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  • When is a Pancake not a Pancake?

    All American children know that a pancake is thick, round and dry, and that you add a topping to it. British children will tell you it is thin, slightly oiled and tastes best rolled up with lemon juice and sugar in the middle. Egyptian children eat it as a snack, folded in half, stuff with nuts or cream, deep-fried and soaked in sugar syrup. So who is right? When is it a pancake and when is it something else completely?

    Actually they are all right. Even though they are all very different, depending where you
    come from they are pancakes. It isn’t really clear who made the first pancakes. There are pancakes made with potato, and even a pancake made with cabbage and carrot from Indonesia. Since they aren’t stuffed or topped with anything, and are always savory, we won’t count
    these as pancakes for this article. It isn’t really clear who made the first pancakes. The original pancakes were more like bread, using flour and water. Modern pancakes are more nutritious, usually containing eggs, milk instead of water, and sometimes a raising agent like baking powder. Let’s take a look at some of the different pancakes.

    The British Pancake 

    The British pancake is made much the same way as the American one, but doesn’t contain baking powder or yeast. It is made from a plain batter of eggs, flour and milk. For a sweet pancake you add a pinch of
    sugar, for a savory one, salt. After the pancake is cooked, and while it is still hot, you add the stuffing and roll it. The most popular sweet stuffing in England is lemon juice and sugar. Savory pancakes usually contain a stuffing made from ground beef.


    The American Pancake

    The American pancake is much thicker. It contains baking powder to make it rise. Because it is thicker it is difficult to roll, so it is served flat, stacked up with a topping. The favorite topping is maple syrup and whipped butter.

    The Egyptian Pancake 

    Like the American Pancake, the Egyptian Pancake contains a raising agent. It can be either baking powder or yeast. The pancake is fried on one side only, and then allowed to cool. After it has cooled a small amount of stuffing is placed in the middle. The pancake is folded over and the edges sealed with water. Then it is deep fried, and dipped in sugar syrup. It is extremely sweet and sticky and not very healthy!

    Pancake Traditions

    In England the Tuesday before Lent (Shrove Tuesday) is known as Pancake Day. On that day it is traditional to eat pancakes. The origin of this is that the Catholics, who observe Lent, wanted to use up all the rich foods in their pantry before Lent. In Lent eggs, sugar and butter were not allowed so they were used to make pancakes. Now everyone celebrates Pancake Day, regardless of religion, and there are pancake-tossing competitions. The competitions involve seeing who can toss the pancake highest and catch it again in the pan, or who can toss it the most times in a minute. There are also pancake races, involving running while tossing a pancake.

    In America pancakes are a common breakfast food. They are served in most restaurants for breakfast with an amazing variety of toppings.

    In Egypt pancakes are eaten all year round, but especially in Ramadan, the month of fasting. At sunset the fast is broken with a meal, and then sweets are served. One of the favorite sweets is the pancake.

    The Recipes

    You will need a mixing bowl and whisk, or a blender, a frying pan and some adult help.
    The basic batter for all three is the same.

      • 1 cup plain flour
      • 1 egg
      • 1 cup milk
      • 1 teaspoon of sugar
      • Pinch of salt
      • For the American and Egyptian versions you need to add 1-½ teaspoons of baking powder.

    Place the flour and egg and half the milk into the mixing bowl and mix until smooth. Add the rest of the milk until the batter pours easily off a spoon but is not too watery. Use more milk if you need. Add the
    sugar, and if you are using it the baking powder, and mix again. Let the batter stand for about 20 minutes and give it a final mix.

    For the cooking you will need adult help.
    Heat a frying pan coated in oil on the stove until very hot. Drop in a spoon full of batter and rock the pan to make it spread out. Fry until the batter changes color and bubbles appear on the top. The bubbles should burst open and the pancake look white.

    For the Egyptian pancakes fry only the first side. For the other pancakes turn them over and fry the second side, too. Then add your favorite topping and eat them while they are still hot.

    For the Egyptian pancakes you need to prepare a stuffing and the syrup.
    The simplest stuffing consists of chopped nuts (any kind) a little sugar and a little cinnamon (optional).
    For the syrup, put two cups of sugar and one cup of water into a pan and bring to the boil. Add a squeeze of lemon juice. Boil for exactly ten minutes and remove from the heat.

     

    Caution: Boiling syrup is very hot and can cause severe burns. An adult should do this. Never taste the syrup when it is hot, and if any of it gets on your skin hold the affected part under running cold water for at LEAST five minutes.

    After the pancakes have cooled, add a small amount of the stuffing to the center of the pancake (uncooked side).
    Fold the pancake in half and pinch the edges together, they stick better if you run a wet finger over them before folding.
    Strictly speaking the pancakes should then be deep fried until golden brown. For health reasons it is probably better to brush them lightly with oil or butter and bake them in a hot oven for 20-25 minutes.

    The last step is to soak them in the syrup. For the best results the pancakes should be hot and the syrup cold, or the pancakes cold and the syrup hot. If both are hot or cold, it doesn’t work as well. Soak them for about a minute, remove them from the syrup and allow them to drip off the excess syrup before eating. They are best eaten cold.

    So, get busy trying all the different types of pancake, and decide which is your favorite. Try different nuts for the Egyptian one (my favorite is walnuts) and different toppings for the others. Try tossing the English ones. Don’t toss too high or they stick to the ceiling! Most important have fun and be safe. Remember that kitchens can be dangerous and you should always have adult supervision.

  • Make Paper lanterns


    There are plenty of sites on line showing how to make paper lanterns, but none quite as impressive as this one. It takes basic materials, a little skill and a lot of patience. Follow these simple instructions and make your own.

    Making paper lanterns is fun, and this one can be proudly hung in your room all year round. It is similar to the ones children carry in the St Martin’s Day Parade. You will need:

      • Three sheets of lightweight letter size paper (the lighter the better).
      • Glue or tape.
      • Crayons, markers or paint
      • Needle and thread.
      • Two craft sticks, popsicle sticks or strips of card (optional).
      • Patience and nimble fingers!

    Step One: Coloring

      • Take the three sheets of A4 paper, and glue or tape them together lengthwise to make one long sheet.
      • Fold the paper in half lengthwise and color, the outside of the paper, on both sides.
      • You can put a picture, a pattern, or just a solid color.
      • The top of the picture will be along the fold.
      • It is best just to use a pattern or solid color the first time, until you understand just how it goes together.

    Step Two: Folding

      • Fold the paper in concertina fashion, the same as for a paper fan
      • Fold about a half inch fold one way, then the next fold the other way.
      • Press well on every fold, to make sure it is well creased.
      • When you are done, this is how it should look:

    Step Three: The Tricky Bit!

    You need to separate the two sides of the paper.

      • First, unfold the whole thing, just a little.
      • Next, refold each side separately.

      • You should end up with one fold at the top, and two edges, making a v-shape.

      • Press on all the folds again.

    Step Four: Fixing

      • Take a needle and long thread, doubled.
      • Pass the needle through each fold of one edge.
      • Leave about 1 inch of thread hanging loosely and pass the needle back through the folds.

      • Tie off the thread, with about 1 inch slack at either end of the folds.
      • Repeat on the second edge.

    Step Five: Opening the Lantern

      • Pull out the folded edges of the paper, it should unfold in a circle.

      • If your lantern seems to have a big hole in the center, you can fix it by tightening the slack in the threads.

    Step Six: Hanging your Lantern

      • To hang the lantern you need to put some kind of a hook at the top.
      • I have found the best way to do it is to stick a popsicle stick on either side of the join, or a thin strip of card.
      • Punch a hole through both sticks.
      • Tie thread, string, or use a paper clip to make a hook.
      • St Martin’s Lanterns should really be hung from a pole, but you can hang it anywhere.

    Lighting your Lantern

      • It is very important to NEVER use a candle with a paper lantern.
      • You can light your candle by suspending a small flashlight in it, or getting an adult to help you rig up a battery with a bulb inside the lantern.
      • You can hang the flashlight or bulb from the sticks.

     


  • Good Friday


    Good Friday is a holy day, observed by the Christians. It is celebrated on the Friday before Easter Sunday. Good Friday is commemorated to venerate Christ s crucifixion at Cavalry. On this pious day special prayers are offered, and the priest also reads the Gospel accounts from the events related to the Crucifixion.

    On this day people recollect the hard truth of Christ s crucifixion. The name Good Friday may be derived from the phrase God be with ye . It is believed that the omniscient would dispel the sin and bring piety to earth.

    The date of the first Good Friday would never be known. A possible date is 3rd April AD to 33. The Gospels indicate that He died on the afternoon of 15 Nisan. But, there is no account of the particular year.

    On the Good Friday Jesus was arrested, and was handed over to the Roman soldiers. He was severely beaten and a crown of long thorns was thrust upon his head. Later, after prolonged torture, Jesus was asked to carry his own cross to the distant Skull Hill. There he, with two other criminals was crucified mercilessly.

    According to the Bible, on Good Friday, there were remarkable changes at every passing hour.

    • Jesus was nailed to the cross at the third hour of the day
    • Darkness covered the land at the sixth hour of the day
    • As the darkness left at the ninth hour of the day, the Lord died

    Jesus died on the Preparation Day, which is the day before Sabbath. The Christians believe that Jesus had to sacrifice His life in order to pay for our sins.

    Good Friday according To The Roman Catholic Church

    To the Roman Catholics, Good Friday stands as the Fast Day . On this day, the Roman Catholics only take a single meal or couple of short meals. The archbishops go through a series of readings and meditations. Gospels are often read with a rare musicality to become a beautiful chant. In the traditional Latin liturgy, the priest reads the Gospels facing the Altar. The Cross-is placed at the front, so that the people can pay their respect to it. In some countries like Malta, Italy and Spain, processions are organized with various statues representing the Passion of Christ.

    Good Friday in different countries

    In Israel, which is Jesus birthplace, the day is known as the Big Day . In Czech Republic, Slovakia, Siberia, Greece, Bulgaria, the day is called Great Friday .
    In Latin America and Portugal the day is called Holy Friday . Moreover people of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland call it a Long Friday . Interestingly, the Anglo Saxons too called it the Long Day , since they used to observe a long fast on Good Fridays.

    Good Friday in the Christian countries

    In many Christian countries like Brazil, Chile and Germany, Good Friday is a Federal or public holiday. In United States Good Friday is not a Federal holiday but a state holiday. Banks, business sectors and schools, governed by the Federal government are not allowed to close. In South Africa all the business sectors, private offices and schools are closed. Buying and selling alcohol is strictly prohibited. In many English-speaking countries hot cross burns are eaten.

    In Malta and Philippines

    In Malta the commemorations reach their height at Good Friday, as the people organize processions and celebrates the passions of Jesus. Celebrations take place in different places around Malta and Gozo. Moreover, in Birgu, Luga, Mosta, Naxxas, and Paola, people follow the same rituals to venerate Christ.

    In the Catholic Philippines, the Passion play is called Sinakulo. On this pious day, no church bell is heard and no Mass is organized. The devotees sometimes have themselves nailed to crosses, expressing penance. On this day, nobody goes to work. People keep this faithful disposition intact for a few more days, and also celebrate the Easter Sunday which follows.

    The contemporary taste of Good Friday

    In the contemporary age, Good Friday along with Christmas is celebrated with an insoluble reverence. In countries like India, and UK it is observed as a national holiday. Many Christians fast, in order to honor Christ sacrifice. In the churches, pray around 3:00 pm, the hour, when Christ died. Many churches observe the Stations of the Cross and engage themselves in Passion plays and Dramatic readings. During the mourning hour, the pictures and statues are covered.

    Thus, the customs and rituals of Good Friday are almost the same in different countries, but the fundamental essence remains the same. It is the soft recollections of Christ sacrificial death to redeem mankind.

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  • Confucius Birthday


    All the devotees throughout the world traditionally celebrate Confucius birthday on September 28. This day is especially celebrated by the people of China- where it is a national holiday- to honor the best teacher in Chinese history.

    “Master Kong,” or Kong Qui better known as Confucius (Latin name) is believed to be born on September 28, 551 BC. However, you would find it interesting that the Westerners celebrate Confucius birthday on two separate days.

    In the Republic of China, Confucius birthday is celebrated as “National Teacher’s Day” on 28 September, emphasizing on Confucius’ doctrine, which advocated the right for learning and knowledge to everyone. You will also find his birthday being marked on 27th day of the eighth lunar month (that is between the end of September and the beginning of November) in the Chinese lunar calendar.

    He was a great Chinese scholar and social philosopher, whose thoughts and teachings have profoundly influenced Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Japanese thoughts and life. His preaching s have guided millions for over 2500 years.

    Confucian philosophy

    The Confucius birthday also commemorates the teachings of the great philosopher of China. The philosophy of Confucius put together in 6th century is popularly known as Confucianism.

    His philosophy stressed on governmental as well as personal rightness, morality, of social relationships and sincerity. During the Han Dynasty his values gained great prominence in China over other doctrines, such as Legalism and Taoism.

    Well, you should not confuse Confucianism, as a religion, rather it is the deep respect for the Confucius philosophy that has turned it into a sort of religion. Confucius birthday is actually a festival that takes you to the fascinating intricacies of the Chinese psyche.

    Teachings of Confucius

    The basis of Confucius thoughts proposed that not just the aristocrats but everybody who has the depth and desire to learn, should be allowed the opportunity of formal education. Confucius led a life of poverty and virtual obscurity, yet his students dispersed his teachings, which were apt for feudal times and instantly popular after his death.

    You can find his teachings primarily in the Analects of Confucius , actually a collection of “brief aphoristic fragments”, compiled many years after his demise. According to modern historians it can t be said specifically whether Confucius wrote any document.

    Celebration on Confucius birthday

    On Confucius birthday fairly typical ceremonies are held throughout the island of Qufu (Shandong), the birthplace of Confucius. This festival extensively celebrates his life in a charming way that you can best experience at the Confucius Temple in Qufu. On this day, some of the early rituals of Confucianism are practiced and in the grounds of the massive temple a great fair is held.

    The celebrations of Confucius birthday begin at 4 o’clock in the morning in the Confucius temple and other Confucius temples throughout China. This day is distinguished for its modest ceremonies at temples throughout the island of Qufu, and some individual practitioners even takes time off to observe the day in their own ways, contemplating the virtues of Confucius.

    You can see grand celebrations on Confucius birthday. The events include musical performances and dancing using ancient instruments, wearing traditional costumes and other rites. The memorial party is joined by thousands of people. Good foods are also sampled at night street stalls. On Confucius birthday, not only is his life celebrated but his death is also venerated.

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  • Mexican Independence Day


    It would be quite interesting to talk about the Mexican Independence Day. Mexico borders the south western part of the United States. It is the largest country in the Western Hemisphere. The capital of Mexico is Mexico City. The natural description of the land would be something very diverse. Deserts, mountains, rain forests and beaches surround the Mexican terrain.

    The population of Mexico is basically the mixture of Indian and Spanish. There is no indigenous race as such; the blend between Indians and Spanish are predominant. They have successfully integrated into the native culture of Mexico.

    The History Behind The Mexican Independence

    Towards the end of the Eighteenth century, Mexico faced a remarkable shift in social milieu. During this period, the middle and the upper class of Mexico began to question the long established norms of society. They started demanding for freedom of speech and a representative government. They too fought against the ceaseless power of the church. They sought to reject the values of the past and demanded complete independence from the Spanish colonizers.

    Father Hidalgo supported the Mexican people in their struggle for independence. On 15th September, he called the countrymen to be gathered at a particular place and with his fiery words inspired them to fight.

    The battle between the followers of Hidalgo and the Spanish force took place at Guanajuato. It was here, when Father Hidalgo was captured and executed. Ultimately the Mexicans did manage to secure independence.

    The Mexican Independence Day is celebrated across the country with a great pomp and feast. The celebrations begin on 15th September, which is the eve of independence. On this day, people gather at the Zocalos (The meeting place). At eleven o clock, the countrymen wait for the President to come and wish them Happy Independence . The President comes to the balcony and rings the celebrated Liberty bell , which Father Hidalgo once rang in order to call people. The President addresses the countrymen by shouting Viva Mexico , Viva Independencia , and the crowd imitates the same, greeting the president back.

    The Celebrations On The Mexican Independence Day

    All major roads of the country get richly decked with flags of red, white and green colors. Green symbolizes peace and red symbolizes union. These colors are also used to decorate the streets during the Independence Day Fiesta . People come from different corners to sell various objects, such as, confetti, whistles, horns, toys, colors and food items.

    The countrymen celebrate the day by various colorful practices as racing, bull fighting, horseback riding and so on. The three colors of the Mexican flag (Red, White and Green) are very important in the celebration. Every year, on 16th September, the Mexicans recall the valuable speeches of Father Hidalgo. On the night of 15th September, as the president completes addressing the crowd, he rings the bell, waves the flag and the National Anthem is sung. There can also be seen various performances by the Mexican students and rock stars.

    The history behind the Mexican Independence Day is thus a burning example of patriotism , bravery and sacrifice .

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  • Mexican Flag Day


    Mexican Flag Day also known as “El Dia de la Bandera” is celebrated on February 24th,by Mexicans across the country. This day is commemorated as a unique holiday in admiration of traditional Mexican heritage. The Mexican Americans on this day pay homage to the flag of their native ancestral country- Mexico.

    Every year the red, white and green Mexican flag is hoisted up on the Cerro de la Bandera (Flag Hill) in Buena Vista on Mexican Flag Day. A race to the summit is held, which is open to anyone who has the spirit to participate. In the evening, people have merriments in Plaza Mijares, the main square of San Jos del Cabo. Special TV and radio programs are also broadcasted on this occasion, in order to propagate the history behind the day.

    A Brief Background

    Public festivities started on Mexican Flag Day since February 24th, 1937 near the monument of General don Vicente Guerrero, the first Mexican military general to swear to the flag.

    Mexico was formerly ruled by the Aztecs – one of the tribes that settled in the area. However, the country was a Spanish colony from 1521 to 1821 until the war for independence was won.

    The Mexican Flag

    When you look at the Mexican flag, you wonder what the colors in the flag stand for. The Mexican Flag has three colors green, white, and red and they stand for the following:

    • Green is the symbol of hope and victory.
    • White stands for the purity of our ideals.
    • Red represents the blood of the national heroes shed for their motherland.

    In addition to these bands of color, the flag also has an emblem. The emblem in the Mexican flag has a defining story based on a legend which tells, how the Mexicans traveled from Aztl n (now Nayarit) in search of the sign that Huitzilopochtli had narrated them, and that they would find it in the place where they should establish their empire.

    The sign had an eagle on top of a Nopal cactus devouring a serpent. It was ultimately found in a small island in the heart of a lake. They settled there and founded the city of Tenochtitlan, which is now Mexico City.

    The design of the Mexico Flag has changed over time, so has the significance and symbolism behind the three colors of the flag. Earlier, the green vertical stripe of the Mexican flag projected the independence of Mexico. Now, positioned to the far left of the Mexican flag it stands as symbol of hope for the future of Mexico. It is customary for Mexican to have foods rich in green coloring such as jalapenos on Mexico Flag Day.

    The white stripe of the Mexican flag, which holds the Coat of Arms represents the beginning of the nation’s capital, Mexico City. It also represents the unity of the Mexican people and purity of their culture.

    Lastly, the red vertical stripe represents the commitment to religion on which many Mexican citizens faithfully practice.

    The Flag Day is a national celebration and a prime example of unrestrained Mexican chauvinism that high commendable. Mexican Flag Day is a day of unity, respect for national heroes and a hope for the better future for all Mexicans.

  • Ash Wednesday


    “Remember, man, that you are dust
    And unto dust you shall return.”
    (Latin: Memento homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris.)

    Ash Wednesday is officially known as the day of Ashes . Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and comes after Shrove Tuesday or the last day of the Carnival season, Mardi Gras. According to the Western Calendar, it occurs forty days before Good Friday, which inevitably always is a Wednesday. It actually occurs 46 days before Easter but Lent is considered 40 days long, as Sundays are not counted among the days of Lent. The date varies from year to year depending on the date of Easter.

    The time of Lent is a period to purge off your sins, a time to forsake sinful activities and habits. This purification process is commenced with Ash Wednesday.

    When reading about the history of Ash Wednesday, the Bible does not preach or condemn Ash Wednesday. Most Catholics, orthodox denominations and a few Protestant denominations observe this procedure. This process gives you a chance to repent for your sins and to identify yourself as a Christian. But remember that not the ritual but the truth of your heart can earn you blessings from God.

    The Ritual of Ashes

    The celebrating priest or minister blesses the worshipper with ash at Masses and Services on this day. The priest marks the forehead of the worshippers with black ash in the shape of a cross. Traditionally the worshipper retains this mark till sundown. Even a non-clergyman or a layperson can be the minister of ashes in many Christian churches.

    The history of Ash Wednesday in the Roman Catholic Church is observed by abstinence from meat, fasting and repentance. Catholics between the age of 18 and 59 are allowed to consume only one full meal each day. This is the day to contemplate on transgressions to save you from the fire of the hell. The Anglican Book Of Common Prayers also delegates Ash Wednesday as a day of fasting.

    Why The Forehead Is Marked With A Cross?

    As per the Bible, a mark on a person s forehead indicates his ownership. The mark of cross on the forehead is a symbol of the person s belonging to Jesus Christ, who died on a cross.

    The History of Ash

    The ashes used to mark the forehead of the worshipper are prepared by burning palm leaves from the previous year s Palm Sunday celebrations and then they are mixed with olive oil. The story behind the use of ashes from the previous year s Palm Sunday goes like, when Jesus entered Jerusalem people rejoiced his arrival by waving palm fronds without realizing that he has come to die for their sins. The use of palms from previous year s Palm Sunday is aide memoir of Jesus death for our sins.

    Ash is the biblical symbol of mourning and penance. In the times of the Bible, one has to fast, wear sackcloth, sit in dust and ashes and put dust and ashes on one s head. Today s Ash Wednesday carries the vestiges of the ritual of fasting and marking one s forehead with ash as a symbol of penance for one s sin.

    Though not an obligation, the history of Ash Wednesday teaches followers that it’s the day to cleanse your mind and soul of sins at the feet of God.

  • Setsebun


    Setsebun meaning seasonal division is celebrated in Japan on the day before each season begins. However, the term actually refers to the Setsebun in spring, it is popularly called Risshun or sometimes Rissun (the bean throwing festival), and occurs yearly on February 3. Though it is not a national holiday in Japan, many people celebrate it as a ritual for chasing away the evil spirits.

    Setsubun marks the Lunar New Year in the Japanese lunar calendar, so it is also considered as (indeed thought so earlier) a sort of New Year’s Eve. Rishun in Japan, is celebrated as the ritual of cleansing away all the disease-bringing evil spirits and demons of the previous year. This special ceremony is called Mamemaki, which involves bean throwing at the evil.

    What happens in Mamemaki (bean throwing ritual)?

    You would find the celebrations of Setsebun very exciting and full of fun and frolic. Well this festival is celebrated in different ways in different corners of Japan. You would find the kids drawing demon mask on a piece of paper and coloring it.

    Then someone is selected to put on the mask, as the other members in the family throw pan-heated soybeans (known as irimame) at that person wearing the mask the Oni (demon or ogre). While throwing the beans the people shout “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi” if you translate it that means, “Demons out, Happiness (Fortune) in.” The beans symbolize the sowing of seeds and the impregnation of new life on Earth.

    In most of the houses you will see the bean throwing being performed by the male who was born on the corresponding animal year on the Chinese zodiac, or head of the household (usually the father). First they pray at the family shrine and then toss the beans out into the yard of the house.

    Customs of Setsubun or Rishun

    In most of the households a widely observed custom in Setsubun is to eat as many beans as your age and an extra bean for the coming year for good luck, health, and prosperity. It becomes more important if you are a man aged 25 or 42, or a woman aged 19 or 33, since these ages are usually considered unlucky.

    Whereas in rural areas, you would find rather a strange custom, which involves first eating grilled sardines and then sticking their heads on sticks outside the front door. This is said to vanquish any demon trying to enter the house.

    Celebrations on Setsebun in temple and Shinto shrines

    In the Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, celebrations of Setsubun are a bit different. You can see the priests and invited guests throwing roasted soyabeans (some of them covered with silver or gold foil), small envelopes with candies, money, sweets and other prizes for the people.

    In some of the bigger Shinto shrine precincts, you may even see the pop singers, Movie stars, geisha, and sumo wrestlers attending the ceremonies, and participating in the proceedings, which are televised nationally. With a large passionate crowd the Setsebun eventually turns wild, and good luck follows their fate.

  • Boxing Day


    Boxing Day is a listed public holiday in the United Kingdom as well as in some Commonwealth nations like Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Boxing Day is observed on December 26, a day after Christmas Day celebrations.

    Origin of Boxing Day

    Historically Boxing Day traces its origin in the tradition of the medieval times when people would willingly contribute money in the open alms boxes placed in the church backyards on the Christmas Day. On the following day, all the collected money would then be distributed among the poor by the clergy.

    With the passage of time, changes took place. Thus, in the 18th century, the feudal Lords and Ladies would reward their serfs and servants with boxed gifts food, fruits, mostly leftovers from their lavish Christmas parties along with clothes and other practical stuff to reward them for all their services.

    With social changes, the concept came in for more changes and then Boxing Day became a day when people would give small gifts or monetary tips to those who worked for them throughout the year. Even today, it is customary in many households to give Christmas gift packs and boxes to people who serve them on a routine basis right from the paperboy to the milkmaid, the dustman and even the postal worker. Now, however, gift-exchanges among family members have become pretty common.

    James Frazer in his famous work Golden Bough has dealt with the mythical aspect of Boxing Day. Boxing Day, as per Frazer s interpretation, was the day when the Wren (the king of birds) was captured and locked in a box. The bird was then taken to each house in the village so that the villagers could seek blessings for a good harvest.

    Celebrations during Boxing Day

    Boxing Day, as it is observed these days with lots of food, fun and gifts is a celebration of friendship and love. The day carries forward the spirit of the Christmas celebrations. Though government associations and small businesses keep their shutters down, malls remain open to give full indulgence to the shopaholics.

    Well, this is not all about Boxing Day. Many business houses, independent associations and family-units work hard to realize the goal of unconditional love represented by the occasion, collecting food, clothing, money and other gifts so that they can bring back the smile in the faces of others who are less fortunate on Boxing Day.

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  • Canada Day


    Canada Day, observed on July 1 annually across Canada is Canada s national holiday.

    History

    The day celebrates the creation of the Dominion of Canada by the British North America Act on July 1, 1867. Three British territories the Province of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick were united into a federation under this Act.

    The holiday was established separately by a statute in 1879, and it was originally referred to as the Dominion Day owing to the use of the term Dominion to describe the political union.

    Canadians have long been referring Dominion Day as Canada Day , but the official declaration was made on October 27, 1982.

    Ceremony And Celebrations

    The first anniversary of the formation of the federation was held in a grand ceremony. The Governor General Lord Monck issued a proclamation on June 20, 1868, asking all Her Majesty’s loving subjects throughout Canada to join in the celebration of the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada on July 1.

    There were no major celebrations in the following years. On the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Confederation (in 1917), the new Center Block of the Parliament Buildings was dedicated as a memorial to honor the Fathers of Confederation and the Canadian soldiers, who fought in the First World War in Europe.

    The highlights of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 1927 was the laying of the cornerstone of the Confederation Building on Wellington Street and the inauguration of the Carillon in the Peace Tower.

    Annual observation of Canada s national day began quite late, in 1958, with a definite format created for the first time. The format provided for an afternoon Trooping the Colors ceremony followed by a sunset ceremony, a mass band concert and fireworks display.

    The centenary celebration in 1967 was an extensive official ceremony. With Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II gracing the occasion, the Parliament Hill again featured as the backdrop of the celebrations.

    The existing format was changed in 1968; this time multicultural and professional concerts were included as part of the ceremony. The show was telecast nationally. As per this format, several artistic, cultural and sporting activities were held in different parts of the national Capital region for the entire month of July. Similar celebrations were continued until 1975. Celebrations were cancelled in 1976, but were again held in 1977.

    1980 saw the introduction of a new ceremonial format, which emphasized the need for local celebrations all across Canada and the Government even acceded to give seed money to sponsor celebrations organized by local communities and volunteer groups.

    Similar celebrations were again held in 1981 with the only difference that this year firework displays were added to the celebrations. Firework displays were organized in 15 major cities across the nation.

    Canada Day Committees were set up in each province/territory in 1985. The Committees funded by the Government, were to plan, organize and coordinate the Canada Day celebrations in their localities.