On the 31 of March, all Western Christian churches will celebrate Easter. However, the Russian Orthodox Easter, Па́сха, falls on May 5 this year. This is so because the Russian Orthodox Church still follows the older Julian, rather than Gregorian, calendar. The “older” calendar is referred to in Russian as the “Old Style” (Ста́рый стиль), the “newer” one as the “New Style” (Но́вый стиль). Continue reading
Monthly Archives: March 2013
Semana Santa, Easter in Spain
Semana Santa (Holy Week) is celebrated in every corner of Spain by the Catholic community. The streets of big cities and small villages become the stage for religious devotion. Holy Week features processions (las procesiones) which are large groups of … Continue reading
Celebrate Take a Walk in the Park Day!
In celebration of Take a Walk in the Park Day (5/30), we’re looking at some beautiful parks in four countries: Japan, Taiwan, Spain and France. Famous Parks in Japan By Sakura 新宿御苑 Shinjukugyoen (Tokyo) [Map] Shinjukugyoen is a 145-acre oasis in … Continue reading
The Indian festival of colors “Holi” (होली)
होली है! Holī hai! Today's Holi! Holi, popularly known as the festival of colors, will be celebrated in India today, March 27. The celebration primarily involves singing, dancing, and throwing colored powder and colored water. Continue reading
Bem Vindos ao Brasil: World Cup 2014
The next World Cup or Copa do Mundo is only 18 months away and the anticipation of this big event is changing Brazil, the host nation, bringing dreams and hope to life. Continue reading
Greek Independence Day
The Greek Independence Day, celebrated on March 25th, is Greece’s most important national holiday. Continue reading
Celebrating פסח (Passover)
This year, March 12th was ניסן חדש ראש [rosh chodesh Nissan]– the beginning of the month of ניסן [Nissan], the seventh month of the Jewish lunar calendar. The ushering in of ניסן begins the extensive preparations for Passover פסח [pesach]. Continue reading
Celebrate Spring with the Japanese Cherry Blossom Viewing
While St. Patrick’s Day and Easter are some of the spring events people celebrate in the U.S., 花見 hanami (“flower viewing”) is the most notable spring event in Japan. The traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of 桜 sakura (“cherry … Continue reading
‘Le Corbeau et le Renard’, a fable from La Fontaine
Classics of French literature, the Fables de La Fontaine continue to work their magic on the imagination of both adults and children, for the power of their imagery, the relevance of their content, and the excellence of the language. Continue reading
The Customs and Traditions of St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is an ideal opportunity to speak a little Irish. Why not use these phrases this St. Patrick’s Day? Continue reading