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fatehbaz · 1 year

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A team of Indigenous Yucuna women in the Colombian Amazon are rescuing and documenting the remaining oral knowledge on bees and their roles in the ecosystem, along with the traditional classification system of diverse bee species. With the help of nine elders, they are documenting and sketching tales and songs to gather bee names, characteristics, behaviors, roles in their crop fields and the places where bees build beehives. [...]

Je’chu [...]. “He is [...] our grandfather,” narrates Carmenza Yucuna Rivas, leader of the Miriti-Parana Indigenous Reserve in Colombia, located in the Amazon Rainforest. [...] “Beehives [...] give us the opportunity to create chakras [food gardens typically using an agroforestry model with divers plant species] [...]. They let us have something to cultivate [...] in the first place.”

To rescue and document the remaining oral knowledge of the origin of bees in their culture and their importance to their ecosystems and territory, Carmenza is leading research about these species with 36 women from the 12 communities part of the Indigenous reserve. [...]

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Since the second half of 2020, Carmenza and her colleagues have been going to each of the communities and speaking to elders to gather information, such as tales and songs that talk of the origin of the bees. They also draw [...]. Each of them has taken the task of sketching the stories on paper to describe the insects.

Their aim is to classify the bees according to the cultural system of the Yucuna-Matapí, Tanimuca-Letuama, and Tuyuca-Macuna peoples, including their names, characteristics, and the places where they build the beehives.

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Carmenza describes one by one the most relevant bees in the territory. The munumunú are the Melipona, that is, the bees that produce honey; the mapa or mapachara are the ones that produce the wax that is used for healing and rituals; the mapakayuna are small and live next to the crops to guarantee their productivity; and the jiñuna “are a great species,” says Carmenza. They live in the Yavarí coconut trees on the river shore where they build huge yellow beehives. [...] Carmenza says that even with the research process and its results, the findings and daily learnings keep surprising them. [...]

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“We’ll take all this knowledge to schools so that teachers can share it with the kids and show them the tales, the drawings, and the classifications and talk about the value of bees in culture. But also, so that they know that bees aren’t beings without importance,” says Carmenza. “They care for us without realizing it. They, through the pollination of trees and flora, help the world breathe.”

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Headline, images, captions, and all text published by: Astrid Arellano, as translated by Maria Angeles Salazar. “Indigenous women record age-old knowledge of bees in Colombia’s Amazon.” Mongabay. 8 February 2023. [Originally published by Arellano as “El origen de las abejas: la importancia del conocimiento ancestral indígena para salvarlas en Colombia” at Mongabay’s Latam site on 12 August 2022.]

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hotvintagepoll · 1 month

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Propaganda

Maria Montez (Cobra Woman, Arabian Nights)—maria montez was a dominican actress who rose to fame starring in a series of technicolor adventure movies in the 1940s hollywood, becoming popularly known as "the queen of technicolor”. her dramatic persona and elaborate bejeweled attire in these films subsequently lead to her becoming an early camp icon to underground queer filmmakers like jack smith and andy warhol. maria was fiercely determined to become a Movie Star from early on and tirelessly promoted herself (she would be killing it as an influencer today probably) - she deliberately cultivated an outré star persona in the tradition of old school screen vamps like theda bara and alla nazimova and she was always serving no matter where she was or what she was doing.

Judy Garland (Meet Me In St. Louis, A Star is Born, Summer Stock)— Judy is the GOAT when it comes to classic movie musicals. The voice of an angel who deserved so much better than she got. She can sing she can dance she can act she's a triple threat. Though she had a turbulent personal life (her treatment as a child star by the studio system makes me mad as hell like Louis b Mayer fight me ((she was made to believe that she was physically unattractive by the constant criticism of film executives who made her feel ugly and who manipulated her onscreen appearance by capping her teeth and using discs in her nose to change its shape and Mayer called her "my little hunchback" like imagine hearing that as a child and not having damage)) she always goddamn delivered on screen and in any performance she gave. She began in vaudeville performing with her sisters and was signed to MGM at 13. Starting out in supporting parts especially paired with mickey Rooney in a bunch of films (she's the best part tbh) she eventually transferred to the lead role. She is best known for her starring role in movie musicals like the iconic Wizard of Oz (somewhere over the rainbow still hits hard and is ranked the top film song of all time), meet me in St. Louis (Judy singing have your self a merry little Christmas brings tears to the eyes she is that powerful), the Harvey girls (she looks like a technicolor dream and sings a catchy af song about trains), Easter parade ( dancing and singing with Fred Astaire), for me and my gal, the pirate, and summer stock ( with pal Gene Kelly who she helped when he was starting out and he helped her when she was struggling). But she also does non- singing just as well like the clock ( her first movie where she sings no songs and is an underrated ww2 era romance), her Oscar nominated a star is born ( like the man that got away she put her whole soul in that and I have beef with the fact she lost to grace kelly ((whom I love but like still not even her best work)), and judgement at Nuremberg (a courtroom drama about the nazi war criminal trials). Outside of film she made concert appearances to record-breaking audiences, released 8 studio albums, and had her own Emmy-nominated tv series. She was the youngest (39) and first female recipient of the Cecil B DeMille award for lifetime achievement in the film industry. Girl was a lifelong democrat and was a financial and moral supporter of many causes including the civil rights movement (she was at the March on Washington and held a press conference to protest the 16th street Baptist church bombings). She was a friend of the Kennedy family and would call jfk weekly often ending the calls by singing the first few lines of somewhere over the rainbow (she thought of them as Gemini twins).She was a member of the committee for the first amendment which was formed in response to the HUAC investigations. Though she died far too young and tragically she remains an icon for her work and her life. As a girl who didn't feel like i was as pretty as everyone else I have always felt a connection to Judy and I just really love her.

This is round 2 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Maria:

Dominican actress dubbed the Queen of Technicolor. Starred in colourful action adventure movies and was Universal Studios “glamour girl” of the 1940s. She starred in 26 movies before her untimely death in 1951. Shot to stardom with Arabian Nights in 1942. Fought with universal over roles she was cast in and managed to negotiate better pay for herself before going freelance and starring in European movies.

Judy:

Judy's voice alone qualifies her for at least top ten hottest HOT VINTAGE MOVIE WOMEN. She was a truly incredible swing singer, with a stunning voice on top of her technique. Her short dark hair looked incredible in just about any style. Have I mentioned her swagger? I can’t do it justice with words. She had swagger. She was funny as hell, and clever too. Incredibly charming and cool. I adore her.

Her eyes, her voice have bewitched me

I mean how can you beat the one and only Judy? She's beautiful, her smile is contagious, the way she sings with her whole body. You can't help but love her.

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Beautiful woman, love her singing voice. And she can do everything between happy or silly and angry or heartbroken

#judy garland #maria montez #hotvintagepoll #fuck that old woman #ladies 2

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bastet-c-haddock · 8 months

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San Angel High School Exchange Group!

For the Lunaverse AU

I'm still figuring out how can I adapt the stories to a modern setting, since Maya and the Three and The Book of Life happen on two (mexican inspired) different ages: The Prehispanic Era (or something similar since we see dead Conquistador's on Mictlan's army) and the Post-Revolutionary Era (1920 - 1930). So here are some of my ideas:

San Angel would be in Puebla, which is a state close to the capital of Mexico. Even though the original San Angel is structured to be close to what Mexico City looked like once, Teca is a much more faithful portrait of such thing.

Given this info, they'll be atending San Angel High School as seniors. The three of them are 18 years old, so this year at Arcadia will be their last year before going to college.

Their story together doesn't change much. They're childhood friends, Maria then is sent to study aboard and they reunite at High School, where fantastical shenaenigans ensue, as well as some teenage romance drama.

By "Fantastical Shenaenigans" I mean: Chacal and the Bandits are a gang feared in San Angel because it is said they have (or had) a deal with the Divine Death (Santa Muerte) dus, giving them habilities and strength beyond any other gang. The School becomes the battleground for the final fight, instead of the church, and because of San Angel's victory, Xibalba and La Muerte allowed the spirits of everyone's loved ones to walk around town in the Day of the Dead. Obviously, this whole ordeal got documented on the news, reaching Uhl and, eventually, Strickler.

The truth about Chacal's gang is pretty much like the movie portrays it: Chacal once had a deal with Xibalba, who gave him the Medal of Everlasting Life. Chacal abused this power until he faced Captain Mondragon of the San Angel Revolutionary Front (Mexico's police rarely fights against Gangs) when he lost the Medal but took down most of the Front, only leaving some cowards and General Posada, the leader of the Front, alive. Of couse, the power of Chacal's army was too much to deny, so it instilled fear in the town, that's why nobody offered themselves to the Front.

Joaquin was taken under the wing of the Nuns of San Angel until General Posada adopts him. (Mind you, the nuns here in Mexico are known not only for their Eggnog, but depending on the region, they make cookies and other sweet treats, so I'm a 100% sure Joaquin knows how to cook and he's a traditional pastry chef in his free time. FIGHT ME! JIM AND HIM WOULD BE COOKING WHILE THE BOYS REHEARSE AND THE GIRLS SPARR!)

La Muerte and Xibalba are the principal and vice-principal of San Angel High School, and due to the magical situation the kids have experienced, they made a deal with Strickler at Arcadia Oaks for them both, as well as Teca Institute, to have a year long exchange each year. The purpose of this exchange is so the teens have more people to relate to when they speak of supernatural phemomenons, and given these three schools went through the ringer, sealing the deal was fairly easy.

So...what do you think?

FOR MORE LUNAVERSE, CHECK:

What started it all...

Excheangable Roles depending on the song.

Teca Institute's Exchange Group

Mystical Principals

How the story goes...

#fanart #art #digital #dreamworks #netflix #tales of arcadia #fandoms: the book of life #book of life #the book of life #joaquin mondragon #manolo sanchez #maria posada #LunaverseAU

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cleolinda · 9 months

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Angel (Mugler, 1992)

(The Secrets Behind Thierry Mugler’s Iconic Angel Ad Campaigns: Jerry Hall, Amy Wesson, Anna Maria Cseh, Bianca Balti, Naomi Watts, Eva Mendes)

I had wanted to write about Mugler's Angel (1992) for a while now. I hadn't tried it before, but I love gourmands, after all, and Angel is a groundbreaking one. My mom briefly smelled a sample of it and wanted a bottle for Christmas one year (the same year that she gave me Hypnotic Poison), so I am actually working with a full bottle, never opened, maybe two years old; not a decant that came to me on a hot mail truck. Ideal testing conditions.

I can't smell the gourmand part.

I think that maybe this particular bottle is cursed. You see, the reason it's never been opened is that my mom came down with covid shortly after I bought it, and she's had anosmia ever since. Yeah: for more than two and a half years now, she has been, she is still, unable to taste or smell anything. But she really, really wanted me to review Angel, so it's in my possession now.

Here in the writeups I've done, there have been notes I haven't been able to smell now and then, but I haven't had coronovirus anosmia per se. I've dealt with long covid flare-ups, yes, but no olfactory issues. So I tried Angel five or six times over two weeks, giving my nose time to reset in between. I wrestled with it. On me, it opens with a blast of particularly melon-y fruit, and then, within minutes, the Werewolf Patchouli, The Funk, comes out. Angel is famously the first "fruitchouli," so I knew that would be involved, but—if I thought the harsh patchouli that bursts out of Coco Mademoiselle (2001) was incongruous, well, Angel is clearly where Chanel got the idea from. But before we go any further, let me walk you through some of the official description:

Angel is the fragrance of a woman who dares to live up her dreams with her blue star as her guide. Confident and seductive, she fascinates those who cross her path. Between power and pleasure, she uses her ultra-femininity as a signature. Between heaven and earth, she makes her dreams a reality. Angel Eau de Parfum is the first Gourmand perfume in the world of fragrance.

POINTS:

Angel is technically not the first "gourmand" ("foodie," "edible dessert") fragrance. So long as perfumers have had vanilla, almond, cinnamon, anise, citrus oils, synthetic fruit notes, and so on, they've been able to create gourmand compositions. Sylvaine Delacourte cites Guerlain's early vanilla-heavy Shalimar (1925), for example, as well as L'Heure Bleue (1912), "with its marshmallow accord based on orange blossom and vanilla." Now, I've worn L'Heure Bleue several times and I've never gotten marshmallow from it, but the point is, you can create a gourmand aspect from traditional notes. Most reviewers and historians refer to Angel as the first modern gourmand: the one that shaped the genre as we know it today. As Delacourte says, "Without Shalimar, there would not have been the perfume Angel (1992) which was the first to have officially been declared as gourmand with its patchouli, red fruits and caramel accord. Angel became the leader of this new wave of gourmand perfumes, followed by Lolita Lempicka and many others." But more on that in a bit.

I've been thinking about the way I write about gender—"for men" and "for women"—in fragrance, and at most, I said that the patchouli in Coco Mademoiselle had a "masc" expression, so to speak. But both the Mugler site and other reviewers speak in terms of the traditional gender binary, so let's engage with that. Mugler (the brand) persistently emphasizes the femininity of the product, and it turns out that there's a reason for that.

But first, more from Mugler.com on the fragrance notes:

Angel Eau de Parfum combines the power of patchouli with the sensuality of notes of praline, red fruits and vanilla absolute. Celestial Facet: Calabrian Bergamot. The smell of the wind, the sky, the great outdoors, the infinite: Calabrian bergamot stings the senses like a breath of fresh air. Delicious Facet: Praline. The universal addiction to the Gourmand family: associated with red fruits, the sweet scents reminiscent of praline and caramel create an irresistible desire, thanks to the unprecedented use of Ethylmaltol in fine perfumery - a stroke of olfactory genius. Voluptuous Facet: Patchouli. Evocation of sensuality and ultra femininity: Warmed up by the oriental inflections of vanilla absolute and played in overdose, patchouli captivates, seduces: the quintessence of femininity.

There's our game-changer: ethyl maltol.

Invented in 1969 and six times more powerful than maltol (which is found naturally in cocoa), this component evokes the scents of ripe fruit or caramel. Before the advent of gourmand perfume, this molecule was only used in the food sector. Today, veltol [Pfizer's maltol product] is present in almost all gourmand recipes of fragrances. Combined with natural ingredients, it brings a delicious sweet touch with caramel and praline accents.

(That Carrément Belle article also touches on furaneol in gourmands, "a natural organic component found in strawberries and many other fruits" with "roasted sugar tones," used in perfume to represent candy or cooked fruit aspects. I'm guessing there is a significant dollop of this in Aquolina's Pink Sugar, but that's our next post.)

The Cut goes so far as to say that "Thierry Mugler Changed the Perfume World Forever"—Angel took about three years of concerted advertising to really take off, but it became a direct contrast to the ubiquitously clean CK One (Calvin Klein, 1994). In 2007, Angel joined the Fragrance Foundation Hall of Fame, and it's still a benchmark—a popular one—today. And while The Cut credits Angel with laying the groundwork for Bath & Body Works' Warm Vanilla Sugar, various Victoria's Secret fragrances, Rihanna's Fenty perfumes, and Kilian's Love, Don't Be Shy, that's entirely leaving out gourmands and/or fruitchoulis like (deep breath) Lolita Lempicka (1997), Coco Mademoiselle (2001), the entire Britney Spears fragrance empire (est. 2004), Pink Sugar (2004), Vera Wang's Princess (2006), the Prada Candy line (2011), Lancôme's La Vie Est Belle (2012), YSL's Black Opium (2014), Viktor & Rolf's Bonbon (2014), Ariana Grande's Cloud (2018), and every single sugary thing in between. Angel was the fragrance that said, sugar in perfume is now a thing and we're gonna put a fuckload of it into this bad boy—

"I want something mouthwatering and tasty which reminds me of childhood," Mugler allegedly said, wanting to recapture his memory of visiting French fairgrounds. “The scent of a fairground, candy floss, little cakes, chocolates, and caramels.” Perfumers Olivier Cresp and Yves de Chirin listened by throwing nearly every sugary ingredient into the formula: cotton candy, coconut, cassis, melon, jasmine, bergamot, pineapple, mandarin orange, honey, red berries, blackberry, plum, apricot, peach, jasmine, orchid, caraway, nutmeg, rose, lily of the valley, patchouli, chocolate, caramel, vanilla, tonka bean, amber, musk, and sandalwood.

—and we're gonna do whatever we gotta do to make that work.

And what Olivier Cresp and Yves de Chirin had to do to make that work, to balance the sweet elements of the fragrance in a way no one even worries about nowadays, was throw in a massive blast of patchouli. To wit:

Now Smell This: "What shocked me, mostly, was the patchouli, or more specifically, the 'unusually high 30 percent concentration of woodsy patchouli' that had been added to keep the fragrance from being overly sweet."

A Tea-Scented Library: "This stuff is earthy; dark; rough-textured; herbal-smoky like a cigarette (which, by the way, I loathe) and heavily mentholated, which makes it feel chemical and quite masculine. A definitely non-angelic, angry beast, roaring and screeching from the tiniest spray… and from the nozzle."

Tania Sanchez: "Look for Angel’s Adam’s apple: a handsome, resinous, woody patchouli, straight out of the pipes-and-leather-slippers realm of men’s fragrance… The effect kills the possibility of cloying sweetness, despite megadoses of the cotton-candy smell of ethylmaltol."

And this, I think, is why the Mugler website copy stresses femininity so relentlessly: the angel doth protest too much. A harsh, earthy patchouli that haunts me around the house doesn't read as "ultra feminine" to me, but that's on me and my preconceptions. (It is definitely on me; I cannot wash it off.) That said (and sometimes I have to refresh myself on this point), Gender Is Fake Except For the Parts You Like; anyone can wear anything they want, so it doesn't matter if Angel is deemed "feminine" or "masculine." But if we engage with the terms of the conversation that is already happening: the current Mugler website is addressing reactions that characterize the patchouli blast as "masculine," reframing and re-gendering that note as just another way to present femininity. (And clearly, I had no problem envisioning something like this when I said a similar patchouli felt like a werewolf debutante.) Basically, they're saying, "Angel's gender is 'woman' because we say so. Wear it and see what patchouli femininity feels like." In terms of gender discourse, I am way too far in over my head already, so I'll leave it at this: sometimes reviewers say masculine, Mugler says feminine, I say it's a synthesis of both or maybe neither; maybe perfumes, like angels, don't actually have gender.

Unfortunately, Angel is not for the femme in me. You see, I'm not much of a patchouli fan, but it's the only thing I can smell with this one after about three minutes. My first impression of Angel, every single time, is FROOT, led by melon, and then an absolute tsunami of patchouli crashes in. Once, once, I got a whiff of something I would call "white-chocolate praline cupcake" if I sniffed my arm real hard, and then I lost it again. And I know I can smell ethyl maltol! This is not a Javanol situation! I have worn Pink Sugar (and Fantasy, and Princess, and Cloud, not to mention a whole collection of Black Phoenix gourmands) several times, and I can smell dessert notes. I have no idea what's happening with this bottle of Angel. I cannot test this perfume anymore. Every time I try a single spray on my arm, my clothes smell like patchouli, my bed smells like patchouli, my room smells like patchouli, the vanity smells like patchouli, the hallway smells like patchouli. It stalks the house, just the patchouli, only the patchouli, smoky-hoarse and yet also belting out show tunes to the balconies. We've already been through my Fragrance Journey™ to learn to like this stuff even a little, and for me, it depends on what it's blended with. IT'S NOT BLENDED WITH ANYTHING ELSE, IT BREAKS FREE AND RAMPAGES FOR DAYS ON END, IT CONTAMINATES EVERYTHING I HAVE EVER OWNED IN THIS LIFE OR ANY OTHER NO MATTER HOW MUCH LAUNDRY I DO. If I were also getting haunted by all this cotton candy and praline and chocolate, I would like that! BUT I'M NOT.

Bonus hilarity: My mom hates patchouli.

So we're sending the bottle on to someone who loves The Funk; I'm going to order a fresh decant of Angel to see if it smells different coming from someone else's stock, and we'll see if the recipient of the Cursed Bottle gets to roll in her beloved patchouli, or if it somehow only smells like candy to her, cursèd as it is.

Bonus: If you're not familiar, Thierry Mugler (1948-2022) was one of the great weird avant-garde couture designers. I need to add more posts to my tag (don't miss... whatever's going on here). But for now, bask in the video (note: some strobing/flashing) he costumed for George Michael:

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Perfume discussion masterpost

#perfume #perfume discussion #long post #perfume: mugler #note: patchouli #note: ethyl maltol #the genders #video #music

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yuriko-mukami · 4 months

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Epilogue

I waved my hand when Maria and Laito-kun headed out. Yuuto was still helping Nalia to put on her shoes but soon, both of them straightened up.

"It was so nice that you could come by!" I beamed. "See you later again~"

"You should come to the shrine on New Year's Day." Yuuto smiled and patted Ruki's shoulder before ruffling my hair once again. "You know, traditions."

"We'll be there." Ruki nodded, holding me close. "Isn't that so, my angel?"

"Yes! Yes, of course. Maybe we can help you with cooking since it will be a busy day in the shrine."

Nalia nodded. "That would be nice." The Kitsune woman looked exhausted when she massaged the small of her back. "I haven't been able to do much recently."

"Then I will make the dinner, Yuriko and you will simply relax, and Yuuto will do his work in the shrine." Ruki simply decided that without asking anyone's opinion. I wanted to poke him between his ribs, but before I could do that, Yuuto grinned.

"Sounds like a plan. Gotta love that. Thanks, Ruki." He wrapped Nalia in a warm coat. "Time to go, Sleepin' Beauty. You look like you're gonna nod off right here and now. See you, Ruki, Sis." And with that, the couple walked out too.

I stretched my arms and peeked at Ruki. "Umh... should we join others in the living room."

"No, we should not." Ruki's answer caught me by surprise.

"No?"

"First, Kou said he bought Vampire Juice for everyone." I could practically smell Ruki's distaste in the air. "And secondly, I wish to have my wife all for myself after she has been socializing with everyone else for the whole evening."

"Well... your wife isn't against that at all..." I ran my fingers on his chest, following the buttons of his blue dress shirt.

Ruki snatched my hand and pulled me tightly against him. A strong arm enveloped my waist. "Close your eyes."

I did as told and felt how air swooshed around us. My skin tingled and my stomach turned slightly but I held to Ruki.

"You can open them now."

Slowly, I pushed my body into a straighter position and fluttered my eyelids up. "Oh my gosh! Where are we?"

"While you were busy running around the manor, I took the liberty to ensure no one would bother us for the rest of the night. I can see that the familiars finished the decorations as I told them." Ruki gazed around a smug smile on his face. "I hope you like the cabin, my angel. It's a few kilometers to the north of the Polar Circle in the middle of the forest. Perhaps we'll even see reindeer tomorrow. "

"Oh, Ruki! I love it!" I jumped a little up and down, enjoying the cozy view and aroma of mulled wine and hot cocoa that wafted in the air.

"Is that so~?" Ruki chuckled, brushing my cheek.

"Totally!" Wrapping my arms around his neck, I rose on my toes and captured Ruki's lips with mine. "Thank you so much!"

"Mhh~ Bold..." The word was a mere mumble against my mouth as he pulled me even closer. His hand slid along my back, reaching under my bottom. He lifted me, and I instantly embraced his waist with my legs.

Smooching me again, Ruki carried me on the leather couch right next to the colorful tree. "I love you, my angel. From the bottom of my heart." He put me lying on the couch, inching closer.

"And I love you, Ruki. You're the love of my life."

Ruki laced his fingers with my hair, leaning even closer until our faces almost touched. "Prepare yourself, Yuriko. It's the longest night of the year, and your master will spoil you as long as it lasts." The tip of Ruki's nose rubbed against mine. "But tell me if you are feeling tired. You should be sleeping enough. Do you understand?"

"I... I... I do. But, Ruki, I can stay up for one night with you. I have plenty of time to snooze tomorrow~" Lifting my head slightly, I pressed my lips on Ruki's.

___

Maria belongs to @mermaid--bride

Nalia belongs to @nalia-tsukino

Yuriko and Yuuto belong to @yuriko-mukami & @yuuto-tsukino (me)

#yule with the mukamis #ruki mukami #yuriko mukami #nalia tsukino #yuuto tsukino #maria #laito sakamaki #rukiko pregnancy #pregnancy tw

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beardedmrbean · 1 month

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Helsingin Sanomat follows up on its reporting covering the country's demographic challenges as people have fewer children.

Today one in five women aged 40-49 are childless, while for men in the same age group, the figure is 30 percent.

The lower the level of education, the more common childlessness is, according to HS. The paper points out that nowadays having a child is increasingly perceived as an extra burden complicating life.

Juhana Brotherus, an economist at business lobby Suomen Yrittäjät, said falling fertility rates will inevitably impact the pension system.

While people are good at optimising their short-term opportunity costs, they don't always succeed in long-term planning, Brotherus explained, referencing economic theory.

"We know how to optimise a 30-year-old's lifestyle, but not whether it would be nice to have children and grandchildren in retirement," he said.

Colonial laws threat to Sámi

Sámi people would like an overhaul of Finnish law to support traditional Sámi reindeer husbandry, reports Hufvudstadsbladet.

Anne-Maria Magga, a reindeer herder and researcher, says that current laws prevent cross-border reindeer migrations, which are the traditional method Sámi herders use to avoid overgrazing.

Over the past centuries countries closed their borders to herders.

"The Sámi have been subjected to persecution and colonialism, and Finnish people are not sufficiently aware of it. They do not understand how much the Sámi people and individual families have already lost," Magga said.

In Sweden and Norway, there are laws securing the Sámi's exclusive right to reindeer husbandry.

Magga tells HBL that the absence of similar laws in Finland to recognise the Siida system of managing reindeer husbandry on a geographical basis threatens the Sámi community's ability to maintain its culture.

Public greetings

What happens when an Americanised Finn starts greeting strangers in the street like in the US where public greetings are the norm?

Thirty-year-old Aurora Pärssinen lives in Los Angeles where strangers often exchange hellos as they pass by one another.

As the sleet fell in Finland however, Pärssinen began routinely greeting people walking towards her.

"I got all sorts of reactions. About half of the people greeted me back, smiled or nodded. The rest didn't react at all, looked away or gave me a strange look," Aurora said, laughing.

IS followed Pärssinen down the street to document her greeting venture. Older ladies were most likely to respond to her greeting, whereas younger passerbys seemed to be too busy to deal with unexpected human interactions.

One English-speaking person waved hello despite being on the phone.

Johanna Isosävi, an academic specialised in Finnish manners, said greeting customs in the Nordic country are rooted in century-old norms.

"We believe that it's polite to respect another person's personal space. For us it's perfectly acceptable for a person to be left alone and walk around in their own thoughts without paying too much attention to their surroundings. This is not the case in many other countries," she explained.

#nunyas news #updates from up north

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dreaminginthedeepsouth · 5 months

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This was Raphael’s preparatory drawing for a detail in the mosaic decoration at the Chigi Chapel in the church of S. Maria del Popolo, Rome, where God the Father in the centre of the ceiling is encircled by the sun, the stars and the six known planets, each with a commanding angel. This angel appears above Jupiter. This mosaic appears in the dome of the chapel known as the Heavens. Bathed in divine light, the angel in this red chalk drawing by Renaissance artist Raphael commands worship of God with his pointing left arm, guiding our attention upwards. He expresses tenderness towards humanity below with his more open right hand. The angel is strongly associated with the birth of Christ, due to the important role that they played as messengers in the traditional Christmas story. The word ‘angel’ comes from the Greek ‘angelos’ or messenger’. ⁠ Study for an angel, c.1515–16, Raphael (1483–1520). Red chalk on laid paper, 19.7 x 16.7 cm. Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, England. WA1846.208 :: [Robert Scott Horton]

* * * *

“she is always emptying and it is all / the same wound the same blood the same breaking.”

— Lucille Clifton, from “she understands me,” in The Collected Poems of Lucille Clifton

[alive on all channels]

#Lucille Clifton #poem #poetry #alive on all channels #study for an angel #Raphael #angel

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silvestromedia · 9 months

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SAINTS FOR JULY 24

St. John Boste, 1594 A.D. One of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. He was born at Dufton, at Westmoreland, England, and studied at Oxford. Becoming a Catholic in 1576, he went to Reims and received ordination in 1581. John went back to England where he worked in the northern parts of the kingdom and became the object of a massive manhunt. He was betrayed, arrested, and taken to London. There he was crippled on the rack and returned to Dryburn near Durham. On July 24, he was hanged, drawn, and quartered. John was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as a martyr of Durham.

Sts. Wulfhade and Ruffinus, 7th century. Wulfhade and Ruffinus (d.c. seventh century). Martyrs of England. Little is known about them with any certainty, although according to tradition they were two princes of Mercia who were baptized by St. Chad and were swiftly executed by their pagan father. They were martyred at Stone, Staffordshire

Bl. Maria Pilar Martinez Garcia & Companions, Roman Catholic Carmelite nun, with Maria Angeles Valtierra and Teresa Garcia y Garcia. They were killed in Guadalajara, Spain, by communists in the civil war. Maria Pilar Martinez was an older nun from Tarazona, Zaragoza.Feastday July 24

Bl. Maria Angeles of Saint Joseph was a Carmelite nun at the monastery of Guadalajara, Spain. She was one of hundreds of martyrs during the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939. Feastday July 24

Bl. Joseph Fernandez, Roman Catholic Dominican Martyr of Vietnam. He was sent there in 1805 as an ordained priest and appointed provincial vicar of the mission. He was beheaded. Feastday July 24

ST. CHRISTINE, VIRGIN AND MARTYR-Like many ancient martyrs, Christina was a young woman who, on account of her love of Christ, found enemies within her own family. She was tortured by her own father to induce her to renounce her faith. After his death, the torture continued, until, shot by arrows, she won the crown of martyrdom.

ST. CHARBEL MAKHLOUF, PRIEST

St. Menefrida, 5th century. Patron saint of Tredresick, in Cornwall, England. She belonged to the family of Brychan of Brecknock.

St. Declan. St. Declan First bishop of Ardmore in Ireland July 24 was baptized by St. Colman, and preached the faith in that country a little before the arrival of St. Patrick, who confirmed the Episcopal see of Ardmore, in a synod at Cashel in 448. Many miracles are ascribed to St. Declan, and he has ever been much honored in the viscounty of Dessee, anciently Nandesi.

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infjtarot · 2 years

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4 of Pentacles ~ Anna Maria D'Onofrio Tarot

In this card, we can see the phoenix that the two angels are preparing to sacrifice in the burning Two of Cups – 2 De Coupe Tarot. At the center of the highest material stability, there is the relentless rebirth of this mythical bird, being burned down then regenerated from its ashes. This card is reminiscent of family, health, land that is economically secured by not letting any wealth stalled. The Four of Pentacles symbolize the life of the body, but in order to maintain life, it is necessary to accept the continuous death of certain cells and the consumption of energy in the form of food. 4 De Deniers generates both positive and negative perceptions. On the one hand, this card means that you have achieved a major part of your goals and have accumulated great material wealth in the process. On the other hand, there may be a risk that you end up only valuing material wealth, becoming possessive and greedy by ensuring that no one else deprives you of it. This card indicates that you are in a position where you are financially stable and secure with solid investments. You are very conservative about money and highly appreciate financial matters. You are very protective of what you have accumulated over time and, slowly and steadily, you increase your financial fund by saving money with safe investments. You are financially and emotionally self-sufficient because you often associate money with emotional security. Although this card corresponds to a practical person, it often indicates possessiveness, greed and an overly cautious approach to life. You may be afraid of taking risks, both financially and emotionally, for fear of losing everything you have acquired so far. As a result, you may be unhappy and unsatisfied but do not know the reason why. From the deep bottom, you begin to realize that you suffer from a conservative and excessively safe approach to life. Thus, 4 De Deniers signals one of the dangers of prosperity: the temptation to value money goes beyond its true value. If wealth and financial success lead to greed or narrow-mindedness, you are trapped in a state of mind where nothing is considered to be more valuable than money. This attitude is an expression of extreme attachment to material things and is unhealthy in the long run. Unfortunately, possessions have become your life and you now evaluate your personal value based on the price of your car, the number of rooms in your house, etc. It also means that you must continually work hard to generate a significant income in order to maintain your standard of living and to satisfy your permanent obsession with material possession. Sometimes, this card can indicate an inflexible attitude that resists change. You have already created a way of life that works for you, so why change? Change seems to be a threat to your certainty, security, and comfort and may put you at risk of losing seemingly important things. Therefore, any offer to work differently will resist resistance because of its impact on your personal sense of security. As a result, you tend to focus on tradition and proven ways of doing things, instead of taking risks at this stage. 4 De Deniers can also indicate a need to control your environment. You want to be in charge of ensuring that your world is not altered or changed, and therefore you demand compliance and you insist that things be done in your own way. You want to create order in the midst of chaos, to bring back a state of calm and stability in your life. However, the downside is that you can not always do things your way and this can be too much for some, and so isolate you from your friends or family. https://tarotx.net/tarot-card-meanings/marseilles/5-de-coupe-tarot.html

#4 of Pentacles #pentacles #tarot #Anna Maria D'Onofrio Tarot

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lboogie1906 · 3 months

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Natalie Maria Cole (February 6, 1950 – December 31, 2015) was a singer, songwriter, and actress. Cole was the daughter of American singer and jazz pianist Nat King Cole. She rose to success in the mid-1970s as an R&B singer with the hits "This Will Be", "Inseparable" (1975), and "Our Love" (1977). She returned as a pop singer on the 1987 album Everlasting and her cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Pink Cadillac". In the 1990s, she sang traditional pop by her father, resulting in her biggest success, Unforgettable... with Love, which sold over seven million copies and won her seven Grammy Awards. She sold over 30 million records worldwide.

She was born in Los Angeles to American singer and jazz pianist Nat King Cole and former Duke Ellington Orchestra singer Maria Hawkins Ellington. She enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She transferred briefly to USC where she pledged the Upsilon chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She transferred back to the University of Massachusetts, where she majored in Child Psychology and minored in German.

She married Marvin Yancy (1976-1980) minister, songwriter, producer, and former member of the 1970s R&B group The Independents. She had a son, Robert Adam "Robbie" Yancy (October 14, 1977 – August 14, 2017); he was a musician who toured with her. She married record producer and former drummer for the band Rufus, Andre Fischer (1989-1995). She married Bishop Kenneth Dupree (2001-2004). #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence #deltasigmatheta

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musicarenagh · 3 months

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Celestial Rapture: Domine Clemons' 'Ave Maria' Journey In the ever-evolving landscape of music, where genres blend and boundaries blur, it’s a rare moment when an artist not only revisits the roots of sacred music but also breathes new life into its timeless ethos. Enter Domine Clemons, whose rendition of William Gomez's "Ave Maria" is nothing short of a celestial journey bound to uplift the spirit to an ethereal realm. https://open.spotify.com/track/5Q6njCgjbR1EfHlue1ghno Dubbed as the "Enya of Sacred Music," Clemons has carved a niche that straddles both divine inspiration and earthly passion. Having transitioned from the corporate alleys into the sanctuaries of song, she brings with her a unique perspective that shines through in this cover single released in September 2023—translating not just notes but conveying messages steeped in themes of renewal and sacred journeying. The music carries with it centuries-old legacies strewn across cultures worldwide. Yet, under Clemons' careful stewardship, there's no sense of time-worn tradition weighing down; rather, there’s rebirth and rejuvenation coursing throughout her rendition. It speaks volumes about her ability to tread softly yet significantly on revered grounds without losing sight of her modern sensibilities. [caption id="attachment_53972" align="alignnone" width="1440"] Celestial Rapture: Domine Clemons' 'Ave Maria' Journey[/caption] Clemon's vocal brilliance is impossible to overlook or understate. Her voice weaves through Gregorian chants' solemnity and classical opera's dramatic flourishes effortlessly—a testament both to her vocal agility and deep comprehension of this multifaceted piece. Listening to Domine perform "Ave Maria" by Gomez is akin to witnessing stars illuminating night skies; magical yet comforting in their familiar twinkle amidst immense darkness—a symbolism perhaps reflective both internally for Domine stepping boldly into uncharted musical terrains after a life-altering career shift—and externally for listeners finding solace amid contemporary chaos. What makes this rendition epic isn’t merely its flawless execution or angelic vocals but how it manages—all at once—to be deeply personal while universally resonant; inviting us on an uplifting voyage beyond mere mortal concerns towards something genuinely transcendent. With strings that tug at heartstrings complemented by keys unlocking gates towards higher reflections—it’s hard not so much listen as be transported upon every note carried forth by Clemons’ magical voice. [caption id="attachment_53973" align="alignnone" width="1440"] Celestial Rapture: Domine Clemons' 'Ave Maria' Journey[/caption] By infusing 'sacred' within each vibrato and crescendo encountered during this auditory pilgrimage, one can detect echoes from yesteryears’ hymnal corners cross-whispering with today’s search for meaning beyond material fetters—the sort Enya might have elicited had she too found sanctuary within such spiritual sonorities. Domine Clemons offers more than just soundscapes; she delivers experiences wrapped delicately around ‘Ave Maria’, transforming what could have easily been another cover into a humbling touchstone for anyone willing enough to embark alongside on such pure-hearted escalations toward sublime realizations—in Naples Florida or anywhere hearts may seek refuge. Follow Domine Clemons on Website, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.

#Music #AveMaria #AveMariabyDomineClemons #AveMariaDomineClemons #AveMariafromDomineClemons #CelestialRaptureDomineClemonsAveMariaJourney #DomineClemons #DomineClemonsAveMaria #DomineClemonsdropsAveMaria #DomineClemonsoutwithAveMaria #DomineClemonsreleasesAveMaria #DomineClemonswithAveMaria #newsongAveMariabyDomineClemons

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businessorzozen · 3 months

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Showcasing Successful Woodbridge Startups' Funding Journeys

In the bustling city of Woodbridge, Ontario, a burgeoning startup scene is capturing the imaginations of venture capitalists and entrepreneurs alike. This isn't just Canada's hidden gem; it’s a hotbed of innovation and growth, where small business owners are breaking the mold, defying expectations, and securing the funding they need to turn their dreams into realities.

This blog post dives into the inspiring stories of three Woodbridge startups, sharing their funding journeys, and the invaluable lessons they've learned along the way. Whether you're an aspiring business owner with a sketch on a napkin or a seasoned entrepreneur charting your latest venture, you'll discover insights that can propel your startup forward.

Mills & Mead: Legacy Innovated

Mills & Mead began with a love for the craft of woodworking and a desire to preserve heritage amidst modern trends. Co-founders Johnathan Mills and Kevin Mead met at a local workshop, bonding over their woodworking projects and family stories. Their vision was clear: to merge the time-honored art of woodturning with cutting-edge design, producing heirloom-quality pieces for the contemporary market.

Funding these dreams presented a challenge. Conventional lenders were wary of the niche market and the duo's lack of business experience. Nevertheless, undeterred, they turned to crowd funding. Through a carefully curated campaign that married captivating storytelling with social media buzz, they not only surpassed their funding goal but also grew a passionate community.

The success of their Kick starter campaign didn't just fund their startup; it validated their concept. Investors took notice, and soon, Mills & Mead closed its seed round with a combination of angel investment and venture capital. Johnathan and Kevin stand as living proof that when tradition meets innovation, and persistence meets creativity, funding success is within reach.

Grind & Grounds: The Rise of Ethical Espresso

Grind & Grounds is more than a coffee shop; it's an ethos. Founder Lisa Chen saw a need for a third wave coffeehouse that not only served exceptional single-origin coffees but also championed ethical sourcing and sustainability. Her vision extended to fostering community and providing a platform for local artists and musicians.

Funding a brick-and-mortar establishment proved a different beast than digital ventures. Lisa's unwavering dedication to her mission, however, was her strongest asset. She leveraged this, building a business plan that resonated with the ethical consumer movement. Grants and small business loans were essential starter fuel, but Lisa's understanding of her target audience and her commitment to local community involvement piqued the interest of impact investors.

Upon opening, Grind & Grounds wasn't just another coffee shop; it was a hub for conscious living and ethical consumerism. With a solid customer base and a thriving business model, she confidently took on a series A round and expanded her enterprise. Lisa's journey to funding proved that aligning your passion with your purpose can be a powerful magnet for financial backing.

Verdia Robotics: Automating Industry Excellence

When it comes to industrial automation, Verdia Robotics is redefining the status quo. Co-founders Maria Silva and Paul Nguyen had spent years in the field, honing their skills and identifying pain points. Their vision was to create a modular robotics platform that could adapt to the needs of various industries, providing efficiency and cost savings while improving workplace safety.

Securing funding for the development and scaling of a hardware-intensive product was a complex puzzle. Bootstrapping took them from concept to prototype, but to scale, they needed significant funds. Combining government grants with industry partnerships, Maria and Paul built credibility and a strong case for further investment.

Their commitment to R&D and a relentless pursuit of innovation caught the attention of traditional investors who were eager to support businesses at the forefront of technology. Their success tells the story of patience and strategic collaboration, proving that even the most capital-intensive startups can find the backing they need through tenacity and the right strategic moves.

The Common Thread

These Woodbridge startups each followed a unique path to funding success, but they share common threads: a tenacious spirit, a clear vision, and an unwavering commitment to their business mission. Amid the hustle and bustle of Woodbridge's startup landscape, these stories serve as testaments to the fact that with the right blend of innovation and determination, small businesses can secure the funding necessary to thrive.

As you embark on your startup's funding journey, take heart in these tales. Craft your story authentically, know your market, and demonstrate how your business solves a real-world problem or meets an unmet need. Funding isn't just about the numbers; it's about the narrative and the impact your business can make. When that resonates, doors – and funds – will open. Your Woodbridge success story could be the next to inspire the world. Click here to know more about Funding Solutions Woodbridge.

#Funding Solutions Woodbridge

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whatsonmedia · 4 months

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Thursday Thrill: January's Hottest Happenings

Ready to kick off the year with a bang? January's got you covered with three sizzling events that promise good vibes, sun-soaked tunes, and frothy adventures. So grab your dancing shoes, jungle gear, or beer stein, because these fiestas are not to be missed! Calibash 2024: A Two-Day Fiesta of Latin Music Dates: January 12-13, 2024 Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA Highlights: - Electrifying performances: Headliners Feid and Yandel ignited the stage, supported by a stellar lineup including Farruko, Prince Royce, Young Miko, and Maria Becerra. - Genre-bending celebration: From reggaeton and pop to hip-hop and traditional Mexican music, Calibash embraced the rich tapestry of Latin music. - Introducing Calibash MX: A new platform dedicated to showcasing the vibrant sounds of Mexican music, featuring artists like Grupo Frontera, Edgardo Nuñez, and Yng Lvcas. - Immersive cultural experience: Beyond the music, Calibash fostered a vibrant atmosphere celebrating Latin culture through dance, community, and shared passion. In essence, Calibash 2024 offered a pulsating two-day journey into the heart of Latin music, uniting established stars with rising talents and fostering a vibrant celebration of culture through diverse sounds and shared passion. DAY ZERO TULUM 2024: Mystical Jungle Rave into the New Year Date: January 12, 2024 (New Year's Eve) Where: Secret jungle oasis near Tulum, Mexico Experience: Immerse yourself in a pulse-pounding electronic music celebration amidst the vibrant Mayan jungle. Dance under lasers and the starlit sky to renowned DJs like Black Coffee and Damian Lazarus. Welcome the new year with an unforgettable experience blending music, nature, and mystical vibes. Perfect for: Music lovers, jungle explorers, and those seeking a unique New Year's Eve adventure. Copper State Beer Fest 2024: A Mesa Must-Try on Jan 13 Raise a glass to Arizona's finest at the 3rd annual Copper State Beer Fest. This Jan 13 event brings over 100 craft beverage vendors together in Riverview Park, Mesa, crafting a day of sudsy delight. More than just beer: Sip and savor wines, ciders, spirits, kombuchas, and hard seltzers. Fuel your adventures with bites from local food trucks. Groove to live music and discover unique offerings from local artists. A perfect pour for: - Craft beverage enthusiasts - Foodies and music lovers - Those seeking community and fun Cheers to your next Arizona adventure! Grab your tickets now and join the celebration! Read the full article

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dknuth · 4 months

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Oaxaca - Day Trip

We rented a car and made a day trip south of the city.

Our first stop was San Martín Tilcajete, a town famous for Alebrijes, those colorful and often fanciful carved and painted animals that are found in Oaxaca. They were originally invented by an artist in Mexico City, who saw them in a dream. He made them out of paper mache. Later they came to Oaxaca where the woodcarvers picked up on the idea, but carve them from copal wood.

Jacobo and Maria Angeles are the most famous and successful of the alebrije makers. The quality of their work has always been outstanding in terms of inventiveness, sculpture design, painting and finishing. Their work was always expensive, usually thousands of dollars for a piece when much of the work in shops in Oaxaca ranged from a few dollars to less than a hundred.

But their impact on the market was clearly visible on this trip. Many artists are emulating their style. They are asking a lot more than the older style work seen in shops and street markets but still an order of magnitude less than the Angeles.

This panther is a good example of this new grade of work.

The pose is natural and well-shaped, the painting is intricate and well-done. The finish is not as good as the Angeles work but it was hundreds of dollars not thousands.

The Angeles operation has grown considerably in the 15 years since we visited. They now employ over 200 people!

That is very finely detailed painting!

But the prices have increased enough to convince us that the one piece we own is enough.

They have also expanded their operations beyond the alebrijes. Seeing how much copal wood was being cut they planted hundreds of trees outside of town. In the middle of those trees one of the younger generation has opened a restaurant named Almú. It is in amongst the trees of the plantation and is a classic open air restaurant. But more rustic than the large one we were at on Christmas Day.

They cook over traditional open wood fires and on clay comals. The menu is handwritten in a notebook. The food was very good and the atmosphere was great.

In the plantation there was a several story tower with a viewing deck on the roof. It had a great view across the valley to the mountains beyone.

The other goal for the day was to visit a couple more of the Dominican convent churches When Cortez was made governor of the Oaxaca area he invited the Dominican order to help Christianize the populace. So in the early 1500's they proceeded to build large churches with attached monasteries in towns throughout the area.

Last year we traveled to the Mixtec highlands and visited three of them. This year we noted a couple more south of San Martín Tilcajete and decided to check them out.

The first was in Santa Ana Zegache. It was beautifully painted.

The paint has been kept up well.

Inside was also painted.

The large retablos were also in good shape.

The town is off the main road and quite small these days, so it was especially nice to see the attention they have paid to keeping the church in good shape.

The other stop was in Ocotlán Morales.

This town is on the main road to the coast and is a lot bigger.

There's a large market building off the main square, which we didn't visit.

But the church was similar size and configuration. But the details are different. I am amazed that all six of the Dominican churches and monasteries have been so different architecturally given they were built by one organization over only a few years.

To the right of the main altar one of the statues is of St. Peter Martyr with an Axe in his head. He was killed by Cathars during the church's Albigensian Crusade against the Cathars. In the statue he seems pretty unfazed by the axe. In real life it didn't go so well.

The monastery building is still in good shape and is currently used as a museum to Rodolfo Morales, a very famous local painter and one of the principal contributors to Oaxacan becoming a center for the arts.

We couldn't take photos in the little museum, but in the Museum of Oaxacan Painters in central Oaxaca there is a large painting by him.

This is very typical, showing the fields with the mountains in the background, women carrying baskets of fruit and flowers, a town square, church, colonial building, Mexican flag and angels overhead draped in the colors of the flag.

#oaxaca #Dominicans #San Martín Tilcajete #Alebrijles #Santa Ana Zegache #Ocotlán de Morales.

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daimonclub · 5 months

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Christmas in Italy

Christmas in Italy Christmas in Italy, traditions, customs, habits, markets, an article that explains all about the Christmas period in Italy with also the famous panettone recipe. In Italy today, Christmas is a time for families coming together and with the recently acquired wealth, this coming together is a great excuse for a boom in buying (expensive) consumer goods especially for children who normally are at the centre of most of the festivities. Italy is very much a religious country and even with growing secularism, Christmas is very much a religious festival, with carol singing, live cribs, and decorated windows in the main stores. This also brings out little quirks in our attitude towards religious feast days. At Christmas families have awith usually plenty of tacky colourful lights and Santas and angels... not as simple and nice as the Christmas tree of Denmark!. Set up the nativity - usually under the tree - where baby Jesus will be added only on the night of the 24th after attending Mass ! This is, of course, for the true believers... It's a strong tradional habit to go to Mass on the 24th evening (hoping there will be a coir singing in tune!) Usually we do not eat that much on Christmas Eve (strangely enough...) but we will definitively have some panettone (typical Italian tall cake/brioche full of pieces of dried fruit) with some Prosecco / Italian Champagne. On the 25th the traditional starting course in Lombardia (region where I come from) is to have "cappelletti in brodo" (small filled tortellini , usually hand made if you have still a grandma that can cook, served in chicken stock). And then, of course, plenty more courses will follow! Presents are opened either on the 24th evening or 25th morning. One of the most important ways of celebrating Christmas in Italy is the Nativity crib scene. Using a crib to help tell the Christmas story was made very popular by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223 (Assisi is in mid-Italy). The previous year he had visited Bethlehem and saw where it was thought that Jesus was born. A lot of Italian families have a Nativity crib in their homes. Having cribs in your own home became popular in the 16th century and it's still popular today (before that only churches and monasteries had cribs). Cribs are traditionally put out on the 8th December. But the figure of the baby Jesus isn't put into the crib until the evening/night of December 24th! Sometimes the Nativity scene is displayed in the shape of pyramid which can be meters tall! It's made of several tiers of shelves and is decorated with colored paper, gold covered pinecones and small candles. A small star is often hung inside the top of the pyramid/triangle. The shelves above the manger scene might also contain fruit, candy and presents. The city of Naples in Italy is world famous for its cribs and crib making. These are known as 'Presepe Napoletano' (meaning Neapolitan Cribs). The first crib scene in Naples is thought to go back to 1025 and was in the Church of S. Maria del presepe (Saint Mary of the Crib), this was even before St. Francis of Assisi had made cribs very popular! One special thing about Neapolitan cribs, is that they always have extra 'every day' people and objects (such as houses, waterfalls, food, animals and even figures of famous people and politicians!). Naples is also the home to the largest crib scene in the world, which has over 600 objects on it! In Naples there is a still a street of nativity scene makers called the 'Via San Gregorio Armeno'. In the street you can buy wonderful hand made crib decorations and figures - and of course whole cribs!

Christmas in Naples Italy One old Italian custom is that children go out Carol singing and playing songs on shepherds pipes, wearing shepherds sandals and hats. On Christmas Eve, it's common that no meat (and also sometimes no dairy) is eaten. Often a light seafood meal is eaten and then people go to the Midnight Mass service. The types of fish and how they are served vary between different regions in Italy. When people return from Mass, if it's cold, you might have a slice of Italian Christmas Cake called 'Panettone' which is like a dry fruity sponge cake and a cup of hot chocolate! Here's a recipe for panettone. You can find out more about Christmas in Italy and Italian Christmas Recipes on this site. For many Italian-American families a big Christmas Eve meal of different fish dishes is now a very popular tradition! It's known as The Feast of the Seven Fishes ('Esta dei Sette Pesci' in Italian). The feast seems to have its root in southern Italy and was bought over to the USA by Italian immigrants in the 1800s. It now seems more popular in American than it is in Italy! Common types of fish eaten in the feast include Baccala (salted Cod), Clams, Calamari, Sardines and Eel.

Christmas in Italy nativity scene There are different theories as to why there are seven fish dishes eaten. Some think that seven represents the seven days of creation in the Bible, other say it represents the seven holy sacraments of the Catholic Church. But some families have more than seven dishes! You might have nine (to represent the Christian trinity times three), 13 (to represent Jesus and his 12 disciples) or 11 (for the 11 disciples without Jesus or Judas!)! The Christmas celebrations start eight days before Christmas with special 'Novenas' or a series of prayers and church services. Some families have a 'Ceppo' or Yule Log which is burnt through the Christmas season. In Italian Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Buon Natale', in Sicilian it's 'Bon Natali' and in Ladin (spoken in some parts of the northern Italian region of South Tyrol) it's 'Bon/Bun Nadèl'. Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages. Epiphany is also important in Italy. On Epiphany night, children believe that an old lady called 'Befana' brings presents for them. The story about Befana bringing presents is very similar to the story of Babushka. Children put stockings up by the fireplace for Befana to fill. In parts of northern Italy, the Three Kings might bring you present rather than Befana. On Christmas day 'Babbo Natale' (Santa Claus) might bring them some small gifts, but the main day for present giving is on Epiphany. The Italian Panettone A panettone (literally meaning "big loaf") is a tall, dome-shaped cake risen with yeast. It has a somewhat light and airy texture but a rich and buttery taste, and it's not very sweet. It's a typical Christmas-time cake all around Italy and in Italian communities around the world, but it originates in the northern Italian town of Milan. It traditionally contains raisins and candied fruit (orange and citron zest) and is topped with crisp pearl sugar. More modern versions might substitute the candied fruit with chocolate chips. Most Italians do not make panettone at home, for the simple reason that it is a rather lengthy and complicated process, requiring multiple risings. Usually, it is bought from a local baker or in a supermarket. But if you are feeling ambitious and would like to make your own, the following is a rather classic recipe. What You'll Need

Classic Italian panettone cake For the First Rising: 3/8 cup/90 g unsalted butter 5/8 cup/110 g sugar 4/5 cup/200 ml warm water 1/2 teaspoon fine salt 5 ounces/140 g? fresh yeast cake (or? biga; ask your baker for this) 6 egg yolks 3 1/3 cups/400 g flour For the Second Rising: 2 1/3 cups/280 g flour 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 6 egg yolks 1 teaspoon honey 5/8 cup/110 g unsalted butter 1/2 pound/200 g raisins 1/2 cup/100 g granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon fine salt A little flour, for dusting the work surface and Optional: pan? pearl sugar (for decoration) Optional: 1 cup candied orange and/or lemon peel, diced

Ingredients of Italian Panettone How to Make It The afternoon before you plan to bake the panettone, begin by cutting the butter into a small pot and melting it over a very low flame or a double boiler; keep it warm enough to remain melted. Dissolve the sugar in about 2/5 cup (100 ml) of warm water. Put the melted butter, salt, and yeast cake in a mixing bowl (or better yet, the bowl of an electric mixer) and mix well. Next, add the yolks and sugar-water, mixing briskly. Sift in the flour, continuing to mix. If the dough is too stiff, add a little more water. Continue to mix briskly for about 25 minutes, throwing the dough against the sides of the bowl, until it has become smooth, velvety, and full of air bubbles. At this point, transfer the dough to a lightly floured bowl large enough for it to triple in volume, cover it with a heavy cloth, and keep it in a warm (85 F, 30 C) place for about 10 hours. Wash the raisins, drain them well, and set them on a cloth to dry. When the first rising time is up, turn the dough out onto your work surface (or return it to the mixing bowl) and work in the flour, vanilla, yolks, and honey. Mix briskly for about a half hour, then work in all but 2 tablespoons of the butter, which you will have melted as before, and a little water (just enough to make an elastic dough), to which you have added a pinch of salt. Continue working the dough until it becomes shiny and dry, and at this point add the fruit and zest, working the dough to distribute it evenly. At this point you can divide the dough into pieces of the size you want; if you want to make your panettone by weight, use a scale and figure that they'll decrease in weight by 10% during baking. Lightly grease your hands with the butter and round the balls of dough, then put them on a board or plate and let them rise in a warm place for about a half hour. At this point, lightly butter your hands again and put the panettoni in panettone molds (or put rings of stiff paper around their bases). Return them to their board and put them in a warm (68-80 F, 20-30 C, depending upon the season), humid spot to rise for about 6 hours. Heat your oven to 380 F (190 C). Cut an x into the top of each panettone and put 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter over the cuts. Put the panettoni in the oven, and after 4 minutes remove them and quickly push down on the corners produced by the cuts. Return them to the oven and bake them until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out dry about 1 hour.

Christmas Italian panettone recipe When chefs remove their panettoni from the oven, they put them upside down in special panettone holders to keep their flanks from collapsing. In a home situation, this is not practical, and you'll simply have to cool your panettoni on a rack. Some tips: Work the dough, if possible, with a standing dough mixer of the kind also used for making bread dough. Beating times with a mixer are on the order of 20 minutes, whereas hand-beating will require about 50. The room where the panettone is made must be warm, about 72 degrees F (22 C). The flour should also be warm, about 68 F (20 C); what's used is 00 grade (very fine all-purpose flour) and extremely dry. If it has been wet where you are, you may want to dry your flour in an oven, as it absorbs moisture unless it is tightly sealed. The water used should be warm, about 76 F (24 C). Don't forget a pinch of salt, because it stimulates rising. Commercial bakers use a sourdough starter (i.e., wild yeast). Home recipes call for baker's yeast. The baking time will depend on the size of the panettone. Assuming an oven temperature of 400 F (200 C), half an hour will be sufficient for small to medium-sized panettoni, whereas larger ones will require considerably more. Home ovens are best suited to small-medium-sized panettoni. If you want the surface of the panettone to be shiny, slip a bowl of water into the oven when the panettone is half-baked to raise the humidity. Commercially sold panettoni are taller than they are broad. To obtain this effect at home, you'll have to put a ring of heavily buttered thick paper around the dough when you put it in the oven or use a panettone mold . If you instead want a panettone that's wider than it is high, like a normal bread loaf, simply put the dough in the oven. If you choose this course, you will want to put the dough on a pizza stone or similar. Read also our other posts on Christmas; Read also our other posts on Christmas; Christmas markets in England ; Christmas markets in Italy and Germany ; Christmas quotes ; 60 great Christmas quotes ; Christmas tree origin and quotes ; Ella Gray A Christmas story ; Traditional Christmas Carols ; Christmas short stories ; Christmas jokes ; Christmas cracker jokes ; Funny Christmas Stories ; Amusing Christmas stories ; Christmas food ; Christmas thoughts ; Christmas story ; Christmas in Italy ; Christmas holidays ; Christmas songs ; Christmas poems ; An Essay on Christmas by Chesterton ; Read the full article

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