Thursday, April 2, 2009
April ---some snippets!
In ancient times in Rome, the second month was “Aprilis,” meaning “to open”. This is the time in the northern hemisphere, when the ice melts, and buds open. In old English, the month was named after the goddess of spring: Ostra or Eostre. It later became “Oster –monath” or “Eostur monath”, and...
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Friday, March 27, 2009
It’s the New Year once more!
India has as many New Year celebrations as the number of states! So today is a new beginning for some states. When I landed in Bangalore (Bengaluru) this evening, a festive air pervaded the city, with doorways decorated with garlands of marigolds and mango leaves! I was told it was “Ugadi”, and was...
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Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Never too late!
Encouraged by some of your comments on the origins of March, I have now gone back to the first two months! January was named for the Roman god Janus. Long ago, Romans had only ten months, and then added the eleventh one: Januarius. This later became the first month. Janus was the god of beginnings,...
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Monday, March 23, 2009
What’s in a name!
Even though the month is almost over, it’s not too late for some snippets on how March got its name! At one time, it was the first month of the Roman calendar. Since it was the beginning of spring, the Romans prepared to go to war. Therefore, they named the month “Martius” in honor of Mars, their...
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Friday, March 20, 2009
First days of Spring...
In celebration of the Spring Equinox (in the Northern Hemisphere), here is a poem which I just received---it’s simple, yet profound; hope you enjoy it! First days of spring---the sky By Ryokan (1758—1831) English version by Stephen Mitchell First days of spring -- the sky is bright blue, the sun...
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Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Blessings!
Encouraged by your comments on St.Patrick's day, I've put together some Irish wishes/blessings, including a few unusual ones! May your fire be as warm as the weather is cold. As you slide down the banisters of life may the splinters never point the wrong way. May you get all your wishes but one, So...
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Happy St.Patrick’s day!
St.Patrick’s day, on 17 th March, is special to Ireland, so are you wondering at my writing about it! Well, it’s special for me too!! ….with nostalgic memories of celebrations during my school and college days with the Loreto nuns (an Irish order), and teaching days, with the Irish Christian...
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Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday the 13th---Lucky or unlucky?
Of the many superstitions, a "popular" one is the one about Friday the 13 th being an unlucky day. Friday itself has been debated upon since ancient times. The Romans dedicated the sixth day of the week to Venus. Later, the Norsemen also adopted this, but their translation for Venus: Frigg or Freya,...
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Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The elephant’s festival!
Yet another festival….this time, with an unusual protagonist: the elephant!! The elephant has been a revered animal since the ancient times in India; moreover, it has been associated with royalty, and plays a major role in some festivals. Is it any wonder then that an entire festival revolves around...
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Tuesday, March 10, 2009
A colorful festival!
Another festival............ A “colorful” festival is being celebrated today in some parts of India, and it will be the turn of other states tomorrow!! ( This post was part of my series on color, but I’m repeating it, after a bit of editing, for any of my readers who may have missed it). All...
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