When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, ‘tis near Halloween. —Author Unknown On National Cat Day, we ask: why are black cats in ;articular associated with Halloween (October 31)? A midnight-furred kitty, yellow eyed, spiky, back arched and howling, has become a highly visible and immediately identifiable Halloween … Read more
Apples hanging in a row, Flaming candles all aglow. Witches flying everywhere, Magic music in the air. There’ll be mischief now I ween On this mystic Hallowe’en! —Anonymous, 19th century Halloween card In America in the 19th century, October 32, the night of Halloween or All Hallows Eve, was a young person’s holiday centering around … Read more
October 17 is National Pasta Day in the United States, where the average consumer munches through nearly 9 pounds of pasta per year. With a variety of pasta shapes and lots of choices for sauces, pasta is considered a culinary staple as well as nutritious and delicious. While a popular myth has the explorer Marco … Read more
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to Breastcancer.org, every year, one in eight women living in the U.S. will receive a diagnosis of breast cancer. The statistics means most women are either diagnosed with cancer themselves at some point in their lives, or know someone who has cancer. Medical science has come a … Read more
Celebrations of light, joy, and prosperity have their place in many cultures. Diwali – also called Deepavali or Deepawali – is an important annual tradition for many Hindus, Jains, and even some Theravada Buddhist practitioners. It celebrates wealth, prosperity, luck, and happiness. The chief patron figures honored during this festival are Lakshmi, the mother of … Read more
Come and share a pot of tea, My home is warm and my friendship’s free. —Emilie Barnes The scene plays out the same in many houses: a child sits around a table having a “tea party” with their stuffed animals, dolls, and playmates. But when did the ritual of afternoon tea first start? Who began … Read more
In 2014, Rosh Hashanah – the major annual holiday celebrated annually and known as the Jewish New Year or Yom Teruah – begins on September 24 when the sun goes down and ends September 26. The moveable date is calculated each year based on the Hebrew lunar calendar. Rosh Hashanah is the official beginning of … Read more
September is Fall Hat Month, which puts us in mind of the Red Hat Society, a U.S. women’s organization founded in 1998 which now has chapters in other countries. “When I am an old woman I shall wear purple With a red hat that doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.” —Warning, Jenny Joseph (1961) The … Read more
Rosh Hashanah is a very special holiday on the Jewish calendar, literally meaning “Head of the Year.” As a celebration of a new year, there are many traditional observances, rituals, and gatherings to mark its significance. That these are often symbolized by food—both that which is eaten together and more indirectly by images of the … Read more
Today’s seniors are staying fitter, healthier and more active after retirement. It’s not just about physical wellness, but mental, emotional and spiritual wellness that improves the quality of life for our older generation. Studies suggest even moderate amounts of walking or other exercise can help stave off disease, keep the body flexible, promote healing and … Read more