jesus is the reason for the season." They do so, because they believe people have lost sight of the true meaning of Christmas. It simply isn't true. Christmas can be celebrated as completely secular because ultimately it is not a Christian holiday. Christmas goes beyond religious and cultural differences, and addresses something universal in all of us. For this reason it has become popular in non-Christian countries such as Japan. The truth is that Christian and pagan traditions have a great deal in common. The real need behind all of these traditions was to find a source of joy, happiness, hope, goodwill and generosity. There was a need to find ways to cope with our fears about the darkness and cold of wintertime, and to celebrate the return of the sun and the longer days of spring.
In fact, Christianity and pre-Christian pagan religion have a great deal in common. Various pagan religions shared the Christian practice of worshiping a god-man who could offer salvation in the form of heaven or condemnation in the form of hell. The concept that a son of God could be born of a mortal woman is seen in many different religions spanning the globe. These concepts are universal, except to those who are extremely divisive and have a tendency to pick nits.
The pagans were smart people who had quite a few good ideas. They respected the earth, and we have benefited greatly from their practices. There is no reason for Christians to fear "pagan" universal and earth-centered traditions. At Christmas, rather than fretting that non-Christians have forgotten about Jesus we should focus on the deeper purpose of the holiday. The main problem is that Christmas has become far too commercial and this has gotten us away from the pagan tradition of connecting with the earth. Instead, we spend the whole holiday trashing the planet with excessive buying, and cutting down millions of Christmas trees which must then be discarded less than a month later. Environmental destruction and consumerism has passed for merrymaking for many years now, but it's an empty tradition. Celebrating the fertility of the earth is better by far. There is a strong need for a return to the family- and society-centered traditions which were established in Roman times and reestablished in the 19th century. Washington Irving's writings helped Americans to establish Christmas as a time of giving to those who are most in need, and bridging the gap between the rich and the poor. These traditions had their roots in the practices of the real St. Nicholas, who lived in Myra in the fourth century A.D. He was born rich and inherited a great deal of money on the death of his parents, all of which he gave away. St. Nicholas is said to have thrown bags of gold into the windows of dowerless girls to save them from lives of prostitution or slavery. He was also well know for his love and protection of children. St. Nicholas is the figure behind our modern day Santa Claus myth of a generous man who delivered hand-made toys to children all over the world.
So rather than viewing Christmas as a time to break the bank, we can take advantage of it as a time to help the less fortunate. Many people ask that their friends and loved ones give to charity rather than buy them a gift. This sort of gift giving is popular among yogis who see Christmas as a way to extend their practice.
Fortunately there are many ways to reconnect with the original purpose and meaning of Christmas. Small traditions, such as placing apples or cookies on the tree, or decorating a live tree instead of a cut one, are a good way to get in touch with the way that our ancestors celebrated Christmas. Respecting the planet and understanding its powers and its limitations are important. The pagans were aware of the changing seasons and found earth-centered and social ways to cope with them. They were aware and appreciative of the sun. They exchanged gifts, but their gift exchange was not commercialized. Instead the focus was on bringing good fortune. Giving gifts of fruit has been a common practice throughout history, and is still popular today.
The Christmas holiday season is about unity, not divisiveness. At the holiday season we should forget about our religious differences, abandon commercialism and think about what is best for the planet and for humanity.
Dennis Bratcher, "The Christmas Season." The Voice. URL: (http://www.crivoice.org/cyxmas.html)
"Saturnalia." History.com. URL: (http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=1253&display_order=1&sub_display_order=2&mini_id=1290)
"Christmas - An Ancient Holiday." History.com. URL: (http://www.history.com/minisites/christmas/viewPage?pageId=1252)
"Christmas." Encyclopedia Brittannica. URL: (http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9082431/Christmas)
Ruth Reichmann, "Christmas." URL: (http://www.serve.com/shea/germusa/xmasintr.htm)
Alan Williams, "The History of Christmas," URL: (http://www.christmas-time.com/cp-hist.html)
"ALL ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS TREE." URL: (http://www.religioustolerance.org/xmas_tree.htm)
"An Outlaw Christmas." URL: (http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=1254&display_order=1&sub_display_order=3&mini_id=1290)
Mary Dawson, "Stories Behind the Christmas Carols." URL: (http://www.musesmuse.com/00001238.html)
Rev. Dr. Mark D. Roberts, "Christmas Carol Surprises." URL: (http://www.markdroberts.com/htmfiles/resources/christmascarol.htm)
Diane Relf, "Christmas Tree Traditions." URL: (http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/envirohort/factsheets2/landsnurs/dec90pr3.html)
Greg Kane, "Pagan Origins of the Christ Myth." URL: (http://www.pocm.info/getting_started_pocm.html)
Ted Olson, "The Real St. Nicholas." URL: (http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/newsletter/christmas/nick.html)
Royce Carlson, "The Pagan Origins of Christmas." URL: (http://www.zenzibar.com/articles/christmas.asp)
"Who is St. Nicholas?" URL: (http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=38)
According to German folklore, nutcrackers were given as keepsakes to bring good luck to your family and protect your home. The legend says that a nutcracker represents power and strength and serves like a trusty watch dog guarding your family from evil spirits and danger. A fierce protector, the nutcracker bares its teeth to the evil spirits and serves as the traditional messenger of good luck and goodwill.
“Don’t be afraid, my beard is long, my head is large, my look is grim but that matters not. I won’t bite you. In spite of my big mouth and grim appearance, I look with my heart for your happiness.”
•Nutcrackers embody the ‘Cycle of Life', As the seed of a nut falls to the ground, it grows into a strong tree, living over hundreds of years nourishing the woodcutters and woodcrafters. The legends tell of a feast celebrated just before harvesting the logs of the Elder trees, where nuts and fruits were eaten as if to pass on the magic and mystery of this eternal cycle . . . and so on to the collectors of these exquisite wooden nutcrackers.
•Nutcrackers reflect ancestral dining customs where amusing or unusual nutcrackers were part of the social setting adding a whimsical conversation piece as guests lingered over the desert course which included sweetmeats such as pecans and hazelnuts.
•Writers, composers and artists sang and danced the praises of the legend of the Nutcracker beginning with the novel “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice,” written sometime between 1776 and 1822, by E.T. Amadeus Hoffman. This novel became the basis for Tchaikovsky’s magnificent “Nutcracker Suite”, which debuted as a ballet in St. Petersburg in 1892 and lives on as a holiday tradition throughout the world.
“If you sit down under one of these trees you might hear the rush and rustle of the tops, telling you about the German legends and the history witnessed by these trees,” says Herr Steinbach.
THE STEINBACH FAMILY OF ARTISANS
For most of two centuries the Steinbach family has been producing fine wood products. Today, Herr Christian Steinbach heads the family operation carrying on the tradition with his daughter Karla. Karla Steinbach, who is Vice President is being groomed to become the sixth generation to head the company, after her father retires. Together they oversee product development and quality control at the factory now located in Hohenhameln in the northern region of Germany.
Originally from Austria, the family dates back to Erwin V. Steinbach, a famous architect and master builder of the “Muenster” or Dome of Strasbourg in 1284. Through a series of wars, the Steinbach family was forced to relocate several times. Being Lutheran Protestants around the time of the Reformation they suffered religious persecution. The family included architects, builders, merchants, judges, politicians, and military men. The mettle of the family is evidenced in this quote: “If one does not work hard to earn the heritage, one will perish in the end or at best hold the stirrups for those who are on their way up.” That fortitude was rewarded over the centuries.
The family settled around the Erzgebirge, a mountainous mining area which at one time was. part of East Germany. This region was rich in gold, silver, tin, cobalt, and uranium, as well as timber which was needed to support the ceilings of the mines. As the metal supply dwindled, many families were forced to turn to the trade of wood-working. Wood carvings, used as souvenirs, gifts and for religious purposes, were popular since the 11th century. The lathe became readily accepted by the people in this forest area and furthered the development of the art. Thus a new trade of wood-turning was established in the 15th and 16th century under the rule of Elector August the Strong of Saxony. It became so popular that a decree was published permitting wood-carving to only be performed by native craftsmen and their families.
HOW NUTCRACKERS CAME TO AMERICA
Nutcrackers have always been enjoyed for their whimsical expressions. authentic costumes, and enigmatic charm. However, nutcrackers also possess a rich history that goes back about 300 years. Nutcrackers carry with them a sense of tradition as well as an abundance of stories and legends of the past. Although nutcrackers have been around forages, they were not always the collectible items as we know them today. In fact, nutcrackers only became popular in the United States about 50 years ago.
The practice of collecting nutcrackers in the United States began in the early 1950’s. Many of the GI's who were in Germany during World War II visited “Kristkrinä!e Marktet”, which were open air fairs or markets. It was there that they discovered a sturdy and intriguing companion in the nutcracker. When the soldiers returned home after the war, a new comrade accompanied them. Strengthened by the nutcracker’s ability to ward off evil from its owners, the soldiers brought a figure of power and protection to their families and loved ones. And so, the nutcrackers with their rich heritage had arrived in the United States, and were here to stay.
When Tchaikovsky’s ballet, The Nutcracker Suite premiered in St. Petersburg in 1892, the popularity of nutcrackers spurted tremendously. The ballet became very popular in the United States in the early 1950’s and ignited the passion for these fascinating creatures. The magic and mystery of the ballet has intrigued and enchanted audiences year after year. The strong following of this classic production greatly increased the popularity of collecting nutcrackers in America.
The role of the Steinbach family in contributing to the rising popularity of nutcrackers can not be overemphasized. The first nutcrackers, created mainly in the Erzgebirge, depicted images of kings, military officers, and other prominent members of the upper classes. Herr Steinbach, in his own unique way, altered this tradition and raised the nutcrackers to a different level. The subjects of the nutcrackers were expanded to depict characters from German folklore and legend. Introducing nutcrackers representing characters from different areas of the globe was another Steinbach innovation. Herr Steinbach’s vast choice of subjects and superb quality and craftsmanship helped strengthen the perception of the nutcracker as a treasured collector’s piece.
The next step in Steinbach’s quest for uniqueness came with the development of the limited edition nutcracker. The first limited edition nutcracker piece was King Ludwig II, which was limited to 3000 pieces. The idea of a limited nutcracker produced an overwhelming response because it contributed to the collectability of the nutcrackers and greatly increased their value.
When Herr Steinbach crossed the Atlantic, he visited many collector shows and spoke to both existing collectors and those who were interested in starting a collection. His animated personality and sincere interest in each and every collector created instant electricity between the two. His individual treatment of each nutcracker collector combined with the superb quality of the pieces, helped create a uniquely collectible product which has survived the test of time. The concept took hold and has expanded with collectors clubs, more limited editions and you, the collector who appreciates the beauty, quality and sense of exciting tradition that accompanies each individual nutcracker.
For most of two centuries the Steinbach family has been producing fine wood products. Today, Herr Christian Steinbach heads the family operation carrying on the tradition with his daughter Karla.
Karla Steinbach, who is Vice President, is being groomed to become the sixth generation to head the company after her father retires. Together they oversee product development and quality control at the factory now located in Hohenhameln in the northern region of Germany.
The mettle of the family is evidenced in the quote: "If one does not work hard to earn the heritage, one will perish in the end or at best hold the stirrups for those who are on their way up." That fortitude was rewarded over the centuries.
"To produce one nutcracker," explains Herr Steinbach, "can involve up to 130 separate procedures. At one time the curing and natural drying to the wood could take up to 3-4 years depending upon the piece."
The major processes are described below:
1. The Cutting.
First the wood is cut into specific sizes and shapes suitable for creating that special nutcracker.
2. The Shaping.
The wood is put on a high speed milling cutter where the shaped parts are produced and carpenters then glue the pieces together under pressure in vises for further processing.
3. Hand-Turning.
This ancient craft involves the turn of a hand to create the smooth cleanly cut parts, freehand, from a wooden block.
4. Automatic Lathe.
The lathe revolutionized this art. With automation, it allowed mass output of turned parts which are readied for final finishing.
5. Polishing and Drilling.
Power drills and polishing wheels hum while the shaped pieces pass from hand to hand; here a hole is drilled and there a bevel is cut. All takes shape under the expert hands of trained polishers.
6. Priming and Spraying.
Old experienced craftsmen do this work, which produces a smooth surface by repeated dipping and spraying, alternated with drying.
7. Carving.
No machine or technique can take the place of the simple knife. The art of the wood carver provides finishing touches.
8. Painting.
All the painting is done freehand. Each color dries before the next can be applied. Steinbach artists patiently create the unique personalities of each design.
In 1989, the Berlin Wall came down and soon after, all the Steinbachs were reunited in 1990. Another factory was then created in Eastern Germany in addition to the existing one in the West. The family now lives in Hohenhameln just north of the beautiful Harz Mountains. Herr Steinbach and daughter Karla, make many public appearances at special events and at collectible shows. Whether you meet the Steinbachs in person at such special events or collect these exquisite pieces for their beauty or secondary market values, you will always feel their special warm, friendly and contagious old world charm.
The Steinbach Family of Artisans
For most of two centuries, the Steinbach family has been producing fine wood products. Today, Herr Christian Steinbach heads the family operation carrying on the tradition with his daughter Karla.
Steinbach NutcrackerKarla Steinbach, who is Vice President, is being groomed to become the sixth generation to head the company after her father retires. Together they oversee product development and quality control at the factory located in the northern region of Germany.
Originally from Austria, the family dates back to Erwin V. Steinbach, a famous architect and master builder of the "Muenster" or Dome of Strasbourg in 1284. The family included architects, builders, merchants, judges, politicians and military men.
The family settled around the Erzgebirge, a mountainous mining area that at one time was part of East Germany. This region was rich in gold, silver, tin, cobalt and uranium, as well as timber, which were needed to support the ceiling of the mines. As the metal supply dwindled, many families were forced to turn to the trade of woodworking. Woodcarvings used as souvenirs, gifts and religious purposes, were popular since the 11th century. The lathe became readily accepted by the people in this forest are and furthered the development of the art. Thus a trade of woodturning was established in the 15th and 16th century. It became so popular that a decree was published permitting woodcarving to only be performed by the native craftsmen and their families.
Steinbach NutcrackerThe Steinbach family started in business in 1832 by purchasing a timber yard and operating a wood sawmill, which ran initially by waterpower and then by steam power.
"To produce one nutcracker," explains Herr Steinbach, "can involve up to 130 separate procedures. At one time, the curling and natural drying to the wood could take up to 3-4 years depending upon the piece."
The major processes include:
Cutting
Shaping
Hand-Turning
Automatic Lathe
Polishing and Drilling
Priming and Spraying
Carving
Painting
The family now lives in Hohenhameln, just north of the beautiful Harz Mountains. Herr Steinbach and his daughter Karla make many public appearances at special events and at collectible shows. Whether you meet the Steinbachs in person at such special events, or collect these exquisite pieces for their beauty or secondary market value, you will always feel their special warm, friendly and contagious old world charm.
>>5: Sweet Treats
Stockings are an added bonus to the presents stacked around the Christmas tree, so stuff them good.
Image Credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Liliboas
Much like a Christmas tree, a jolly Santa Claus and a sprig of mistletoe, the tradition of hanging up stockings by the fireplace signals to people across the country and around the world that the Christmas season has arrived. The tradition is thought to stem from a legend about St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas is believed to have helped three poor daughters without dowries by throwing bags of gold through an open window of their home and into their stockings or shoes that were drying by the fire [source: St. Nicholas Center]. While most children won't wake up to find gold in their stockings, many, if they have been good, will find treats and presents waiting for them.
In this article, we will explore five traditional stocking stuffers. First, let's look at stocking stuffers that are sure to cure anyone's sweet tooth.
5: Sweet Treats
Did You Know?
A typical candy cane (0.5 ounces) contains about 55 calories. It's also a fat-free treat [sources: National Confectioners Association and Spangler Candy Co.].
A traditional favorite that can be found in many stockings around the country is candy. "It's sweet, and sweet makes you smile," says Print Cates, director of franchise operations at Powell's Sweet Shoppe. "With regards to Christmas, or any holiday, candy is extremely popular because it is going to elicit that smile." The iconic white-and-red candy cane has been a Christmas favorite for years. Watch for candy canes in flavors from chocolate to watermelon for an updated twist [sources: Cates and Spangler Candy Co.]. While most people wouldn't want to find coal in their stockings, candy coal in licorice or bubble gum can be a fun stocking stuffer [source: Cates]. Finally, if you have a chocolate lover in the family, foil-wrapped chocolates in holiday-themed shapes are popular.
4: Books
Books are gifts that keep on giving.
Image Credit: ©iStockphoto.com/killerb10
Christmas stories, such as "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens, are favorites for holiday reading. Books are also a great choice for stocking stuffers. "It's the gift that keeps on giving," says Sheri Hill, store manager of Blue Manatee Children's Bookstore in Cincinnati. "It can be re-read and handed down." From small board books for the youngest kids to miniature books or paperbacks for older kids, stocking-stuffer books can be either seasonally themed or simply by a favorite author or illustrator. Activity books, such as sticker books or coloring books, are also great stocking stuffers and perfect to bring on holiday trips [source: Hill].
3: Games
Did You Know?
In 2008, the U.S. Postal Service's busiest mailing day of the year was December 15, with an estimated 960 million pieces of mail processed [sources: U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Postal Service].
Another stocking stuffer option that can occupy kids during a long holiday car ride is a game. Many manufacturers now offer travel or handheld electronic versions of favorite board games small enough for a stocking. Card games are another good option. For those going for a nostalgic twist, try yo-yos, bouncy balls, marbles, jacks and even a Rubix's Cube. While not actually a game, bubbles can provide hours of fun. Some varieties are even scented or come with odd-shaped wands to produce different bubble shapes.
2: Action Figures/Collectibles
Nutcrackers add to every Christmas collection
Image Credit: ©iStockphoto.com/diane39
While games may require a friend to play, action figures or collectibles can be enjoyed alone. Most action figures are plastic or wooden, and many are themed after characters in television shows, movies or even comics. Some action figures also come with coordinated homes or environments for additional play options.
Collectibles are the grown-up version of action figures. Some are still plastic, while others are porcelain or ceramic. These can have sentimental meanings or simply modeled after a member of the recipient's favorite sports team. Another version of action figures for adults are key rings with plastic, rubber or plush figures suspended from them. These add a whimsical element to an otherwise functional object.
1: Bath and Beauty Basics
Get ready to jump in that bath with stocking stuffers that are sure to make cleaning up a breeze. Travel-size bath products are the perfect size for a stocking stuffer. Many leading bath product manufacturers come out with seasonal scents along with packaging to add that festive twist to a beauty or grooming must-have. Keeping your teeth in top shape with all the candy and goodies available during the holidays can be a little easier with a stocking-stuffer toothbrush gift. Toothbrushes come in fun, kid-appropriate sizes for the little ones, too.
Nothing says Christmas quite like the string of stockings left out for Santa to place a few precious small gifts in while everyone is fast asleep. Christmas stockings are a personal, functional, and wondrous holiday tradition. We’ve become quite creative with the tradition, making stockings of all shapes and sizes, colors and designs, and of course with or without a fireplace, we can find an adequate place for our Christmas stockings.
I am equally guilty as other pet owners as running out and purchasing a Christmas stocking for my pets. Naturally, this appalls some people, yet those stockings seem to be receiving equal attention from Santa Claus, so he obviously doesn’t consider it ridiculous or silly. The dogs appreciate it.
The stocking is very important to young children, as it is the one place that Santa has been known to send his messages about being naughty. A child who receives gifts in their stocking obviously had good behavior, while the child who had behaved miserably all year long can pretty much count on a lump of coal in their stocking instead of small gifts.
When the tradition began in Germany, children simply used one of their everyday socks and hung them up on the mantle. Over time someone came up with the very lucrative notion of creating stockings that were explicitly for the purpose of Christmas joy. These days we can of course purchase (or make) stockings that are bright, personalized, and as excruciatingly large as possible. Embroidering the stockings with names helps to keep Santa’s confusion to a minimum.
Originally, stockings were meant to hold five small gifts, one for each of the five senses. Fruit or candy pleased the tastes, perfumes or bubble bath created the smell, something soft like stuffed toy or even modeling clay appeased the sense of touch, a visually stimulating gift like jewelry, and anything that produced sound for the ears, were all stuffed into one small sock.
Other countries, such as Holland, still use shoes instead of stockings. Yet for the most part, stockings are quite universal. Universally speaking, stocking stuffers are getting larger and more expensive. It is not unusual for the stocking stuffers to be too large for the stocking, and thus a small pile of wrapped presents may appear right next to the stocking.
Stockings are fabulous for families with young children who get up at the absolute crack of dawn anticipating the gifts below the Christmas tree. Allowing children to open their stocking stuffers while the parental unit or units wake and grab that first and much needed cup of coffee can appease young children without hassling the parents too much about waking up.
The legend of Saint Nicholas states that three young women whom were destined for a life of poverty since their father did not have the necessary dowries to marry his daughters off received the dowry money from Saint Nicholas. Some people say that he attempted to remain anonymous in his efforts to help the three young women. Thus, Saint Nicholas rode by the household late one night and tossed the dowry money down the chimney. It is said that the gold coins tossed down the chimney were ironically captured by the young women’s stockings that had been hung there to dry. Perhaps this is true, or a sweet myth, or a combination of both. Either way, this is the believed origin of hanging stockings on the mantle.
Not all modern homes have fireplaces, and thus any basic location that Santa can readily discover is considered the perfect place to hang Christmas stockings. Some families hang them along a staircase or along the doorframe near the Christmas tree.
Some people still consider stockings to be the origin of good luck, as they became after the three sisters received their dowry money. Although a surprising number of people hang stockings for Christmas without ever delving into the traditions or ascertaining the knowledge about why we do this or when it all began. For most American children, stockings are simply another avenue for gifts to arrive on Christmas morning.
While Christmas stocking traditions are unique to each family, the tradition itself carries a higher meaning when people understand why we follow this tradition or what it symbolizes to us.
Christmas stocking
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Stockings on a fireplace mantel.
A Christmas stocking hung on a bedpost.
A Christmas stocking is an empty sock or sock-shaped bag that is hung on Christmas Eve so that Santa Claus (or Father Christmas) can fill it with small toys, candy, fruit, coins or other small gifts when he arrives. These small items are often referred to as stocking stuffers or stocking fillers. In some Christmas stories, the contents of the Christmas stocking are the only toys the child receives at Christmas from Santa Claus; in other stories (and in tradition), some presents are also wrapped up in wrapping paper and placed under the Christmas tree. Tradition in Western culture threatens that a child who behaves badly during the year will receive only a piece or pile of coal. However, coal is rarely if ever left in a stocking, as it is considered cruel. Some people even put their Christmas stocking by their bedposts so Santa Claus can fill it by the bed while they sleep.
Contents [hide]
1 History
2 The World's Biggest Christmas Stocking
3 See also
4 References
5 External links
History[edit]
While there are no written records of the origin of the Christmas Stocking, there are popular legends that attempt to tell the history of this Christmas tradition. One such legend has several variations, but the following is a good example:
Very long ago, there lived a poor man and his three very beautiful daughters. He had no money to get his daughters married, and he was worried what would happen to them after his death. He thought they would become prostitiutes. Saint Nicholas was passing through when he heard the villagers talking about the girls. St. Nicholas wanted to help, but knew that the old man wouldn't accept charity. He decided to help in secret. After dark he threw three bags of gold through an open window, one landed in a stocking. When the girls and their father woke up the next morning they found the bags of gold and were, of course, overjoyed. The girls were able to get married and live happily ever after. Other versions of the story say that Saint Nicholas threw the 3 bags of gold directly into the stockings which were hung by the fireplace to dry.[1][2][3]
This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. Sometimes the story is told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. That is why three gold balls, sometimes represented as oranges, are one of the symbols for St. Nicholas. And so, St. Nicholas is a gift-giver. This is also the origin of 3 gold balls being used as a symbol for pawnbrokers.[1][2]
A tradition that began in a European country originally, children simply used one of their everyday socks, but eventually special Christmas stockings were created for this purpose. The Christmas stocking custom is derived from the Germanic/Scandinavian figure Odin. According to Phyllis Siefker, children would place their boots, filled with carrots, straw, or sugar, near the chimney for Odin's flying horse, Sleipnir, to eat. Odin would reward those children for their kindness by replacing Sleipnir's food with gifts or candy.[4] This practice, she claims, survived in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands after the adoption of Christianity and became associated with Saint Nicholas as a result of the process of Christianization. Today, stores carry a large variety of styles and sizes of Christmas stockings, and Christmas stockings are also a popular homemade craft. This claim is disputed though as there is no records of stocking filling practices related to Odin until there is a merging of St. Nicholas with Odin. St. Nicholas had an earlier merging with the Grandmother cult in Bari, Italy where the grandmother would put gifts in stockings. This merged St. Nicholas would later travel north and merge with the Odin cults. [5]
Many families create their own Christmas stockings with each family member's name applied to the stocking so that Santa will know which stocking belongs to which family member.
A 'Square Stocking'[6] is a box sent by the charity Uk4u-Thanks! to UK servicemen who are overseas or injured at Christmas.
The World's Biggest Christmas Stocking[edit]
The largest Christmas stocking measured 51 m 35 cm (168 ft 5.65 in) in length and 21 m 63 cm (70 ft 11.57 in) in width (heel to toe) and was produced by the volunteer emergency services organisation Pubblica Assistenza Carrara e Sezioni in Carrara, Tuscany, Italy, on 5 January 2011. The event was organized in order to raise money for a charity helping the aged, one of the group’s key functions, and it was also a seasonal celebration for the city of Carrara. Fulfilling the guideline that the stocking had to be filled with presents, the volunteers filled the stocking with balloons containing sweets inside.
The former World's Biggest Christmas Stocking was created by supporters of The Children's Society in December 2007. Guinness World Records awarded the stocking the title of the Largest Christmas Stocking on 14 December 2007 at ExCel in London.[7]
It was made out of over 6,000 squares of red knitting and measured 32.56m long, and 14.97m wide (heel to toe). It weighed the equivalent of three Reindeer and was filled with 1000 presents, which were then given to children in The Children's Society's projects.
The stocking was created as part of The Children's Society's knitting fundraising appeal, 'The Big Stitch'. £14,000 was raised through sponsorship. [7]
David Madera, the previous holder of the title had broken the record in Solomons Island in December of 2010 with a stocking measuring 27.46 meters by 11.3 meters.[8]!!!
It must be the weirdest Christmas tradition ever. I don’t know what ever possessed my grandmother to buy that first Peppermint Pig one fateful Christmas. She proceeded to declare we must insert the pink candy swine into its felt sack, pass the enclosed pork around the dinner table, and pummel the poor pig with the tiny yet heavy hammer in turn. Since we don’t disobey Grandma, especially on Christmas, we all did it.
Before taking a turn beating the Peppermint Pig, each family member was to recite one thing for which he was grateful. Looking back over the past year, everyone could find something for which to say thanks. A job. A new house. A new baby. Good health. Each grateful remembrance was christened with a whack on the pig, then passed to the next person. At last everyone had counted their blessings, and the pig was found beaten to death. We partook of a wafer-sized bite of the pig in meditation; silence overtook the table. Then off we ran to play with our new Christmas toys.
Grandma is in Heaven for Christmas now. Every year, my sister sends me a Peppermint Pig. My in-laws look forward to our dining-room celebration of God’s goodness and our gratefulness each year after the Christmas dinner has been devoured. Each member’s simple thanks becomes a reminder of our growth and His grace. A new citizenship. A new career. A passing grade. A puppy. Read the Bible in a year. Reconciled to a family member.
It is more than a piece of candy. It tastes far sweeter than syrup. It is the stuff that holds family together, and it feels a lot like love.
The History of the Peppermint Pig
I received so many questions about the background of the Peppermint Pig that I decided to do some more research. Unable to find the swine’s story online, I called the owner of Saratoga Sweets, exclusive maker of the Peppermint Pig. Mike Fitzgerald was kind enough to fill me in on the history.
The very first Peppermint Pig was created in 1880 by Jim Mingay right there in Saratoga Springs, New York. Jim’s father was an apothecary, but Jim did not wish to join the family business. Instead, he became a candy maker at Curtis and Frasier Candy Company. It was there he began the Peppermint Pig tradition and continued it until he retired in the 1890s.
Creating a peppermint candy at this time was quite remarkable, even revolutionary, Mike told me. Peppermint was used in elixir, not treats. The candy cane itself would not be introduced for another decade. Jim’s creation was ahead of its time. It is wondered if his father’s influence – or stash – may have contributed to this invention.
The big mystery, though, is “Why did he make a pig?” No one knows for certain the answer. He may have been drawn to the pig’s association with prosperity and good fortune. Since the Middle Ages, wealth has been symbolized by the pig, since the pig itself does no work. Only well-off farmers could support a free-loading animal, and this remained true for centuries. From a candy-maker’s view, the pig was easier to cast than other animals, like a horse, because of its compact body design. Whatever Jim’s reasons, the Peppermint Pig quickly became a holiday symbol itself.
Candy makers in Saratoga Springs caught on to the Peppermint Pig craze, and for several decades there were pigs every Christmas from many local makers. But like many wonderful traditions of yester-year, the pig soon retired. The last Peppermint Pig was made in the 1930s.
Saratoga Springs never forgot their beloved Peppermint Pig tradition. It was taught in the schools, talked about around the holidays, and even memorialized in the museum. In 1988, Mike Fitzgerald viewed the cast of the Pig in the museum, and he knew the tradition must live on.
That year, Saratoga Sweets made 60 Peppermint Pigs in honor of their city’s rich candy-making heritage and the Christmas tradition the Pig stands for. The local paper ran just a line, mentioning that the shop would sell the sweets again after the community had gone decades without their beloved Christmas mascot. Senior citizens waited in the rain for the shop to open. Some brought their grandchildren. All brought warm memories of Christmases gone by. The pigs were sold before the line was finished. And the tradition was reborn.
Now Mike and his crew at Saratoga Sweets sell over 130,000 Peppermint Pigs each year. They are proud to say that the pigs are made right there in Saratoga Springs, where Peppermint Pigs always have been created. Mike hopes they always will be.
The Peppermint Pig, Mike reminds me, is the oldest indigenous American Christmas tradition. Christmas trees, cookies, Santa Clause, and carols … so many of them our ancestors brought from the Old World to enrich our holiday celebrations. But the Peppermint Pig is uniquely American, as special as each blessing it commemorates.
Lighting the Hanukkah Menorah (also known as a Hanukkiyah) is one of the most important parts of celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. This ritual has been observed since the destruction of the Temple in commemoration of the miracle of the Hanukkah lights. One menorah is usually lit for the entire family, though sometimes children like to have their own menorahs to light during the holiday.
The Hanukkah menorah is usually lit after nightfall, when stars appear in the sky. Originally the menorah was then placed outside a home to the left of the doorpost, thereby positioning it opposite the mezuzah on the right. But today the lit menorah is more commonly placed in or near a window. Both options are fine since the most important thing is that passersby are able to see the lit menorah and be reminded of the Hanukkah miracle.
As another option, in Israel many homes have special outdoor niches that are used for displaying menorahs during Hanukkah. Other homes have outdoor lamps that were included as part of the house’s original construction for the purpose of observing Hanukkah.
During Hanukkah candles are added to the menorah from right to left. The number of candles corresponds to the night of Hanukkah, for instance, four candles for the fourth night of Hanukkah. In addition to these candles, on every night of Hanukkah an additional “helper” candle called a shamash is used to light the others. For detailed instructions on how to light a Hanukkah menorah, see: How to Light the Hanukkah Menorah.
Hanukkah Candle Lighting Blessings
Every night during Hanukkah members of the family will gather around their menorahs and recite the blessings below as part of the candle lighting ceremony. The first two blessings are recited each night. The third blessing is only recited on the first night of Hanukkah, when the menorah is kindled for the first time.
Blessing 1
English:
Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the lights of Hanukkah.
Sephardic/Modern Israeli:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam, asher kiddeshanu b’mitzvotav, vitzivanu, lehadlik ner shel Hanukkah.
Common Ashkenazi (Western Europe, Belorussia, Baltic Republics):
Borukh Ato Adoynoy Eloyheynu Melekh Ho-oylom Asher Kiddeshonu Be-mitsvoysov Ve-tsivonu Lehadlik Neyr Shel khanuko.
South Ashkenazi (Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Moldavia):
Burikh Atu Adoynoy Eloyhayni Melekh Hu-oylum Asher Kiddeshuni Be-mitsvoysuv Ve-tsivuni Lehadlik Nayr Shel khaniku.
Blessing 2
This second blessing, which asks us to remember the miracles performed for our ancestors, is also said prior to the Megillah reading on Purim.
English:
Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who wrought miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.
Sephardic/Modern Israeli:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam, she-asah nissim la-avotaynu bayamim ha-hem bazman hazeh.
Common Ashkenazi (Western Europe, Belorussia, Baltic Republics):
Borukh Ato Adoynoy Eloyheynu Melekh Ho-oylom She-oso Nissim La-avoseynu Ba-yyomim Ho-heym Ba-zzman Ha-zze.
South Ashkenazi (Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Moldavia):
Burikh Atu Adoynoy Eloyhayni Melekh Hu-oylum She-usu Nissim La-avosayni Ba-yyumim Hu-haym Ba-zzman Ha-zze.
Blessing 3
This blessing is recited only on the first time the Hanukkah menorah is lit. Called the Shehechiyanu, it is an important blessing that thanks God for sustaining us and reminds us to appreciate the goodness in our lives.
English:
Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has kept us alive, and has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this time.
Sepharidc/Modern Israeli:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha-Olam, she-hekheyanu v-kiyamanu v-higgianu lazman hazeh.
Common Ashkenazi (Western Europe, Belorussia, Baltic Republics):
Borukh Ato Adoynoy Eloyheynu Melekh Ho-oylom She-hekheyonu Ve-kiymonu Ve-higgi'onu La-zzman Ha-zze.
South Ashkenazi (Poland, Ukraine, Romania, Moldavia):
Burikh Atu Adoynoy Eloyhayni Melekh Hu-oylum She-hekheyuni Ve-kiymuni Ve-higgi'uni La-zzman Ha-zze
According to some accounts, the tradition of trying to find the little ornament shaped like a pickle which was hidden deep among the green boughs on Christmas Eve, began many years ago in Laschau, Germany. As the story goes, the lucky one who found the ornament on Christmas morning would receive an extra gift from St. Nicholas. If a family could not afford an extra gift, the lucky finder of the pickle was rewarded by being the first to open a present. Production of blown glass Christmas Pickle ornaments began in the 1890s.
This "Old World German" tradition of "The Christmas Pickle" may be in somewhat of a "pickle" itself. Another account of the origin of this tradition is quite a "dilly". Thus far it seems to have at least some credibility among a "peck" of other explanations. In this depiction we are led to the German emigrant, John Lower, by his Great-Great-Granddaughter, Cindy. Our German tradition hence, is one more of legend than anything. Just as the legendary "Italian Pizza" is spoken of with a very heavy Chicagoan's drawl, "The Christmas Pickle" seems to have had it's beginning or was "pickled" right here in the deep south of the good old U. S. of A.
According to Cindy, John Lower was born in Bavaria in 1842. He left Germany with his family and emigrated to the United States. While fighting in the American Civil War, John Lower was captured and sent to a prison in Andersonville, Georgia. He soon fell to poor health given the poor conditions of the prison. Starving, he begged of a guard for just one pickle before resigning to his death. The guard, taking pity on him, found and gave John Lower a pickle. Lower family lore yields John's testimony that the pickle, by the grace of God, gave him the mental and physical strength to live on. After being reunited with his family he began the tradition of hiding a pickle on the Christmas tree. Hence, the first person who found the pickle on Christmas morning would be blessed with a year of good fortune... and a special gift, just as John Lower had experienced!
The first recorded references to the Christmas tree that is now often used to hide this infamous Christmas Pickle, dates back to the 16th Century. It was in Strasbourg, Germany (now a part of France), that families both rich and poor decorated fir trees with colored paper, fruits and sweets. The retail Christmas tree lot also dates back almost as far. In those times, older women would sell trees that were harvested from nearby forests.
The Christmas tree tradition spread through Europe and was brought to the United States by German settlers and by Hessian mercenaries paid to fight in the Revolutionary War. In 1804, U.S. soldiers stationed at Fort Dearborn (now Chicago) hauled trees from surrounding woods to their barracks at Christmas.
After the war, popularity of the Christmas tree grew and thus it proliferated throughout the United States. Charles Minnegrode introduced the custom of decorating trees in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1842. In 1851, Mark Carr hauled two ox sleds loaded with trees from the Catskills to the streets of New York. There he opened the first known retail Christmas tree lot in the United States.
Franklin Pierce, our 14th President, brought the Christmas tree tradition to the White House. In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge started the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony now held every year on the White House lawn. Since 1966, members of the National Christmas Tree Association have presented a beautiful, fresh Christmas tree to the President and first family. This tree is displayed each year in the Blue Room of the White House... We ponder, whether somewhere amidst its many green boughs, if it hides the "Presidential Christmas Pickle"?
Edwin Charles Pomnitz, Sr. - December 1st, 2000
The tradition of decorating Christmas trees originated in Germany in the sixteenth century, and spread throughout Europe and to the United States, with different areas using different types of ornaments. Some Christmas tree decorations are sold with an accompanying legend. One legend of uncertain origin is the tradition of the Christmas pickle.
Other People Are Reading
The Tradition of a Pickle in the Christmas Tree How to Hide a Pickle in a Christmas Tree
Features
The Christmas pickle is a green, blown glass ornament shaped like a pickle. It is hidden among Christmas tree decorations on Christmas Eve. The first child to find the pickle on Christmas morning receives an extra present for her good work and the first adult to find the pickle is granted good fortune for the year.
History
Christmas in Germany is a celebration lasting a number of weeks, with St. Nick arriving on December 5 or 6. Bronner's Christmas Store in Frankenmuth, Michigan claims that the legend of the Christmas pickle is an old German tradition. However, most Germans have never heard of the legend, and it doesn't fit with the German tradition of opening gifts on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas morning.
Theories/Speculation
Another story claims the tradition of the Christmas pickle began with a soldier born in Bavaria named John Lower who was a Civil War prisoner. This legend claims that John begged the guard for a pickle as he was dying, and the pickle gave him the strength to survive. When he returned home after the war, he began the Christmas pickle tradition. According to the Berrien Springs, Michigan, pickle legend, an innkeeper imprisoned two Spanish boys in a pickle barrel. St. Nicholas found and freed the boys and the pickle ornament is hung on the Christmas tree in remembrance of this event.
Pickle festivals
Pickle Festivals are held in several cities including Mount Olive, North Carolina, Rosendale, New York and Winchester, New Hampshire. But Berrien Springs, Michigan, is the only city with a Christmas Pickle Festival.
Benefits
Regardless of the origin of the Christmas pickle tradition, the ornament is a way to focus on Christmas tree decorations and the traditions behind them.
Read more: http://www.ehow.com/about_6766506_tradition-christmas-pickle.html#ixzz2mkSVb4ZQ
Skin whitening or skin bleaching is a term used for the method of lightening skin complexion. A beautiful, radiant and flawless complexion is the desire of every human being. Women in particular, long for a beautiful skin. But, almost every one of us, at some point of life has to encounter the common skin problems, like skin aging, skin darkening, pigmentation, and appearance of dark spots. Most of these problems are either due to the natural process of aging or damage caused by excessive exposure to sunlight and pollution. Skin darkening is the result of excess buildup of melanin, which is the pigment that makes the skin to appear dark. But this pigment provides protection against ultraviolet radiation of sunlight due to which dark skins are less prone to the damage caused by the exposure to sunlight.
Natural Skin Bleaching Remedies
To tackle the problem of skin darkening or to have a more younger looking fair skin, we often tend to rely on commercial products such as, creams, lotions or bleach. But, many of us are not aware of the fact that, many easily available products can be used for making some effective homemade remedies. They are not only safe to be used for lightening the complexion, but can also moisturize and rejuvenate the skin.
Lemon is a natural bleach that can lighten your complexion. For bleaching your skin, you can use lemon juice alone or along with rose water. Use a cotton ball to apply it on the face and keep it for about 5 minutes. Then rinse it with lukewarm water.
Lemon juice can also be mixed with honey, almond oil and milk powder to make another effective remedy for lightening skin complexion.
Oatmeal and yogurt are two very important skin lightening remedies. Both oatmeal and yogurt should be mixed properly. You can add tomato juice to this mixture to make it more effective. Apply this mixture of yogurt, oatmeal, and tomato juice gently on the face and keep it for 15 to 20 minutes, after which, rinse it with water.
Mix equal amount of white vinegar and water to make a solution. Keep it for 5 to 10 minutes on skin and then rinse off.
Make a homemade paste, combining sandalwood powder, lemon, and tomato juice. Let the paste dry before rinsing it off with water. Natural products like sandalwood, lemon and tomato will make your skin fresh and lighter.
For damage caused by sunburn, use turmeric powder and lemon juice. Both are excellent bleaching agents for lightening skin complexion.
Just place a few slices of raw potato on your face for a few minutes and it would help to remove pigmentation and skin blemishes.
Make a paste by combining finely ground almonds with honey. Apply it on the face and let it dry. Then rinse off with clean water to get a glowing and beautiful skin. In place of honey, you can also use milk to make the paste.
Grind some orange peels, dried properly in sun and add yogurt or milk to it to make a paste. Apply it on the face and leave for 10 to 15 minutes, before rinsing it off with water. This will not only lighten the skin complexion, but will help to get rid of skin blemishes as well.
These natural products are free of any side effect and they help to make the skin lighter and fairer and also to alleviate many other skin problems including blemishes, pigmentation, sunburn and dark spots. Products like almond oil, honey and milk can help to moisturize the skin and get rid of the common problems associated with dry skin. If included in the regular skin care regimen, these remedies can improve skin tone and complexion, thereby, revealing a younger looking skin with flawless complexion. However, natural skin care or the application of the remedies alone, is not sufficient to get a beautiful skin. It has to be completed by a balanced diet, that includes lots of fresh green vegetables and fruits. Drinking plenty of water can also help, as water is known to remove toxic substances from the body and hydrate the skin.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/skin-whitening-home-remedies.html
BY SALINA ON APRIL 27, 2011 2 COMMENTS
Everyone desires a beautiful, radiant and unblemished complexion. With age, everyone experiences problems of skin aging, pigmentation, skin darkening and appearance of dark spots.
Excessive exposure to sunlight and pollution, and ageing wreak havoc on our skins. Here are a few effective home remedies that will help lighten and brighten your skin successfully.
Home Remedies For Skin Brightening
Here are some home remedies to lighten your skin. But, their regular application is essential for optimum results.
Lemon: is a natural bleach and it significantly lightens the complexion. Using a cotton swab, apply the neat juice to your skin.
Leave on for 20 minutes. Then rinse off. Daily application provides speedy results. A blend of lemon juice, honey, almond oil and milk is equally in lightening the complexion.
Oatmeal and curd: are very good remedies for skin lightening. Curd is a bleach, while oats help gently exfoliate the skin.
Sandalwood: a blend of sandalwood, lemon and cream is an excellent skin care lotion to bleach your skin. The ingredients also tone up the skin, improve skin renewal and fight the signs of ageing.
Turmeric: turmeric has also been used time and again as a natural bleach and skin toner. Mix powdered turmeric with some water / milk and massage in to the skin.
Orange rinds: pound dried orange rinds. Add a spoon of curds and apply over your face and neck. This is an excellent bleach.
Natural Skin Lightening Treatment
In order to effectively manage skin darkening or to fight the signs of ageing, we often rely on commercial products, like, bleaches, skin whitening creams, lotions, etc. Nevertheless, certain home remedies act as wonderful skin whitening agents. They are exceedingly safe, moisturize and rejuvenate the skin and lighten the skin appreciably.
Blend together 1 spoon of milk powder, a few drops of lemon juice, 1 spoon honey, and 1 spoon of almond oil. Apply on the skin and rinse after 20 minutes.
Tomato juice is a very effective home remedy to brighten the skin and reduce sun damage. Massage the juice in to the skin every day, and leave on for half an hour.
Soak 5 almonds in some milk. Thereafter, grind them in to a fine paste. Apply on face and neck, and massage gently. Leave for at least 1 hour. Wash off using cold water. Ensure that you follow this regimen daily for 3 months for remarkable results.
Mix 1 spoon of gram flour with 2 spoons of raw milk and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply this blend on to your face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes. Wash off. These ingredients exert wonderful skin renewal and skin rejuvenating properties.
Extract the juice of mint leaves. Using a cotton swab, apply the juice all over the skin and rinse after about one hour.
http://www.simple-remedies.com/skin-care/skin-brightening-natural-remedies.html
**After any lightening treatment you must then apply a good moisturizer liberally as these treatments can dry out your skin. ALso be sure to wear sunscreen as these treatments will help to speed up your Cellular Turnover rate and therefore your new skin will become vilnerable to sun damage, no matter what time of year.
:) Enjoy.
1. The world is trying to keep you stupid. From bank fees to interest rates to miracle diets, people who are not educated are easier to get money from and easier to lead. Educate yourself as much as possible for wealth, independence, and happiness.
2. Do not have faith in institutions to educate you. By the time they build the curriculum, it’s likely that the system is outdated– sometimes utterly broken. You both learn and get respect from people worth getting it from by leading and doing, not by following.
3. Read as much as you can. Learn to speed read with high retention. Emerson Spartz taught me this while I was at a Summit Series event. If he reads 2-3 books a week, you can read one.
4. Connect with everyone, all the time. Be genuine about it. Learn to find something you like in each person, and then speak to that thing.
5. Don’t waste time being shy. Shyness is the belief that your emotions should be the arbitrators of your decision making process when the opposite is actually true.
6. If you feel weird about something during a relationship, that’s usually what you end up breaking up over.
7. Have as much contact as possible with older people. Personally, I met people at Podcamps. My friend Greg, at the age of 13, met his first future employer sitting next to him on a plane. The reason this is so valuable is because people your age don’t usually have the decision-making ability to help you very much. Also they know almost everything you will learn later, so ask them.
8. Find people that are cooler than you and hang out with them too. This and the corollary are both important: “don’t attempt to be average inside your group. Continuously attempt to be cooler than them (by doing cooler things, being more laid back, accepting, ambitious, etc.).”
9. You will become more conservative over time. This is just a fact. Those you surround yourself with create a kind of “bubble” that pushes you to support the status quo. For this reason, you need to do your craziest stuff NOW. Later on, you’ll become too afraid. Trust me.
10. Reduce all expenses as much as possible. I mean it. This creates a safety net that will allow you to do the crazier shit I mentioned above.
11. Instead of getting status through objects (which provide only temporary boosts), do it through experiences. In other words, a trip to Paris is a better choice than a new wardrobe. Studies show this also boosts happiness.
12. While you are living on the cheap, solve the money problem. Use the internet, because it’s like a cool little machine that helps you do your bidding. If you are currently living paycheck to paycheck, extend that to three weeks instead of two. Then, as you get better, you can think a month ahead, then three months, then six, and finally a year ahead. (The goal is to get to a point where you are thinking 5 years ahead.)
13. Learn to program.
14. Get a six-pack (or get thin, whatever your goal is) while you are young. Your hormones are in a better place to help you do this at a younger age. Don’t waste this opportunity, trust me.
15. Learn to cook. This will make everything much easier and it turns food from a chore + expensive habit into a pleasant + frugal one. I’m a big Jamie Oliver fan, but whatever you like is fine.
16. Sleep well. This and cooking will help with the six pack. If you think “I can sleep when I’m dead” or “I have too much to do to sleep,” I have news for you: you are INEFFICIENT, and sleep deprivation isn’t helping.
17. Get a reminder app for everything. Do not trust your own brain for your memory. Do not trust it for what you “feel like” you should be doing. Trust only the reminder app. I use RE.minder and Action Method.
18. Choose something huge to do, as well as allowing the waves of opportunity to help you along. If you don’t set goals, some stuff may happen, but if you do choose, lots more will.
19. Get known for one thing. Spend like 5 years doing it instead of flopping around all over the place. If you want to shift afterwards, go ahead. Like I said, choose something.
20. Don’t try to “fix” anyone. Instead, look for someone who isn’t broken.
Historic Evergreens
In the Northern hemisphere, the shortest day and longest night of the year (falling sometime between December 20 and 23) is called the Winter solstice. When ancient peoples observed the air becoming colder, the days getting shorter and the deciduous trees, bushes, and crops dying or hibernating for the winter, many became afraid that the sun was disappearing and that the Earth would eventually freeze. They also noticed that some plants and trees remained green all year long and believed that such trees and plants had magical powers that allowed them to withstand the cold of winter.
Evergreen trees and other plants that stay green all year round have always carried a special meaning for the various peoples of the world. Long before the advent of Christianity, peoples of many ancient civilizations decorated their homes with pine, spruce, and fir trees. In many of these cultures, it was believed that evergreen boughs, hung over doors and windows, would fend off witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and diseases.
Ancient peoples who worshiped the sun as a god believed that winter came when the sun god became sick and weak. The celebration of the winter solstice marked the time when the sun god would begin to regain his strength and evergreens served as reminders of the coming spring when the land would be green again.
Not having evergreen trees, the ancient Egyptians filled their homes with green date palm leaves to celebrate that their god, Ra, who was depicted as having the sun in his crown, was beginning to recover from his illness. The palm leaves symbolized the triumph of life over death.
To mark the occasion when their farms and orchards would once again be green and fruitful, the early Romans honored Saturn, the god of agriculture, with a winter solstice feast called the Saturnalia. They decorated their homes and temples with evergreen boughs and lights and exchanged symbolic gifts; coins for prosperity, pastries for happiness, and lamps for lighting the journey of life.
In Great Britain, the woods priests of the ancient Celts, the Druids, used evergreens, holly and mistletoe as symbols of everlasting life during mysterious winter solstice rituals. They also placed evergreen boughs over their doors and windows to ward off evil spirits.
The Vikings of Scandinavia believed evergreens to be the special plant of their sun god, Balder. In the late Middle Ages, Germans and Scandinavians put evergreen trees inside their homes or just outside their doors to show their hope for the coming spring.
The modern Christmas tree, which is often mistakenly referred to as a “Pagan symbol,” (the Pagans believed that cutting down whole evergreen trees was destructive to nature) evolved from all of these early superstitions, customs and traditions.
The Legendary Origins of the Christmas Tree
Many of our modern Christmas customs, songs and traditions came from Germany, such as illustrations of Santa Claus, Christmas markets, shaped gingerbreads, tinsel, glass ornaments, and of course, Christmas trees.
The tradition of decorating a tree in celebration of Christmas originated in 16th century Germany. Legend has it that it Martin Luther, the German theologian and reformer who influenced Lutheran and Protestant doctrines, was the first to decorate an evergreen tree with lighted candles.
It is said that one night while walking through the woods and composing a sermon, he was awestruck by the beauty of evergreens shimmering in the snow under the stars. When he got home, he wanted to share his story with his children, so he brought in a small evergreen tree and decorated it with candles, which he lit in honor of the birth of Christ.
Although the first actual written record of a Christmas tree in 1604 dates well after Martin Luther’s death in 1564, this old story of the first Christmas tree is still widely believed and very popular.
Another Christmas tree legend, also from Germany and dating back to the 7th century, tells the story of St. Boniface, a monk from Devonshire who went to Germany to convert the German people to Christianity. It is said that when he found a group of Pagans worshiping an oak tree, he cut the oak down and a young evergreen began to grow from its roots. Taking this as a sign, St Boniface used the triangular shape of the fir tree to describe the Holy Trinity; God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. After that, the converts then revered the fir tree as God’s tree, just as they had previously revered the oak.
Christmas Trees in Early American History
The Christmas tree tradition as we know it today was most likely brought to the United States by Hessian troops during the American Revolution. According to a legend, a celebration around a Christmas tree in Trenton, New Jersey helped to turn the tide for Colonial forces in 1776. Hessian mercenaries, apparently feeling homesick after seeing a candlelit evergreen tree in the snow, left their guard posts to engage in merrymaking, which gave General Washington the opportunity to attack their position and defeat them.
The first actual record of Christmas trees being on display in America dates back to the 1830s, although the Pennsylvania German settlements had put up community evergreens in winter as early as 1747. But Christmas trees were not widely accepted in America until some time later. As recently as the 1840s, many Americans still thought of decorated evergreens as Pagan symbols.
To the New England Puritans, Christmas was sacred. They condemned many customs associated with Christmas, such as the Yule log, holly, mistletoe, Christmas carols and Christmas trees, as “heathen traditions.” The Puritans believed that any joyful expression desecrated the sacred event of the birth of Christ.
William Bradford, the pilgrim’s second governor, tried to stamp out what he called the “Pagan mockery” of Christmas. In 1659, a law was enacted that made any observances of December 25, other than attending church services, illegal. Christmas “frivolity” was penalized and anyone, Puritan or not, caught hanging decorations or otherwise celebrating Christmas was fined 15 cents.
This joyless Christmas tradition of solemnity continued into the 19th century. Until 1870, Boston schools remained open on Christmas Day and students who stayed home could be expelled. As recently as 1851, Pastor Henry Schwan of Cleveland, Ohio nearly lost his job when he decorated a Christmas tree in his church and his parishioners condemned it as a “pagan practice.”
The Modern American Christmas Tree
Christmas trees were first introduced in England by King George III’s German Queen, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and by German merchants who lived in England. A few British families had Christmas trees but they were likely influenced by their German neighbors rather than the Royal Court. At the time, the German Monarchy was unpopular with the British public, so the Royal Court did not copy the Christmas tree, which is why they did not become widely fashionable in Britain.
In 1846, The Illustrated London News carried a sketch of Queen Victoria and her German Prince, Albert standing with their children around a Christmas tree. Unlike the previous Royal family, Queen Victoria was very popular with her subjects and whatever the trendsetting Royals did at Court quickly became stylish in Britain as well as in the fashion-conscious cliques of Eastern American society.
By the 1890s, the popularity of Christmas trees was on the rise around America. Whereas the Europeans used small trees, the Americans preferred their Christmas trees tall enough to reach the ceiling. Most decorations were homemade. Young women spent hours quilling stars and snowflakes and sewing little pouches to hold secret gifts and treats, such as sugared almonds. They strung garlands with brightly dyed popcorn, interspersed with with nuts and berries. Wooden hoops were used to hold candles until the advent of electricity, which made it possible for Christmas trees to be lit continuously — and far more safely.
Silver tinsel, which tarnished easily, was invented in 1878. By the 1920s, however, it was made from lead because lead was cheaper and did not tarnish. Due to the danger of lead poisoning to children, lead tinsel was banned in the 1960s. Today’s tinsel is made exclusively from plastic.
In 1851, when a Catskill farmer named Mark Carr took two ox sleds filled with evergreen trees to New York City and promptly sold them all, the Christmas tree market was born. In 1890, F.W. Woolworth brought glass Christmas tree ornaments from Germany to the United States. The Christmas tree was beginning to catch on.
Christmas trees began appearing in town squares across the nation and having a Christmas tree in the home would soon become an American tradition. In the year 1900, one in five American homes had a Christmas tree. By the year 1920, they had become nearly universal.
President Franklin Pierce (1804-1869) had the first Christmas tree in the White House in the 1850s. The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the White House lawn was started by President Calvin Coolidge (1885-1933) in 1923.
During the Great Depression of the 1930s, nurseries were unable to sell evergreen trees for landscaping, so they cut them for Christmas trees. Because they were more symmetrical than trees growing in the wild, cultivated trees became preferred and the impromptu Christmas tree farms of the depression-era eventually became full-fledged businesses.
Artificial Christmas trees were first marketed in 1885 when a thirty-three limb tree, priced at 50 cents, could be ordered from Sears, Roebuck and Company. They were produced by brush manufacturers that employed the same techniques used in making brushes. Bristles of animal hair or plastic were dyed pine-green and inserted between twisted wires to form branches in graduated sizes, each with a color-coded tag at the base. The customer assembled the tree by inserting the color-coded branches into a wooden pole that acted as the trunk.
To prevent deforestation, tabletop feather trees made of dyed goose feathers originated in Germany in the 19th century. The Sears, Roebuck and Company catalog sold the first feather trees in America in 1913.
Artificial trees are very popular in the United States where synthetic Christmas trees can be found in 70% of homes. They are considered more convenient and hygienic (especially for those with allergies), and if they are used a number of times, they are less expensive over the long term. In most of Europe, however, artificial trees are considered tacky.
In the 1950s and 60s, metallic trees with all the same shape and color ornaments became the rage. The trees were made of aluminum-coated paper, which posed a fire hazard when Christmas lights were placed directly on them, so they were instead lit by a spotlight with a motorized color wheel in front of it.
The late 1970s saw a return to classic Victorian nostalgia, which was a refreshing change from the “space age” Christmas trees of the previous decades. Green trees were once again in demand and manufacturers created replicas of antique-style German glass ornaments, real silver tinsel and pressed foil decorations.
Today’s indoor artificial trees are often sold pre-strung with lights, which not only provide a consistent display of color and light, but also allow people to avoid the most unpleasant yearly task of untangling Christmas lights. Some pre-lit trees contain fiber optics, which are lighted by a single lamp at the base. Most fiber optic trees come with a rotating color wheel that creates a shimmering multicolored lighting effect.
Other modern Christmas tree gimmicks include talking or singing trees, trees that blow their own “snow” (Styrofoam beads) and inverted trees. Inverted Christmas trees were originally used in stores by merchants who wanted their customers to get a closer look at the ornaments and other decorations being sold. The idea caught on with some customers who thought that the inverted trees would allow larger presents to be placed underneath them.
The Multicultural Holiday Evergreen
Today, decorated evergreen trees are often the subject of political controversy. In recent years, as America has progressed toward greater religious tolerance and freedom, the governments of some cities and towns have declined to put up lighted and decorated evergreens because they fear that they might be in violation of the First Amendment. Other localities simply call their decorated evergreens “Holiday Trees” in order to be inclusive and respectful of their communities’ diversity.
Some Christians object to the idea of calling a decorated evergreen a “Holiday Tree,” believing that such a generic name is marginalizing to the Christian faith. But as their history demonstrates, decorated evergreens, which pre-date Christianity by thousands of years, were never exclusively Christian. Rather, the idea of decorating an evergreen tree in December is an ancient, multicultural notion whose meaning is as diverse as the variety of Christmas/Holiday tree styles available in stores today.
As the saying goes, 'say it with flowers!' And indeed, people have been saying it with flowers since time immemorial, using the special meanings of flowers to express all kinds of emotions. Whether to woo somebody special on Valentine's Day, display affection on Father's Day or Mother's Day, or to express a 'get well soon' message for somebody ill, flowers have been used to say it all. In fact, the symbolic meaning of flowers has given birth to a language of its own, known as floriography.
Apart from each of the names of flowers being imbued with symbolism such as romance or sympathy or affection, all flowers express specific phrases as well. As a matter of fact, the Victorians were the ones who used flower symbolism most profusely to communicate subtly what they wanted to say, but could not speak aloud since decorum would not allow it. With flowers, and their symbolic meanings, they could verbalize communication without saying anything or evince a feeling. Thus, the Victorians would often make a bouquet that they could use as an expression of an unvoiced message to the person receiving it, using various kinds of symbolism like the number, the arrangement, the color, and of course the type of flower.
Names of Flowers and Their Meanings
If you want to express your deep feelings to someone special in your life, in a thoughtful and unique way, check out the list of flower names given below, and find out what message you can devise using the special language of flowers. Or, if it is a gift of flowers that you have received, check out the flower names and their meanings to find out what it means. Is it love? Or is it ecstasy? Or perhaps it is a sign of hope, jealousy, anticipation, friendship, or even good-bye. Truly, you can say it all with flowers!
Name Meaning
A
Acacia Hidden love, Beauty in withdrawal
Ambrosia Love requited
Amaryllis Pride
Aster Symbolizing love, Delicacy
Anemone A love that is diminishing, Vanishing hopes
Almond Blossom Symbolizing hope, Delicacy, Sweetness
Apple Blossom Good fortune, Harbinger of better things, A strong liking
Arum Intense feeling of love
Arbutus I love only thee
Azalea A symbol of womanhood in China, Passion, Fragility, Take care
B
Baby's Breath Purity of heart, Innocence
Begonia Be cautious, A fanciful mind
Bachelor Button Celibacy, The blessedness of being single
Balsam Fervent love
Balm Compassion, Empathy
Bittersweet Truth, Loyalty
Bird of Paradise Given by a woman to a man to symbolize faithfulness
Bluebell Gratitude, Constancy, Humility
Buttercup Riches, Childishness
Black Bryony Be my support
C
Caladium Immense delight and joy
Camellia Perfection, Gratitude
Carnation (Red) Aching heart, Admiration
Christmas Rose Allay my disquiet
Chrysanthemum Joy, Optimism, Perfection
Crocus Good cheer, Happiness, Do not treat me badly
Cyclamen Good-Bye, Resignation
Clover (Four-leaf) Will you be mine?
Clover (White) Think of me
Clematis Ingenuity, Artifice
Cornflower Refinement, Delicacy
D
Daffodil The sun is bright when I am with you, Respect, Sunshine, Unrequited love, Regard
Dahlia Elegance and Dignity, Forever thine
Daisy Beauty, Innocence, I will never tell, Loyal love, Purity
Day-Lily (Yellow) Coquetry
Dandelion Love's oracle, Happiness, Faithfulness
Date-Plum Resistance
Delphinium Fun, Big-hearted
Dog Rose Pleasure and Pain
Dogwood Am I indifferent to you?
Dragon Root Ardor
E
Edelweiss Noble purity, Courage, Daring
Endine Frugality
Elderflower Symbolizing Zeal
Eglantine Poetry
Everlasting (Immortal Flowers) Never ending memory, Unfading remembrance
Euphorbia Persistence
Eupatorium Delay
Epigaea Budding
Eucalyptus Protection
F
Forget-Me-Not As its name suggests - Forget me not, Memories, True love
Forsythia Expectation, Anticipation
Fuchsia Good taste
Fern Fascination
Filbert Reconciliation
Flax Symbol of domesticity
Flora's Bell Without pretentiousness
Flowering Reed Confide in heaven
G
Gladiolus Strength of character, Love at first sight, Generosity
Gardenia Secret love, You are lovely
Galax Encouragement
Geranium Folly, Stupidity
Gerbera You are the sunshine of my life
Gloxinia Love at first sight
Goldenrod Be cautious
Goats-Rue Reason
Goosefoot Insult
Globe Amaranth Unfading Love
H
Heliotrope Devotion
Hibiscus Delicate beauty, Consumed by love
Holly Am I forgotten, Domestic happiness, Defense, Domestic Happiness
Hollyhock Fruitfulness
Honeyflower Secret love, Sweetness of disposition, Sweet, Affection
Honeysuckle Bond of love
Honeysuckle (Coral) I Love You
Hyacinth Flower dedicated to Apollo, Rashness
Hyacinth (Yellow) Jealousy
I
Iris Wisdom and Valor, Faith, Promise in love, Hope
Iris (German) Flame
Iris (Yellow) Passion
Ivy Affection, Friendship, Fidelity, Wedded love
Ivy (Sprig of white tendrils) Affection, Anxious to please
Indian Cress Resignation
Ipomen Scarlet Embrace
Indian Cane Rendezvous
Ipomoea (Morning Glory) I attach myself to you, Affection
J
Jasmine (Indian) Love, Attachment
Jasmine (Yellow) Elegance, Grace, Modesty
Jasmine (Spanish) Sensuality
Japonica Symbol of love, Sincerity
Jerusalem Oak Your love is reciprocated
Jonquil Sympathy, Desire, Affection returned, Love me, Affection Returned
Juniper Chastity, Eternity
K
King's Spear Regret
Kennedia Intellectual beauty
L
Laburnum Blackness
Lady's Slipper Capricious beauty, Win me
Lucerne Life
Larkspur Lightness, An open heart, Levity
Larkspur (White) Happy-go-lucky, Joyful
Larkspur (Purple) Sweet disposition
Lantana Rigor
Lily Purity of heart, Majesty and Honor
Lemon Blossom I promise to be true, Fidelity in love
Lilac Pride,
Beauty
Lily of the Valley Humility, Happiness, Tears of the Virgin Mary, Sweetness
Lotus Forgetful of the past, Estranged love
Laurel Glory
Lavender Devotion, Love
M
Marjoram Happiness, Joy
Madder Calumny
Magnolia Perseverance, Nobility
Marigold Sorrow, Jealousy, Caress, Pretty love, Affection, Sacred, Affection
Maidenhair Discretion
Manchineel Betrayal
Mimosa - Secret Love
Mugwort Happiness
Mulberry Prudence
Mallow Sweetness, Delicate beauty
Mandrake Scarcity
Myrtle Hebrew emblem of Marriage, Love
Maple Reserve
N
Nasturtium Victory in Battle, Conquest
Narcissus (White) Selfishness
Narcissus Stay as sweet as you are, Formality
Nightshade Truth
Nettle Cruelty
Nosegay Gallantry
O
Orchid (Cattleya) Mature charm
Orchid Symbol of many children in China, Refinement, Beauty, Love
Orange Blossom Eternal Love, Innocence, Marriage and Fruitfulness
Oak Hospitality
Osmunda Revere
Ophrys Spider Dexterity
Ophrys Fly Mistake
Olive Peace
Oleander Caution
Orange-Tree Generosity
Orange (Milkweed) Deceit
P
Phlox Harmony, A good partnership
Passion-Flower Belief
Peppermint Warmth of feeling, Cordiality
Periwinkle Sweet remembrance
Poppy (General) Imagination, Oblivion, Eternal sleep
Primrose (Evening) Inconstancy
Petunia Your presence soothes me, Anger, Resentment, Anger
Pansy Merriment, Thoughtful reflection
Peach Blossom I am your captive
Q
Quaking Grass A symbol of agitation
Queen Anne's Lace Fantasy
R
Rose (Red) Passion, Love
Rose (White) Purity, Virginity
Rose (Yellow) Infidelity, Jealousy
Rose (Coral) Desire
Rose (Pink) Grace and Sweetness, Secret love, Perfect happiness, Secret Love
Rose (Dark pink) Thankfulness
Rose (Pale pink) Joy, Grace
Rosebud (Red) Pure and Lovely
Rosemary Remembrance
Rhododendron I am dangerous, Danger, Beware
S
Sunflower (Tall) Pride, False riches
Sunflower (Dwarf) Adoration
Snowdrop Consolation, Hope
Sage Great respect, Wisdom, Female fidelity
Snapdragon Strength, Gracious lady
Satin-Flower Sincerity
Spider Flower Elope with me
Sweet-William Gallantry, Grant me one smile
Sweet Pea Thank you for a lovely time, Blissful pleasure, Departure, Good-by
Star of Bethlehem Reconciliation, Atonement
T
Tulip (General) Fame, Perfect lover, Flower Emblem of Holland
Tulip (Yellow) Hopeless love, There's sunshine in your smile
Tulip (Variegated) Beautiful eyes
Tulip (Red) Declaration of love, Believe me
Thornapple I dreamed of thee
Tuberose Dangerous pleasures
Teasel Misanthropy
Trumpet Flower Separation
V
Valerian Accommodating disposition
Verbena Sensibility, Pray for me
Violet Modesty
Violet (White) Let´s take a chance
Violet (Blue) Love, Faithfulness, Watchfulness
Virgin's-Bower Artifice
Venus Flytrap Caught at Last
Viscaria Will you dance with me?
Veronica Fidelity
Vervain Enchantment
W
Water Lily Purity of heart
Water Lily (Yellow) Growing indifference
Water Lily (White) Eloquence
Wallflower Lasting beauty, Fidelity, Faithful in adversity
Wisteria Welcome
Windflower Sincerity, Love, Abandonment
Witch Hazel A spell
Wild Rose-Tree Poetical person
Wood-Sorrel Joy
Whortleberry Treachery
X
Xeranthemum Cheerful in adversity
Y
Yarrow Healing, Health
Yew Sadness
Z
Zinnia Thoughts of absent friends
Zinnia (Yellow) Daily remembrance
Zinnia (Magenta) Lasting Affection
Zinnia (White) Goodness
Zinnia (Scarlet) Constancy
Zephyranth Fond Caresses
Some of you may even want to understand the symbolism of each flower to be able to get a tattoo representing the symbolism. Whatever the reason, this list should help you find out what each flower means, and use its symbolism to express exactly how you feel.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/list-of-flower-names-and-meanings-of-flowers.html
The unanswered question
The astute reader will have observed that while we have thus far insinuated any number of intriguing connections between events, practices and beliefs attributed to ancient cultures and the superstitious fear of Fridays and the number 13, we have yet to happen upon an explanation of how, why, or when these separate strands of folklore converged — if that is indeed what happened — to mark Friday the 13th as the unluckiest day of all.
There's a very simple reason for that: nobody really knows, and few concrete explanations have been proposed.
'A day so infamous'
One theory, recently offered up as historical fact in the novel The Da Vinci Code, holds that the stigma came about not as the result of a convergence, but because of a catastrophe, a single historical event that happened nearly 700 years ago. That event was the decimation of the Knights Templar, the legendary order of "warrior monks" formed during the Christian Crusades to combat Islam. Renowned as a fighting force for 200 years, by the 1300s the order had grown so pervasive and powerful it was perceived as a political threat by kings and popes alike and brought down by a church-state conspiracy, as recounted by Katharine Kurtz in Tales of the Knights Templar (Warner Books, 1995):
On October 13, 1307, a day so infamous that Friday the 13th would become a synonym for ill fortune, officers of King Philip IV of France carried out mass arrests in a well-coordinated dawn raid that left several thousand Templars — knights, sergeants, priests, and serving brethren — in chains, charged with heresy, blasphemy, various obscenities, and homosexual practices. None of these charges was ever proven, even in France — and the Order was found innocent elsewhere — but in the seven years following the arrests, hundreds of Templars suffered excruciating tortures intended to force "confessions," and more than a hundred died under torture or were executed by burning at the stake.
There are problems with the "day so infamous" thesis, not the least of which is that it attributes enormous significance to a relatively obscure historical event. Even more problematic for this or any other theory positing pre-modern origins for a superstitious dread of Friday the 13th is the fact that so little documentation has been found to prove that such a superstition even existed prior to the late 19th century.
An accrual of bad omens?
Going back more than a hundred years, Friday the 13th doesn't even merit a mention in the 1898 edition of E. Cobham Brewer's voluminous Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, though one does find entries for "Friday, an Unlucky Day" and "Thirteen Unlucky." When the date of ill fate finally does make an appearance in later editions of the text, it is without extravagant claims as to the superstition's historicity or longevity. The very brevity of the entry is instructive: "Friday the Thirteenth: A particularly unlucky Friday. See Thirteen" — implying that the extra dollop of misfortune might be accounted for in terms of a simple accrual, as it were, of bad omens:
UNLUCKY FRIDAY + UNLUCKY 13 = UNLUCKIER FRIDAY
That being the case, we are guilty of perpetuating a misnomer by labeling Friday the 13th "the unluckiest day of all," a designation perhaps better reserved for, say, a Friday the 13th on which one breaks a mirror, walks under a ladder, spills the salt, and spies a black cat crossing one's path — a day, if there ever was one, best spent in the safety of one's own home with doors locked, shutters closed, and fingers crossed.
Postscript: A novel theory
In 13: The Story of the World's Most Popular Superstition (Avalon, 2004), author Nathaniel Lachenmeyer argues that the commingling of "unlucky Friday" and "unlucky 13" took place in the pages of a specific literary work, a novel published in 1907 titled — what else? — Friday, the Thirteenth. The book, all but forgotten now, concerned dirty dealings in the stock market and sold quite well in its day. Both the titular phrase and the phobic premise behind it — namely that superstitious people regard Friday the 13th as a supremely unlucky day — were instantly adopted and popularized by the press.
It seems unlikely that the novelist, Thomas W. Lawson, literally invented that premise himself — he treats it within the story, in fact, as a notion that already existed in the public consciousness — but he most certainly lent it gravitas and set it on a path to becoming the most widespread — or at least the most widely known — superstition in the modern world.
Sources and further reading (updated):
Bowen, John. "Friday the 13th." Salon magazine, 13 Aug 1999.
Brewer, E. Cobham. The Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. (1898 Edition in Hypertext).
"Days of the Week: Friday." The Mystical World Wide Web.
de Lys, Claudia. The Giant Book of Superstitions. New Jersey: Citadel Press, 1979.
Duncan, David E. Calendar: Humanity's Epic Struggle to Determine a True and Accurate Year. New York: Avon, 1998.
Ferm, Vergilius. A Brief Dictionary of American Superstitions. New York: Philosophical Library, 1965.
Krischke, Wolfgang. "This Just Might Be Your Lucky Day." Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, 1 Nov 2001.
Kurtz, Katharine. Tales of the Knights Templar. New York: Warner Books, 1995.
Lachenmeyer, Nathaniel. 13: The Story of the World's Most Popular Superstition. New York: Avalon, 2004.
Lawson, Thomas W. Friday, the Thirteenth. New York: Doubleday, 1907.
Opie, Iona and Tatem, Moira. A Dictionary of Superstitions. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1989.
Panati, Charles. Panati's Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things. New York: Harper Collins, 1989.
Q and A: Triskaidekaphobia. New York Times, 8 Aug 1993.
Scanlon, T.J., et al. "Is Friday the 13th Bad for Your Health?" British Medical Journal. (Dec. 18-25, 1993): 1584-6.
It is easy in the cyberworld to feel that the
normal civilities are suspended.
The web is a place of endless reinvention,
where people hide behind multiple
personalities; the shy and socially
awkward become brazen and bullish,
the reticent become flirtatious, the
uncommunicative become
loquacious.
Emboldened by anonymity,
it is easy to get carried away online.
Intemperate messages can be sent off with no fear of redress,
promises can be made that will never be fulfilled, crude innuendo is the order of the day. Mild-mannered computer geeks turn into determined stalkers, poking and prodding their victims, deluging people with emails, tweeting tediously.
Make it a general rule that you will never say anything online that you wouldn't be able to articulate directly, face to face. Do not use the technology as a shield, masking your true feelings and personality. So always write polite emails, and never send messages (on social networking sites, chatrooms, SMS etc.) that contain intemperate language or sentiments that you would never normally express in your everyday life.
Don't be an online bitch: skulking behind the computer screen and dishing out poison. Don't be an online bully: threatening and haranguing people you can't see, who can't fight back. Don't be an online bore: blogs that enumerate the minutiae of your day, likes, dislikes etc. in excruciating detail may exercise a horrible fascination, but won't make you popular.
Always remember that going online is a way of enhancing your life, not a substitute for living.
The trend for social networking via websites has made new demands on traditional etiquette. Play it safe, and always employ your usual good manners when online, treating others with kindness and respect.
Don't make friends with people who you don't know. It's not a competition to see how many friends you can get. Think carefully before you accept someone or remove someone as a friend. Don't annoy your friends by constant, frantic poking.
Don't let online social networking take over all other methods of communication. Letters and phone calls are still important. Send birthday cards rather than a message on a networking site. Call your friends to tell them important news rather than posting an announcement online.
Think carefully about the photos you post, both of yourself and others. Consider your friends' feelings. Would they be happy for everyone to see the unflattering picture of them after their fourth tequila shot?
Think about what your profile picture says about you, and don't fall into the trap of turning the online universe into a fantasy world, where you are more attractive and successful than in real life. Social networking is meant to complement and enhance your existing social life, not completely obliterate it.
Email has replaced many traditional forms of communication, both verbal and written. The writer of an email must remember that their message may be stored permanently, and that there is no such thing as confidentiality in cyberspace.
Delicate communications should therefore be sent by other means, and you must think carefully before hitting 'send' if the message is written in haste or when emotions are running high.
Avoid sarcasm and subtle humour unless you know that the reader will 'get it'. If in doubt, err towards the polite and formal, particularly where you are not well acquainted with the recipient.
Think carefully about using smiley faces, 'kisses' etc. Are these symbols really suitable for the recipient?
Using capital letters looks like shouting and should be avoided. If you want to emphasise something, try underlining or using italics.
Aim to stick as closely as possible to the conventions of traditional letter-writing. Close attention should be paid to spelling and grammar, and the habit of writing in lower case throughout should be avoided.
A well thought-out subject line will ensure that the message gets the attention it deserves.
Emails will often be printed and filed, and therefore close attention must be paid to layout. Again, treating the construction of an email just as you would a 'real' letter is the most effective approach.
Where there is more than one recipient, list them alphabetically or, in the business environment, according to hierarchy. This applies also to the 'cc' line.
Avoid blind copying ('bcc') where possible: instead, forward the original email on to the third party, with a short note explaining any confidentiality. Blind copying is, however, appropriate for distribution lists, for example, where all recipients must remain anonymous.
If you send an email in error, contact the recipient immediately by telephone and ask them to ignore/delete the message.
It is polite to reply to emails promptly - a simple acknowledgement with a promise that you will give the email your full attention at a given later point is preferable to 'sitting on' the message.
Never use email to reply to correspondence or an invitation that was not sent by email or does not supply an email adress as an RSVP option.
There is no replacement for paper and ink; in this day and age where propriety is so often sacrificed for the sake of immediacy, the truly sophisticated correspondent will put pen to paper rather than dashing off a quick email.
Manners and etiquette are often traits that are largely overlooked these days. There was once a time when society required only the best actions from people, and one slip-up in proper etiquette could cost a person his/her entire reputation.
But, this isn’t the 19th century and, for the most part, the public’s eye isn’t nearly as hawkish as it used to be for calling people out on their manner blunders. Nevertheless, there may come a time when you find yourself in a position where the best manners and etiquette are not only appropriate, but necessary. That’s why we are going to go over some basic instructions so that you are well prepared to make it through a high-society moment without any awkwardness.
Basic Manners
Let’s start off with basic manners.
You should know by now that holding the door open for others is a must and “please” and “thank you” are words never to be forgotten. Most of us know this much, but what about knowing when to remove your hat (guys) or to which side of her escort should a woman sit at a formal dinner? There are countless little tidbits like these, but we’re just going to cover the ones you are most likely to run into.
First, a gentleman should always remove his hat before entering a church, restaurant, theater, or someone’s home. It is also polite to remove one’s hat and stand when a lady enters the room, but these actions are usually saved for very formal situations, or to show respect (such as meeting your girlfriend’s parents).
If you are invited to a dinner party, it is customary (not to mention thoughtful) to bring a gift for your host or hostess. A bottle of wine or flowers are appropriate.
A gentleman should seat his female escort in the chair on his right, being sure to pull out the chair for her.
In today’s modern society, holding the door is no longer a role for the man. The person who reaches the door first should hold it for those who follow.
Also, when attending dinner in a restaurant, it is polite for the person who extended the invitation to pay for the meal.
Table Manners
Pretty simple, right? The really gritty stuff you are least likely to run into but more likely to make a blunder on is table manners.
Most of us don’t have a problem breezing our way through a restaurant meal with the laid-back table manners and etiquette we use at home, such as chewing with your mouth closed and keeping elbows off the table. But there may come a time when real “polish” is necessary.
You need to be aware that American table manners do differ in some ways when compared to say, British or Japanese table manners. It really isn’t necessary to learn manners from every country unless you have business dealings with several different countries and often meet with representatives in a restaurant setting. We are going to cover the basic table manners that should be used in America.
First off, the napkin goes in your lap. Pull it out to dab away any mess on your face, then return it to your lap. A used napkin should never sit on the table.
You should always sit straight to avoid hunching over your food (hunching appears greedy and territorial).
When eating soup, the spoon should move away from you when scooping the liquid. Soup should also be sipped from the spoon. When the last bites of the soup have been reached, the bowl should be tilted away from the body and scoops again should move outward.
Food should be passed to the right and in a formal setting, you should not take something from the plate you are passing if someone else requested the food; wait until they have taken their portion and ask for it to be passed back to you.
If someone asks for you to pass the salt, it is polite to pass them both the salt and the pepper.
The left hand should remain under the table when it is not in use.
You should endeavor to wait at least five seconds before taking a second bite of food, and try to time your bites so that everyone can finish the meal around the same time.
Always compliment the host or hostess on the food and never say anything negative about the food.
Most of these rules about manners and etiquette are fairly simple to learn and recall when you should need them. Besides, even if you never use them, it’s always a good idea to have the knowledge on hand just in case!
Generation X
Born: 1966-1976
Coming of Age: 1988-1994
Age in 2004: 28 to 38
Current Population: 41 million
Sometimes referred to as the “lost” generation, this was the first generation of “latchkey” kids, exposed to lots of daycare and divorce. Known as the generation with the lowest voting participation rate of any generation, Gen Xers were quoted by Newsweek as “the generation that dropped out without ever turning on the news or tuning in to the social issues around them.”
Gen X is often characterized by high levels of skepticism, “what’s in it for me” attitudes and a reputation for some of the worst music to ever gain popularity. Now, moving into adulthood William Morrow (Generations) cited the childhood divorce of many Gen Xers as “one of the most decisive experiences influencing how Gen Xers will shape their own families”.
Gen Xers are arguably the best educated generation with 29% obtaining a bachelor’s degree or higher (6% higher than the previous cohort). And, with that education and a growing maturity they are starting to form families with a higher level of caution and pragmatism than their parents demonstrated. Concerns run high over avoiding broken homes, kids growing up without a parent around and financial planning.
Generation Y, Echo Boomers or Millenniums
Born: 1977-1994
Coming of Age: 1998-2006
Age in 2004: 10 to 22
Current Population: 71 million
The largest cohort since the Baby Boomers, their high numbers reflect their births as that of their parent generation..the last of the Boomer Is and most of the Boomer II s. Gen Y kids are known as incredibly sophisticated, technology wise, immune to most traditional marketing and sales pitches...as they not only grew up with it all, they’ve seen it all and been exposed to it all since early childhood.
Gen Y members are much more racially and ethnically diverse and they are much more segmented as an audience aided by the rapid expansion in Cable TV channels, satellite radio, the Internet, e-zines, etc.
Gen Y are less brand loyal and the speed of the Internet has led the cohort to be similarly flexible and changing in its fashion, style consciousness and where and how it is communicated with.
Gen Y kids often raised in dual income or single parent families have been more involved in family purchases...everything from groceries to new cars. One in nine Gen Yers has a credit card co-signed by a parent.
Generation Z
Born: 1995-2012
Coming of Age: 2013-2020
Age in 2004: 0-9
Current Population: 23 million and growing rapidly
While we don’t know much about Gen Z yet...we know a lot about the environment they are growing up in. This highly diverse environment will make the grade schools of the next generation the most diverse ever. Higher levels of technology will make significant inroads in academics allowing for customized instruction, data mining of student histories to enable pinpoint diagnostics and remediation or accelerated achievement opportunities.
Gen Z kids will grow up with a highly sophisticated media and computer environment and will be more Internet savvy and expert than their Gen Y forerunners.
Sometimes distinguishing between furry cuteness and pure destruction is not an easy task. In fact, many of the animals kingdom’s cutest critters also happen to be its most prolific killers. You think that cute little puffer fish is adorable? Will you hold your breath as you reach to pet it? The answer is yes. Forever. So keep that in mind as you read through our list of the worlds most dangerous animals.
25
Deathstalker
deathstalker scorpionphoto – furryscale
This highly venomous scorpion residing primarily in North Africa and the Middle East is responsible for over 75% of scorpion related deaths every year. Although healthy adults usually only feel unbearable pain, children that are envenomated suffer fever, coma, convulsions, and paralysis before their lungs fill up and they drown in their own fluids.
24
Africanized Honey Bee
Africanized Honey Beephoto – Daniel Plumer
An experiment gone wrong, in 1957 a Brazilian bee keeper who was trying to interbreed European and African honey bees accidently let some of his “pets” get away. Much more aggressive than their European counterparts, these genetically mixed “killer bees” have since then spread through out the Americas. They have come to be feared in some regions because of their tendency to swarm relentlessly and aggressively chase their victims for miles.
23
Rhinoceros
Rhinocerosphoto – jonathunder
Rhino related deaths are not an uncommon occurrence in many parts of the world. Having terrible eyesight, they are easy to startle and once they have you in their sights it can be hard to make an escape (unless you can run faster than 40 mph). See the horn? Enough said.
22
Cone Snail
Cone Snailphoto – gregthebusker
One drop of venom from this little bugger is enough to end 20 human lives. Sometimes colloquially known as the “cigarette snail,” it has been said that when you are stung by this creature, you’ll have just about enough time to smoke a cigaret before you stop breathing. It’s not like it matters anyway though…there is no antivenom.
21
Stonefish
Stonefishphoto – lazlo
Lying camouflaged on the ocean floor, this ugly little mass of destruction calmly waits for other fish to swim by before opening its jaws with lightning speed and consuming its prey…all in less than .015 seconds. Also known as the “worlds most venomous fish”, stepping on its spines will at best cost you your leg and at worst, your life.
20
Great White Shark
Great White Sharkphoto – David Fleetham
These legendary predators have a terrible time distinguishing between the edible and the non-edible. There chosen method? Sampling. They sample buoys, boats, surfboards, humans, anything that floats. Contrary to popular belief, however, they really aren’t man-eaters. Humans are too bony, and after the initial bite, they usually leave you to bleed out in the water.
19
Black Mamba
Black Mambaphoto – Tim Vickers
One of the most feared creatures in the world, some experts have even called it “death incarnate.” In Africa it is the source of numerous myths and legends and it is widely known for being highly aggressive, very fast, and attacking without provocation.
18
Cape Buffalo
Cape Buffalophoto – Ikiwaner
Having never been successfully domesticated, this highly unpredictable creature does not play nice with humans. Throughout Africa it is known as the “widowmaker” or “black death” and is responsible for more fatalities every year than any other large animal on the continent.
17
Poison Dart Frog
Poison Dart Frogphoto – ucumari
Packed into 2 inches of colorful amphibian is enough poison to kill an army of 20,000 mice. This means that with roughly 2 micrograms, or the amount that would fit on a pinhead, you could successfully stop the heart of a large animal. And to make matters worse, the poison is actually located on the surface of the skin. You seriously can’t touch this.
16
Polar Bear
Polar Bearphoto – Alan Wilson
Unlike most other animals on this list, the world’s largest carnivore is not afraid of you. It has no natural predators and will eat anything that is even slightly meaty, including other polar bears. Although they generally don’t kill humans, it’s probably because there aren’t many of them around to kill.
15
Box Jellyfish
Box Jellyfishphoto – David Doubilet
Killing more people every year than sharks, crocodiles, and stonefish combined, this box of death has been labeled “world’s most venomous animal.” Its venom is so potent in fact, that in some cases treatment consists of little more than last minute CPR.
14
African Lion
African Lionphoto – National Geographic
While humans are generally not on their hit-list, some lions have been known to actively seek out human prey. One famous case was that of the Tsavo man-eaters in 1898 who mauled and killed 28 railway workers in Kenya over a 9 month period.
13
Boomslang
Boomslangphoto – William Warby
Although they are relatively shy and don’t generally attack humans, when they do, things can get messy. Boomslang venom is a hemotoxin that disables blood clotting. In others words, its victims slowly die as they bleed out from every pore in their body.
12
Puffer Fish
Puffer Fishphoto – Mila Zinkova
Considered one of the most poisonous vertebrates in the world, if you have read our article about the 25 strangest foods in the world, you know that it is a delicacy in Japan. Puffer poison will, however, paralyze your diaphragm and stop your breathing if you fail to prepare it correctly.
11
Hyena
Hyenaphoto – National Geographic
While these predators may be wary of human interaction during the day, after sunset the paradigm shifts. Although hyenas have been known to hunt humans throughout history, the behavior tends to increase during wartime and disease outbreaks due to their strong affinity for human corpses.
10
Komodo Dragon
Komodo Dragonphoto – Kenneth Garrett
Very much like Polar Bears, Komodo Dragons are not picky eaters. They will eat anything from birds to water buffalos to humans and they have even been known to dig up bodies from shallow graves. They are prodigious hunters and will wait stealthily until their prey approaches after which they will charge forward, rip out its throat, and retreat while it bleeds out. Once again, like Polar Bears, the only reason their human kill count is so low is probably due to limited interaction as well as the fact that they only really need to eat once a month.
9
Tse Tse Fly
Tse Tse Flyphoto – Rhett Butler
This large blood sucking fly is the primary carrier of African Sleeping Sickness and is therefore indirectly responsible for killing up to a quarter of a million people every year.
8
Leopard
Leopardphoto – Tom Weilenman
When most animals are wounded they run away and hide. Not leopards. When these dangerous creatures are wounded they become even more dangerous. Not only that, but they’re strong. Anyone who has watched the Discovery Channel knows that they like to hide their prey out of reach. Translation: they drag dead antelopes up trees.
7
Carpet Viper
Carpet Viperphoto – Tim Vickers
Responsible for the majority of snake related deaths in the world, this viper uses a hemotoxin similar to that of the boomslang. Unfortunately most of the bites occur in areas that lack modern medical facilities so the victims slowly bleed to death over the course of several weeks.
6
Brazilian Wandering Spider
Brazilian Wandering Spiderphoto – techuser
Meet the most venomous spider in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. What makes this critter so dangerous though is also how it got its name – a tendency to wander. They are often found hiding in houses and cars of densely populated areas, especially during daytime. Not a good combination.
5
Blue Ringed Octopus
Blue Ringed Octopusphoto – Tom Weilenman
About the size of a golf ball, don’t let its small stature fool you, it holds enough venom to kill 26 full grown adults and as you may have guessed, there is no antidote. Assuming that your friend ever gets bitten you had better know CPR because you can be sure that within minutes they will be completely paralyzed and unable to breathe. Mother nature, however, shows no mercy and they will maintain their consciousness for the next few hours until the venom is neutralized by their body. This is of course assuming that you, or someone at the hospital, continues artificial respiration.
4
Hippopotamus
Hippopotamusphoto – art.com
Although they are mostly herbivorous, they are also highly aggressive and are widely regarded as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. They have been known to attack humans without provocation even to the point of destroying entire vehicles.
3
Saltwater Crocodile
Saltwater Crocodilephoto – National Geographic
Sitting at the top of its food chain the Saltwater Crocodile has been known to eat everything from water buffalo to sharks. In order to kill its food it make use of a technique called the “death roll” where it relentlessly flips its prey over and over in the water until it drowns and then comes apart.
2
African Elephant
African Elephantphoto – Beverly Joubert
The world’s largest land animal, elephants can be fiercely aggressive and have been known to trample even a rhinoceros or two to death. They seemingly have the capacity to display bouts of rage and have even engaged in activities that have been interpreted as vindictive, razing entire villages in the process.
1
Mosquito
Mosquitophoto – alvesgaspar
Moving from one of the largest animals in the world we now come to one of the smallest. As small as it is though, it is also the deadliest. It has been estimated that mosquitos transmit diseases to almost 700 million people annually resulting in 2 to 3 million deaths every year.
Breathing Easier
When you breathe, your body takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This opposite pattern of gas use makes plants and people natural partners. Adding plants to interior spaces can increase oxygen levels.
At night, photosynthesis ceases, and plants typically respire like humans, absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. A few plants – orchids, succulents and epiphytic bromeliads – do just the opposite, taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Place these plants in bedrooms to refresh air during the night.
Releasing Water
As part of the photosynthetic and respiratory processes, plants release moisture vapor, which increases humidity of the air around them. Plants release roughly 97 percent of the water they take in. Place several plants together, and you can increase the humidity of a room, which helps keeps respiratory distresses at bay. Studies at the Agricultural University of Norway document that using plants in interior spaces decreases the incidence of dry skin, colds, sore throats and dry coughs.
Purifying Air
Plants remove toxins from air – up to 87 percent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) every 24 hours, according to NASA research. VOCs include substances like formaldehyde (present in rugs, vinyl, cigarette smoke and grocery bags), benzene and trichloroethylene (both found in man-made fibers, inks, solvents and paint). Benzene is commonly found in high concentrations in study settings, where books and printed papers abound.
Modern climate-controlled, air-tight buildings trap VOCs inside. The NASA research discovered that plants purify that trapped air by pulling contaminants into soil, where root zone microorganisms convert VOCs into food for the plant.
Improving Health
Adding plants to hospital rooms speeds recovery rates of surgical patients, according to researchers at Kansas State University. Compared to patients in rooms without plants, patients in rooms with plants request less pain medication, have lower heart rates and blood pressure, experience less fatigue and anxiety, and are released from the hospital sooner.
The Dutch Product Board for Horticulture commissioned a workplace study that discovered that adding plants to office settings decreases fatigue, colds, headaches, coughs, sore throats and flu-like symptoms. In another study by the Agricultural University of Norway, sickness rates fell by more than 60 percent in offices with plants.
Sharpening Focus
A study at The Royal College of Agriculture in Circencester, England, found that students demonstrate 70 percent greater attentiveness when they’re taught in rooms containing plants. In the same study, attendance was also higher for lectures given in classrooms with plants.
How Many Plants?
The recommendations vary based on your goals.
To improve health and reduce fatigue and stress, place one large plant (8-inch diameter pot or larger) every 129 square feet. In office or classroom settings, position plants so each person has greenery in view.
To purify air, use 15 to 18 plants in 6- to 8-inch diameter pots for an 1,800-square-foot house. That’s roughly one larger plant every 100 square feet. Achieve similar results with two smaller plants (4- to 5-inch pots).
Remember that for the best success with any houseplant, you need to match the right plant to the right growing conditions. Learn more in Tips for Healthy Houseplants. For low light situations, choose a plant adapted to those conditions.
Best Plants for Indoor Use
Common Name Latin Name Benefit Best Use
Spider plant Chlorophytum comosum Purifies air rapidly; removes formaldehyde Living spaces
Dragon tree1 Dracaena marginata Purifies air; removes formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and xylene Living spaces
Gerbera daisy2 Gerbera jamesonii Releases oxygen at night; purifies air by removing benzene and trichloroethylene Bedrooms to refresh nighttime air or living spaces
English ivy Hedera helix Removes benzene from air Dorm rooms or home office
Boston fern Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’ Humidifies air Living spaces; note that dry winter rooms can quickly kill Boston ferns; mist plants daily for best results
Philodendron3 Philodendron Purifies air; removes formaldehyde Living spaces of new or renovated homes with new floors, walls, carpets, etc.
Snake plant Sansevieria trifasciata Purifies air; removes formaldehyde and nitrogen oxide produced by fuel-burning appliances Living spaces, kitchens, rooms with wood stoves
Peace lily Spathiphyllum Removes mold from air Bathrooms or damp areas of home
1 Other dracaenas with similar properties: Janet Craig dracaena (Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig’) and corn plant (Dracaena fragrans ‘Massangeana’).
2 Gerberas make temperamental houseplants; getting them to rebloom is very challenging. It’s best to treat them like cut flowers: When the color show is over, unless you love the leaves, compost them.
3 Plants with similar properties: Pothos , bamboo palm , Chinese evergreen , and weeping fig .
The benefits of plants
You don’t have to be an environmental psychologist to understand that plants look attractive. But dig a little deeper beneath their beauty and you’ll discover that the benefits of interior landscaping go far beyond the aesthetic.
Recent research tells us that interior plants are good for buildings and people in a variety of subtle ways. Interior landscaping plays a vital role in providing a pleasant and tranquil environment in which to move, work or relax.
Plants help reduce stress and create a feeling of well-being
Most of us know instinctively that being close to greenery makes us feel more at ease with our surroundings. We experience less stress when there are plants around us. Buildings are quieter and more relaxed but, at the same time, more stimulating and interesting. A substantial body of academic research, has shown conclusively that interior landscaping has dramatic effects on the wellbeing of building occupants.
People in offices are more productive, take fewer sick days, make fewer mistakes. And they are happier when interior landscaping enhances their environment.
Patients in hospitals benefit greatly from being more in touch with nature. There is even evidence showing students perform better in improved learning environments.
Disaster Preparedness for Your Pet
Photo: CatIf a natural disaster strikes, what will happen to your pet? Be prepared: make a plan and prepare a disaster kit for your pet.
Leaving pets out of evacuation plans can put pets, pet owners, and first responders in danger. Even if you try to create a safe place for them, pets left behind during a disaster are likely to be injured, lost, or worse. It is your responsibility as a pet owner to find out what type of shelters and assistance are available in your area to accommodate pets and to include pets in your disaster plan to keep them safe during an emergency.
Have you included pets in your disaster plan? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Start today by:
Making a plan and
Preparing a disaster kit
By doing so, you are protecting the health of not only your pet, but yourself, your family, and others in your community.
To get started, familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that could impact your area and consider your options for providing care for your pet(s).
Make a Plan
Photo: Dog on a float Disasters can happen without warning, so be prepared for these events:
Make sure your pet(s) wear collars and tags with up-to-date contact information and other identification.
Microchip your pet(s) – this is one of the best ways to ensure that you and your pet are reunited if you are separated. Always be sure to register the microchip with the manufacturer and keep your contact information up to date with the microchip company.
Purchase a pet carrier for each of your pets (write your pet's name, your name and contact information on each carrier).
Familiarize your pet with its transport crate before a crisis.
Practice transporting your pet by taking them in for rides in a vehicle similar to one you would be evacuating in.
Practice catching your pet, if needed.
Keep a leash and/or carrier nearby the exit.
Ensure proper equipment for pets to ride in the car (carriers, harnesses, pet seatbelts).
If you do not have a car, make arrangements with neighbors, family and friends. You can also contact your local government to learn about transportation options during a disaster.
Decide where you and your pet are going to stay. Based on the severity of a disaster, you may have two options for your pets:
Sheltering in place
Sheltering in a facility away from home (during an evacuation)
Sheltering in Place
When sheltering at home with your pet, make sure the room chosen is pet-friendly in the following ways:
Select a safe room, preferably an interior room with no (or few) windows.
Remove any toxic chemicals or plants.
Close off small areas where frightened cats could get stuck in (such as vents or beneath heavy furniture).
Sheltering during an evacuation
Contact your local emergency management office and ask if they offer accommodations for owners and their pets.
If accommodations are needed for your pet(s):
Contact local veterinary clinics, boarding facilities, and local animal shelters. Visit the Humane Society websiteExternal Web Site Icon to find a shelter in your area. .
Contact family or friends outside the evacuation area.
Contact a pet-friendly hotel, particularly along evacuation routes.
Make plans before disaster strikes for where you and your pets will go. Be aware that pets may not be allowed in local human shelters, unless they are service animals.
Check with:
Family or friends outside the evacuation area.
Pet-friendly hotels
www.bringfido.comExternal Web Site Icon or call 877-411-FIDO
www.dogfriendly.comExternal Web Site Icon or call 888-281-5170
www.doginmysuitcase.comExternal Web Site Icon or call 8880254-0637
www.pet-friendly-hotels.netExternal Web Site Icon or call 866-966-3046
www.pets-allowed-hotels.comExternal Web Site Icon or call 800-250-1625
www.petswelcome.comExternal Web Site Icon
www.tripswithpets.comExternal Web Site Icon
Prepare a Pet Disaster Kit
Photo: Dog tagPrepare a disaster kit for your pet(s), so evacuation will go smoothly for your entire family. Ask your veterinarian for help putting it together. Here is a checklist Adobe PDF file to get you started. Some examples of what to include are:
Disaster Supplies for Pets
Food (in airtight waterproof containers or cans) and water for at least 2 weeks for each pet
Food and water bowls and a manual can opener
For cats: litter box and litter
For dogs: plastic bags for poop
Clean-up items for bathroom accidents (paper towels, plastic trash bags, bleach-containing cleaning agent)
Medications for at least 2 weeks, along with any treats used to give the medications and pharmacy contact for refills
Medical records
Rabies vaccination certificate
Current vaccination record
If your pet has a microchip, a record of the microchip number
Prescription for medication(s)
For cats, most recent FeLV/FIV test result or vaccination date
Summary of pertinent medical history; ask your veterinarian for a copy
Sturdy leashes or harnesses
Carrier or cage that is large enough for your pet to stand comfortably and turn around; towels or blankets
Pet toys and bed (familiar items to help the pet[s] feel more comfortable).
A handout containing identification Adobe PDF file information (in the event you get separated from your pet)
Current photo of pet
Pet’s descriptive features (age, sex, neutered/non-neutered status, color(s), and approximate weight)
Microchip number
Owner contact information (cell phone, work phone, home phone)
Contact information of a close relative or friend,
A handout with boarding instructions, Adobe PDF file such as feeding schedule, medications, and any known allergies and behavior problems
Documents, medications, and food should be stored in waterproof containers
Protect Yourself from Injury and Illness
Disasters are stressful for humans and pets alike. Practice safe handling of your pet, because your pet may behave differently during a stressful situation.
To avoid common diseases that pets can transmit to people
Wash your hands before and after handling your pet and its waste
Wash your hands right after handling pet food or treats
Wash your hands after picking up your pet’s stool or cleaning a litter box
Avoid letting your pet lick your face or hands
Diseases Pets Can Transmit to People During a Natural Disaster
Photo: Dog with suitcaseNatural disasters can contribute to the transmission of some diseases. Exposure to inclement weather conditions, stagnant water, wildlife or unfamiliar animals, and overcrowding can put your pet at risk for getting sick. Some of these illnesses can be transmitted to people. Some common disaster-related diseases that pets can pass to people are listed below.
Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system in both animals and people. Rabies is transmitted through bites from rabid animals or through contact with their saliva.To protect you and your pet:
Keep your pet up-to-date on rabies vaccine
Report any bite wounds to medical personnel immediately
Practice safe handling of pets in a stressful situation
Keep your pet in a carrier or on a leash
Do not allow your pet to interact with other animals
Ringworm is a condition caused by a fungus that can infect skin, hair, and nails of both people and animals. Ringworm is transmitted from animals to people through direct contact with an infected animal's skin or hair or through touching an object where an affected animal has been. To protect your family from ringworm:
Wash your hands after touching any animal
Do not let your pet interact with other animals
Use disinfectant to clean the cage and litter box
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease found in the urine of infected animals that can cause kidney damage and affect other organs. It is transmitted through contact with infected urine or contaminated water, soil, and food.
Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating your pet for leptospirosis
Wash your hands after coming in contact with urine
Avoid stagnant water, especially after flooding occurring after natural disasters
Don’t allow pets to play in or drink contaminated water
Diseases spread by mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks: Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks are common pests of stray animals and can be a problem immediately following a disaster situation. Their bites irritate the skin and may also carry a variety of diseases (Lyme disease, West Nile virus) harmful to both humans and animals. To prevent illnesses associated with mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks:
Keep your pet up-to-date on heartworm and flea and tick preventive treatments
Keep your pet away from wildlife and stray animals
Wash your pet’s bedding regularly
Visit Healthy Pets Healthy People for more information on diseases animals can transmit to humans.
Photo: Lost pet flyerWhat if I am separated from my pet?
Make sure that your family is in a safe location before you begin your search.
If you are in a shelter that houses pets, inform one of the pet caretakers. Give the pet caretaker your pre-made missing pet handout.
Once you have been cleared to leave the shelter and return home, contact animal control about your lost pet.
Last, call the microchip company to make sure all the information about you and your pet is updated and current.
More Information
CDC Protect your Pets in an Emergency
CDC Emergency Preparedness and YouCDC Fact sheet: Protect yourself from animal and insect-related hazards after a disaster
Saving the Whole Family guide to disaster preparedness from the American Veterinary Medical Association Adobe PDF file [PDF - 378KB]External Web Site Icon
Federal Emergency Management Agency: Considerations for caring for animals during a disasterExternal Web Site Icon
Humane Society of the United States: Making a disaster plan for petsExternal Web Site Icon
United States Department of Agriculture: Animal Emergency and Disaster Planning InformationExternal Web Site Icon (includes farm animals)
Federal Emergency Management Agency: Evacuation routesExternal Web Site Icon
Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine: Manual for Animal Shelters during a DisasterExternal Web Site Icon
READY.GOV Prepare for Emergencies Now: Information for Pet Owners Adobe PDF file [PDF - 283KB]External Web Site Icon
German chamomile: Abscesses, allergies, arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, wounds.
Cinnamon: Constipation, exhaustion, flatulence, lice, low blood pressure, rheumatism, scabies.
Eucalyptus Globulous: Arthritis, bronchitis, catarrh, cold sores, colds, coughing, fever, flu, poor circulation, sinusitis
Frankincense: Anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, extreme coughing, scars and stretch marks, depression
Grapefruit: Cellulite, dull skin, toxin build-up, water retention.
Jasmine: Dry skin, labour pains, sensitive skin.
Lavender: Acne, allergies, anxiety, asthma, athlete's foot, bruises, burns, chicken pox, colic, cuts, cystitis, depression, dermatitis, earache, flatulence, headache, hypertension, insect bites, insect repellent, itching, labour pains, migraine, oily skin, rheumatism, scabies, scars, sores, sprains, strains, str
Lemon: Athlete's foot, colds, corns, dull skin, flu, oily skin, spots, varicose veins, wartsess, stretch marks, vertigo, whooping cough
Lemongrass: Acne, athlete's foot, digestion, excessive perspiration, flatulence, insect repellent, muscle aches, oily skin, scabies, stress
Melissa: Flu, indigestion, herpes, nausea, shingles and cold sores
Myrrh: Amenorrhea, athlete's foot, bronchitis, chapped skin, gums, halitosis, itching, ringworm
Bitter orange: Colds, constipation, dull skin, flatulence, flu, gums, mouth, slow digestion,
Patchouli: Acne, cellulite, chapped skin, dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, mature skin, oily skin.
Black pepper: Aching muscles, arthritis, detox, constipation, muscle cramps, poor circulation, sluggish digestion.
Peppermint: Asthma, colic, exhaustion, fever, flatulence, headache, nausea, scabies, sinusitis, vertigo
Rosemary: Aching muscles, arthritis, dandruff, dull skin, exhaustion, gout, hair care, muscle cramping, neuralgia, poor circulation and rheumatism.
Ylang Ylang: Hypertension, menopause and PMS symptoms, palpitations
Tea Tree : The leaf of the tea, or ti, tree had a long history of use by the indigenous peoples of Australia before tea tree was "discovered" by the crew of the famous English explorer James Cook. The aroma of the oil is warm, spicy, medicinal and volatile. It is occasionally used to scent spicy colognes and aftershaves. It blends well with lavandin, rosemary and nutmeg oils. Aromatherapy benefits: cleansing, purifying, uplifting.
Omega-3 and Alaska Salmon
Scientific research has proven that certain fats can be healthy and actually help the human body fight against cancer and heart disease. For years, studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood, like salmon, can help lower blood cholesterol levels. Now, aggressive medical studies are showing that fish oils, including Omega-3, alters the production of an important group of biological compounds known as eicosanoids. These compounds affect blood pressure, blood clotting, inflammation, immune function and coronary spasms.
Omega-3 Fats are Healthy
Alaska Salmon is rich in Omega-3 oils. Scientists have known for years that Omega-3 offers heart-healthy benefits, including:
Helping to decrease blood lipids (cholesterol, LDL's, and triglycerides)
Reducing blood clotting factors
Increasing relaxation in larger arteries and blood vessels
Decreasing the inflammatory processes in blood vessels
Additionally, the Omega-3 oils found in certain types of seafood, including Alaska Salmon, have been linked to improvements in or prevention of certain kinds of cancer, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, arthritis, asthma, certain kinds of mental illness, depression and lupus.
Sources of Omega-3
The preferred choice for Omega-3 consumption is from eating seafood because the fat is better absorbed by the body and it comes with many other nutrients. Many modern diets aren't high enough in Omega-3 oils to realize optimum health benefits. That's why various types of seafood should be included in weekly diets.
Regular seafood meals could include salmon, which is particularly high in these "good fats." In addition, Sockeye salmon has the highest amount of Omega-3 of any fish with approximately 2.7 grams per 100-gram portion. Therefore, just one serving of Alaska Salmon per week can help to lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.
How often should Omega-3 fats be consumed?
Studies have shown that including seafood in the diet two to four times a week can improve health. Why not start today with one of the five species of Alaska salmon - King, Sockeye, Coho, Chum or Pink? They are certainly long-time favorites for those searching for Omega-3 content in foods.
Wild and Pure
Alaska is fish country. For thousands of years, the fishes of Alaska’s seas and rivers have supported human use, from fisheries used by Alaska’s indigenous Native peoples since prehistoric times, to today’s modern seafood industry. Alaska is home to abundant stocks of many species of fish, and offers some of the cleanest marine, freshwater, and upland habitats in the world. Effective state and federal institutions manage fisheries that are productive and sustainable, clean and healthy. Alaska is the only State in the nation whose Constitution explicitly mandates that all fish, including salmon, shall be utilized, developed, and maintained on the sustained yield principle. Here are some examples of Alaska’s unique fisheries management and pristine environment.
Alaska is thousands of miles away from large sources of pollution that can contaminate the human food supply in other parts of the world. These distances, combined with the earth’s patterns of circulation of water and air, help to ensure that Alaska’s own waters are among the cleanest in the world.
Alaska’s human population density is among the lowest of any in the United States, and lower than most places in the world. Alaska has little heavy industry, and has strict regulations governing development activities, such as road building, mining, logging, and sewage treatment. The State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) has a regulatory section dealing specifically with water quality. Water discharges, such as sewage and other potential pollutants, are closely regulated to ensure high water quality. In addition, ADFG requires prior approval for any in-stream construction activities in Alaska’s salmon streams through the authority of the Alaska statutes known as the “Anadromous Fish Act” (Alaska Statute 16.05.870). Alaska also has a Forest Practices Act requiring buffer zones from logging along salmon streams to prevent erosion and protect spawning and rearing habitat. Clean marine habitats produce pure seafood products.
Alaska’s marine habitats are extremely clean, and Alaska’s seafood is pure and remarkably free of contamination by pesticides, petroleum derivatives, PCBs, metals, and bacteria.
There are many different astral worlds, as many of you already know. One of them that very few people are aware of is a place called Draconia. Deep within the spiritual planes, Draconia is the home of the DragonWarrior.
Billions of years ago, when the many universes of the physical and the astral were created, the Gods formed life to their own liking. In Draconia, being nonphysical, there was no need to wait for evolution, the Gods created Humans right away. This gave a template as to how life would start on Earth.
But somehow, in the cycle of destruction and rebirth of the universe, something not a God survived. A Being, ancient beyond comprehension was granted certain powers for having survived the destruction and creation of the Universe. With his powers, he created his own race in his own image, calling them Dragons.
But Humans and Dragons did not get along. They were too different, and felt they had nothing to share. The Gods were, for once, at a loss for what to do. But the Great Dragon, as he had come to be known, had a plan. Using his last bit of creative power, he created another being, this one was actually human, but it was different in that he had the sould of a Dragon.
The energies this being radiated spread a calm all over the land, and Dragons and Humans simply found no need to fight. In most cases, they simply agreed to disagree, in a few, they actually found ways to get along. In any case, the Great Dragon's Final experiment was succesful. He has very little power left over, but it was more than enough to create for himself a magickal Lair in which he could be reached in times on necessity.
What is rarely known, however, is that the DragonWarrior, being created for peace, had in instinctual need to solve problems. He wandered around, and found many lands in trouble. He was a grand peacemaker, but there came a time when it was not enough, and he was killed.
The Great Dragon felt the soul of the DragonWarrior fly back to him, and was saddened. He left his lair and traveled to many of the lands the DragonWarrior had visited. In each one, he left a gift, a tool of great magickal power for the DragonWarrior to find when they were needed. He knew, through his wisdom and powers of prophecy, that the DragonWarrior would need to rise again, and now, that he could not undertake this task alone. The Great Dragon could only hope that the tools he left would be as great a help as he had planned. Or perhaps even, the New DragonWarrior would have help from others, and truly bring the two races together and bring peace to the Realm.
The DragonWarrior fights to end all conflict. To end hunger, disease, and he will not give up. Therefore, as he struggles to save his own land, which is mirrored with our own, should we not try to do the same? We must use the toold we have. Truth, Justice, and the power of communication are all we need to end conflict in our world. Only when both worlds try hard enough cn there truly be peace.
It is our duty to help. And as a Draconian Witch, I struggle daily to improve the quality of life for all around me. I am not as succesful as the DragonWarrior in his world, but he has different means available to him. I cannot battle my way into enemy lands and convince their leaders that peace is better. That is for our governments to handle. I can give an example for all around me with honesty, fairness, and kindness. And I do. Feel free to join me in this. Perhaps when enough do so, we can finally help the DragonWarrior.
Principles of Draconian Magick
Recognise the existence of Draconia, which is in many ways a mirror of our own world.
See Magick in the form of three concentric circles, the outermost being unconscious magick, which EVERYONE does, the second is Ritualistic (Witchy stuff), and the innermost, the First Circle, is Magick generally termed telekinesis and telepathy by us, but
Ritual Garb is in the form of Midieval Garb, in honor of the Draconian Way of life
The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, cholesterol level maintenance, weight loss, boosted immune system, proper digestion and regulated metabolism. It also provides relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, and cancer, while helping to improve dental quality and bone strength. These benefits of oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and their respective properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-fungal, antibacterial and soothing qualities.
Coconut oil is used extensively in tropical countries especially India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Philippines etc., which have a good production of coconut oil. At one time, the oil was also popular in western countries like the United States and Canada, but there was a strong propaganda campaign in the 1970s spread by the corn oil and soy oil industry against coconut oil. Coconut oil was considered harmful for the human body due to its high saturated fat content until the last decade (2000s) when people began to question the claims of the propaganda. Next, let’s look into some more details of how coconut oil works in our body.
How is lauric acid used by our body?
The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin, which is supposedly helpful in dealing with viruses and bacteria that cause diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. It also helps in fighting harmful bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and helicobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia.
Advertisement
As a result of these various health benefits of coconut oil, although its exact mechanism of action was unknown, it has been extensively used in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicinal system. The Coconut Research Center has compiled a list of potential benefits of coconut oil in both traditional and modern medicine.
Before we move on to the benefits of coconut oil in detail, we should first understand its composition.
Composition of Coconut Oil:
More than ninety percent of coconut oil consists of saturated fats (Don’t panic! It’s not as bad as it sounds, read to the end of this review and your opinion may change), along with traces of few unsaturated fatty acids, such as monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Virgin coconut oil is no different from this.
Saturated fatty acids: Most of them are medium chain triglycerides, which are supposed to assimilate well in the body’s systems. Lauric acid is the chief contributor, representing more than forty percent of the total, followed by capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid and palmitic.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids: Linoleic acid.
Monounsaturated fatty acids: Oleic acid.
Poly-phenols: Coconut contains Gallic acid, which is also known as phenolic acid. These polyphenols are responsible for the fragrance and the taste of coconut oil and Virgin Coconut Oil is rich in these polyphenols.
Certain derivatives of fatty acid like betaines, ethanolamide, ethoxylates, fatty esters, fatty polysorbates, monoglycerides and polyol esters.
Fatty chlorides, fatty alcohol sulphate and fatty alcohol ether sulphate, all of which are derivatives of fatty alcohols.
Vitamin-E, vitamin K and minerals such as iron.
Coconut
Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
Hair care:
Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrients for your hair. It helps in healthy growth of hair and gives your hair a shiny quality. It is also highly effective in reducing protein loss which can lead to various unattractive or unhealthy qualities in your hair.
Coconut oil is extensively used in the Indian sub-continent for hair care. Most of the people in those countries apply coconut oil on their hair every day after bathing or showering. It is an excellent conditioner and helps the re-growth process of damaged hair. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing and healing damaged hair. Research studies indicate that coconut oil provides better protection to hair from damage caused by hygral fatigue.
By regularly massaging your head with coconut oil, you can ensure that your scalp is free of dandruff, even if your scalp is chronically dry. It also helps in keeping your hair and scalp free from lice and lice eggs.
Coconut oil is therefore used as hair care oil and is used in manufacturing various conditioners and dandruff relief creams. Coconut oil is normally applied topically for hair care.
Heart diseases
There is a misconception spread among many people that coconut oil is not good for heart health. This is because it contains a large quantity of saturated fats. In reality, coconut oil is beneficial for the heart. It contains about 50% lauric acid, which helps in actively preventing various heart problems like high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. The saturated fats present in coconut oil are not harmful as you commonly find in vegetable oils. Coconut oil does not lead to increase in LDL levels, and it reduces the incidence of injury and damage to arteries and therefore helps in preventing atherosclerosis.
Advertisement
Skin care
Coconut oil is an excellent massage oil for the skin as well. It acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skin, including dry skin. The benefit of coconut oil on the skin is comparable to that of mineral oil. Fortunately, unlike mineral oil, there is no chance of having any adverse side effects on the skin from the application of coconut oil. Coconut oil therefore is a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin. It also delays the appearance of wrinkles and sagging of skin which normally accompany aging. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. For that exact reason, coconut oil forms the base ingredient of various body care products like soaps, lotions, and creams that are used for skin care. Coconut oil also helps in preventing premature aging and degenerative diseases due to its well-known antioxidant properties.
Weight loss
Coconut oil is very useful forBenefits of Honey in Weight Loss" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term="Lipids"[Jour]+AND+44[volume]+AND+2009[pdat]+AND+ferreira[author]"> weight loss. It contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that help in taking off excessive weight. It is also easy to digest and it helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and endocrine system. Further, it increases the body’s metabolic rate by removing stress on the pancreas, thereby burning more energy and helping obese and overweight people lose the weight. Hence, people living in tropical coastal areas, who use coconut oil every day as their primary cooking oil, are normally not fat, obese or overweight.
Immunity
Coconut oil is also good for the immune system. It strengthens the immune system because it contains antimicrobial lipids, lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which research has supported as an effective way to deal with viruses and bacteria that cause diseases like herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. Coconut oil helps in fighting harmful bacteria like listeria monocytogenes and helicobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia.
Digestion
Internal functions of coconut oil occur primarily due to it being used as cooking oil. Coconut oil helps to improve the digestive system and thus prevents various stomach and digestion-related problems including Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The saturated fats present in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can cause indigestion. Coconut oil also helps in the absorption of other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
Candida
Coconut has been shown to prevent and even cure candida. It provides relief from the inflammation caused by candida, both externally and internally. Its high moisture retaining capacity keeps the skin from cracking or peeling off. Further, unlike other pharmaceutical treatments for candida, the effects of coconut oil is gradual and not drastic or sudden, which gives the patient an appropriate amount of time to get used to the withdrawal symptoms or Herxheimer Reactions (the name given to the symptoms accompanying body’s rejection of toxins generated during elimination of these fungi). But, in the treatment of this condition, people should systematically and gradually increase their dosages of coconut oil and shouldn’t initially start with a large quantity.
Candida, also known as Systemic Candidiasis, is a tragic disease caused from excessive and uncontrolled growth of yeast called Candida Albicans in the stomach. This yeast is more or less present in everyone’s stomach, but it doesn’t manifest any adverse effects since its growth is controlled by the beneficial bacteria which also resides in our stomach. There are many reasons for this uncontrolled growth of yeast. For example, if other destructive bacteria or the use of antibiotics which ultimately end up in eliminating these bacteria, there can be an imbalance of bacteria and a problem like Candida can develop. Also, bleaching or washing of your stomach with medicines or excessive use of chemical laxatives or ingestion of poisonous material can cause the yeast or fungi to start growing very fast and can lead to Candida.
Symptoms of candida: The symptoms of Candida include infection in the genitals, urinary tract and bladder, stomach & intestines, ear, nose and throat, itchy and dry skin, inflammations in internal organs and skin, patching & peeling off of skin (particularly in scalp), digestive and excretory disorders and problems with your hair and nails.
This disease is very common in Europe and America, possibly due to the cold and moist climate and general food preparation, storage, and comsumption habits. In these places, a large portion of their food is comprised of food stuffs which, in some way or the other, are processed with yeast or fermented. For example, these cultures heavily rely on foods like bread, other baked items, cheese and above all, wine and other alcoholic drinks. These things also assist growth of Candida Albicans in the body. The various fatty acids found in the coconut oil are beneficial in counteracting the effects of these habits and can be used to treat Candida.
Capric acid is a medium chain fatty acid (a Saturated Fat) present in coconut oil has antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal properties. This is the same fatty acid present in breast milk and it protects the baby from bacterial, viral and fungal infections. In the body, it reacts with certain enzymes secreted by other bacteria, which subsequently convert it into a powerful antimicrobial agent, monocaprin. In the systematic use coconut oil as a treatment for Candida, the capric acid has also been found very effective in killing the yeast.
Caprylic acid, caproic acid, myristic acid and lauric acid are all found in coconut oil and have antimicrobial and antifungal properties which aid in the elimination of candida albicans. Lauric acid is a saturated fat and a medium chain fatty acid that forms a compound called monolaurin when it reacts with enzymes. This monolaurin is a potent germ and fungus killer.
Healing and infections
When applied to infected areas, coconut oil forms a chemical layer that protects the infected body part from external dust, air, fungi, bacteria and viruses. Coconut oil is highly effective on bruises because it speeds up the healing process of damaged tissues.
Infections: Coconut oil is very effective against a variety of infections due to its antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. According to the Coconut Research Center, coconut oil kills the viruses that cause influenza, measles, hepatitis, herpes, SARS, and other serious health risks. It also kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and gonorrhoea. Finally, coconut oil is also effective in the elimination of fungi and yeast that cause ringworm, athlete’s foot, thrush, and diaper rash.
Other
Coconut oil is strongly recommended for a number of other benefits that are explained below. Using coconut oils has been shown to mildly help the following:
Liver: The presence of medium chain triglycerides and fatty acids helps in preventing liver diseases because those substances are easily converted into energy when they reach the liver, thus reducing the work load of the liver and also preventing accumulation of fat.
Kidney: Coconut oil helps in preventing kidney and gall bladder diseases. It also helps to dissolve kidney stones.
Pancreatitis: Coconut oil is also believed to be useful in treating pancreatitis.
Stress relief: Coconut oil is very soothing and hence it helps in removing stress. Applying coconut oil to the head, followed by a gentle massage, helps to eliminate mental fatigue.
Diabetes: Coconut oil helps in controlling blood sugar, and improves the secretion of insulin. It also promotes the effective utilization of blood glucose, thereby preventing and treating diabetes.
Bones: As mentioned earlier, coconut oil improves the ability of our body to absorb important minerals. These include calcium and magnesium which are necessary for the development of bones. Thus, coconut oil is very useful to women who are prone to osteoporosis after middle age.
Dental care: Calcium is an important component of our teeth. Since coconut oil facilitates absorption of calcium by the body, it helps in developing strong teeth. Coconut oil also stops tooth decay.
HIV and cancer: It is believed that coconut oil plays an instrumental role in reducing a person’s viral susceptibility for HIV and cancer patients. Preliminary research has shown an indication of this effect of coconut oil on reducing the viral load of HIV patients (Reference).
Finally, coconut oil is often used by athletes, body builders and by those who are dieting. The reason behind this being that coconut oil contains less calories than other oils, its fat content is easily converted into energy, and it does not lead to accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries. Coconut oil helps boost energy and endurance, and generally enhances the performance of athletes.
Coconut oil and Alzheimer’s disease: The research conducted by Dr. Newport states that coconut oil is useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Apart from this there is no scientific evidence or traditional knowledge of coconut oil being used for treating Alzheimer’s. In fact, it is not traditionally thought that coconut oil helps in boosting the function of the brain in any form.
Why is coconut oil solid?: Unlike most other oils, coconut oil has a high melting point – about 24 to 25 degrees Celsius or 76-78 Fahrenheit. Therefore it is solid at room temperature and melts only when the temperature rises considerably. Hence, if you buy a bottle of coconut oil and find it solid, don’t immediately assume that there is some problem with it. Coconut oil is often in this form, and obviously, don’t keep it in your refrigerator.
How to use coconut oil?: If you are using coconut oil for topical purposes, especially hair care, just melt the oil (if it is solid) by keeping the bottle in the sun or soaking it in warm water. You can also take some coconut oil out and put it in a small bowl and heat the bowl over a flame (don’t use a microwave). Then, take the oil on your palm and apply it to your hair. If you want to use it for internal consumption, simply replace butter or vegetable oils with coconut oil in your recipes. Remember, you don’t need to completely switch to coconut oil, because then you will lose the other benefits of more traditional oils and dairy products.
Can I use coconut oil for cooking?: Yes, in most of the tropical coastal regions, people use coconut oil for cooking.
I don’t like the taste of coconut oil. What should I do?: Try using coconut oil in a variety of different recipes. However, if you get nauseated after eating coconut oil, don’t force yourself to eat it. As can happen with any food item, your body may be allergic to coconut oil and it is best not to consume it.
Varieties of Coconut Oil
There are primarily 6 varieties of coconut oil that you will find on the market. These are pure coconut oil, refined coconut oil, organic coconut oil, virgin coconut oil, organic virgin coconut oil and extra virgin coconut oil.
Pure Coconut Oil: This oil is our most well-known old friend. It is extracted from dried coconut kernels, which are also called copra. It is crude, unrefined and without any additives. It is mainly extracted by compression of copra in a mill, either driven by bullocks or by power. However, the variety extracted by bullock driven oil mills is preferred. Pure coconut oil has multiple uses such as edible oil, massaging oil, hair oil, cosmetic usage, as well as medicinal and industrial use.
Refined Coconut Oil: This is sometimes also called the RBD coconut oil, which is an abbreviated form for refined, bleached & deodorized coconut oil. As the name suggests, this type is obtained by mechanically and chemically refining, bleaching and deodorizing the crude coconut oil, to make it thin, colorless, odorless and without any type of particle (such as proteins) suspended in it. What we then get is only pure saturated fats.
Virgin Coconut Oil: Virgin coconut oil is derived from the milk obtained from fresh coconut meat, and not from copra, by processes like fermentation, centrifugal separation and enzyme action. Care is taken to use no or as little heat as possible in the extraction of this oil. Produced in this way, the oil tastes and smells the best and is laden with antioxidants and medium chain fatty acids. It also has remarkable anti-microbial properties. This is one of the most respected and trusted varieties of coconut oil.
Organic Coconut Oil: The coconut oil that has been extracted from coconuts obtained from coconut palms raised only on organic manure and no synthetic fertilizers or insecticides. The production of organic coconut oil is also completed without involving any chemical in its extraction or processing. This is another well-respected variety of coconut oil. Organic coconut oil forms an integral part of a number of organic cosmetic products such as organic soaps, organic skin creams and lotions, organic snacks and thousands of other similar products. Some of the organic programs and authorities that certify organic coconut oil include Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS), USDA National Organic Program (NOP), European Organic Regulations (EU 2092/91), Export Certificates for Japan (JAS Equivalent), Indian National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), Quebec Organic Reference Standard (CAAQ), Bio Suisse Standards, IOFAM Basic Standards, ECOCERT.
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil: This type of oil is basically virgin coconut oil produced from the organic coconuts, in an organic way. This is perhaps the best and purest form of coconut oil one can imagine, but it is rare.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: Among all the varieties of coconut oil, this is the most challenged and controversial variety, as its very existence is doubtful and the name hardly makes any sense. Furthermore, there are no set standards for virginity of coconut oil. Moreover, reputed firms and governmental bodies are still hesitant to say anything on the matter, nor are they selling it. Basically, further research is definitely required.
The properties of coconut oil do not differ much with their varieties and remain more or less the same. So, think well and make a wise decision before you decide to purchase one of the varieties.
Coconut Oil as a Carrier Oil: Coconut oil can be very efficient as carrier oil. Carrier oils hold a place of high importance in Aromatherapy, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine and all other systems of treatment that involve massaging. Carrier oils are those oils which easily penetrate or absorb into the skin and thus facilitate seepage or absorption of other oils (such as essential oils) and herbal extracts through the skin when mixed into it. Coconut oil is easily absorbed through the skin’s pores and thus is used as a carrier oil. Furthermore, being one of the most stable oils, it doesn’t go rancid, nor does it let the other oils, herbal extracts, or medicines spoil inside of it. Due to its anti-fungal and anti-microbial property coconut oil keeps the oils, herbal extracts and medicines that are mixed in it protected from microbial or fungal interactions. It also does not alter the properties of the oils and herbs mixed within it. Coconut oil is expensive in several countries; however, in tropical countries its cost is low enough to make it affordable as a carrier oil.
Coconut oil extraction
Cold pressing is one of the preferred methods for the extraction of coconut oil.The quality of coconut oil depends a lot on the method of its extraction. Basically, there are two main methods of extraction of coconut oil. The first is cold pressing of copra (dried coconut kernels) and the second is boiling of fresh coconut milk. Since boiling or heating destroys many nutrients and valuable components, coconut oil obtained this way is not considered as good as that obtained by cold pressing, since cold pressing retains much of oil’s goodness. Machine pressing and bullock/manual pressing are two methods of cold pressing.
Machine pressing: In this cold pressing is done with the help of an electrically or diesel-engine driven oil mill. Most of cold pressed oil used in the world is obtained this way.
Bullock/manual pressing: The oil obtained this way has a better taste and fragrance and is more expensive since the production is smaller, it consumes more time and energy, and wastage is higher. In short, it has a higher price, lower availability and better quality.
Buying Coconut Oil
First of all, you need to decide why you need coconut oil and where you are going to use it. Your choice should be based on your need, like whether you want it for edible purposes or as a carrier oil to be used in aromatherapy, for massaging, for weight loss, or for medicinal purposes. As mentioned earlier, there are different varieties for different purposes. Their properties do not differ much, unless they are mixed with some base or additives that do not contain 100% coconut oil. Below is a list of such purposes and the type of coconut oil to buy.
Purpose————–Preferable Type to Buy
Cooking————–Refined Coconut Oil
Weight Loss———Virgin Coconut Oil
As a Carrier Oil—–Virgin Coconut Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil
Good Health———Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Coconut Oil
Massaging———–Pure Coconut Oil, Refined Coconut Oil
Hair——————–Pure Coconut Oil, Refined Coconut Oil
Medicinal uses—–Virgin Coconut Oil, Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
Furthermore, before you buy coconut oil, you should keep in mind that for edible and therapeutic uses, refined coconut oil is the best as it is hygienic and clean. Unrefined coconut oil is good for external applications like hair care and skin care.
Where to buy from?: Except some of the special varieties, such as virgin coconut oil and organic coconut oil, other varieties like pure coconut oil and refined coconut oil are easily available in most grocery stores, especially in tropical countries. For special varieties, you may need to search in larger department stores or drug stores. Things may be a little different in countries which do not produce coconut oil, like the US, Canada, and most of Europe. You will need to visit big grocers in these countries to find different varieties of coconut oil. You can also get coconut oil easily at grocery stores in localities which have higher populations of people from India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Philippines, and coastal Africa. Obviously, you can order it online as well and have it delivered wherever you live.
Which brand to buy?: It is not a problem if someone in your village extracts coconut oil (quite normal in Philippines, Thailand, Burma, coastal India, Sri Lanka etc.) and you know that person well or see him/her expelling the oil. But when you are buying coconut oil in packs, go for the reliable and reputable brands. Read the contents carefully and check the manufacturing date (although coconut oil has a long shelf life, fresher is still better).
How much to pay? This is a really difficult question to answer. The price of coconut oil depends on many factors such as its availability (cheaper where it is produced and more costly in other places, and it is even more expensive when ordered via phone, Internet etc.). The price is also effected by demand, variety (the refined one costs the least, followed by the fractionated, the virgin, the organic and the organic virgin coconut oils), brand, and quantity (buying in bulk costs a little less).
How much to buy? Buy only as much you can consume in few months, because despite the fact that coconut oil does not go rancid for a long time, it is not wise to store it unnecessarily. You will get better results with fresh coconut oil.
Storage: After you buy coconut oil, the next question should relate to storage. In colder countries, coconut oil comes in good, broad containers. However, if you get it in a pack (tetra-pack or plastic pouch), after opening the pack, be sure to keep the oil in containers with tight lid and broad mouth so that you can scoop it out with a spoon if it solidifies. Keeping it sealed or lidded is necessary because there are other admirers of coconut oil (ants, cockroaches, other insects and rodents just love it!).
Born: 1918-2013
Transkei, South Africa
South African president and political activist
Nelson Mandela is a South African leader who spent years in prison for opposing apartheid, the policy by which the races were separated and whites were given power over blacks in South Africa. Upon his release from prison, Mandela became the first president of a black-majority-ruled South Africa in which apartheid was officially ended. A symbol of hope for many, Mandela is also a former winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Youth and education
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in a small village in the southeastern region of South Africa called the Transkei. His father was chief of the village and a member of the royal family of the Thembu tribe, which spoke the Xhosa language. As a boy, Mandela grew up in the company of tribal elders and chiefs, which gave him a rich sense of African self-government and heritage, despite the cruel treatment of blacks in white-governed South Africa.
Mandela was also deeply influenced by his early education in Methodist church schools. The instruction he received there set Mandela on a path leading away from some African tribal traditions, such as an arranged marriage set up by a tribal elder, which he refused. After being expelled from Fort Hare University College in 1940 for leading a student strike, Mandela obtained a degree from Witwatersrand University. In 1942 he received a degree in law from the University of South Africa.
Joining the ANC
In 1944 Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC), a South African political party. Since its founding, the ANC's main goal had been to work to improve conditions and rights for people of color in South Africa. However, its fairly conservative stance had led some members to call for less timid measures. Mandela became one of the ANC's younger and more radical leaders as a member of the ANC's Youth League. He became president of the league in 1951.
The years between 1951 and 1960 were troubled times, both for South Africa and for the ANC. Younger antiapartheid activists (protesters), including Mandela, were coming to the view that nonviolent demonstrations against apartheid did not work, because they allowed the South African government to respond with violence against Africans. Although Mandela was ready to try every possible technique to destroy apartheid peacefully, he began to feel that nonviolent resistance would not change conditions in the end.
In 1952 Mandela's leadership of ANC protest activities led to a nine-month jail sentence. Later, in 1956, he was arrested with other ANC leaders for promoting resistance to South Africa's "pass laws" that prevented blacks from moving freely in the country. Mandela was charged with treason (a crime committed against one's country), but the charges against him and others collapsed in 1961. By this time, however, the South African government had outlawed the ANC. This move followed events at Sharpeville in 1960, when police fired on a crowd of unarmed protesters.
Sharpeville had made it clear that the days of nonviolent resistance were over. In 1961 antiapartheid leaders created a semi-underground (operating illegally) movement called the All-African National Action Council. Mandela was appointed its honorary secretary and later became head of Umkhonto weSizwe (the Spear of the Nation), a militant ANC organization which used sabotage (destruction of property and other tactics
Nelson Mandela. Reproduced by permission of AP/Wide World Photos.
Nelson Mandela.
Reproduced by permission of
AP/Wide World Photos
.
used to undermine the government) in its fight against apartheid.
Political prisoner
In 1962 Mandela was again arrested, this time for leaving South Africa illegally and for inciting strikes. He was sentenced to five years in jail. The following year he was tried with other leaders of Umkhonto weSizwe on a charge of high treason, following a government raid of the group's secret headquarters. Mandela was given a life sentence, which he began serving in the maximum security prison on South Africa's Robben Island.
During the twenty-seven years that Mandela spent in prison, his example of quiet suffering was just one of many pressures on South Africa's apartheid government. Public discussion of Mandela was illegal, and he was allowed few visitors. But as the years dragged on, he was increasingly viewed as a martyr (one who suffers for a cause) in South Africa and around the world, making him a symbol of international protests against apartheid.
In 1988 Mandela was hospitalized with an illness, and after his recovery he was returned to prison under somewhat less harsh conditions. By this time, the situation within South Africa was becoming desperate for the ruling white powers. Protest had spread, and international pressures for the end of apartheid were increasing. More and more, South Africa was isolated as a racist state. It was against this backdrop that F. W. de Klerk (1936–), the president of South Africa, finally responded to the calls from around the world to release Mandela.
Freedom
On February 11, 1990, Mandela walked out of prison. He received joyful welcomes wherever he went around the world. In 1991 he assumed the presidency of the ANC, which had been given legal status again by the government.
Both Mandela and deKlerk realized that only a compromise between whites and blacks could prevent civil war in South Africa. As a result, in late 1991, a multiparty Convention for a Democratic South Africa met to establish a new, democratic government that gave people of all colors rights to determine the country's future. Mandela and deKlerk led the negotiations, and their efforts gained them the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. In September 1992, the two leaders signed a document that created a freely elected constitutional assembly to draft a new constitution and to act as a transition government (a government that functions temporarily while a new government is being formed). On April 27, 1994, the first free elections open to all South African citizens were held. The ANC won over sixty-two percent of the popular vote, and Mandela was elected president.
Presidency and retirement
As president, Mandela worked to ease the dangerous political differences in his country and to build up the South African economy. To a remarkable degree he was successful in his aims. Mandela's skill at building compromise and his enormous personal authority helped him lead the transition to democracy. In an effort to help the country heal, he also backed the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission which offered amnesty (exemption from criminal prosecution) to those who had committed crimes during the apartheid era. This action helped to promote discussion about the country's history.
Mandela retired in June 1999, choosing not to challenge Thabo Mbeki, his vice president, in elections. Mbeki won the election for the ANC and was inaugurated as president on June 16, 1999. Mandela quickly took on the role of statesman after leaving office, acting that year as a mediator in the peace process in Burundi, where a civil war had led to the killing of thousands.
In late 2001, Mandela joined the outcry against terrorism when he expressed his support for the American bombing of Afghanistan after terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. By January 2002, however, Mandela had modified his support somewhat after South African Muslims criticized him for appearing to be insensitive to the sufferings of the Afghan people. As quoted by the Associated Press, Mandela called his earlier remarks supporting the bombings an "overstatement" and urged caution against prematurely labeling Osama bin Laden, the man suspected of plotting the attacks, as a terrorist.
For More Information
Benson, Mary. Nelson Mandela: The Man and the Movement. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1986.
Harwood, Ronald. Mandela. New York: New American Library, 1987.
Hughes, Libby. Nelson Mandela: Voice of Freedom. New York: Dillon Press, 1992.
Johns, Sheridan, and R. Hunt Davis Jr., eds. Mandela, Tambo, & the African National Congress: The Struggle Against Apartheid, 1948–1990: A Documentary Study. New York: Oxford University Press, 1991.
Mandela, Nelson. Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela. Boston: Little, Brown, 1994.
Read more: http://www.notablebiographies.com/Lo-Ma/Mandela-Nelson.html#b#ixzz2meUA1a6y
COMMENTS
-