Monday, December 7, 2015

Yule Goat



Yule Goat




The Yule Goat is a Scandinavian Christmas symbol.  Although research suggests it is rooted in Germanic and Nordic paganism, its origins may be linked to Thor, the Norse god who was believed to ride across the sky in a chariot drawn by goats. 


With 19th century Christianity came the evolution of the goat as an animal that St. Nicholas rode when he delivered gifts to good children.


Goats were also used to draw carts during the annual winter wassailing. Wassailing, also known as caroling, took place door-to-door as well as in orchards. The orchard visits included prayers and songs intended to ensure a bountiful harvest in the coming year.


Today’s Yule Goat is most commonly a Christmas ornament  - a folk art - made of straw and decorated with red ribbons.

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Yule Goat  





















Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Persimmon Lore




Persimmons:



 Winter Weather Lore



 According to Ozark folklore, the shape of Persimmon seeds can actually predict the severity of winter in the area. It has been reported that
  • a spoon-shaped seed indicates a higher than average snowfall for winter
  •  a knife shape signals colder than average temperatures
  • a fork shape indicates warmer than average winters

There is no consensus about the accuracy of this prediction method, but countless blogs cite Persimmon seed predictions as an annual fun tradition shared among family and friends.

Other folklore about this fruit can be found in a Korean folk legend. A mother in a remote village attempts to quiet her inconsolable baby so that an approaching tiger cannot hear its cry. Just as the tiger is ready to pounce the mother yells out "Look there is a persimmon!" Her effort quiets the baby who already knows that persimmons can be stringent.

The tiger, thinking the persimmon must be a powerful enough to stop the baby from crying, decides to leave them alone.


Recipes:

Monday, November 23, 2015

Cambodian Water Festival



The Cambodian Water Festival

 


The Bon Om Touk (Cambodian Water Festival) as it is natively known is an annual national festival that takes place in November. For centuries it has been both a cultural and national tradition and occurs throughout the country. The largest celebrations – often three days long - are held in Phonm Penh. 


Accounts show that it was first celebrated as a military test to gauge the prowess of the naval warfare of the time. After the wars, the festival became a commemoration and celebration of the naval prowess of the then Cambodian navy.


According to culture, it is a celebration in honor to the gods for the reversal of the flow of Tonle Sap River. Carried out after the end of the rainy season, it is a celebration to mark the end of one season and the beginning of another. It includes various activities such as boat racing along the Sisowath Quay of Phonm Penh, dance, food and drink and is a major tourist attraction that brings together more than a million people annually.


The celebration includes three ceremonies:


Sampeah Preah Khae offers salutation to the moon; an object that holds enormous religious significance in Cambodia. After the salutations people move indoors for yet another ceremony.

Ak Ambok. This ceremony was named after a native dish of rice and encompasses the meal part of the Cambodian Water Festival. The dish itself has a special way of preparation. First it is fried in its husk then it is pounded. After that the husks are removed and the rice is mixed with banana, coconut and coconut water. Often enough of this dish is made to last throughout the entire celebration.

Bandaet Pratip is usually the most appealing to tourists. Decorated boats illuminated with neon lights in various colors, patterns, shapes and sizes float onto the water at night. Each of the boats signifies a state institution or a ministry of the government.

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