What About New Zealand?

New Zealand 

As I sit down to think about our next travel/celebration spot, New Zealand popped into my head. What is New Zealand and what kind of culture or traditions do they have? As I pondered on this question I could like come up with even an idea as to what New Zealand was all about. So this week we will be traveling to New Zealand to discover the people, culture, and traditions.

 New Zealand is an island country in the Southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is made up of the two landmasses known as the North Island (Maui) and the South Island (Te Waipounamu). The culture that inhabits New Zealand are the Maori people. The Maori people arrived in New Zealand in canoes over 1000 years ago.
The Maori people have a very unique culture. They are also rich with tradition and contemporary arts such as carving, weaving, kap haka (group performance) and many more interesting things; one of my favorite was moko (tattoo). The Maori people tattoo their bodies as a form of art. Many of the techniques that the Maori people use to perform and administer their art in their culture is very close to how their ancestors did things. Old technique is the best technique according to them. In the picture below is their form of tattooing. The Maori people believe that this is the best way to tattoo their bodies.

The Maori culture is an oral one that is full of stories and legends. One of the most important stories is their creation story. The Maori creation story describes the world being formed by the violent separation of Ranginui, the Sky Father, and Papatuanuku, the Earth Mother, by their children. Many Maori carvings and artworks graphically depict this struggle. In the end this struggle formed the two islands that make up New Zealand today. 

Because New Zealand is an island it it was one of the last inhabited islands. While other landmasses were being inhabited by people New Zealand was left in isolation. During its isolation the plant life grew in large quantities and with large diversity. New Zealand is known now for its green beautiful land. They have flowers that many have never even heard of and not to mention the bird species of rare and exotic numbers. 

New Zealand is definitely a site to see and the Maori people are full of culture and tradition. Who knows, maybe your next vacation will be a trip to New Zealand! I hope you enjoyed this weeks post and I hope to see you next week! 

It's The Luck of the Irish Today!

St. Patrick's Day in Ireland.

Recently I was faced with an interesting question about St. Patrick's Day, What is the holiday for and does Ireland celebrate it like America or do they have their own unique traditions? St. Patrick's Day is celebrated every year on March 17th, which was about 2 weeks ago, so this week we will take the time to travel to Ireland to see what St. Patrick's Day is really about.

Let's start with Leprechauns, What are they? Leprechauns did not come into the St. Patrick's Day tradition until later. Leprechauns are said to be shoemakers that that would take their money (gold coins) and hide them away in their homes. Leprechauns were just a form for people to make fun of the Irish and later the myth of the pot of gold being at the end of the rainbow came along. The Irish were hard working men and women who dressed "funny" according to people of their time. The Irish dressed with used clothes of years passed which represent the typical Leprechaun with a short coat vest. Leprechauns serve as a stereotype to Irish people. 

St Patrick's Day is actually a day that celebrates the life of Saint Patrick on his date of death, March 17th. Saint Patrick himself was born into a wealthy Roman British family but was then at age 16 he was kidnapped by Irish raiders. He spent 6 years working as a shepherd and during this time he "found God." God then spoke to Saint Patrick and told him to flee to the coast where there would be a ship waiting to take him home. Once he arrived home he went on to become a priest. According to tradition it was said that Saint Patrick returned to Ireland to convert the pagan Irish into Christianity. 

Fun fact:

The green clover that is a symbol of Saint Patrick on this day is special because it has 3 cloves representing the holy trinity. 

Well my friends, now we have learned the true meaning of St. Patrick's Day! To answer my question in the beginning the Irish do not celebrate this day like America does. The Irish spend more time to appreciate and remember Saint Patrick and what he did for Christianity. The Irish take this day as a day to feast and remember the great St. Patrick. 

Until next time! 

Can anyone think of a dream vacation spot they have always wanted to go to? Well take a moment and think..... Got it? ok good! Now click the comment box below and let me know! It could be our next trip!

China

Chinese New Year

Every year shortly after our New Year on January 1st the Chinese prepare for their very special New Year on January 31. This date changes year to year. 

How many of us have gone to a Chinese restaurant and looked up our Chinese zodiac? Well I sure have! I am the Monkey; "I am charming and energetic." 

Want to find out your Chinese Zodiac sign? Click on the link below.

http://www.astrology.com/chinese-astrology 

What is the Chinese New year?
The Chinese New Year is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated at the change of the Chinese calendar; in China it is also known as the Spring Festival.  Traditionally this holiday is to celebrate deities and ancestors with feasts and celebrations galore. The year changes in dates depending on the lunar New Year.

Traditions:
The traditions of the Chinese vary widely. One tradition is a family reunion dinner. Families come together to celebrate the new coming year. Before the celebration it is mandatory for each family to cleanse their homes of anything that may cause bad energy. By ridding themselves of the bad energy they open up room for new luck and fortune in the New Year that is upon them. A color that is seen as a window for good fortune to come into their homes is red. All Chinese families dress up their homes and themselves with a bright red color. The home is filled with many red antiques and decorations. Red lanterns are the most commonly seen on this special day.

Other activities:

You can go to the center (city) of every village to participate in the towns festivities. The town festivities start with a carnival with many small stands from the towns markets selling different goods for the New Year. These stands usually have flowers, toys, clothes and even fireworks! If you're out in town then you should also stay for the parade. The parade has dancers that show off Chinese tradition. An absolute must see is the dragon that flies through the parade line to feed to the New Year excitement. 

Don't forget to stop in next week to see what other exciting holiday we can celebrate! What holiday does your culture celebrate in your country? I am always open to suggests just leave me a comment in the box below and we could be flying out to your country next week! 

Adventures of The Guatemala Lake ATITLAN

Guatemala! 

Lets pack our bags and fly over to Guatemala to visit their great lake Atitlan. Today we will not be celebrating a specific holiday but we will be taking an adventure to the wonders of the lake Atitlan and other Guatemalan traditions.

Although this is not a holiday remember that you do not need a specific day to celebrate. Celebrating is a part of life that should be done often! So let us get up and begin celebrating! 

Guatemala is a country in Central America with a population of over 15 million. The name Guatemala is directly translated to "place of man trees." Guatemala is considered a tropical island with many exotic flowers, fruits and animals. With the island being completely surrounded by large bodies of water the plant life on the island is well feed resulting in beautiful scenery. 

Guatemala reflects strong Mayan cultures with Spanish influences. Their dress attire varies depending from which village they descend from. Each village has a color pattern that they put into their skirts, blankets and capes (sweaters). The reason they wear these colors is so that other villagers can identify where others come from. Although Guatemala is small there are many different traditions that separate the all villages so having a color pattern to identify each other is a peaceful way of going about things. Not all villages are friendly so it is important to know who is around you. 

The lake in Guatemala is called Lake Atitlan. Lake Atitlan was once known as the most beautiful in the world. Lake Atitlan is 26km long and 18 km wide and its origin is Volcanic. Lining the shores of Lake Atitlan about a dozen small villages and in order to travel from one village to the next they travel by boat. The waters are calm and crystal blue during the day travels but at the strike of 3pm the chocomil begins. Chocomil means chocolate milk in Spanish but has a very different meaning for people in Guatemala in reference to Lake Atitlan. The chocomil starts at 3pm and it is a combination of the winds from the north and the south collide. This collision creates waves that have been explained as uncontrollable. Many have been killed during the chocomil and there have been countless shipwrecks due to the waters flipping boats and drowning their passengers. The beautiful waters of Lake Atitlan are definitely a site to see but also very dangers. 

Don't forget to celebrate everyday of your life although the calendar doesn't mark the day you should always celebrate. 

Next week we will travel to another beautiful country. 

Where shall we go? 

Please comment on the box below and our next vacation could be to your dreamland! 

ON OUR WAY TO MEXICO

Today we will be traveling to Mexico to celebrate a very unique holiday known to many Hispanic cultures.

Dia De Los Muertos

Day of The Dead 

Celebrated on October 31, November 1st and 2nd 

This holiday is widely celebrated in Mexico as a day to pray and remember the deaths of loved ones. This holiday starts October 31st and continues on November 1st and 2nd in connection with the Christian tritium Halloween, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day. This Holiday is not only celebrated in Mexico but all over the world usually in places with Hispanic culture.

Some of the traditions in Mexico that are performed on this special day are ofrendas. Ofrendas are private altars that are build for diseased loved ones. These private altars are like small huts that are decorated and lit up with candles, lights, flowers, and many decorations. 

Another common tradition that is done for this holiday are sugar skulls. Skulls in the pre-Hispanic era were commonly kept as trophies and were displayed during rituals to display death and rebirth. Hispanics are strong believers of God and the powers of the earth. Most, if not all Hispanics have at one point in their lives encountered a ritual that requires the praying of someone who posses the ability to tap into this energy and perform "good voodoo" to help in health and success. Many of the people who are able to tap into this energy believe that skulls can channel more energy for them to have a stronger connection to this power and perform their ritual at a maximum level. Other objects that allow there to be the channeling of energy are: candles, eggs, and certain plants depending on the ritual. Rituals are commonly performed on The Day of The Dead these are usually only in the form of prayer. Prayer is done most of the day to celebrate their loved ones after life and for their memory. 

Here is a link that will give you a few prayers said on The Day of The Dead. 

http://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=805 

Ending the night of celebration is a feast that is usually hosted at everyones home. Some families gather together while others find it easier and more comfortable to celebrate with a small feast at home. It is tradition to cook the diseased family members favorite food as a form of offering to their resting souls. Some families serve a plate for their diseased loved ones over night because it is said that their souls come down to have a taste of their favorite dish. 

Book your flights ladies and gentlemen and lets get ready to celebrate The Day of The Dead.

Stay tuned for next week! 

Where shall we celebrate next? 

Italy's Festa Della Repubblica

Let us go to Italy to celebrate! 

Fessta Della Repubblica 

Republic day 

celebrated on: June 2nd 

Republic Day is an Italian National Holiday that is celebrated on June 2nd of every year. This day is celebrated and remembered as the day Italians were called to the stand to vote, in 1946, for what they believed in; a vote towards a republic or a monarchy. With over 12 million votes the republic won the election making Italy a republic instead of a monarchy. 

Becoming a republic was extremely important to Italy. As a republic they are now able to vote and nominate/ elect a president; they no longer have a king or queen. When Italy was a monarchy they did not have a choice in leader and neither were they able to vote for what they believed in. As a monarchy they were ruled and told how to live and how not to live. By gaining republic Italy, in a sense, gained their freedom as a country. 

Now as a republic on Republic Day the Italians take their joy and celebrate with festivals and parades. The parade held on this day brings together all of Italy to the streets as the show goes marching by. The parade honors the different branches of the military: Italian Navy, Italian Army, Italian Air Force, Cavalry, and many more. 

Along with men marching along the streets and horses galloping their way through the town there is also the marching Air Force who play tunes to excite the crowd on this lovely day.

The parade began 1948 two years after Italy became a republic. The parade is a kick-off to many traditions that take place on this day such as the laying of the wreath to the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier and the opening of the Quirinale Palace, the home of the President of Italy. The celebration at the palace is grand and joyous. There is a feast with many different delicious plates that are brought to the table and live music that play throughout the day to create a lively and pompous evening. Italians rejoice on Republic Day for their freedom from monarchy and a right to vote. 

Join us Next week as we travel the world one holiday at a time. 

Where shall we go next?

Where do you want to celebrate next? 

Please if you have any suggestions comment on the comment box below and lets continue our journey around the world. 

La Hora de España

Time to travel to a far off land of España. Spain, a beautiful country where romance is prevalent as you walk along the streets; a country worth celebrating. 

Day of The Valencia Community in Spain 

(Día de la comunidad de Valencia) 

This day marks the anniversary of King James I of Aragon's capture of the city of Valencia from Moorish forces in 1238. It is also the Day of Saint Dionysius, this is a traditional festival of lovers. Day of The Valencia community is celebrated on October 9th. 

King James I of Aragon took over the land that is now known as Valencia in 1208. He later captured Valencia and created the Kingdom of Valencia as an independent country that belonged only to King James I of Aragon. Valencia later became part of the Kingdom of Spain in 1707. 

The International Festival of Pyrotechnics is held in the city of Valencia in early October, this is in preparation for the Day of the Valencia. The finale of this celebration is a festival that marks the start of the Day of the Valencia Community celebrations. Parades are held in the city of Valencia and other towns and villages in the region on October 9th. The parades feature people dressed in costumes, including medieval costumes. People in some areas hold a meal or party after the parade.

October 9 is also the Day of Saint Dionysius (Sant Dionís). This saint is traditionally considered as the patron saint of lovers and there is the custom of giving the gift of a Mocaorà. A Mocaorà is a silken scarf containing marzipan pastries handcrafted by Valencia’s finest bakers. Valencian men traditionally give their sweethearts gifts of marzipan sweets on this day. These sweets are wrapped in a piece of silk or placed in a decorative box. This special day is used by Spanish men to court their lovers/potential lovers with a gift that is sure to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Mazipan is a must have spanish desert in spain. Here is a link to the top 5 must taste items in Spain!
http://www.latortugaviajera.com/2011/12/

Join me next week on our next vacation. Where shall we travel to now? 

Shall we travel to Italia. 'coma back for the Italia, they say it is very maravilloso!'