In a little while from now,
If I'm not feeling any less sour
I promised myself to treat myself
And visit a nearby tower,
And climbing to the top,
Will throw myself off
In an effort to make it clear to who
Ever what it's like when your shattered
Left standing in the lurch, at a church
Where people 're saying,
"My God that's tough, she stood him up!
No point in us remaining.
May as well go home."
As I did on my own,
Alone again, naturally
To think that only yesterday,
I was cheerful, bright and gay,
Looking forward to, but who wouldn't do,
The role I was about to play
But as if to knock me down,
Reality came around
And without so much as a mere touch,
Cut me into little pieces
Leaving me to doubt,
All about God and His mercy
For if He really does exist
Why did He desert me
In my hour of need?
I truly am indeed,
Alone again, naturally
It seems to me that
There are more hearts
Broken in the world
That can't be mended
Left unattended
What do we do? What do we do?
(instrumental break)
Now looking back over the years,
And what ever else that appears
I remember I cried when my father died
Never wishing to have cried the tears
And at sixty-five years old,
My mother, God rest her soul,
Couldn't understand, why the only man
She had ever loved had been taken
Leaving her to start with a heart
So badly broken
Despite encouragement from me
No words were ever spoken
And when she passed away
I cried and cried all day
Alone again, naturally
Alone again, naturally
December 2, 2009
Christmas Ornaments
Christmas is one of the biggest celebrations for the people belonging to the Christian faith. But it would be wrong to assume that it is only celebrated among the Christians. With the world becoming a global village, Christmas is now celebrated in many countries around the world. Caroling, feasting, and gift-giving along with the prayers and wishes - Christmas is celebrated with high spirits in various parts of the world. Though the mode of celebration, the dates and the traditions vary, the spirit remains the same everywhere. While most of us celebrate it as a festive season spreading over a week, for some it is a month long festival that starts with the Advent on Sunday next to November 26 and ends on January 6 with the feast of Epiphany. Read on to have a glimpse over the different ways in which it is celebrated in different countries of the world.
The tradition of Christmas trees and Christmas Ornaments is a much disputed one what with several theories about their origin doing the rounds for a long time. The most popular theory holds that the tradition was started bypersonalize christmas gifts a monk who came to Germany in the 7th/8th century to preach. It is said that this monk was Saint Boniface, the Apostle of the Germans. According to history, the saint was the first one to bring a fir tree to the German people to decorate, for he claimed that its triangular shape represented the Holy Trinity - God, his son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. The tradition was lapped up by the devout Germans who started decorating the Christmas tree in a liturgical way with simple, white candles. This however, changed in the 15th century when ornaments began to be incorporated into the Christmas decorations in Germany. In Latvia, circa 1510, a fir tree was decorated with roses which was associated with the Virgin Mary. This event is often hailed as the pioneer of modern Christmas decorations.
In 1605, a tree in Strasbourg (a city on the Rhine in eastern France near the German border) was brought indoors and adorned with paper roses, lighted candles, wafers, nuts, and sweets. This is said to be a groundbreaking moment in the history of Christmas decorations for it kicked off a new trend, adornment of the Christmas tree in an indoor setting. With time, the decorative ornaments grew more diverse and each family used its own inventiveness to beautify the Christmas trees. Later decorations included painted eggshells, cookies, and candies. The high point came with the introduction of tinsel in 1610, an item that has been a favorite decorative item since. Tinsel was originally made with pure silver.
As time passed, the Christmas tree traditions gradually found their way into English homes where the decorations began to be more ornate what with glass beads and hand-sewn snowflakes being used to adorn the trees. With the arrival of the 1800's, the Christmas tree tradition eventually began to invade the American homes.
The tradition of Christmas trees and Christmas Ornaments is a much disputed one what with several theories about their origin doing the rounds for a long time. The most popular theory holds that the tradition was started bypersonalize christmas gifts a monk who came to Germany in the 7th/8th century to preach. It is said that this monk was Saint Boniface, the Apostle of the Germans. According to history, the saint was the first one to bring a fir tree to the German people to decorate, for he claimed that its triangular shape represented the Holy Trinity - God, his son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. The tradition was lapped up by the devout Germans who started decorating the Christmas tree in a liturgical way with simple, white candles. This however, changed in the 15th century when ornaments began to be incorporated into the Christmas decorations in Germany. In Latvia, circa 1510, a fir tree was decorated with roses which was associated with the Virgin Mary. This event is often hailed as the pioneer of modern Christmas decorations.
In 1605, a tree in Strasbourg (a city on the Rhine in eastern France near the German border) was brought indoors and adorned with paper roses, lighted candles, wafers, nuts, and sweets. This is said to be a groundbreaking moment in the history of Christmas decorations for it kicked off a new trend, adornment of the Christmas tree in an indoor setting. With time, the decorative ornaments grew more diverse and each family used its own inventiveness to beautify the Christmas trees. Later decorations included painted eggshells, cookies, and candies. The high point came with the introduction of tinsel in 1610, an item that has been a favorite decorative item since. Tinsel was originally made with pure silver.
As time passed, the Christmas tree traditions gradually found their way into English homes where the decorations began to be more ornate what with glass beads and hand-sewn snowflakes being used to adorn the trees. With the arrival of the 1800's, the Christmas tree tradition eventually began to invade the American homes.
November 26, 2009
The 101 Strings Orchestra Q & A What You Need to Know About the 101 Strings Orchestra
What is the 101 Strings Orchestra?
The 101 Strings Orchestra is the name of a musical ensemble that has produced hundreds of records. Its "easy-listening" style has won over millions of people, making it one of the most successful musical groups in symphonic history.
When was the 101 Strings Orchestra founded?
The 101 Strings Orchestra was founded in 1957 by producer/engineer Dick L. Miller. Miller founded the orchestra as a way to achieve the same sound as the "big name" orchestras conducted by the best conductors at a fraction of the cost. Miller's search lead him to hire relatively unknown musicians from all over Europe. As long as the music stayed the same, musicians were easily interchangeable given they were able to perform in similar style as the ensemble.
What makes the 101 Strings Orchestra so famous?
Much of the 101 Strings Orchestra's success came from the arrangement of songs, usually based on popular television/movie themes, Top 40 radio songs, etc... It's trademark sound is based on rich melodies and ambient relaxing atmospheres (something everyone can appreciate).
What makes the 101 Strings Orchestra different from other orchestras?
The main differences between the 101 Strings Orchestra and other orchestras are the styles of music played and the instruments involved in creating it. The 101 Strings Orchestra prominently features the use of stringed instruments, though a handful of their albums focus on brass, guitar, piano, rock'n'roll rhythms, among others.
Where can I find released albums of the 101 Strings Orchestra?
Albums released by the 101 Strings Orchestra can be found in many major retailers around the world. Recently, under its newest label, Madacy Entertainment, a 12 CD Collectors Edition has been released.
Interesting Facts About the 101 Strings Orchestra
# In 1964, Miller sold the 101 Strings Orchestra to the Alshire Label, and for the next 30 years, Alshire and the orchestra produced large quantities of albums. In 1995, Madacy Entertainment bought the Alshire label, and began repackaging and re-releasing music by the 101 Strings Orchestra.
# When it was founded The 101 Strings Orchestra was actually made up of 124 stringed instruments.
# With over 2,000 titles from which to choose, many marketing and advertisement agencies regularly use the 101 Strings Orchestra's music in their ad campaigns. To make the process of licensing their music easier, the 101 Strings Orchestra has added an online application to their website.
source
About.com
The 101 Strings Orchestra is the name of a musical ensemble that has produced hundreds of records. Its "easy-listening" style has won over millions of people, making it one of the most successful musical groups in symphonic history.
When was the 101 Strings Orchestra founded?
The 101 Strings Orchestra was founded in 1957 by producer/engineer Dick L. Miller. Miller founded the orchestra as a way to achieve the same sound as the "big name" orchestras conducted by the best conductors at a fraction of the cost. Miller's search lead him to hire relatively unknown musicians from all over Europe. As long as the music stayed the same, musicians were easily interchangeable given they were able to perform in similar style as the ensemble.
What makes the 101 Strings Orchestra so famous?
Much of the 101 Strings Orchestra's success came from the arrangement of songs, usually based on popular television/movie themes, Top 40 radio songs, etc... It's trademark sound is based on rich melodies and ambient relaxing atmospheres (something everyone can appreciate).
What makes the 101 Strings Orchestra different from other orchestras?
The main differences between the 101 Strings Orchestra and other orchestras are the styles of music played and the instruments involved in creating it. The 101 Strings Orchestra prominently features the use of stringed instruments, though a handful of their albums focus on brass, guitar, piano, rock'n'roll rhythms, among others.
Where can I find released albums of the 101 Strings Orchestra?
Albums released by the 101 Strings Orchestra can be found in many major retailers around the world. Recently, under its newest label, Madacy Entertainment, a 12 CD Collectors Edition has been released.
Interesting Facts About the 101 Strings Orchestra
# In 1964, Miller sold the 101 Strings Orchestra to the Alshire Label, and for the next 30 years, Alshire and the orchestra produced large quantities of albums. In 1995, Madacy Entertainment bought the Alshire label, and began repackaging and re-releasing music by the 101 Strings Orchestra.
# When it was founded The 101 Strings Orchestra was actually made up of 124 stringed instruments.
# With over 2,000 titles from which to choose, many marketing and advertisement agencies regularly use the 101 Strings Orchestra's music in their ad campaigns. To make the process of licensing their music easier, the 101 Strings Orchestra has added an online application to their website.
source
About.com
November 25, 2009
top 10 most tasty cuisine in the world
For all the food fanatics out there, traveling is essential, if you want to taste everything the world has to offer. That is why we have rounded up the most resounding symphonies of flavor, the most colorful dishes and the tasties bites. Here is your guide to the fascinating, international cuisines.
Lebanese Cuisine
10. Lebanese Cuisine
The Lebanese cuisine is the place where you can taste all the goodness the Middle East has to offer. Foods are generally Mediterranean, high on vegetables, little meat and full of flavors. Perhaps the most famous dish worldwide is the appetizer mezze - a selection of dips, pickles, salads and nibbles with Arabic bread. It also includes an abundance of fruit, fresh fish and seafood and little animal fat. The country is also famous for the Arabic sweets, Tripoli being referred to as the “Sweet Capital” of Lebanon. [Lebanese Recipes]
Greek Cuisine
9. Greek Cuisine
With a significant influence from the Turkish and Italian cuisine, the Greek cuisine is a focused around olive oil, vegetables and herbs specific to the Mediterranean region. Eating in Greece is a different experience from Greek restaurants in other countries - gyros for example is considered by Greeks junk food. Restaurants now offer an authentic eating experience, being up to date with the latest culinary trends and stocked up with regional specialties. The Taverna and Estiatorio are widespread, being the places where you can find affordable authentic cuisine. [Greek Recipes]
Spanish Cuisine
8. Spanish Cuisine
For a lighter approach on food, we turn to the Spanish cuisine, containing a variety of meat and fish, as well as vegetables. It is also influenced by the seafood available from the surrounding waters. Spanish cuisine uses the most oil among all Western and Central European cuisines. One of the most popular drinks in Spain that goes perfectly with its national dishes is sangria, a drink made of wine and fruits. [Spanish Recipes]
Japanese Cuisine
7. Japanese Cuisine
Known for its seasonality of food, aspect and quality of ingredients, the Japanese cuisine is rapidly becoming a trend worldwide. White rice and soybeans are the ingredients you should expect to find in almost any dish. According to Michelin Guide that ranks cities worldwide for their restaurants, Tokyo is the most delicious city, with 150 top-ranked restaurants, as opposed to Paris and London that have 148. Apart from its capital, it is fascinating to uncover the local cuisine throughout Japan. [Japanese Recipes]
Mexican Cuisine
6. Mexican Cuisine
Known for its varied flavors and spices, Mexican Cuisine is a result of the Spanish conquistadores’ interaction with the Aztec culture. Most of the Mexican food we eat today is a delicious combination of ancient traditions, Aztec, Mayan and Spanish. The French also had their part in the story, adding baked goods such as sweet breads and the bolillo. You can easily choose the restaurant you are going to eat in by popularity: restaurants with good food usually attract all the customers. There are also exotic options for your menu, such as iguana, insects, rattlesnake, deer and even spider monkey. [Mexican Recipes]
Thai Cuisine
5. Thai Cuisine
Many people say Thai food alone, with its balanced mix of hot, sour, bitter and sweet, is a good enough reason to visit the country. The foods are characterized by the use of fresh herbs and flavors, such as lime juice, lemon grass and fresh coriander. Similar to many Asian cuisines, rice is the main component in Thai foods as well. You will often come across nam pla, a strong fish sauce, shrimp paste and noodles. If you’re looking to get a kick of out your lunch, you should try the raw beef, fermented fish paste or deep fried insect larvae mostly present in the Northeast, where eating insects in fairly common. [Thai Recipes]
Indian Cuisine
4. Indian Cuisine
One of the world’s most sophisticated and diverse cuisines, only one part of the Indian cuisine is known to the world. The Indian food served in restaurants worldwide is North Indian, also known as Mughlai or Punjabi. There are other 3 categories of Indian cuisine: South, East and West. The foods are mostly vegetarian, but many include lamb, goat, chicken meat and even fish. Indian cuisine is usually very spicy so in order to enjoy the food, start slowly and in a few weeks you’ll get accustomed to the flavors. Meals are usually eaten without cutlery, while seated on the floor, but these traditions are starting to change for the restaurants oriented to the Europe or the US. [Indian Recipes]
Chinese Cuisine
3. Chinese Cuisine
Originated in various parts of China and now spread throughout the world, Chinese cuisine is now eaten by a third of the world’s population every day. The cuisine is easy to create, economical and tasty. Most of the food is prepared in bite-sized pieces because the Chinese culture regards knives and forks as weapons. Usually, every person at the table is given a bowl of rice while the other dishes are shared by everyone at the table. Some dishes are cooked from endangered species, such as facai moss while others from meat you would want to avoid such as dog. [Chinese Recipes]
Italian Cuisine
2. Italian Cuisine
Perhaps one of the oldest in the world, the Italian cuisine can be traced back to the 4th century BC. It became what is today along with the discovery of the New World, that brought potatoes, tomatoes pepper or maize on the list of ingredients. An Italian meal is structured into several sections: antipasto (the appetizer), primo (pasta or rice dish), secondo (meat course), dolce (dessert). Italy is also famous for over 400 kinds of cheese, including the famous Parmigianino Reggiano, and 300 types of sausages. [Italian Recipes]
French Cuisine
1. French Cuisine
Starting with the Middle Ages that brought rich banquets to the French Revolution, where refined techniques were used, French Cuisine can be called in the 21st century “haute cuisine”. It is as popular as the poetry or French arts, a meal at a restaurant comparing to “a sort of theatre you can eat”. Pastries are a large part of French cooking. Cheese and wine are also a major part of the cuisine, being perhaps the most famous of all. The modern restaurant has its roots in French culture so restaurants are bountiful, but as for recommendation before deciding on one. In Paris alone, there are over 5,000 places to eat, with prices and menus to suit anyone’s taste. [French Recipes]
source
http://blog.hotelclub.com/top-10-international-cuisine/
November 24, 2009
Thanks Giving Qoutes
There are innumerable quotes by famous personalities, signifying the importance of thanksgiving. Here are some of the most famous Thanksgiving quotations from some of the well-known writers of our times. Relish these quotes on Thanksgiving Day and enjoy the spirit of the occasion.
If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice.
Meister Eckhart
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He who thanks but with the lips
Thanks but in part;
The full, the true Thanksgiving
Comes from the heart.
J.A. Shedd
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For flowers that bloom about our feet;
For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;
For song of bird, and hum of bee;
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!
Ralph Waldo Emerson
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and new.
Will Carleton
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.
W.J. Cameron
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men, but be careful that you do not take the day and leave out the gratitude.”
E.P. Powell
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“So once in every year we throng
Upon a day apart,
To praise the Lord with feast and song
In thankfulness of heart.”
Arthur Guiterman, The First Thanksgiving
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Remember God's bounty in the year. String the pearls of His favor. Hide the dark parts, except so far as they are breaking out in light! Give this one day to thanks, to joy, to gratitude!”
Henry Ward Beecher
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow.”
Edward Sandford Martin
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
“There is one day that is ours. Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American.”
O. Henry
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Thanksgiving comes to us out of the prehistoric dimness, universal to all ages and all faiths. At whatever straws we must grasp, there is always a time for gratitude and new beginnings.”
J. Robert Moskin
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Numberless marks does man bear in his soul, that he is fallen and estranged from God; but nothing gives a greater proof thereof, than that backwardness, which every one finds within himself, to the duty of praise and thanksgiving.”
George Whitefield
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"We can always find something to be thankful for, no matter what may be the burden of our wants, or the special subject of our petitions."
Albert Barnes
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you,
as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting,
but rather giving of thanks."
Apostle Paul - Ephesians 5:3, 4
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Some people complain because God put thorns on roses,
while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns."
Anonymous
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled."
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Gratitude is not a spiritual or moral dessert which we may take or push away according to the whims of the moment, and in either case without material consequences. Gratitude is the very bread and meat of spiritual and moral health, individually and collectively. What was the seed of disintegration that corrupted the heart of the ancient world beyond the point of divine remedy...? What was it but ingratitude?"
Noel Smith
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him,
and bless his name. For the Lord is good..."
Psalm 100:4, 5a
If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice.
Meister Eckhart
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
He who thanks but with the lips
Thanks but in part;
The full, the true Thanksgiving
Comes from the heart.
J.A. Shedd
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For flowers that bloom about our feet;
For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;
For song of bird, and hum of bee;
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!
Ralph Waldo Emerson
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and new.
Will Carleton
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.
W.J. Cameron
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men, but be careful that you do not take the day and leave out the gratitude.”
E.P. Powell
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“So once in every year we throng
Upon a day apart,
To praise the Lord with feast and song
In thankfulness of heart.”
Arthur Guiterman, The First Thanksgiving
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Remember God's bounty in the year. String the pearls of His favor. Hide the dark parts, except so far as they are breaking out in light! Give this one day to thanks, to joy, to gratitude!”
Henry Ward Beecher
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow.”
Edward Sandford Martin
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
“There is one day that is ours. Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American.”
O. Henry
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Thanksgiving comes to us out of the prehistoric dimness, universal to all ages and all faiths. At whatever straws we must grasp, there is always a time for gratitude and new beginnings.”
J. Robert Moskin
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Numberless marks does man bear in his soul, that he is fallen and estranged from God; but nothing gives a greater proof thereof, than that backwardness, which every one finds within himself, to the duty of praise and thanksgiving.”
George Whitefield
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"We can always find something to be thankful for, no matter what may be the burden of our wants, or the special subject of our petitions."
Albert Barnes
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you,
as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting,
but rather giving of thanks."
Apostle Paul - Ephesians 5:3, 4
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Some people complain because God put thorns on roses,
while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns."
Anonymous
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled."
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Gratitude is not a spiritual or moral dessert which we may take or push away according to the whims of the moment, and in either case without material consequences. Gratitude is the very bread and meat of spiritual and moral health, individually and collectively. What was the seed of disintegration that corrupted the heart of the ancient world beyond the point of divine remedy...? What was it but ingratitude?"
Noel Smith
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him,
and bless his name. For the Lord is good..."
Psalm 100:4, 5a
Happy Thanks Giving day....
Origin of Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is America's preeminent day. It is celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday in the month of November. It has a very interesting history. Its origin can be traced back to the 16th century when the first thanksgiving dinner is said to have taken place.
Journey of Pilgrims
The legendary pilgrims, crossed the Atlantic in the year 1620 in Mayflower-A 17th Century sailing vessel. About 102 people traveled for nearly two months with extreme difficulty. This was so because they were kept in the cargo space of the sailing vessel. No one was allowed to go on the deck due to terrible storms. The pilgrims comforted themselves by singing Psalms- a sacred song.
Arrival in Plymouth
The pilgrims reached Plymouth rock on December 11th 1620, after a sea journey of 66 days. Though the original destination was somewhere in the northern part of Virginia, they could not reach the place owing to winds blowing them off course. Nearly46 pilgrims died due to extreme cold in winter. However, in the spring of 1621, Squanto, a native Indian taught the pilgrims to survive by growing food.
Day of Fasting and Prayer
In the summer of 1621, owing to severe drought, pilgrims called for a day of fasting and prayer to please God and ask for a bountiful harvest in the coming season. God answered their prayers and it rained at the end of the day. It saved the corn crops.
First Thanksgiving Feast
It is said that Pilgrims learnt to grow corn, beans and pumpkins from the Indians, which helped all of them survive . In the autumn of 1621, they held a grand celebration where 90 people were invited including Indians. The grand feast was organized to thank god for his favors. This communal dinner is popularly known as “The first thanksgiving feast”. There is however, no evidence to prove if the dinner actually took place.
While some historians believe pilgrims were quite religious so, their thanksgiving would've included a day of fasting and praying, others say that the Thanksgiving dinner did take place.
Turkey and First Thanksgiving Feast
There is no evidence to prove if the customary turkey was a part of the initial feast. According to the first hand account written by the leader of the colony, the food included, ducks, geese, venison, fish, berries etc.
Pumpkin and Thanksgiving Feast
Pumpkin pie, a modern staple adorning every dinner table, is unlikely to have been a part of the first thanksgiving feast. Pilgrims however, did have boiled pumpkin. Diminishing supply of flour led to the absence of any kind of bread.
The feast continued for three days and was eaten outside due to lack of space. It was not repeated till 1623, which again witnessed a severe drought. Governor Bradford proclaimed another day of thanksgiving in the year 1676. October of 1777 witnessed a time when all the 13 colonies joined in a communal celebration. It also marked the victory over the British.
After a number of events and changes, President Lincoln proclaimed last Thursday in November of thanksgiving in the year 1863. This was due to the continuous efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor. She wrote a number of articles for the cause.
When is Thanksgiving Day?
Date of Thanksgiving Day varies every year and several countries celebrate it in different time of the year. Given here is information on Thanksgiving Day date in US and Canada for the past, present and coming years.
When is Thanksgiving Day in US?
Thanksgiving Day finds its roots in America. It is celebrated with lot of fervor and euphoria on the fourth Thursday in the month of November. For the people in US Thanksgiving is a time for merrymaking, shopping, family reunion, feasts and family dinners. People also take time to thank God for his constant grace and for all the material possessions man enjoys. For many Thanksgiving is also the time to thank near and dear ones and being grateful for their kindness.
Thanksgiving Day in 2009 - November 26
Thanksgiving Day in 2010 - November 25
Thanksgiving Day in 2008 - November 27
Thanksgiving Day in 2007 - November 22
Thanksgiving Day in 2006 - November 23
When is Thanksgiving Day in Canada?
Thanksgiving Day in Canada is, however, celebrated on the second Monday in the month of October every year. Canada celebrates Thanksgiving Day a month earlier because autumn season starts early in Canada than in America.
Thanksgiving Day in 2009 - October 12
Thanksgiving Day in 2010- October 11
Thanksgiving Day in 2008 - October 13
Thanksgiving Day in 2007 - October 8
Thanksgiving Day in 2006 - October 9
Thanksgiving Day Tradition
Thanksgiving Day is a communal celebration marked as a sense of gratitude people feel for all the good things in life. This is done by offering prayers, gifting your near and dear ones. The fourth Thursday in the month of November is marked for the yearly celebration. The tradition of Thanksgiving continues till date in the form of
Family Reunion and Feasting
Family feast is an important tradition during Thanksgiving. The entire family sits at the table during dinner and offer prayer to the Lord Almighty for his continuous grace. It is also a time for relatives living in different places to come together and celebrate.
Tradition of Turkey
The traditional stuffed turkey adorns every dinner table during the feast. Pumpkin pie, Cranberry sauce, Corns are some of the dishes cooked everywhere to mark the day. Though historians don't have an evidence to prove that turkey was eaten during the first Thanksgiving dinner, but the thanksgiving celebration will be incomplete without it.
Parades
The traditional Thanksgiving parade probably started with President Lincoln proclaiming it an official day. The full- dress parade is a way to display the country's military strength and discipline. The main aim of such parades is to lift the spirits of the spectators, provide them with wholesome entertainment. In the present day, parades are accompanied with musical shows and celebrities.
Football Games
Watching NFL football during Thanksgiving is a popular tradition. The traditional game between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers continues. One of the most memorable games having been played on this day.
First Thanksgiving Day Feast
The famous 'First thanksgiving feast' is said to have taken place in autumn, in the year 1621. The pilgrims organized the feast right after the first harvest. It was a gesture to thank God to help them survive the bitter winter. It was also celebrated as a display of gratitude towards Indians. The feast took place in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The traditional 'First feast' formed the basis for the modern 'Thanksgiving Day', celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November every year.
According to historians, the first thanksgiving feast was eaten outside, as the colonists didn't have sufficient space to accommodate everyone. Native Indians were invited to the feast as they were the ones who taught pilgrims how to grow food. The feast was held to rejoice their fruits of labour.
The feast is described in a firsthand account presumably written by a leader of the colony, Edward Winslow. According to him, the governor had sent four men to kill as many fowls. The feast was attended by 90 people including Indians (Native Americans). The food included, ducks, turkeys, geese, swan and venison, fish, berries, watercress, lobster, dried fruit, clams, and plums. The feast continued for three days. It was accompanied by lots of dancing and merry-making.
The feast was not repeated for the next few years. The next thanksgiving day was celebrated in the year 1676. The year witnessed a severe drought, which was eventually followed by rains due to prayers.
George Washington proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789. The idea attracted mixed reaction. After campaigning for nearly 80 years, in 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Day Around the World
Thanksgiving is essentially a harvest related festival. It celebrates communal harmony. Though it is said to have been originated in America, a number of other countries celebrate harvest related festivals. They are observed with different names and in different seasons.
Harvest related festivals, all the over the world are characterized with lot of fun and merrymaking. Each region has its unique customs and traditions to jubilate the occasion.
Canada celebrates thanksgiving on the second Monday in the month of October. India also has a number of harvest related festivals in different regions. Popular regional festivals are Pongal, Baisakhi, Lohri, Onam etc. Though the underlying principle behind each of them is same, every festival is exclusive and different from the other.
Other Asian countries such as China, Malaysia, Korea celebrate the festival on different dates. Each festival has a folklore attached to it. Harmony, peace, feeling gratitude is the underlying theme of the celebration all over.
source
http://www.thanksgiving-day.org/origin-thanksgiving-day.html
The Japanese traditional flute...
The biwa is the Japanese teardrop lute used in court music or to accompany epic poems. The biwa originated from the Chinese pipa and came to Japan as a gift from the Chinese Tang court (618-907 AD). These original Chinese instruments are still preserved at the Shoso-in Imperial Repository in Nara, Japan. With either four or five strings, there are five main varieties of biwa, each with its own history, function, shape, and techniques. These are the Gaku biwa used in Gagaku or court music, the Moso biwa used by blind monks, the Satsuma biwa originally used by samurai, the Heike biwa used for reciting the epic poem of Heike, and the Chikusen biwa, which is the most modern and common. The Moso biwa style has effectively disappeared.
Country: Japan
Region: Asia
Type: lute
Collection: Randy Raine-Reusch
Groups: Randy Raine-Reusch
source
http://www.asza.com/ibiwa.shtml
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