Brooklyn Queens Land Trust

Article Archives - Volume 3, 2005

GARDENING INFORMATION

GARDEN TIPS


KEEEP a GARDEN JOURNAL

Every year with your garden is a learning experience. You've grown new plants and tried new techniques. Some have worked and some haven't but along the way you've grown as a gardener.

For the upcoming year, consider keeping a Garden Journal. Choose a notebook with a calendar, keep records of everything from planting and harvest dates to weather information, and take a few pictures of your garden throughout the year. Make notes about how you intend to do things differently next year, keep a "map" of your garden so you can find those plants you intend to move after they die back, and mark problem spots as the year progresses. The journal will be a valuable aid in planning your garden.

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Tips on how to.

REDUCING the n NEED to WATER

Weather is the most important subject for farmers and gardeners. Despite the many storms (hurricanes, tornadoes, et al) dropping several inches of water in 2005 we still need to think about how we can reduce the need for watering and conserve what we can.

Firstly, consider the types of plants you grow and whether they are suited to the conditions in your garden. Some soils, such as chalky, gravelly or sandy types allow water to drain through before the plants get a proper chance to use it. Incorporating humus to trap water can make a big difference to the need for artificial watering, although it is important not to create soil which remains water-logged in the winter.

If there are moist and shady areas in your garden, position plants such as hostas there. Likewise, on a sunny well-drained site, the obvious choices will be sun lovers such as lavender, rosemary and the Mediterranean species.

Water is lost from plants through transpiration, the process by which they 'breathe' through the leaves; plant roots are constantly replacing this loss. So, a critical time for the plant will be when it has any disturbance to its root system.

Seedlings will need water, as will any plant that is moved or is newly established. A good soaking after planting settles the soil around the roots and improves the chances of survival. Apply the water accurately around the base of the plant. It is a good idea to ridge soil around large plants to prevent water running away. In hot weather it is a good idea to shade newly planted material.

Try not to waste water on your lawn. Grass will recover from prolonged drought and it is better to ensure that the lawn is cut regularly, but not any shorter than 2.5cm (1 inch). Prepare the ground thoroughly and incorporate as much organic matter as you can. This will improve the condition of the soil and increase its ability to absorb and retain moisture.




MULCHING

Water is continually lost from the ground through evaporation and mulching will help to prevent this. Always apply the mulch when the ground is already moist - otherwise you could create an area surrounding your prized plants that will not absorb as much water.

Adding a 7.5cm (3 inches) layer of organic or inorganic mulch will:

Improve the absorbency of the soil
Conserve water
Inhibit weed growth
Protect roots from frost and keep the soil a little warmer
Organic mulch will add humus to the soil

A wide range of material can be used for mulches, including:

Home made compost

Spent mushroom compost

Composed bark chippings

Grass clippings

Farmyard manure

Straw, paper, or plastic matting

Grit or gravel


Techniques for watering

Water in the evening to avoid the effects of transpiration.

Water thoroughly - and preferably not more than once a week.

Annuals which have been sown in situ may only need water during the period when flower buds are forming.

Vegetables will need water - but time this to coincide with when they need it most: potatoes, when the tubers begin to form; soft fruit, as the fruit sets; leafy vegetables, as the hearts begin to develop; peas and beans, when they are flowering.

Heavy pruning (if you can bear to do it to a gorgeous new shrub proudly carried home from the garden centre) will, by reducing the leafy growth, lessen the water lost while the plant is establishing itself. Cut back deciduous native hedging plants by about a third; this will ensure the resulting growth is vigorous and bushy. Even bedding plants such as Tagetes and Petunia benefit from having all buds removed as you are planting them, especially if they are a little leggy. This will give the roots time to settle down before expending too much energy in producing flowers.

A 30cm (1 foot) drainage pipe sunk next to a recently planted tree will ensure that water is available to the roots where it's needed.

Did you know that a sprinkler hose used for an hour takes as much water (about 500 litres) as a family uses in two days?

A seep hose is a most economic method of watering

Conserve rain water by having at least one rain butt; catch the run-off from gutters and roofs. Rain water is often better for plants than tap water especially for acid lovers; most tap water is fairly alkaline. Having rain butts positioned at various points in the garden will lessen the need to carry heavy cans of water.

The temperature of water in rain barrels will be similar to that of the soil and so less of a shock to tender plants than water from the main supply. Irrigate plants in the glasshouse with water that has been allowed to warm up a little. How would you like an icy shower when you were enjoying a cosy time in a sheltered environment?

Don't waste water by giving it to plants that don't require it. Herbs will have improved flavour and scent if grown in hot and dry conditions similar to those in their native countries.

Watering accessories

With modern snap fittings and the multitude of hose accessories available, a little expenditure can make your watering very much easier.

Lance sprays, fan sprays and squeeze-grip or trigger-grip spray attachments extend your reach and allow a variety of spray strengths for different purposes.

Semi-automatic sprinkler fittings are usually mounted on sturdy bases or spike mounted for firm fixing in the lawn.

Sprinklers are available in a number of different actions offering a range of spray patterns and strengths. These include models with rotating or spinning heads, or gyrating, oscillating or pulsating actions.

Select a sprinkler with a spray action/pattern to suit your requirements:

small circular pattern
large circular/adjusts to half circle
oscillating sprinklers for watering rectangular areas (or part of a rectangle)
border sprinklers producing a gentle arc for a border
'dial' sprinklers which can be adjusted to produce a number of spray patterns: square, circular, semicircular, rectangular and strip
pop-up sprinklers which only appear above the lawn surface when in use a micro misters or mini-sprinklers for individual plants.
Drip watering systems are mostly for special plants where consistent watering is vital. Small-scale pipes are run from the main hose to drip-valve units positioned to drip water continuously into the root zone of each plant. These can lead to soil compaction and while they are most usually advertised as suitable for the vegetable garden, repositioning each drip unit when replanting vegetable beds can be very labour intensive. The most sophisticated have moisture sensors and microprocessor controlled delivery systems.
Very small-scale drip systems can be extremely useful, for example keeping gro-bags moist. Different drip systems are available for use outside and for taking water to individual pots or trays in the greenhouse. Seep hoses have minute holes along one side which can be positioned so that water gently seeps out of them to saturate the surrounding soil area. They are generally expensive. Some are designed to be turned 'holes up' to spray and 'holes down' to seep.


Containers
Obviously plants grown in window boxes, pots and containers are dependent on the water we give them and unlike plants in the ground, don't have access to water deep in the soil. Grouping container plants together provides some protection and it makes sense to move them out of full sun during prolonged dry weather. Standing pots on a layer of moist gravel can help to improve humidity. It is useful to do this with your house plants too.

Container plants will have to be watered at least once a day in warm dry weather. Remember that in windy weather even more water is lost through transpiration.

Terracotta pots can be lined with plastic to help prevent moisture loss.




Plants that are drought tolerant
Shrubs

Buddleja, Ceanothus, Cotoneaster, Cytisus (broom), Eleagnus, Euphorbia, Cistus (rock rose), Helianthemum and many rock plants; Philadelphus, Rosa rugosa, Rosa rubrifolia and lilac.

Silver-leaved plants

Achillea, Artemisia, Senecio, Lavendula,

Nepeta, Santolina, Stachys, Cerastium, Echinops (globe thistle) and Erigeron.

Low-growing plants

Aubrieta, Campanula poscharskyana, Geranium macrorrhizum, Sedum, Sempervivium, Dianthus, Phlox douglasii and varied ivies.

Bulbs

Allium, Amaryllis, Crinum, Gladiolus species and Nerines.

Bedding

Felicia, Gazania, Pelagoniums, Helichrysum, Nicotiana, Osteospermum,Petunia, Cosmos and Portulaca.

Herbs

Sage, thyme, marjoram, melissa, rosemary and fennel.

Perennials and shrubs are the plants to choose for ease of maintenance - as once established they will generally fend for themselves. Watch out for those pretty self-sown annuals found in corners and in cracks, such as Eschscholzia corydalis and Erigeron; all of these will happily thrive in hot dry conditions.




Whatever the weather, it is useful to try to reduce the amount of water you use. Also, if you have difficulty in getting water around the garden to the plants that need it, reducing the watering requirements in the garden is important.

Here are some ways to d[ this:

Use mulches to conserve moisture in the soil and help keep the weeds at bay - they use water too!

Choose the correct plants for your soil - especially important on free-draining soils.

Position waterbutts and standpipes at convenient places around the garden.

Use a lightweight plastic watering can.
Only put as much water in the watering can that you can comfortably carry each time - do not overfill.

Water in the evening when the heat has gone - you will lose less water through evaporation.

Put in permanent 'seep' hoses. These are perforated hoses that are laid in borders and beds and deliver water slowly direct to the soil surface.

Use a water timer on your tap. Set it to water your garden before dawn.







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KEEP WEEDING

Your winter vegetables and flowers will appreciate a weed-free environment as much as the summer ones did, so don't stop weeding when the weather turns cold. Winter plants are even more sensitive to loss of nutrients and moisture to weeds than your summer plants because they grow more slowly.

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SUNFLOWERS

If you are planning to grow a giant sunflower for competition or fun, then now is a good time start. Sow the seeds into individual pots of multipurpose compost in the greenhouse or on a warm windowsill. If you are trying to grow the tallest plant try Sunflower Russian Giant - there is no better variety to grow.

1. Now the days are getting warmer, aphids are becoming more active. Check under the leaves of winter-flowering pansies and bellis as this is where these troublesome pests will probably be hiding, waiting to pounce on to your young, succulent summer bedding seedlings. If seen, I recommend that you spray them with a organic soft-soap.
2. Back in February we sowed some hanging basket tomatoes called Tumbler or Gartenperle. Well, these plants are now big enough to plant into the hanging baskets. Use a good potting compost or buy a growbag and use this compost in the baskets. I like to plant three (3) tomatoes to a 16 in (40cm) basket. Once planted, hang up in the greenhouse, porch or conservatory to grow on until they can be hung outside at the end of May (NOW). They can also be planted in tall containers for displays on the patio later.
3. If, like mine, your vegetable plot has dried out sufficiently and the soil has warmed up, it is now all systems go with sowing some of the smaller vegetable seeds such as carrots, parsnips, beetroot, radishes, squash, pumpkin, cucumbers, melons, okra, beans and spring onions. You can also make further sowings of peas & broad beans. There is also still time to plant onion sets and potatoes.

It's warm enough to plant when the soil temperature is 60F at midday when measured four inches deep.

VINING CROPS LIKE SQUASH, PUMPKINS

Vining crops such as squash and pumpkin do best in clay soils when planted in hills. Create a raised circular area about 2 feet (60cm) in diameter. Smooth the top and plant five to six seeds spread around the circle. Once they germinate, thin the seedlings to the healthiest tow or three. Fertilize with compost or a balanced fertilizer when the squash start vining and you'll reap a bountiful harvest by summer.

OKRA

Okra will germinate faster if the seeds are soaked in water overnight, or if the seed coats are nicked with a file before planting. The plants need full sun, and will thrive in a location where a nitrogen-fixing crop such as beans and peas grew last year. In warm climates you can get an early and late crop by planting once in spring and again in June. In cooler climates, you may want to start your seeds indoors three or four weeks before setting them out. Plant the seeds an inch deep and six inches (15cm) apart. You will eventually thin them to two feet apart.

BEANS
The recommended spacing for beans varies with the variety you are planting, so follow the directions on the package. Most are planted twice as deep as the seed is long. If the soil is heavy or doesn't drain well, work in some compost. If you're wondering how much to plant, plan on 10-15 bush bean plants or 3-5 hills of pole beans per person. A 100-foot row will produce about 50 quarts.

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4. After the wet winter weather a lot of nutrients will have been leached out of the soil around trees, shrubs and perennials so at this time of year it is a good idea to try and replace some of those lost nutrients. Sprinkle some fish, blood & bone fertiliser around your plants and lightly work into the soil with a border fork. I prefer to use a fork because whilst working in the fertiliser you will also be letting air into the soil as well as tidying up the overall appearance of the border.
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TRIM LAVENDER NOW

5. If you have lavender plants or a lavender hedge in your garden, now is a good time to give it a trim. If you trim a lavender plant each spring, cutting back the growth by about 5cm (2 ins) all over the plant, you will keep plants looking neat and tidy. It is important to prune lavender regularly as it doesn't like being cut back into old wood, and once lavender plants get old, woody and out of shape there is no bringing them back to their former glory. So go on, give them a regular haircut each spring.

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PLANTING LILLIES

6. You'll get a better first year of flowers from your lilies if you plant them in the fall, but once the soil dries out in spring, you have another chance to get the bulbs in the ground. Choose a site that gets at least half a day of sun, and if the soil is not rich in humus, amend it with compost. Plant the bulbs 4-6 inches deep, and add some bone meal or rock phosphate to each hole as you plant. Mark the spot where you plant your bulbs. If you damage the emerging shoot while cultivating or working in your garden there will be no flowers, this year.
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HARVESTING ROOT CROPS

For longer storage, don't wash the dirt off your root crops. Just let it dry, then brush it off as much as possible.

BEETS

Pull up the last of your beets before the ground freezes. Cut off the tops an inch above the root, and store dry roots in an airtight plastic bag. They should keep for up to three weeks.

CARROTS

Carrots can be left in the ground well into winter if mulched heavily. Once you pull them, cut off the tops an inch above the roots and store them in the vegetable crisper up to four weeks.

ONIONS

When the tops are quite dry, lift the bulbs and let them dry in the sun until all the dirt on them is dry. Onions can now be prepared for storage. The long tops can be braided together so that the onions can be hung in bunches, or they can be hung in net bags or old stockings.

Continue the curing process for several weeks by keeping them hung in an area where air can circulate freely. Afterwards, move them into a cool, dry, and preferably dark area for storage. Use thick-necked onions first, since they will not keep well.

POTATOES

After vines have dried, dig carefully and lay the potatoes out in a single layer to dry. If the potatoes are to be used in the next four to six weeks, they can be stored in a dark area with temperatures as high as 70 degrees. For winter storage, fully mature potatoes should be stored in the dark at temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees with a high humidity and good air circulation. They will keep this way for 5 or 6 months. Darkness is essential, as light will promote greening. Higher temperatures may cause them to sprout.

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Intern's corner

Sometimes, the Truth Isn’t That Easy to Stomach. A Youthful Translation of an Adult Subject. J. Mitchell and L. Robinson

a/k/a/Functional Foods, Neutraceuticals, Designer Foods: Designer Fads or Counterproductive Marketing Ploy? By E. Ernst.



When we first worked on this project, both of us thought, “Oh… I’ll just read about fruits and vegetables and talk about how they are good for my body and that of other kids and ‘No problem’.’ Man, were we ever wrong. We got played.

Ms. Ceci made us work together sometimes and at other times, because we had different schedules in different schools, we didn’t see each other for weeks. We got all of our information from the computer. What we mean is, we had to leave our research on a disk and in a file on the computer. Whoever came in, had to sign in, practice typing, and then look at the notes that was on the computer for the Brooklyn Queens Land Trust Environmental Interns.

At first, everything was easy but day by day or week by week, Ms. Ceci made us work harder. We couldn’t just copy things straight from the computer. It was like, “Oh snap. I have to study. She really wanted us to think about what we read, learned and then share in our own words for other kids.

The article that we had to read came out of a European Journal of Pharmacology that was written in May, 2001, pages 353-355.

Potpourri: Plant Features, Crafts, Miscellaneous Articles et al

(Calendula officinalis)

Use the flower petals as a tincture, tea, oil, or salve.

AN ANNUAL PLANT with large yellow or orange terminal flowers, calendula resembles the marigold and blooms from June through October. It prefers full sun and moderately fertile soil and readily self-seeds. Calendula is used externally for its antiseptic and healing properties, similar to comfrey. As a tea or tincture, it can be swished and swallowed to help heal an oral lesion, sore throat, or gastric ulcer.

It al


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New Year's Traditions

Auld Lang Syne

Many English-speakers sing an an old Scottish song "Auld Lang Syne" on New Year's eve, inspite of not being Scotland born and bred. The poet Robert Burns published the song in or around 1796, in an edition of the book, Scots Musical Museum. Burns transcribed it (and made some refinements to the lyrics) after he heard it sung by an old man from the Ayrshire area of Scotland, Burns's homeland.

It is often remarked that "Auld Lang Syne" is one of the most popular songs but few know all of the lyrics. "Auld Lang Syne" literally translates as "old long since" and means "times gone by." The song asks whether old friends and times will be forgotten and promises to remember people of the past with fondness, "For auld lang syne, we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet."

The lesser known verses continue this theme, lamenting how friends who once used to "run about the braes,/ And pou'd the gowans fine" (run about the hills and pulled up the daisies) and "paidl'd in the burn/Frae morning sun till dine" (paddled in the stream from morning to dusk) have become divided by time and distance—"seas between us braid hae roar'd" (broad seas have roared between us). Yet there is always time for old friends to get together—if not in person then in memory—and "tak a right guid-willie waught" (a good-will drink).

Guy Lombardo*, bandleader. and not Robert Burns, made the song popular and turned it into a New Year's long lasting US fad. It has been written that Lombardo first heard "Auld Lang Syne" in his hometown of London, Ontario, sung by Scottish immigrants. When he and his brothers formed a dance band, Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, the song became one of their standards. Lombardo played the song at midnight at a New Year's eve party at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City in 1929. After that, Lombardo's version of the song was played every New Year's eve from the 1930s until 1976 at the Waldorf Astoria. Initally, it was broadcast on radio, and later, on television. The song became a New Year's tradition. The band itself dominated the music charts from 1929-1952, (every single year) with a a total of 21 #1 hits.

*(Lombardo's father told him, "Music is easy to play and easy to listen to if you don't forget the melody and choose songs people can sing, hum, or whistle." This was advice to young would-be jazzmen and upon which he built musical success. Gradually the Lombardo style - which was really no style at all - developed. The band began to offer dancers a song's melody, unadorned by arrangement or improvisation.)

Hogmanay (Scotland)

The alleged birthplace of "Auld Lang Syne" is Hogmanay (hog-mah-NAY), Scotland. The Scottish New Year's celebration (the origins of the name are obscure) has this as one of the traditions: "first-footing ." Shortly after midnight on New Year's eve, neighbors pay visits to each other and impart New Year's wishes.

Traditionally, First foots used to bring along a gift of coal for the fire, or shortbread. It is considered especially lucky if a tall, dark, and handsome man is the first to enter your house after the new year is rung in. The Edinburgh Hogmanay celebration is the largest in the country, and consists of an all-night street party.

Australia

Fireworks shine from Sydney's Harbor Bridge ushering in the new year. Revelers begin partying, visiting places of worship and gathering with family to welcome in the new year.



Brazil

In Brazil, many people visit Rio de Janeiro's famed Copacabana Beach to watch a New Year's Eve fireworks extravaganza that officials said would be the largest in the city's history. Each year, they seem to try and top the preceding year. This year they planned to set off nearly 25 tons of fireworks.



China

The New Year is a time of family reunion. Family members gather at each other's homes for visits and shared meals, most significantly a feast on New Year's Eve. In the United States, however, many early Chinese immigrants arrived without their families, and found a sense of community through neighborhood associations instead. Today, many Chinese-American neighborhood associations host banquets and other New Year events. For example:

The Lantern Festival

Chinese New Year ends with the lantern festival on the fifteenth day of the month. Some of the lanterns may be works of art, painted with birds, animals, flowers, zodiac signs, and scenes from legend and history. People hang glowing lanterns in temples, and carry lanterns to an evening parade under the light of the full moon.

In many areas the highlight of the lantern festival is the dragon dance. The dragon—which might stretch a hundred feet long—is typically made of silk, paper, and bamboo. Traditionally the dragon is held aloft by young men who dance as they guide the colorful beast through the streets.

In the United States, where the New Year is celebrated with a shortened schedule, the dragon dance always takes place on a weekend. In addition, many Chinese-American communities have added American parade elements such as marching bands and floats. In New York, especially since September 11 (911), fireworks are forbidden.


Oshogatsu (Japan)

In Japan, the new year is important holiday because to the Japanese the new year is a symbol of renewal. In December, various Bonenkai or "forget-the-year parties" are held to bid farewell to the problems and concerns of the past year and prepare for a new beginning. Misunderstandings and grudges are forgiven and houses are scrubbed.

Sending New Year's cards is a popular tradition—if postmarked by a certain date, the Japanese post office guarantees delivery of all New Year's cards on Jan. 1.

In Japan, several people are expected to climb the country's mountains — including the 12,387-foot, snowcapped Mount Fuji — to see the first sunrise of the new year. Some 100 million people are likely to visit shrines and temples in the first three days of 2006.

At midnight on Dec. 31, Buddhist temples strike their gongs 108 times, in a effort to expel 108 types of human weakness. New Year's day itself is a day of joy and no work is to be done. Children receive otoshidamas, small gifts with money inside.

But a new holiday pastime also has emerged among Japanese — watching professional wrestling on TV — and many will ring in the new year glued to their sets.


Spain

The Spanish ritual on New Year's eve is to eat twelve grapes at midnight. The tradition is meant to secure twelve happy months in the coming year.

The Netherlands

The Dutch burn bonfires of Christmas trees on the street and launch fireworks. The fires are meant to purge the old and welcome the new.

Greece

In Greece, New Year's day is also the Festival of St. Basil, one of the founders of the Greek Orthodox Church. One of the traditional foods served is Vassilopitta, or St Basil's cake. A silver or gold coin is baked inside the cake. Whoever finds the coin in their piece of cake will be especially lucky during the coming year.

>B>United States

It seems that one of the most famous tradition in the United States is the dropping of the New Year ball in Times Square, New York City, at 11:59 P.M. Thousands gather to watch the ball make its one-minute descent, arriving exactly at midnight.

The tradition first began in 1907. The original ball was made of iron and wood; the current ball is made of Waterford Crystal, weighs 1,070 pounds, and is six feet in diameter.

In the south, the traditional New Year's meal is Hoppin' John—black eyed peas, collard greens, corn bread, and ham hocks. An old saying goes, "Eat peas on New Year's day to have plenty of everything the rest of the year."

Another American tradition is the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Tournament of Roses parade that precedes the football game on New Year's day is made up of elaborate and inventive floats. The first parade was held in 1886.

Widely Observed New Year Symbols and Traditions

Resolutions:

It is believed that the Babylonians were the first to make New Year's resolutions, and people all over the world have been breaking them ever since. The early Christians believed the first day of the new year should be spent reflecting on past mistakes and resolving to improve oneself in the new year.

Fireworks: Noisemaking and fireworks on New Year's eve is believed to have originated in ancient times, when noise and fire were thought to dispel evil spirits and bring good luck. The Chinese are credited with inventing fireworks and use them to spectacular effect in their New Year's celebrations. Some of my historical research implied that Marco Polo stole several artifacts (including gunpowder, piping used to propel the fireworks and later redesigned into gun barrels or shafts, spaghetti, et al) used for this and other Chinese festivals and/or religious fetes and took them with him back to Europe during his escape from behind the Great China Wall.



Saying “Happy New Year!” Around the World
Language Happy New Year!

Afrikaans Voorspoedige nuwe jaar
Arabic Kul 'am wa antum bikhair
Basque Urte Berri on
Bengali Shuvo noboborsho

Chinese (Cantonese) Sun nien fai lok
Chinese (Mandarin) Xin nian yu kuai
Czech Stastny Novy Rok
Dutch Gelukkig nieuwjaar
Esperanto Bonan Novjaron
Finnish Onnellista uutta vuotta
French Bonne ann?©e
German Ein gl?¼ckliches neues Jahr
Greek Eutychismenos o kainourgios chronos
Hawaiian Hauoli Makahiki hou
Hebrew Shana Tova
Hungarian Boldog uj evet
Indonesian (Bahasa) Selamat Tahun Baru
Italian Felice Anno Nuovo or Buon anno
Japanese Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu
Korean Sehe Bokmanee Bateuseyo
Laotian (Hmong) Nyob Zoo Xyoo Tshiab
Latin Felix sit annus novus
Nigerian (Hausa) Barka da sabuwar shekara
Norwegian Godt Nytt ?…r
Philippines (Tagalog) Manigong Bagong Taon
Polish Szczesliwego Nowego Roku
Romanian La Multi Ani si Un An Nou Fericit
Samoan Ia manuia le Tausaga Fou
Spanish Feliz a?±o nuevo
Swahili Heri za Mwaka Mpya
Swedish Gott Nytt ?…r
Vietnamese Chuc mung nam moi
Welsh Blwyddyn Newydd Dda



New Year's Traditions
Auld Lang Syne and other New Year's customs
by Borgna Brunner

"Auld Lang Syne"
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne.

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp,
And surely I'll be mine,
And we'll tak a cup o kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine,
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit,
Sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne.

And there's a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o thine,
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne.More on New Year's Celebrations

A History of the New Year

Saying “Happy New Year!” Around the World

New Year's on Dates Other Than Jan. 1

Chinese New Year

2005 Feb. 9
2006 Jan. 29
2007 Feb. 18
2008 Feb. 7
2009 Jan. 26
2010 Feb. 14
2011 Feb. 3
2012 Jan. 23
2013 Feb. 10
2014 Jan. 31



Jewish New Year: Rosh Hashannah

2005 Oct. 3
2006 Sept. 22
2007 Sept. 12
2008 Sept. 29


Islamic New Year: Muharram

A.H. 1426 Feb. 10, 2005
A.H. 1427 Jan. 31, 2006
A.H. 1428 Jan. 20, 2007
A.H. 1429 Jan. 10, 2008


For more than a billion Muslims around the world—including some 8 million in North America—Ramadan is a "month of blessing" marked by prayer, fasting, and charity. This year Ramadan precedes Christmas and Hanukkah. While in many places these holidays have become widely commercialized, Ramadan retains its focus on self-sacrifice and devotion to Allah (God).


Eid al-Fitr

More than a billion Muslims around the world observe Ramadan (“month of blessing”), with prayer, fasting and charity. They celebrate the end of Ramadan with a three-day festival, called Eid al-Fitr, which means “breaking of the fast.” It's one of the most important holidays in Islam. (Islam is the name of the religion practiced by Muslims.) During Eid al-Fitr, people dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children and visit with friends and family.

Although charity and good deeds are always important in Islam, they have special significance at the end of Ramadan. As the month draws to a close, Muslims are obligated to share their blessings by feeding the poor and making contributions to mosques.


Fasting


Muslims practice sawm, or fasting, for the entire month of Ramadan. This means that they may eat or drink nothing, including water, while the sun shines. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam. As with other Islamic duties, all able Muslims take part in sawm from about age twelve.

During Ramadan in the Muslim world, most restaurants are closed during the daylight hours. Families get up early for suhoor, a meal eaten before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as iftar. Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost.

Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. And in this most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers




We should all count our blessing this New Year's and be grateful for our families, friends, health, et al. Lest we forget while celebrating New Year's with festivities, last year this generally jubilant celebration was marred when the devastation of the Indian Ocean tsunami led many countries and individuals to cancel festivities.


For the millions left homeless by this year's South Asian earthquake, however, the new year was expected to begin with heavy snow and rain. Relief agencies warned that the harsh Himalayan winter could hamper aid deliveries and create conditions ripe for illnesses.

Pakistan's army and aid workers have been using helicopters, trucks and mules to get tents, clothes, food and other provisions to survivors since the Oct. 8 quake killed an estimated 87,000 people and destroyed the homes of 3.5 million more.

In Indonesia's Central Sulawesi province, a bomb ripped through a busy meat market in a predominantly Christian district Saturday, killing at least eight people and wounding 45, officials said. Police said the bomb packed with ball bearings and nails went off as people bought pork for the night's festivities.


FYI: For New Yorkers who were saddened or angered by the MTA strike, did you consider who made the decision to have the employees contract end around the holiday season, i.e. end mid-December? Did anyone other than myself ever wonder why they couldn't come to some type of agreement before or during the three year's that the workers worked without contracts? I can't be the only one.

NOTE: In London: Workers in London's subway system began a 24-hour strike at midday Saturday (December 30), complicating travel plans for revelers preparing to celebrate the new year across the city, including at a huge open-air party in Trafalgar Square.

Information for this article was gathered from several sites, newspapers, magazines, and books including: Information Please - Fact Monster; religioustolerance.org; re: January 1 New' Year's" Day', celebrated as a holiday in many countries, found also in Random House Unabridged Dictionary; Enclyclopedia Britannica; and the Associated Press Wire Service.



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Winter Holidays Celebrated

We share a race, the of human race. Many of our customs, habits, and traditions are similar or seem to be comgined. Through this article, we will eventually visit around the world's map to learn about traditions from different regions and, along the way, learn about the history of this and other most cherished of holidays.

Christmas as we know it today is a Victorian invention of the 1860s. Probably the most celebrated holiday in the world, our modern Christmas is a product of hundreds of years of both secular and religious traditions from around the globe.


What is Christmas?

The word Christmas comes from the words Cristes maesse, or "Christ's Mass." Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus for members of the Christian religion. Most historians peg the first celebration of Christmas to Rome in 336 A.D.

Christmas is both a holiday and a holy day. In America it is one of the biggest event of the year (especially for kids), and for members of the Christian religions it is an important day on the religious calendar.

No one know exactly when Jesus was born. What is known is that Christian leaders in 336 A.D. set the date to December 25 in an attempt to eclipse a popular pagan holiday in Rome (Saturnalia) that celebrated the winter solstice. Originally, the celebration of Christmas involved a simple mass, but over time Christmas has replaced a number of other holidays in many other countries, and a large number of traditions have been absorbed into the celebration in the process (as we will see in later sections).

Ancient Holidays

The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.

Yule

In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year.

The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking.

Odon

In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside.


Saturnalia

In Rome, where winters were not as harsh as those in the far north, Saturnalia—a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture—was celebrated. Beginning in the week leading up to the winter solstice and continuing for a full month,

Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For a month, slaves would become masters. Peasants were in command of the city. Business and schools were closed so that everyone could join in the fun.

Juvenalia

Also around the time of the winter solstice, Romans observed Juvenalia, a feast honoring the children of Rome. In addition, members of the upper classes often celebrated the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun, on December 25. It was believed that Mithra, an infant god, was born of a rock. For some Romans, Mithra's birthday was the most sacred day of the year.

Christian Beginnings

In the early years of Christianity, Easter was the main holiday; the birth of Jesus was not celebrated. In the fourth century, church officials decided to institute the birth of Jesus as a holiday.


Unfortunately, the Bible does not mention date for his birth (a fact Puritans later pointed out in order to deny the legitimacy of the celebration). Although some evidence suggests that his birth may have occurred in the spring (why would shepherds be herding in the middle of winter?), Pope Julius I chose December 25. It is commonly believed that the church chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival.

Feast of the Nativity
Epiphany or Three Kings Day

First called the Feast of the Nativity, the custom spread to Egypt by 432 and to England by the end of the sixth century. By the end of the eighth century, the celebration of Christmas had spread all the way to Scandinavia. Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger.

By holding Christmas at the same time as traditional winter solstice festivals, church leaders increased the chances that Christmas would be popularly embraced, but gave up the ability to dictate how it was celebrated. By the Middle Ages, Christianity had, for the most part, replaced pagan religion.

On Christmas, believers attended church, then celebrated raucously in a drunken, carnival-like atmosphere similar to today's Mardi Gras. Each year, a beggar or student would be crowned the "lord of misrule" and eager celebrants played the part of his subjects. The poor would go to the houses of the rich and demand their best food and drink. If owners failed to comply, their visitors would most likely terrorize them with mischief. Christmas became the time of year when the upper classes could repay their real or imagined "debt" to society by entertaining less fortunate citizens.


An Outlaw Christmas

In the early 17th century, a wave of religious reform changed the way Christmas was celebrated in Europe. When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid England of decadence and, as part of their effort, cancelled Christmas. By popular demand, Charles II was restored to the throne and, with him, came the return of the popular holiday.


The pilgrims, English separatists that came to America in 1620, were even more orthodox in their Puritan beliefs than Cromwell. As a result, Christmas was not a holiday in early America. From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was actually outlawed in Boston. Anyone exhibiting the Christmas spirit was fined five shillings. By contrast, in the Jamestown settlement, Captain John Smith reported that Christmas was enjoyed by all and passed without incident.

After the American Revolution, English customs fell out of favor, including Christmas. In fact, Congress was in session on December 25, 1789, the first Christmas under America's new constitution. Christmas wasn't declared a federal holiday until June 26, 1870.


Irving Reinvents Christmas

It wasn't until the 19th century that Americans began to embrace Christmas. Americans re-invented Christmas, and changed it from a raucous carnival holiday into a family-centered day of peace and nostalgia. But what about the 1800s peaked American interest in the holiday?


The early 19th century was a period of class conflict and turmoil. During this time, unemployment was high and gang rioting by the disenchanted classes often occurred during the Christmas season. In 1828, the New York city council instituted the city's first police force in response to a Christmas riot. This catalyzed certain members of the upper classes to begin to change the way Christmas was celebrated in America.

In 1819, best-selling author Washington Irving wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, gent., a series of stories about the celebration of Christmas in an English manor house.


The sketches feature a squire who invited the peasants into his home for the holiday. In contrast to the problems faced in American society, the two groups mingled effortlessly. In Irving's mind, Christmas should be a peaceful, warm-hearted holiday bringing groups together across lines of wealth or social status. Irving's fictitious celebrants enjoyed "ancient customs," including the crowning of a Lord of Misrule. Irving's book, however, was not based on any holiday celebration he had attended—in fact, many historians say that Irving's account actually "invented" tradition by implying that it described the true customs of the season.


A Christmas Carol

Also around this time, English author Charles Dickens created the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol. The story's message—the importance of charity and good will towards all humankind—struck a powerful chord in the United States and England and showed members of Victorian society the benefits of celebrating the holiday.


The family was also becoming less disciplined and more sensitive to the emotional needs of children during the early 1800s. Christmas provided families with a day when they could lavish attention—and gifts—on their children without appearing to "spoil" them.

As Americans began to embrace Christmas as a perfect family holiday, old customs were unearthed. People looked toward recent immigrants and Catholic and Episcopalian churches to see how the day should be celebrated. In the next 100 years, Americans built a Christmas tradition all their own that included pieces of many other customs, including decorating trees, sending holiday cards, and gift-giving.


Although most families quickly bought into the idea that they were celebrating Christmas how it had been done for centuries, Americans had really re-invented a holiday to fill the cultural needs of a growing nation.




What is Kwanzaa?

The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits" in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal. On each of the seven nights, the family gathers and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (candleholder), then one of the seven principles is discussed.

The principles, called the Nguzo Saba (seven principles in Swahili) are values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing community among African-Americans. Click here for the principles. Kwanzaa also has seven basic symbols which represent values and concepts reflective of African culture. An African feast, called a Karamu, is held on December 31.


The candle-lighting ceremony each evening provides the opportunity to gather and discuss the meaning of Kwanzaa. The first night, the black candle in the center is lit (and the principle of umoja/unity is discussed). One candle is lit each evening and the appropriate principle is discussed.


The seven principles, or Nguzo Saba are a set of ideals. Each day of Kwanzaa emphasizes a different principle.

Unity (Umoja) - (oo-MO-jah)
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Self-determination (Kujichagulia) - (koo-gee-cha-goo-LEE-yah)
To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima) - (oo-GEE-mah)
To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.

Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa)- (oo-JAH-mah)
To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Purpose (Nia) - (nee-YAH)
To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Creativity (Kuumba)- (koo-OOM-bah)
To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Faith (Imani) - (ee-MAH-nee)
To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.


SEVEN SYMBOLS OF KWANZAA

Mazao: Fruits, Nuts, and Vegetables

Mazao, the crops (fruits, nuts, and vegetables), symbolizes work and the basis of the holiday. It represents the historical foundation for Kwanzaa, the gathering of the people that is patterned after African harvest festivals in which joy, sharing, unity, and thanksgiving are the fruits of collective planning and work. Since the family is the basic social and economic center of every civilization, the celebration bonded family members, reaffirming their commitment and responsibility to each other.

In Africa the family may have included several generations of two or more nuclear families, as well as distant relatives. Ancient Africans didn't care how large the family was, but there was only one leader - the oldest male of the strongest group. For this reason, an entire village may have been composed of one family. The family was a limb of a tribe that shared common customs, cultural traditions, and political unity and were supposedly descended from common ancestors. The tribe lived by traditions that provided continuity and identity.

Tribal laws often determined the value system, laws, and customs encompassing birth, adolescence, marriage, parenthood, maturity, and death. Through personal sacrifice and hard work, the farmers sowed seeds that brought forth new plant life to feed the people and other animals of the earth. To demonstrate their mazao, celebrants of Kwanzaa place nuts, fruit, and vegetables, representing work, on the mkeka.

Mkeka: Place Mat

The mkeka, made from straw or cloth, comes directly from Africa and expresses history, culture, and tradition. It symbolizes the historical and traditional foundation for us to stand on and build our lives because today stands on our yesterdays, just as the other symbols stand on the mkeka.

In 1965, James Baldwin wrote: "For history is not merely something to be read. And it does not refer merely, or even principally, to the past. On the contrary, the great force of history comes from the facts that we carry it within us, are consciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do. It could scarcely be otherwise, since it is to history that we owe our frames of reference, our identities, and our aspirations." During Kwanzaa, we study, recall, and reflect on our history and the role we are to play as a legacy to the future. Ancient societies made mats from straw, the dried seams of grains, sowed and reaped collectively. The weavers took the stalks and created household baskets and mats. Today, we buy mkeka that are made from Kente cloth, African mud cloth, and other textiles from various areas of the African continent. The mishumaa saba, the vibunzi, the mazao, the zawadi, the kikombe cha umoja, and the kinara are placed directly on the mkeka.

Vibunzi: Ear of Corn

The stalk of corn represents fertility and symbolizes that through the reproduction of children, the future hopes of the family are brought to life. One ear is called vibunzi, and two or more ears are called mihindi. Each ear symbolizes a child in the family, and thus one ear is placed on the mkeka for each child in the family. If there are no children in the home, two ears are still set on the mkeka because each person is responsible for the children of the community. During Kwanzaa, we take the love and nurturance that was heaped on us as children and selflessly return it to all children, especially the helpless, homeless, loveless ones in our community. Thus, the Nigerian proverb "It takes a whole village to raise a child" is realized in this symbol (vibunzi), since raising a child in Africa was a community affair, involving the tribal village, as well as the family. Good habits of respect for self and others, discipline, positive thinking, expectations, compassion, empathy, charity, and self-direction are learned in childhood from parents, from peers, and from experiences. Children are essential to Kwanzaa, for they are the future, the seed bearers that will carry cultural values and practices into the next generation. For this reason, children were cared for communally and individually within a tribal village. The biological family was ultimately responsible for raising its own children, but every person in the village was responsible for the safety and welfare of all the children.


Mishumaa Saba: The Seven Candles

Candles are ceremonial objects with two primary purposes: to re-create symbolically the sun's power and to provide light. The celebration of fire through candle burning is not limited to one particular group or country; it occurs everywhere. Mishumaa saba are the seven candles: three red, three green, and one black. The back candle symbolizes Umoja (unity), the basis of success, and is lit on December 26. The three green candles, representing Nia, Ujima, and Imani, are placed to the right of the Umoja candle, while the three red candles, representing Kujichagulia, Ujamaa, and Kuumba, are placed to the left of it. During Kwanzaa, on candle, representing one principle, is lit each day. Then the other candles are relit to give off more light and vision. The number of candles burning also indicate the principle that is being celebrated. The illuminating fire of the candles is a basic element of the universe, and every celebration and festival includes fire in some form. Fire's mystique, like the sun, is irresistible and can destroy or create with its mesmerizing, frightening, mystifying power.

Mishumaa saba's symbolic colors are from the red, black, and green flag (bendara) created by Marcus Garvey. The colors also represent African gods.

Red is the color of Shango, the Yoruba god of fire, thunder, and lightning, who lives in the clouds and sends down his thunderbolt whenever he is angry or offended. It also represents the struggle for self-determination and freedom by people of color.

Black is the people, the earth, the source of life, representing hope, creativity, and faith and denoting messages and the opening and closing of doors.

Green represents the earth that sustains our lives and provides hope, divination, employment, and the fruits of the harvest

Kinara: The Candleholder

The kinara is the center of the Kwanzaa setting and represents the original stalk from which we came: our ancestry. The kinara can be shape - straight lines, semicircles, or spirals - as long as the seven candles are separate and distinct, like a candelabra. Kinaras are made from all kinds of materials, and many celebrants create their own from fallen branches, wood, or other natural materials. The kinara symbolizes the ancestors, who were once earth bound; understand the problems of human life; and are willing to protect their progeny from danger, evil, and mistakes. In African festivals the ancestors are remembered and honored. The mishumaa saba are placed in the kinara.

Kikombe Cha Umoja: The Unity Cup

The kikombe cha umoja is a special cup that is used to perform the libation (tambiko) ritual during the Karamu feast on the sixth day of Kwanzaa. In many African societies libation are poured for the living dead whose souls stay with the earth they tilled. The Ibo of Nigeria believe that to drink the last portion of a libation is to invite the wrath of the spirits and the ancestors; consequently, the last part of the libation belongs to the ancestors. During the Karamu feast, the kikombe cha umoja is passed to family member and guests, who drink from it to promote unity. Then, the eldest person present pours the libation (tambiko), usually water, juice, or wine, in the direction of the four winds - north, south, east, and west - to honor the ancestors. The eldest asks the gods and ancestors to share in the festivities and, in return, to bless all the people who are not at the gathering. After asking for this blessing, the elder pours the libation on the ground and the group says "Amen."

Large Kwanzaa gatherings may operate just as communion services in most churches, for which it is common for celebrants to have individual cups and to drink the libation together as a sign of unity. Several families may have a cup that is specifically for the ancestors, and everyone else has his or her own. The last few ounces of the libation are poured into the cup of the host or hostess, who sips it and then hands it to the oldest person in the group, who asks for the blessing.

Zawadi: Gifts

When we celebrate Imani on the seventh day of Kwanzaa, we give meaningful zawadi (gifts) to encourage growth, self-determination, achievement, and success. We exchange the gifts with members of our immediate family, especially the children, to promote or reward accomplishments and commitments kept, as well as with our guests. Handmade gifts are encouraged to promote self-determination, purpose, and creativity and to avoid the chaos of shopping and conspicuous consumption during the December holiday season.

A family may spend the year making kinaras or may create cards, dolls, or mkekas to give to their guests. Accepting a gift implies a moral obligation to fulfill the promise of the gift; it obliges the recipient to follow the training of the host. The gift cements social relationships, allowing the receiver to share the duties and the rights of a family member. Accepting a gift makes the receiver part of the family and promotes Umoja.

Excerpted from the book: The Complete Kwanzaa Celebrating Our Cultural Harvest. Copyright 1995 by Dorothy Winbush Riley.


What is Hannukkah?

Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days and nights, starting on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar (which is November-December on the Gregorian calendar). In Hebrew, the word "Hanukkah" means "dedication."

The holiday commemorates the rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Jews' 165 B.C.E. victory over the Hellenist Syrians. Antiochus, the Greek King of Syria, outlawed Jewish rituals and ordered the Jews to worship Greek gods.

In 168 B.C.E. the Jews' holy Temple was seized and dedicated to the worship of Zeus.

Some Jews were afraid of the Greek soldiers and obeyed them, but most were angry and decided to fight back.

The fighting began in Modiin, a village not far from Jerusalem. A Greek officer and soldiers assembled the villagers, asking them to bow to an idol and eat the flesh of a pig, activities forbidden to Jews. The officer asked Mattathias, a Jewish High Priest, to take part in the ceremony. He refused, and another villager stepped forward and offered to do it instead. Mattathias became outraged, took out his sword and killed the man, then killed the officer. His five sons and the other villagers then attacked and killed the soldiers. Mattathias' family went into hiding in the nearby mountains, where many other Jews who wanted to fight the Greeks joined them. They attacked the Greek soldiers whenever possible.

About a year after the rebellion started, Mattathias died. Before his death, he put his brave son Judah Maccabee in charge of the growing army. After three years of fighting, the Jews defeated the Greek army, despite having fewer men and weapons.

The Menorah

Judah Maccabee and his soldiers went to the holy Temple, and were saddened that many things were missing or broken, including the golden menorah. They cleaned and repaired the Temple, and when they were finished, they decided to have a big dedication ceremony. For the celebration, the Maccabees wanted to light the menorah. They looked everywhere for oil, and found a small flask that contained only enough oil to light the menorah for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days. This gave them enough time to obtain new oil to keep the menorah lit. Today Jews celebrate Hanukkah for eight days by lighting candles in a menorah every night, thus commemorating the eight-day miracle.

Lighting of the Candles

On each night of Hanukkah, the menorah is lit to commemorate a miracle which occurred after the Jews proclaimed victory over the Syrian armies in 165 B.C.E.

On the first night of Hanukkah, one light is lit. On each successive night a light is added until the eighth night, when all the lights are lit. The addition of light recalls the greatness and growth of the miracle. Candles are placed in the menorah from right to left, but lit from left to right. The highest candle, known as the Shamash or "servant", is used to light the other candles. Blessings are recited each night before the lights are kindled.


In ancient times, olive oil was used in Hanukkah menorahs. Over time, colorful candles were substituted.

In Israel, the Hanukkah menorah is called the Hanukiyah

Menorahs come in all shapes and sizes. The only requirement is that the flames are separated enough so that they will not look too big and resemble a pagan bonfire.

Ancient menorahs were made of clay. They consisted of small, pearl shaped vessels, each with its own wick, which were arranged side-by-side.

Today's menorah, which stands on a base from which the branches sprout, resembles the holy Temple's menorah and started to appear towards the end of the Middle Ages.

The Oil

The most popular themes throughout the Hanukkah dishes are the use of oil. The oil reminds us of the oil which burned eight days instead of one.

Latkes

Latkes are potato pancakes made from grated potatoes mixed with eggs, onions, and flour, then fried in vegetable oil. The texture is crispy on the outside and tender within. They're served hot and often dipped in apple sauce or sour cream.

The Maccabbee soliders ate latkes made from cheese, vegetables, or fruits which were brought to them on the battlefields. However, they didn't eat potato latkes, as potatoes weren't available until the 16th century.

Sufganiyot

Sufganiyot are jelly doughnuts without the hole. They're dropped into hot oil without being shaped and come out in odd, funny shapes, then covered in powdered sugar and/or cinnamon. Sufganiyot are particularly popular in Israel, where they are sold on stands in the streets over a month before hanukkah begins.



Sweden 'God Jul!'

Lights, Candles

Most people in Scandinavian countries honor St. Lucia (also known as St. Lucy) each year on December 13. The celebration of St. Lucia Day began in Sweden, but had spread to Denmark and Finland by the mid-19th century.


In these countries, the holiday is considered the beginning of the Christmas season and, as such, is sometimes referred to as "little Yule." Traditionally, the oldest daughter in each family rises early and wakes each of her family members, dressed in a long, white gown with a red sash, and wearing a crown made of twigs with nine lighted candles. For the day, she is called "Lussi" or "Lussibruden (Lucy bride)." The family then eats breakfast in a room lighted with candles.

Any shooting or fishing done on St. Lucia Day was done by torchlight, and people brightly illuminated their homes. At night, men, women, and children would carry torches in a parade. The night would end when everyone threw their torches onto a large pile of straw, creating a huge bonfire. In Finland today, one girl is chosen to serve as the national Lucia and she is honored in a parade in which she is surrounded by torchbearers.


Light is a main theme of St. Lucia Day, as her name, which is derived from the Latin word lux, means light. Her feast day is celebrated near the shortest day of the year, when the sun's light again begins to strengthen. Lucia lived in Syracuse during the fourth century when persecution of Christians was common. Unfortunately, most of her story has been lost over the years. According to one common legend, Lucia lost her eyes while being tortured by a Diocletian for her Christian beliefs. Others say she may have plucked her own eyes out to protest the poor treatment of Christians. Lucia is the patron saint of the blind.



Finland 'Hyv?¤?¤ Joulua!'

Many Finns visit the sauna on Christmas Eve.

Families gather and listen to the national "Peace of Christmas" radio broadcast. It is customary to visit the gravesites of departed family members.



Norway 'Gledelig Jul!'

Norway is the birthplace of the Yule log. The ancient Norse used the Yule log in their celebration of the return of the sun at winter solstice. "Yule" came from the Norse word hweol, meaning wheel. The Norse believed that the sun was a great wheel of fire that rolled towards and then away from the earth. Ever wonder why the family fireplace is such a central part of the typical Christmas scene? This tradition dates back to the Norse Yule log. It is probably also responsible for the popularity of log-shaped cheese, cakes, and desserts during the holidays.


Jamestown, Virginia

Eggnog

According to reports by Captain John Smith, the first eggnog made in the United States was consumed in his 1607 Jamestown settlement. Nog comes from the word grog, which refers to any drink made with rum.



Germany 'Froehliche Weihnachten!'

Chistmas or Evergreen Trees


Decorating evergreen trees had always been a part of the German winter solstice tradition. The first "Christmas trees" explicitly decorated and named after the Christian holiday, appeared in Strasbourg, in Alsace in the beginning of the 17th century. After 1750, Christmas trees began showing up in other parts of Germany, and even more so after 1771, when Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited Strasbourg and promptly included a Christmas tree is his novel, The Suffering of Young Werther. In the 1820s, the first German immigrants decorated Christmas trees in Pennsylvania. After Germany's Prince Albert married Queen Victoria, he introduced the Christmas tree tradition to England. In 1848, the first American newspaper carried a picture of a Christmas tree and the custom spread to nearly every home in just a few years.



Mexico 'Feliz Navidad!'

Poinsettias

In 1828, the American minister to Mexico, Joel R. Poinsett, brought a red-and-green plant from Mexico to America. As its coloring seemed perfect for the new holiday, the plants, which were called poinsettias after Poinsett, began appearing in greenhouses as early as 1830. In 1870, New York stores began to sell them at Christmas. By 1900, they were a universal symbol of the holiday.

In Mexico, paper mache sculptures called pinatas are filled with candy and coins and hung from the ceiling. Children then take turns hitting the pinata until it breaks, sending a shower of treats to the floor. Children race to gather as much of of the loot as they can.



England 'Merry Christmas!'

Greeting or Christmas Cards

An Englishman named John Calcott Horsley helped to popularize the tradition of sending Christmas greeting cards when he began producing small cards featuring festive scenes and a pre-written holiday greeting in the late 1830s. Newly efficient post offices in England and the United States made the cards nearly overnight sensations.

At about the same time, similar cards were being made by R.H. Pease, the first American card maker, in Albany, New York, and Louis Prang, a German who immigrated to America in 1850.

MIstletoe

Celtic and Teutonic peoples had long considered mistletoe to have magic powers. It was said to have the ability to heal wounds and increase fertility. Celts hung mistletoe in their homes in order to bring themselves good luck and ward off evil spirits. During holidays in the Victorian era, the English would hang sprigs of mistletoe from ceilings and in doorways. If someone was found standing under the mistletoe, they would be kissed by someone else in the room, behavior not usually demonstrated in Victorian society.

Plum Pudding

Plum pudding is an English dish dating back to the Middle Ages. Suet, flour, sugar, raisins, nuts, and spices are tied loosely in cloth and boiled until the ingredients are "plum," meaning they have enlarged enough to fill the cloth. It is then unwrapped, sliced like cake, and topped with cream.

Christmas Carols

Caroling also began in England. Wandering musicians would travel from town to town visiting castles and homes of the rich. In return for their performance, the musicians hoped to receive a hot meal or money.


Christmas Stockings and Saint Nicholas

In the United States and England, children hang stockings on their bedpost or near a fireplace on Christmas Eve, hoping that it will be filled with treats while they sleep. In Scandinavia, similar-minded children leave their shoes on the hearth. This tradition can be traced to legends about Saint Nicholas. One legend tells of three poor sisters who could not marry because they had no money for a dowry. To save them from being sold by their father, St. Nick left each of the three sisters gifts of gold coins. One went down the chimney and landed in a pair of shoes that had been left on the hearth. Another went into a window and into a pair of stockings left hanging by the fire to dry.


France 'Joyeux No?«l!'

In France, Christmas is called Noel. This comes from the French phrase les bonnes nouvelles," which means "the good news" and refers to the gospel.

In southern France, some people burn a log in their homes from Christmas Eve until New Year's Day. This stems from an ancient tradition in which farmers would use part of the log to ensure good luck for the next year's harvest.


Italy 'Buone Natale!'

Italians call Chrismas Il Natale, meaning "the birthday."


Australia

Family Gatherings, Exchanging Gifts, Pork, Turkey, BarBQs

In Australia, the holiday comes in the middle of summer and it's not unusual for some parts of Australia to hit 100 degrees Farenheit on Christmas day.

During the warm and sunny Australian Christmas season, beach time and outdoor barbecues are common. Traditional Christmas day celebrations include family gatherings, exchanging gifts and either a hot meal with ham, turkey, pork or seafood or barbeques.


Ukraine 'Srozhdestvom Kristovym!'
Big Meals

Ukrainians prepare a traditional twelve-course meal. A family's youngest child watches through the window for the evening star to appear, a signal that the feast can begin.


Canada
Dancing

Most Canadian Christmas traditions are very similar to those practiced in the United States. In the far north of the country, the Eskimos celebrate a winter festival called sinck tuck, which features parties with dancing and the exchanging of gifts.


Greece 'Kala Christouyenna!'

In Greece, many people believe in kallikantzeri, goblins that appear to cause mischief during the 12 days of Christmas. Gifts are usually exchanged on January 1, St. Basil's Day.


Central America

Manger Scene

A manger scene is the primary decoration in most southern European, Central American, and South American nations. St. Francis of Assisi created the first living nativity in 1224 to help explain the birth of Jesus to his followers.
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Kids FYI

Florida is the only U.S. state to have a town named “Christmas.” However, there is a Santa Claus, Georgia, and a North Pole, Alaska.

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