Wonderful Traditions: Countries That Celebrate Thanksgiving ~ Spotlight on South Korea

In the USA, Thanksgiving is celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday of November. 

In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. 

I learned something new while perusing random posts on Facebook. I did not know South Korea had a Thanksgiving celebration. 

Image credit: Shared via Facebook page - Korea With U

Chuseok, South Korea’s Thanksgiving 

Chuseok falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar** and is also known as Hangawi. Chuseok (often called Korean Thanksgiving Day) runs from September 24 to September 26, 2026 (an official three-day holiday period), with the main harvest day falling on September 25. 

[** The Mid-Autumn Festival (also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival).  The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, although some countries have developed distinct names and traditions for the holiday.]

Many Koreans continue to return to their hometowns to celebrate Chuseok with their families.

HISTORY AND ORIGINS: 

The festival celebration stretches back roughly 2,000 years, rooted deeply in Korea’s ancient history as an agrarian society and heavily influenced by a mixture of royal legend, shamanism, and Confucianism. The primary historical and cultural origins of the festival are summarized below. 

1. The Legend of Gabae (The Silla Kingdom): According to the Samguk Sagi (the oldest surviving chronicle of Korean history), the festival dates back to the reign of King Yuri (24 to 57 AD) of the Silla Kingdom. 

2. Shamanistic Moon Worship: Many scholars trace Chuseok's roots to ancient shamanistic harvest rituals. Early Koreans believed that the full moon was a vital symbol of fertility, abundance, and prosperity. 

3. Confucian Influence and Ancestral Worship: As Confucianism became the dominant social ideology in Korea during later dynasties (such as the Joseon Dynasty), the focus of the festival gradually shifted toward filial piety and formal ancestral worship. 

4. The Half-Moon Proverb (Silla vs. Baekje): The signature Chuseok food, the half-moon-shaped rice cake called [songpyeon], has historical roots in the Three Kingdoms era.

Image created by ChatGPT

REFERENCES: 

“Chuseok: Korean Thanksgiving Day.” Asia Society, 6 Sep. 2013, https://asiasociety.org/korea/chuseok-korean-thanksgiving-day. 

sarfraz.malik@prhacker.com. “CHUSEOK - September 25, 2026.” National Today, 21 Sep. 2021, https://nationaltoday.com/chuseok/.

🫰 Original source

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RELATED OR SIMILAR LINKS OF INTEREST:

• HappyHolidays! A Collection of Thanksgiving Recipes for Special Diets
• HappyHolidays! Celebrating Thanksgiving Around the World
• How American Presidents Helped Create the Thanksgiving Holiday (Guest Post)
• Let's Explore Together!: Chinese Mooncake Festival (Mid-Autumn Festival)

KITCHEN, BEMBUM. “How to Make Quick & Easy Songpyeon 송편 (Chuseok 추석 Korean Rice Cake)!” YouTube, 3 Aug. 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eg8ZpZH1tg. 

August Adventures with Little Miss HISTORY 🍎 (Guest Post)

Hello History Friends!

A new school year is upon us, and it's also the nation's 250th anniversary.

Can you believe August is already here? Backpacks will be packed, and classrooms will be buzzing once again.  As families prepare for a new school year, there's never been a better time to make history come alive. 

With America's 250th anniversary upon us, this school year offers a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to the people, places, and stories that shaped our nation. My Little Miss HISTORY Travels books were written to inspire curiosity, encourage family adventures, and help children discover that history is anything but boring! https://LittleMissHISTORY.com

• Barbara Ann Mojica's BLOG

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 Back-to-School Shopping Tips

Whether you're homeschooling or sending your children back to school, here are a few ways to make learning more meaningful this year:

 Choose books that encourage curiosity—not just memorization.

 Include a family journal where children can record interesting historical places they visit.

 Keep a U.S. map handy and mark every historic site your family explores.

 Visit local museums, battlefields, historic homes, and landmarks whenever possible.

 Build a family reading basket with books that bring American history to life.

History isn't just another subject—it helps children understand who they are and where our country has been.

• HERE'S A BRIEF ARTICLE I WROTE ABOUT HOW TO SAVE MONEY! https://bamauthor.me/2026/08/04/tips-for-back-to-s...

 New Podcast Feature

I recently had the pleasure of joining the Drafting Motherhood podcast for a conversation about building a life around curiosity, education, and history.

We talked about:

• How the Little Miss HISTORY series began

• Why historical accuracy matters for children

• Encouraging curiosity through travel and storytelling

• Why it's never too late to pursue a dream

If you've ever wondered how my books came to be—or if you're looking for encouragement on your own creative journey—I think you'll enjoy this conversation. 

The episode, "Building a Life, Writing History," was released on June 30, 2026.

• Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xH1L6UHlqpKpx4k8RsY4T?si=jTRJJMgXT82Li4Y_HlA_ig&nd=1&dlsi=8109afd3003c49da

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 Reader Spotlight

"Barbara Ann Mojica’s "Miss HISTORY" series continues to be a gold mine for parents and educators, and "Little Miss HISTORY Travels to GETTYSBURG" is one of the most impressive installments yet. This book does a masterful job of bringing the gravity of the American Civil War to life in a way that is accessible, engaging, and visually stunning for young readers."

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Make This 2026, the Year Your Family Discovers America

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, now is the perfect time to explore our nation's remarkable story together.

The Little Miss HISTORY Travels series was created to help families learn together—one destination at a time.

Here's to a wonderful school year filled with curiosity, discovery, and unforgettable adventures!

Best Wishes and Happy Reading,

Barbara Ann Mojica
Little Miss HISTORY
www.LittleMissHistory.com

blogspot.comTreathyl Fox aka cmoneyspinnerAug 4, 2026

Meet Little Miss HISTORY – She’ll Be Your Tour Guide!

Barbara Ann Mojica is an accomplished author known for her book series “Little Miss HISTORY”.

Dates to Celebrate Mother's Day Around the World

In the USA and Canada, Mother's Day is celebrated every second Sunday in the month of May.  Below are the Mother's Day dates in other countries for the year 2021.

Image credit:  Mom Gifts for Mother's Day and other special ocassions

- February 14: Norway

- March 3: Georgia

- March 8: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan.

- March 14: Ireland and United Kingdom

- March 21: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria

- April 7: Armenia

- May 2: Angola, Spain, Hungary, Lithuania, Portugal, South Africa.

- May 8: South Korea

- May 9. Germany, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Belgium, Chile, China, Canada, Colombia (except Norte de Santander), Croatia, Cuba, Denmark, Ecuador, United States, Estonia, Philippines, Finland, Greece, Netherlands, Honduras, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Peru, Puerto Rico, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela.

- May 10: Belize, Qatar, El Salvador, United Arab Emirates, Guatemala, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Pakistan, Singapore

- May 14: Samoa

- May 15: Paraguay

- May 26: Poland

- May 27: Bolivia

- May 30: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Haiti, Sweden, Norte de Santander (Colombia), France, Tunisia

- August 12: Thailand

- August 15: Antwerp and Costa Rica

- October 14: Belarus

- October 17: Argentina

-November 16: North Korea

- November 28: Russia

- December 8: Panama

- December 22: Indonesia

• NOTE:  South Koreans do not celebrate Mother's Day or Father's Day. Instead, each year on May 8, they recognize Parents' Day. 

Whatever the specific day is on which you honor your mother, who would disagree that our mothers are worthy of double honor all year long?

[Original Content Source: Found on Noise.Cash (site shut down), posted by ferniruman (author deserves credit).]

Flowers in Scripture That Refer to (or Symbolically Foreshadow) Jesus Christ 🌸

Spring is the time of the year for flowers, and in particular, the months of March and April celebrate Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for humanity.  The Bible contains many flowers and images of flowers that are used directly or symbolically in connection with Jesus Christ.  Behold the beauty of Christ.

1. Lily

Biblical references:
Song of Solomon 2:1–2; Hosea 14:5; Matthew 6:28–29

Connection to Christ:
In Song of Solomon, the beloved is compared to a lily. While the original context is romantic poetry, Christian interpretation has often seen the Bridegroom as a type of Christ. In Hosea 14:5, God says of restored Israel, “He shall blossom like the lily,” which many Christians read as pointing to the Messiah’s purity and beauty. Jesus Himself references lilies when teaching about God’s provision, which believers connect to His own divine care.

Symbolic themes: purity, beauty, divine provision.

2. Rose / Rose of Sharon

Biblical reference:
Song of Solomon 2:1

Connection to Christ:
The text says, “I am the rose of Sharon,” spoken by the bride or bridegroom, depending on interpretation. Christian theology has historically applied this to Christ as the fairest, most beloved, and most fragrant among God’s people.

Symbolic themes: loveliness, uniqueness, the beauty of the Messiah.

Flowering Plants or Blossoms Used as Messianic Imagery

These are not always “flowers” in the modern gardening sense, but Scripture uses imagery of blossoming and botany to describe the Messiah.

3. The Branch That Blossoms

Biblical references:
Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 6:12

Connection to Christ:
These are explicit messianic prophecies fulfilled in Jesus. While they do not name a specific flower, the imagery is botanical and often pictured as a flowering branch. Jesus is the righteous Branch from the line of David and Jesse.

Symbolic themes: new life, kingship, restoration.

4. Almond Blossom

Biblical reference:
Numbers 17:8

Connection to Christ:
Aaron’s rod miraculously “sprouted, put forth buds, produced blossoms, and bore ripe almonds.” Early Christian readers saw this as a type of Christ’s resurrection—life springing from what was dead. Almond blossoms also appear in the design of the lampstand (Exodus 25), which many connect to Christ as the Light of the World.

Symbolic themes: resurrection, priesthood, divine election.

5. Blossoms on the Vine

Biblical reference:
John 15:1

Connection to Christ:
Jesus says, “I am the true vine.” While the passage does not explicitly mention flowers, a vine naturally produces blossoms before fruit. The image emphasizes that all true spiritual life and fruitfulness flow from union with Christ.

Symbolic themes: spiritual life, fruitfulness, union with Christ.

Summary

Category	Flower / Plant	Scriptural Basis	Connection to Christ
Direct floral imagery	Lily	Song 2:1–2; Hosea 14:5; Matthew 6:28–29	Purity, beauty, divine care
Direct floral imagery	Rose / Rose of Sharon	Song 2:1	Beauty, belovedness
Flowering prophetic imagery	Branch (blossoming)	Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 6:12	Messiah, kingship, restoration
Flowering prophetic imagery	Almond blossom	Numbers 17:8	Resurrection, priesthood
Botanical metaphor	Vine (implied blossoms)	John 15:1	Life-giving union and fruitfulness in Christ

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES:

• Brown, Raymond E. The Birth of the Messiah. Doubleday, 1993.
• Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. InterVarsity Press, 1993.
• Ryken, Leland, et al., editors. Dictionary of Biblical Imagery. InterVarsity Press, 1998.
• Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Victory of God. Fortress Press, 1996.

Thank you for visiting. B.O.B. (Blessings on Blessings.)🌸 

Christianity: Symbolism of the Palm Tree in Scripture

The palm tree carries deep symbolic meaning throughout the Bible, and many of its themes point beautifully to Jesus Christ and the life He gives.

1. Righteousness and Flourishing

Key verse: “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree.” — Psalm 92:12

The palm stands tall, straight, and evergreen, symbolizing enduring righteousness. Christ, the perfectly righteous One, fulfills this image completely. Believers flourish in Him just as a palm thrives even in harsh conditions.

Themes: steadfastness, purity, spiritual vitality.

2. Victory and Triumph

In the ancient world, palms symbolized victory and were awarded to champions.

Connection to Christ: When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds waved palm branches (John 12:13), proclaiming Him as the victorious King.

Themes: kingship, triumph, messianic identity.

3. Peace and Welcome

Palm branches were used in celebrations and joyful processions. When the people laid palms before Jesus, they offered Him honor, peace, and a warm welcome.

Themes: hospitality, joy, celebration of the Messiah.

4. Fruitfulness in Harsh Conditions

The date palm thrives in desert climates by drawing water from deep underground. This makes it a symbol of life in barren places—a fitting picture of Christ bringing life where there is spiritual dryness.

Themes: provision, sustenance, life-giving presence.

5. Uprightness and Integrity

The palm grows straight upward, unlike many trees that twist or bend. This became a symbol of moral uprightness, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the One without sin.

Themes: holiness, moral clarity, divine perfection.

6. Resurrection and Eternal Life

Because palms remain green year-round and can live for centuries, they became symbols of immortality. Early Christians used palm imagery on tombs to proclaim the resurrection hope found in Christ.

Themes: eternal life, resurrection, hope beyond death.

7. Heavenly Worship

In Revelation, the redeemed stand before the throne with palm branches (Revelation 7:9). This echoes Jesus’ triumphal entry—now with His victory fully realized.

Themes: worship, final victory, redeemed humanity.

Hosanna Palm Leaf

Sources:

• Ryken, Leland, et al., editors. Dictionary of Biblical Imagery. InterVarsity Press, 1998.
• Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. InterVarsity Press, 1993.
• Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Victory of God. Fortress Press, 1996.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• My original content republished from: Treathyl Fox aka cmoneyspinner, “Trees Deserve Respect.” Wizzley.Com, 25 Jul. 2013.

PALM TREES

Palmae Family

The Arabs say that "The palm tree has 360 uses".  Sorry.  I don't have the list to share with you.  But I will share what I know. 

In ancient times and perhaps even today, the branch from a palm tree symbolized peace and victory, success, or celebration. Palm trees are very easy to recognize.  They are tall, slender, with no branches.  Instead of branches, on top of the trunk is a crown of spreading plumes. 

Most people associate palms swaying in the breeze with a tropical environment like Florida or The Bahamas.

While others think of the date palm tree that grows in the Middle East.  Its fruit is part of the daily diet of millions of people.  The date can be eaten fresh or dried; incorporated as a key ingredient in a myriad of recipes; and the tree sap can be made into syrup or wine.  Jericho, which is in the Jordan Valley, has a tropical climate, and is known for its lush palm groves.  Once it has reached maturity, this tree can yield fruit for 100 years. 

Wherever they grow, if you see a palm tree, breeze or no breeze, it is hard not to be captivated by its striking beauty.

Learn more:  How to Identify Species of Palm Trees

Thank you for visiting. B.O.B. (Blessings on Blessings.)🌴

Different Names for Santa Claus | LadyMermaid.com (Reblog)

Simply must reblog the link to this post because not only does it share some fun info about the holiday traditions surrounding Father Christmas Or Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus; but Lorelei Cohen, the blog publisher, has earned extra points on my unofficial blog post ranking chart for visual appeal. The images are vintage and gorgeous!!  (NOTE:  The image immediately below the text is not an image found at the original post.  But it was so irresistible I couldn't resist sharing it along with the link reblog.)

Different Names for Santa Claus |
Ladymermaid Fantasy and Folklore

POP QUIZ!

Saint Nicholas was real.
True or False.

His birthday is celebrated in December.
True or False.

Santa Claus is English for Sinter Klaas in Dutch.
True or False.

In Morocco, Santa Claus is called Black Peter.
True or False.

How many names for Santa Claus do you know?
Write down the ones you do know and then check them against the post.  Have fun!

Holidays and Celebrations: Why I Don't Celebrate Kwanzaa?

The holiday or tradition called Kwanzaa celebrates seven (7) principles:

* Unity

* Self-Determination

* Collective Work and Responsibility

* Cooperative Economics

* Purpose

* Creativity

* Faith

It was established by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, USA.  Many people who do not consider themselves African-American or of African descent do not celebrate this holiday.  In other words, *It’s a black thang!*

It’s not really.  Just look at the principles in the list.  *Are they not applicable to all humankind?*

Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th through January 1st.

Like the Christmas holiday, it also includes gift-giving, a gathering of family and friends, and good eating!

There are those who object to or disagree with celebrating Kwanzaa.

They feel that instead of promoting unity, it encourages division, more specifically racial division.  Some say it was just made up for people who don’t want to celebrate Christmas and don’t want to acknowledge Jesus Christ or Christianity in any way.  There are other reasons but these two have been mentioned most often.

Here's why I don’t celebrate Kwanzaa.  

My reasons are very practical.  By the time the Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays are over, I’ve usually run out of money!  Also, it was not a tradition I grew up with and since I practice the Kwanzaa principles so many other ways in my life already, I see no need to add on a new holiday.

I think that Peace and Goodwill could have been incorporated into the list of principles.

However, one might argue that those principles are under the umbrella of “Unity”.

OK!  I wouldn’t cause a division or split hairs over it.  

Overall, I like the concept of this holiday and can appreciate the symbolism. Especially!  I really like the candles.  I’m a candle lover!

Reference and Image Credit:  Holiday Calendar: Kwanzaa.

"The symbols of Kwanzaa include crops (mzao) which represent the historical roots of African-Americans in agriculture and also the reward for collective labor. The mat (mkeka) lays the foundation for self-actualization. The candle holder (kinara) reminds believers in the ancestral origins in one of 55 African countries. Corn/maize (muhindi) signifies children and the hope associated in the younger generation. Gifts (Zawadi) represent commitments of the parents for the children. The unity cup (Kkimbe cha Umoja) is used to pour libations to the ancestors. Finally, the seven candles (mishumaa saba) remind participants of the several principles and the colors in flags of African liberation movements -- 3 red, 1 black, and 3 green."

Quote Reference:  Edited by Dr. Ali B. Ali-Dinar, Ph.D., Kwanzaa- What Is It?, The Africa Center, University of Pennsylvania, Mar. 1990, www.africa.upenn.edu/K-12/Kwanzaa_What_16661.html.

Suggested #reading to encourage #culturaldiversity in children or yourself. “Together for Kwanzaa” by Juwanda G. Ford ~ https://t.co/mYspRqiv5G ~ #Kwanzaa is celebrated from Dec 26th through Jan 1st. #giftsunder5dollars #reading #booksforchildren #holidaysandcelebrations

— My Fox Nooze (aka Joie de Vivre Magazine) (@FoxMarks_ATX) January 3, 2020

Halloween History, Traditions and Superstitions

Presenting a quick discussion highlighting some interesting and fun facts about the Halloween holiday; mainly, its history and the superstitious beliefs associated with it.

The History (and My History) of Halloween

I attended Catholic school and can remember that one of my teachers was very adamant about NOT celebrating the Halloween holiday. She insisted that it supported pagan practices and traditions and it was a work of the devil. I did not want to disrespectful so I did what most well-mannered and well-behaved children did when their teachers said things they did not believe or agree with. I ignored her. Hey! I just wanted a pumpkin full of candy! LOL.  Plus, I enjoyed making jack-o-lanterns with my big sister.

But as an adult, I was a little curious about the history of Halloween. It turns out my teacher was right. It was derived from pagan customs. More specifically, it is a modification of activities associated with an ancient Celtic ritual of Samhain, which was a festival that celebrated the changing of the seasons from summer to winter. Uumm? That doesn’t exactly sound devilish.

Amanda Pagan wrote a post titled “A Brief History of Halloween”, which was published in the official blog for the New York Public Library. Her explanation of the holiday’s history is very colorful. As it is a library blog, she also provided a list of a dozen books as recommended reading if you want to know more. Halloween may have had religious import or application in the beginning but as of today, for most people (including me), the day no religious significance at all. It’s just a day set aside for apple-bobbing, eating tricks and treats, visiting haunted houses that simultaneously frighten you and make you laugh, dressing up in funny costumes, and maybe binge-watching some scary movies. Nothing more.

Halloween Superstitions

Black cats, witches, and pumpkins? Oh my! Where do all of these superstitions come from? Obviously, since the holiday is derived from a Celtic ritual, the superstitions that are prevalent to this day have Celtic roots. I personally don’t believe these superstitions, especially not the one about black cats being bad luck. Some believed black cats were witches in disguise or witches reborn or they were just witch-helpers. If you do the research you will find a lot of information pertaining to all of the folklore about black cats. You’ll find everything except the name of the person who started it!

There are numerous superstitions linked to this holiday. If you are interested in an explanation of the various beliefs about everything from bats and black cats to ghosts and spirits to spiders and trick or treat, check out this “Guide to Halloween Superstitions”.

* * *

Fun Links of Interest:

Halloween History – How Halloween Has Traveled the Globe | SAPIENS

The History of Halloween: A timeline through the centuries | Make It Grateful

Samhain Folklore, Superstitions and Legends | Learn Religions

12 (Mostly) Spooky Halloween Superstitions | Mental Floss

Original Source

1. Halloween has been around longer for 2,000 years. Dating back to an ancient Celt festival called Samhain, the exact origins of Halloween is challenging to pin down since many religions have adopted their own versions. However, it is widely accepted that Halloween has always been a day to honor the dead and ward off evil spirits.
2. Irish immigrants popularized the holiday in the United States! During the potato famine, Irish immigrants introduced several Halloween traditions to neighboring communities. 
3. Halloween is the 2nd largest commercialized holiday. In 2020 Americans spent approximately $8 billion alone. The majority being on costumes and candy, imagine that!
4. Illinois is the pumpkin state! Every year, Illinois farmers pump out approximately 500 million pounds of gourds! 
5. Skittles are American's #1 trick or treat candy! Skittles have ranked #1 for the past 11 years. I mean, who doesn't love them?
6. The City of Keene, New Hampshire holds the Guinness World Record for the most lit jack-o'-lanterns on display (a whopping 30,581).

Source for these 6 Halloween Fun Facts.

Food and Drink: It's October! Let's Celebrate Apples

In the USA, October is the month we celebrate Halloween, pizza, and apples. I especially like the fact that October is National Apple Month. It was founded as National Apple Week in 1904 and later expanded to the entire month of October. Apples are such a delightful fruit and come in numerous varieties. There is a variety for practically every letter of the alphabet, including the letter Z. The variety is called Zestar.

Image credit

Apples in Legends, Myths and Folklore

Ever Hear of Johnny Appleseed?

From childhood, I have heard all kinds of stories about apples. The story I remember vividly is the one about Johnny Appleseed. As a child I remember hearing the story about a man who walked everywhere in America and everywhere he went, he dropped apple seeds on the ground and apple trees grew. That’s not really true. It is true that he was a real person and not a legend. His real name is John Chapman (1774 – 1845) who became known as Johnny Appleseed. He introduced apple trees to various parts of America such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. It’s not just the fact that he planted the trees which contributed to the environment. He was also a very kindhearted man and became known for his acts of charity, as well as his conservation efforts. It made him somewhat of a folk hero.

Other Legends and Myths About Apples

Is it in the Bible?

An apple is not mentioned in the Garden of Eden. Neither the Old or New Testament specifically state what the forbidden fruit was that Adam and Eve ate. However, for years people have insisted that it was an apple. Eating it caused them to be driven out of the Garden of Eden. An apple? Not sure why. (O.o)

Non-Biblical Myths

In Greek mythology, it was said that a golden apple is what caused the Trojan War. “The war originated from a quarrel between the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, after Eris, the goddess of strife and discord, gave them a golden apple, sometimes known as the Apple of Discord, marked “for the fairest”.”

In Norse mythology, it was believed that apples held the key to immortality. The name of the Norse goddess who was the keeper of the apples was Iðunn. Her name means “ever young”.

The Celtic people buried apples with the dead. To the Celts the apple was sacred and it was associated with rebirth. Excavators have found graves dating back 5,000 years that had petrified apple slices.

In ancient Silesia (now modern-day Poland), people believed if they slept under an apple tree, it would induce dreams; and if a young woman put an apple under her pillow on New Year’s Eve, she would dream of her future husband.

How Do You Like Your Apples?

Apples can be eaten raw. Just pick them right off the tree. Bake them in pies, make cobblers, cookies, brownies, put them in salads, turn them into jelly, and more. My favorite way to enjoy apples? Warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. YUM! What about you? 

Original Source

Holidays and Celebrations: Do You Celebrate Japanese New Year?

The beauty of the United States of America is in its diversity.  People of different ethic groups and/or nationalities celebrate holidays and traditions that other groups are not even aware of.  But it's cool when I find out about them.  For example, I had a lot of Chinese friends so I learned to check every year to determine when Chinese New Year would occur.  My Japanese friends never mentioned their new year celebration.  But now I think I know why.

• The Japanese New Year (正月, Shōgatsu) is an annual festival with its own customs. Since 1873, the official Japanese New Year has been celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar, on January 1 of each year, New Year's Day (元日, Ganjitsu). However, some traditional events of the Japanese New Year are partially celebrated on the first day of the year on the modern Tenpō calendar, the last official lunisolar calendar which was used until 1872 in Japan.  (Source:  Wikipedia)  

It's January 1st, same day as America's New Year.  However, the traditions are different.  In case you didn't know, Japanese New Year is the most important holiday in Japan.  Did you know the kadomatsu (image below) is a traditional decoration for the new year holiday?

Other customs and traditions include bell-ringing in the Buddhist temples on New Year's Eve, sending postcards (just like sending Christmas cards), children receiving gifts of money from adults, and various forms of entertainment and of course ... great food!!

I subscribe to a newsletter called "Just One Cookbook". The publisher shares easy Japanese recipes. In the newsletter I received for the week ending December 4, 2020, she shared lots of information in order for you to prepare for Japanese New Year!

• ​What is Oshogatsu​
• ​Menu Roundup​
• ​A 5-Day Osechi Cooking Timelime​
• ​How to Pack Osechi Ryori​
• ​Popular Side Dishes & Desserts to Serve with Osechi Ryori

* * *

Planning to celebrate Japanese New Year?

Whatever you're celebrating Happy Holidays!

**

Do You Celebrate Persian New Year?

Do You Celebrate Chinese New Year?

For those who celebrate The Resurrection (and also for those who don't)

It's that time of the year again where some of us pause to remember a man who came to earth with a message of faith, hope and love and they killed Him for it.  Yet He never instructed His disciples to take revenge.  Instead, He told them to continue preaching and spreading the message of faith, hope, and love.  And they did it!!  WHY? 

• HISTORY: 10 Interesting Facts About Crucifixion
• The Passion of Jesus Christ
• Executioners Secrets : Crucifixion

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