5 Nifty Facts About Persian New Year

Mindy on March 16, 2012

Persian New Year, also known as Norooz, Nowrooz or Nowruz, is a thirteen-day festival of joy celebrated annually by Iranians world-wide. For those who may not know much about the most important holiday in the Iranian calendar, here are…

5 Nifty Facts About Persian New Year

  1. Persian New Year always begins on the first day of spring – the Vernal Equinox – which is symbolic of new life, rebirth, new beginnings, and renewal. The celebration has its roots in Zoroastrianism, and has been observed by the Iranian people (once known as the Persians) for at least 3,000 years.
  2. An important tradition is the Haft Sin or Seven S’s, items on a table which symbols spiritual virtues. Customarily, the Haft Sin consists of apples for beauty (Sib), dried lotus tree fruit for love (Senjed), vinegar for patience (Serkeh), sumac berries for sunrise (Somaq), garlic for health (Sir), sweet wheat germ porridge for affluence (Samanu), and a dish of sprouted wheat barley for rebirth (Sabzeh). Additional items that may be included are coins (prosperity and wealth), decorated eggs (fertility), goldfish (life), and hyacinths and tulips (spring).
  3. The colors of Persian New Year are red, white, and green – the colors of the flag of Iran.
  4. Hajji Firuz is a singing, dancing figure playing the trumpet and tambourine who heralds Persian New Year. His face is painted black and he wears red. His visit to a family’s home is supposed to bring happiness, blessings, and abundance in the coming year. Hajji Firuz is also the assistant of Amoo Norooz, who, like Santa Claus, brings gifts to children.
  5. A divination ritual practiced by some during Persian New Year is to hide somewhere and eavesdrop on other people’s conversations. Hearing good news or a positive conversation means good fortune.

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5 St. Patrick’s Day Symbols and What They Mean

Mindy on March 9, 2012

St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated annually on March 17, is a holiday rich in symbols, many with Irish and Celtic themes. Ever wondered about those particular symbols, their origins, and how they were chosen?  Let’s find out with …

5 St. Patrick’s Day Symbols and What They Mean

1. The Shamrock
The ancient Celts revered the shamrock as a sacred symbol of spring.  Fast forward a few centuries to the 18th century, when Ireland was ruled by the English. At this time, with speaking the Irish language and the practice of Catholicism forbidden by law, Irish nationalism was beginning to make itself known. The shamrock was adopted by proud Irish nationalists as a symbol of their heritage.

2. The Leprechaun
The leprechaun of Celtic folklore – the “lobaircin” or small-bodied fellows who were cranky and liked to play tricks – did not become associated with St. Patrick’s Day until after 1959. Why did it take so long? St. Patrick’s Day was considered a religious holiday until fairly recently. But in 1959, Walt Disney Productions released the film Darby O’Gill and the Little People, which introduced many Americans to the notion of a good humored, friendly, luck-giving little fellow who subsequently became part of St. Patrick’s Day lore in the U.S.

3. The Color Green
Again, we go back to the turbulent 18th century. The color originally associated with St. Patrick was blue, but when Irish patriots adopted the shamrock as a symbol, the color green came along with it.  Green ribbons began to be worn to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as early as the 17th century. In fact, “The Wearing of the Green” – taken from a song with the same title – came to mean wearing a shamrock on one’s clothing in support of Irish nationalism. During the United Irish Rebellion of 1798, Irish soldiers wore green uniforms to draw attention to their cause.

4. Corned Beef and Cabbage
Today a traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal served by Irish-American families and others, in fact the pairing corned beef and cabbage is not native cuisine to Ireland. The practice came about in the 19th century, when impoverished Irish immigrants living in New York City’s Lower East Side could not afford Irish bacon for the dish, and substituted cheaper corned beef (supplied by neighboring kosher butchers) instead.

5. St. Patrick’s Day Parades
Now a tradition in many American cities, when and why did St. Patrick’s Day come to be celebrated with parades? Reliable historical evidence is scarce before the 18th century. However, we do know that officers from primarily Irish infantry regiments of the British Army stationed in New York City – the 16th and 47th Regiment of Foot – formed The Society of the Friendly Brothers of St. Patrick. On March 17, 1762, soldiers from these regiments, joined by Irish immigrant civilians, marched in a parade and celebrated with music.

As for the green beer? We’ll leave that one up to you. 🙂

Celebrate with custom St. Patrick’s Day cards from Greeting Card Universe. Selecting one of our unique greeting cards is much easier than catching a leprechaun!


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Seven Things to Know About St. Patrick’s Day

Mindy on March 2, 2012

Observed for more than 1,000 years as the religious feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th) has become a popular, secular holiday in the United States and around the world, celebrated with parades, parties, and of course, the wearin’ o’ the green!

Saint Patrick was a gentleman, who through strategy and stealth
Drove all the snakes from Ireland, here’s a drink to his health!
But not too many drinks, lest we lose ourselves and then
Forget the good Saint Patrick, and see them snakes again!
—Anonymous

“LUCKY” SEVEN THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ST. PATRICK’S DAY

  1. The first recorded parade honoring St. Patrick’s Day happened on March 17, 1762 when a group of Irish soldiers who served in the British Army were stationed in the American colonies. Homesick, they held a parade on lower Broadway in New York City, and sang Irish songs and played bagpipes.
  2. Since 1962, the city of Chicago dyes the Chicago River green on St. Patrick’s Day each year. The practice began when pollution-control workers, using dyes to trace illegal sewer discharges, chose a green dye because of the holiday.
  3. In 1848, several Irish fraternal and beneficial societies in New York City banded together to organize a single large St. Patrick’s Day parade officially sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Continuing to this day,  this St. Patrick’s Day parade has become the largest parade in the United States.
  4. St. Patrick’s Day became a national holiday in Ireland in 1903, but did not receive much official backing until 1995, when the Irish government began promoting the holiday as a way to boost tourism. Today, over a million people take part in Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival.
  5. Forget green beer – more than ten million glasses of Guinness are sold on St. Patrick’s Day around the world.
  6. Why do we celebrate on March 17th? Because that’s the date of St. Patrick’s death in 461 A.D.
  7. 34 million Americans have Irish ancestry – 9x the actual population of Ireland itself

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National Tooth Fairy Day

Mindy on February 24, 2012

February 28th (or August 22nd – no one seems able to agree on a single date) is National Tooth Fairy Day, an unofficial holiday but one meant to celebrate an important childhood figure: the Tooth Fairy.

In this pocket you will find
A teensy, tiny tooth of mine.
So while I sleep where dreams are made,
Let’s see if you can make a trade.
—Anonymous

When a child loses a baby tooth, it’s customary to place the tooth under their pillow (or in a special box or pouch). When they sleep at night, the Tooth Fairy takes away the tooth, leaving money or another reward in its place.

The exact origin of the Tooth Fairy  is unknown, though suspected to derive at least in part from a French fairytale, La Bonne Petite Souris (“The Good Little Mouse”) by Marie-Catherine d’Aulnoy. In 1894, Luis Coloma’s children’s book about El Ratoncito Pérez (a tooth fairy mouse) became a beloved part of Spanish folklore.

The most amazing thing about the Tooth Fairy? According to “tooth fairy economics,” her rewards have kept pace with inflation for decades!

Know a child who’s lost a tooth? Commemorate the event with a custom “Lost a Tooth” greeting card from Greeting Card Universe. Our fun, colorful, humorous designs will help turn a special event into a celebration!

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Five Cool Facts About Leap Day/Leap Year

Mindy on February 17, 2012

Thirty days hath September,
April, June, and November.
All the rest have thirty-one,
Except the second month alone.
To it we twenty-eight assign,
Till leap year makes it twenty-nine.

The old rhyme we learned in kindergarten still applies, but why do we need an extra day – Leap Day – every four years?

In school, we learn it takes the Earth 365 days to complete its revolution around the sun, but the number is actually 365.242199 (or 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds). The modern Gregorian calendar allows for only 365 days per year. Those extra hours, minutes, and seconds add up. If we didn’t add a Leap Day every four years, our calendar would eventually be out of sync with the seasons. Can you imagine celebrating Christmas in the summer’s heat, or Independence Day when it’s snowing?!

Now we’re clear on the “why,” here are Five Cool Facts About Leap Day/Leap Year:

  1. Who invented Leap Day/Leap Year? Julius Caesar. In the Julian calendar introduced in 45 BCE, he calculated a leap year in every year divisible by four, which provided too many leap years! This was corrected in the Gregorian calendar in 1582, which has three criteria for a leap year: the year must be divisible by four; if the year is evenly divisible by 100, it is not a leap year; unless it is also evenly divisible by 400.
  2. Traditionally, on Leap Day, a woman can propose marriage to a man (instead of the other way around). It’s also known as “Bachelor’s Day” in some countries, and Sadie Hawkins’ Day in the U.S. – on February 29th, if a man refuses a woman’s marriage proposal, he”s supposed to pay a penalty.
  3. Three hundred years ago, Leap Day wasn’t considered a “true day” and no official business transactions were done on February 29th.
  4. One baby in 1500 is born on Leap Day in the U.S. “Leaplings,” as they’re known, usually celebrate their birthdays on February 28th or March 1st in the absence of a Leap Year.
  5. In 1712, Sweden created a double Leap Day (February 29th and 30th) as a means of correcting their calendar – the country still used the Julian calendar until 1753, when the Gregorian was adopted. And when the Soviet Union created an official revolutionary calendar in 1929, every month had 30 days – including February – but it didn’t catch on and the experiment ended in 1931.

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Compassionate Writing: Sympathy Card Etiquette

Mindy on February 15, 2012

When a friend, co-worker or family member has experienced a death or is going through a tough time, saying the right words in person or on paper is a tricky ordeal. With so much of our communication based online or electronically, sympathy card etiquette is more important than ever. Before sending an e-card or jotting down a few thoughts in a generic card, consider a few tried-and-true guidelines for sympathy cards. Your friend or family member will appreciate your kindness, and you will feel good knowing that you helped them through a difficult time.

Types of Cards

While an electronic card or email message may reach your friend or family member more quickly, a proper sympathy card should be a physical card that they receive in the mail. This may seem old-fashioned, but a formal card implies that you thought it was worth the time to find a card, buy it, write a message, find a stamp and mail it, whereas an email or e-card takes only five minutes of effort. You’ll also want to avoid cards that use any humor, even if the humor is hopeful or upbeat. Sympathy cards are not meant to entertain, but to make your friend or family member feel solace.

Whom to Address

If you knew the deceased well but did not know his family (which is often the case with co-workers or business associates) address the card to the nearest family member. Conversely, if your friend or family member lost someone whom you did not know personally, address the sympathy card to your friend, and not the deceased person’s family member.

Writing Notes

Sympathy cards and envelopes should be written in your own handwriting, and not typed out. Avoid using any address stickers, especially for your own return address. A simple black or blue ink should be used on the card and envelope, and never any bright or garish ink colors. When you start the letter, identify yourself (if the person you are sending your condolences to is not a personal friend). In the intro, give a little background about how you knew the deceased. If you are a family relation, it’s acceptable to describe how you were specifically related to the deceased. If you are a friend or co-worker, this can also be addressed.

This part of the sympathy card – the actual word of condolence – is the hardest to write, for obvious reasons. You’ll want to avoid using any words like “death” deceased” or “died,” and instead use the term “loss.” Express your sadness in any way you feel, (I am a saddened by your loss, please accept my sympathy, my heart goes out to you) even if you feel like the choice of words are cliched. Finally, if you have any appropriate stories about the person, end the note with a few short sentences that convey the memory.

Writing sympathy cards takes only a few minutes of your day, but the effects will last a lifetime if you take the time to be considerate and appropriate to the situation. By taking time to consider the proper sympathy card etiquette, you are showing your friend or family member compassion at a time when they need it most.

Mid-Life Mayhem: 40th Birthday Party Ideas

Mindy on February 10, 2012

A 40th birthday is a landmark event, but for some, turning 40 may cause more commiseration than celebration. If you’re planning a 40th birthday party for a friend or family member, you’ll want to make sure it’s a night to remember. There are plenty of 40th birthday party ideas out there if you know where to look, but here are few to get you started.

Decade You Were Born Party

Chances are, your soon-to-be-40-year old friend was born in the 70s, so a fun, creative 40’s birthday theme is a “decade you were born” party, which incorporates the styles, fads and fashions of the 70s (or any decade the birthday boy or girl was born in). A disco-themed party is a great idea for people born in the 1970s, especially if you find photos from childhood of them in 70s attire. Disco party supplies, music and second-hand clothing are cheap and easy to find, and you can ask the guests to come in disco or 70’s attire. When sending out the invitations, include info from the day the guest of honor was born to in the invitation. For example, “On May 25, 1972, the first fly-by-wire airplane took flight, the movie “Ciao! Manhattan” was released and Harry Wilson was born.” You can easily find date-specific information online.

Raise Money for Retirement Party

With the growing cost of retirement, a “raise money for retirement” party is a fun way to ring in a friend or family member’s 40th birthday. The “charity” is your friend, and any number of events can be staged at the party to bring in extra retirement dough. For example, you can organize a poker tournament (complete with poker themed party supplies), and all proceeds will go to the lucky birthday boy (or girl) in lieu of a gift. If you’re throwing a silent auction, ask guests to bring in items to donate (including services) in lieu of a gift. Your birthday guest will come away happy, and he can spend the money any way he chooses.

Finding Invitations

Like any landmark birthday, the 40th birthday is an event with plenty of pre-made 40th birthday cards and invitations available online. The old “over the hill” cards have been replaced with do-it-yourself photo cards, formal personalized invitation sets and, of course, humorous celebrity and joke invitation cards. To get started, check out websites that offer specific 40th birthday invitations, and then narrow down your search by the type of card you want to send. There are even a number of invitation software packages that are available for free download, and you can design the invitation around the theme of your party. Once the invitation is created, print each card out using the invitation paper, and you are all set to go.

If the 40th party is being planned as a surprise, you’ll want to float your 40th birthday party ideas with a friends or family member of the birthday boy (or girl), just to make sure that they are on board. Otherwise, go for the surprise party theme, and just make sure not to surprise them too much!

Kindness Never Goes Out of Style

Mindy on February 10, 2012

February 13th-19th is Random Acts of Kindness Week, when many people, groups, businesses, and communities around the globe try to make the world a better place by showing kindness to others.

“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world.”
—William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice

How can you practice kindness, not just during this special week, but every day of your life? Simple things, such as paying a stranger’s bill in a restaurant or saying “thank you” to a person you see all the time but tend to take for granted (like your teacher or the barista at your favorite coffee shop) can go a long way into bringing a little sunshine into someone else’s day.

You can take it further by volunteering your talents or gifts to benefit people in need in your local community.

Sending custom “Thinking of You” greeting cards is a great way to touch base anytime with anyone. Greeting Card Universe also offers fantastic custom Thank You greeting cards that let you express your appreciation – and share an act of kindness with someone else – in unique and colorful ways.

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Some Women Love Getting Carded: Finding Perfect Bridesmaid Cards

Mindy on February 8, 2012

If your beau has popped the question and the wedding planning is underway, it’s your turn to pop the question to your soon-to-be bridesmaids. Unlike engagement and formal invitation cards, bridesmaids cards are individual bridal party invitations that are designed just for you and your special, select group. Your bridesmaids-to-be will save and cherish their invitation, and the possibilities for creativity are endless.

Setting the Mood

By the time you start planning your big day (and perhaps for years before the question is even popped), you’ll have some idea of the general theme, size and setting of your wedding. Whether you want a small outdoor reception at the beach or a 400-guest extravaganza in a convention center, the type of card you send to your bridesmaids (as well as the general engagement card, save the date card and formal invitation card) will set the tone for the theme of the wedding to come. Formal wedding cards are traditionally favored by some, but in the last decade more women are choosing to go a bit off the beaten bridal path. From save-the-date magnets to interactive website invitations, the amount of modern flair that you can add to your bridesmaids cards is entirely at your fingertips.

Timing

Bridesmaid cards are traditionally sent before the formal wedding invitation card, but  after the save-the-date and engagement announcement. You’ll want to ask your bridesmaids to
“save the date” as guests before you ask them to be in the bridal party, so that when they mark the date on their calendar, they will know if they can be part of the show. It’s also a good idea to give out the bridesmaids cards as early as possible, as airfare and wedding dresses will need to be saved for, in some cases.

Options

Bridesmaid cards come in a variety of styles, colors and even shapes, and most usually come with a secondary stamped envelope to send the reply. Themed cards, such as sci-fi, scrabble or cocktail themes are fun, or you can choose a color or idea theme that matches the future formal invitation card. You can choose an elaborate card and sign your name, or go for a more simple blank card and write your own personal message. Some cards are designed in packs of 5 or 10, depending on the number in your bridal party, while others are sold separately so that you can pick the exact number. In either case, order a few extra bridesmaid cards to cover postal mixups or pen slip ups, just to be on the safe side. Another fun idea is to make a photo card. Inexpensive and easy to duplicate, photo DIY bridesmaid cards are a fun way to send a personalized photo of you and your gals.

Just like throwing a bridal bouquet at a group of wedding-goers, shopping for bridesmaid cards can be hit or miss, so you’ll want to make sure you’ve found the right company and card. If you’ve already chosen a maid of honor, drag her out to a coffee shop to pour over your narrowed-down ideas. Once you have chosen the right design, all that is left is to personalize, seal and stamp your cards.

10 Cool Valentine’s Day Gifts For Men

Mindy on February 3, 2012

Choosing the right Valentine’s Day gift for a woman can be difficult, but finding a gift for a man to celebrate the most romantic holiday of the year? That can be a real head-scratcher. You’ll need a great custom Valentine’s Day card for him, of course, but what else can you give a guy that will put a grin on his face?

To help you out, here are 10 Cool Valentine’s Day Gifts for Men.

The Man Cave Book by Jeff Wilser and Michael H. Yost – What separates the men from the boys? A man cave, of course.The book is filled with pictures, interviews, examples, and lots of great ideas.

Hybrid Wall Clock – Made from recycled computer and bicycle parts, this clock makes a statement.

Welcome to Vegas Poker Chips Set – He’ll look like a pro on Poker Night with his buddies. Comes with an aluminum case + dealer button.

Whiskey Flask – Designed to resemble a porthole with a glass front to let him view the contents (carries up to 4 oz.), this is a tailgating accessory unlike any other.

Hot Rod Heated Travel Mug – The coolest looking travel mug on the planet AND it keeps his coffee warm.

Fighter Pilot for a Day – Air combat training, real planes, no experience required. Dog fighting in the sky, Top Gun style!

Smart String Tape Measure – For the DIY guy: measure any object (even curves), dimensions displayed on screen, no guessing.

JOYSTICK-IT iPad Arcade Stick – Great for gamers! A physical joystick to increase accuracy when playing arcade games, won’t harm screen.

Air Swimmer Remote Control Flying Shark – One of the hottest boy’s toys around. Flying. Shark. ‘Nuff said.

AppBlaster – Interactive gun for iPhone and iPod gaming – the ultimate accessory!

Boyfriend, husband, fiance, father, brother, uncle, cousin … the man in your life deserves a little love on Valentine’s Day. Greeting Card Universe offers unique, custom Valentine’s Day greeting cards for all the men in your life!

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