Post Tagged with "celebrations"

From our contributors: 19 July

Another week, another roundup of articles posted by our contributors on their blogs with subjects ranging from prehistoric cave paintings in India to Ocean Day in Japan.

Anu, our contributor from India, visits the prehistoric cave paintings of Anegundi. These fascinating paintings provide a glimpse into the life of our Neolithic ancestors.

“Imagine living like our ancestors, having to struggle for every meal, every piece of covering, even for a roof over the head, not to mention the dangers lurking around every corner! And yet they persevered, though it took centuries for things to change, for them to evolve!”

 
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Summer Solstice Celebrations in France

Today, Friday 24 June, is in France the day we celebrate St. John the Baptist and it is also an opportunity to celebrate the Feux de la Saint-Jean.

This tradition, which dates back to ancient times, most likely originated in Asia Minor and was introduced to Eastern Europe by the Celtic tribes 3000 years ago. Feux de la Saint-Jean was originally the celebration of the Summer Solstice on June 21st. The ancients use to light bonfires on the previous evening in honour of the Sun, a way to pray for its protection for the harvest to come.

Image credit

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Dia de Reyes: Three Kings Day in Argentina

The night of January 5th is an especially exciting night for most Argentinean children. Before going to bed, they place a pair of shoes, a bowl of water, some grass and (usually day old) bread under the Christmas tree. Have children gone bonkers in this South American country? Absolutely not.

January 6th is the Christian feast of Epiphany -Día de Reyes-, which commemorates the visit of the three Magi (or Wise Men) to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem. According to tradition, they brought presents of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Nowadays, it is celebrated by giving children presents.

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Iceland burns into the new year

Sunrise in Reykjavík was 11am this morning, and sunset at 4.11pm. However the lights are still on, and Iceland Eyes is here to tell us about it.

Most impressive is the photo of the new year’s eve brenna or bonfire. But there are many more interesting photos and observations.

Photo of New Years Eve bonfire from Icelandic Eyes

Iceland Eyes is also a finalist in the Best European blog category of the 2008 Weblog Awards. I think voting ends today but if you’re quick you may still be able to get your vote in!

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Seasons Greetings from Greece

There’s a Christmas theme going on at EllasDevil – it all looks very festive. Recent content is less festive – the events of the last few weeks seem to be putting a bit of a dampener on Christmas in Greece this year. Let’s hope things get back to normal soon.

Festive header from EllasDevil

Read further and you will find lots more about life in Greece, including the revelation that EllasDevil’s favourite place to eat is his parents’ dinner table. What better place to enjoy delicious Greek food?