Shine Bright

The festival of lights, fireworks are set off, candles are lit, flames flicker, all throughout the world people of Indian, Hindu, Sikh, and Jain descent are celebrating the wonderful holiday of Diwali or Deepavali. This year, it is being celebrated in November, every year it changes based on lunar and solar calendars. Diwali is such an important holiday for people of these descents. Diwali has a religious background, but over the years it has become more popularized and commercialized. Special deals go on at this time and everyone waits for this time of year. Indians make a lot of food and feast. They all wear new clothes and through large celebrations. People go to the temple, then celebrate with family and friends. They wake up early to set off fireworks, and stay up late into the night dancing, singing, eating, watching movies, and celebrating. The magnificence of this holiday cannot be described through words, one must experience it. So, if you are ever planning a trip to India, considering going around Diwali time, to experience its rich culture. 

Day of the Dead

For most people, death is something that is sad and terrible. There are many people in the world that fear death, but those in Mexico, disagree. Though they may be afraid of death or they feel sad when a person dies, they still find it something to celebrate. Every year on the dates November first and second, the Mexicans celebrate the holiday called Dia de los Muertos. In English this means Day of the Dead. November first celebrates the day of the dead children, while the second day celebrates adults.

 

Dia de los Muertos is a holiday that originates from the ancient Aztec traditions and Catholic rituals that were brought to Mexico by the Spanish. On this holiday, the graves of the dead are decorated with these special yellow flowers. The dead’s favorite foods, drinks, and things are placed at the grave as well. It is believed that the dead can come back to Earth at this time of year. By placing food and candles it helps lead the spirits in the correct path back to life. Also, altars are created. This stair step platform is also decorated with foods and drinks. The favorite things of the dead are once again placed on it. At the center of the altar a picture of the deceased is placed in memory.

 

Skulls and skeletons are an important symbol of Dia de los Muertos. They are used to decorate altars and places. The skulls and skeletons are symbolic, especially the most famous skeleton, called Katrina. It is a skeleton of a rich woman wearing a long dress and a nice hat. Skulls of sugar and skeletons of sugar are made to place at the altar and to eat. Special bread and foods are made to help celebrate as well.
 

The family of the dead invites their friends and neighbors over to celebrate. Everyone brings gifts to place at the altar. They all enjoy, eat, remember the dead, and celebrate. People set off fireworks and play music all through the nights. Each place celebrates it differently, though they are all celebrating the same holiday. In some parts of Mexico, the family of the dead goes to the grave sites and just stick together as a family rather than inviting friends. These families just sit around the grave and reminisce on memories they had with the person they are mourning. They all tell stories to the break of dawn.

This big celebration of Dia de los Muertos, is an important holiday for Mexicans. It is something that people wait for all year. Though it is alright to mourn the dead, they take it as an opportunity to sort of celebrate their life. Dia de los Muertos is an amazing holiday with rich history, and would be great to experience. 

Boo! Happy Halloween!!

Boo! Trick or treat! Happy Halloween! The day where everyone eats pounds of candy, dresses up in costumes, and carve pumpkins. This scary day is celebrated throughout the world. Children are excited to dress up as their favorite characters and get loads of candy. Older adults are happy to dress up and spend time with their children. Others just enjoy the costume parties. This day brings people together to celebrate.

As a young child, I remember that in school we would spend the whole day doing Halloween related things. We were allowed to dress up; we would all bring in candy and pass it out. The teachers would read us scary stories and … Nowadays, as a high school student, I have noticed only a few people taking part in the festivities. In our large school, only a few people dressed up. Most people even forgot that it was Halloween!! So today I am going to tell people about this wonderful day and how it is celebrated throughout the world in hopes that it will bring up the Halloween spirit in people. Hope you enjoy.

It is believed that Halloween started in Ireland. In the rural areas of this country, bonfires would be lit, children would go trick-or-treating, and all of this would be followed by parties at a neighbor’s or friend’s house. At these parties, fun games would be played and yummy food was eaten. One particular food was especially special. This traditional food is called barnbrack, a fruitcake that has a muslin-wrapped treat inside. The treat is believed to predict the future. Also, many children would play tricks on their neighbors, hence the trick part in trick-or-treating.

Belgians were the inventors of the idea that black cats are unlucky when they cross your path or enter a home. They would leave candles at night in memory of dead relatives. Austrians leave bread, a light, and water on a table before going to bed, because it is believed that it draws the dead souls back. Czechoslovakians set chairs for the living members and non-living members of their families around a fire. The English came up with the idea of punkies, which are large beets carved with designs, much like a jack-o-lantern. The French do not celebrate Halloween for the dead, but as an American holiday, where people in costumes go to various parties.

In Asian countries, like China, it is called something else. The Chinese celebrate Teng Chieh, where food and water is placed in front of the dead family members, while lanterns and bonfires are lit to guide the souls and spirits. Japan celebrates Obon Festival, much similar to the Halloween festivities and is dedicated to the dead. Special foods are made and like in China, fires are set. Hong Kong celebrates Yue Lan, Hungry Ghosts, where it is believed that for a day the spirits freely roam the earth.

As we can see, Halloween is a celebration of the dead and of spirits. In America and in the more popularized or commercialized Halloween, various traditions have been put together. Here in America, people dress up and go trick-or-treating. This is mainly done by the kids, who are accompanied by their parents. They go candy hunting in their neighborhoods. Also, people carve pumpkins and create jack-o-lanterns, much like the British punkies. Over the years, various traditions have come together to create the amazing festivities of Halloween. Some may argue that the true value of worshipping and honoring the dead is not as prominent, which may be true. However, we still celebrate with friends and family, which may be even better.

Though some of us may have forgotten about Halloween, remember that it is one great celebration with a rich history. It is a festivity that is celebrated all around the world in various ways, but for pretty much the same reasons, that’s what makes Halloween unique compared to other holidays. So when you are out and about tonight, have a great time trick-or-treating in costumes, but also remember its true meaning of remembering the dead.

 

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Lost Till 3 A.M.

As you wander around an airport struggling to find your plane or become lost in a foreign city, that is when you notice the importance of communication and language. Imagine being in a foreign country and become lost. Like the independent person you are, you decide not to ask for help. However, it is now three a.m. and you still have not found the place you are going and it seems like you have been on the same street about 20 times. At times like these, it is when you understand the importance of knowing the language. So just a suggestion, before you go to a new country, try to master a few phrases or common hand gestures that everyone can understand. You don’t want to be lost till 3 a.m. Do you?  

Pssh. Who Needs School?

Though most of us students despise school with a strong passion, we must remember it is important to the success of our society. School teaches the children of our country skills that are needed for life. Is there repetition? Yes. Is it pointless? Sometimes. Is it boring? Most of the time. However, the children are the future of our country and the world. It is important to teach them things that they need to succeed in life and help our world succeed. Education systems around the world vary. Some are very effective, others aren't, and some may even be nonexistent.

 

The best school systems are said to be found in various continents. From Finland, to South Korea and from England to the United States, the school systems vary, but are all very good, some better than others.

 

A student in the United States enters school at the age of five, most likely. They start out in kindergarten and go all the way up to 12^th grade. From kindergarten to 5^th grade, known as elementary school, the basics are taught. In 6^th through 8^th grade, middle school, more is taught to the students. They start to have tests and grades. In 7^th grade, a student can start playing sports. Middle school also allows students to participate in various extracurricular academic, musical, or athletic activities. Then a student goes to high school in 9^th grade. Now, the work load seems to increase. Students sit in class for six hours and learn a bunch of facts. They go home after school, though most participate in sports, music, drama, show choir, and academic activities, and then do their homework for what seems like 20 hours. This continues for four years till they are released to go to college, other higher education, or the work force. The student has tests, a grade system with a GPA, and the continual feeling of hatred towards school.

 

Finland is said to have one of the best school systems around the world, but it is quite different than America’s, one that students here, may actually envy. Finland does not have private schools, they are all public. The teachers must have a master’s degree and have the choice to teach what they want in their classes. A higher percentage of the budget in Finland goes directly to the classroom and is a more affordable place to get an education. Though they have no sports teams, they still have sports. In Finland each individual child is focused on, though the children have independence. Now for the fact, that will make all the students envious, is that Finland does not have standardized tests or homework. One may ask how they succeed, but Finland has one of the best school systems.

 

Education systems in foreign countries, especially Asian nations, like China, Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong, seem to be more successful than America’s. In these countries a high value is placed on education. It is a part of their culture. Also, the quality of the teachers is an important reason for their success. Teachers are highly trained and paid on how well they do. They teach larger classes, but still have contact with their students. The whole idea of homework and what is given is a little different there as well.

Education systems around the world vary. Some are successful, some aren’t. As much as we hate school, education is needed for success. It is important for countries where students to that get low education start creating a school system to help them grow. For countries with education systems, they should make sure that it is the most efficient form. Education of the younger generations means success in the future, and various cultures and places have different ways to drive this.

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The Universal Language

No, it is not English. It is the language that all of us listen to, all of us cherish, and everyone can understand. It is music.

Music is a way to express feelings and let loose in all cultures. It unites all sorts of people from around the world. Music is like a common language, though it can be sung in different languages, it still evokes feeling to others. From Salsa, to Samba, from K-Pop, to American Pop, from Bollywood, to Calypso, music around the world let us free. The drums, guitars, and other instruments speak to us. They help us enjoy time and sometimes even escape from things. Music brings joy to everyone and provides livelihood. So after reading this blog post, put your headphones in and escape life to the universal language of the world, music.

As you travel the world, you may run into the well-known musical genre of Calypso. This Caribbean style music, popular especially in Trinidad and Tobago, is a blends the musical styles from Africa and Europe. The fact that they use steel pans and drums helps create unique beats that are enjoyable to dance to. A fun fact, which proves that music is a universal language, is the fact that Calypso was created as a way for African slaves from different countries to communicate with each other. It took away the language barrier and brought the slaves together.

Salsa as we all know is a feisty dance move and genre of music that comes from Puerto Rico and Cuba. It tends to be popular in Latin American countries, though America has popularized the music by incorporating it in their own styles. Similar to swing or soul music, it invokes a feeling of strong love for culture with the use of the conga drums.

Samba, a Brazilian dance, with roots from Africa is typically used during the Brazilian holiday of Carnaval. Slowly, Samba has taken over the world, with its unique rhythm. The guitars, heavy percussion, an instrument called cavaquinho, and the exciting, feathery costumes worn when performing, all make this genre of music interesting.

Pop music is found all around the world. American Pop, Brit Pop, K-Pop, it’s the songs that always tend to play on the radio and everyone seems to know. As we all know, American Pop include the artists like Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and literally anyone you turn on the radio and hear. Similarly, K-Pop, from Korea, comprises of catchy beats and dance moves. It has it all; using the genres of electropop, hip hop, pop, rock, and R&B, all with a Korean twist to it.

Some other interesting types of music from around the world include Katajjaq from Canada, Bush Music from Australia, and Bollywood music from India. Katajjaq is Inuit throat singing. This style of music can be found in places like Greenland, Russia, Tibet, and Mongolia. It is commonly sung by women to their children to fall asleep or in a competitive game. The Australian style Bush Music is ballads that record the events that occurred in Australia’s history. Bollywood music, is much like pop music, and is basically a style that comprises of all sorts of music to create one genre that is plenty of fun to dance to.

 

Music can tell a story, tell history, and describe the culture of a place. It helps you understand a place before you have even been there. It doesn’t matter if you do not understand the words, because that is not the main point of music. The point of music is to evoke feeling and let a person get lost in it. Any style or genre of music, no matter from which country, allows you to do this. That is why it is the universal language.

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Travelling the World Through Movies

As the weather cools, people tend to migrate inside. Everyone stays inside their homes, eating, watching TV, doing housework, and spending time with people inside their homes. Barely any activity goes on in the outside world, it is all concentrated in an individual’s home. This is totally understandable, because it gets extremely cold and eventually it snows. At times like these, everyone just wants to cuddle under some blankets, drink hot cocoa, sit next to the fireplace, and watch movies all night.

Don’t let that stop you from exploring the world. You have a TV and an option to watch whatever movie you like. For travel lovers and for explorers you can choose a movie about travelling. This not only allows you to stay inside, all comfy and wrapped up in blankets while watching movies, but to explore the world. It is a perfect combination.

Cartoon movies are perfect for any occasion. Not just regular cartoon movies, but Disney movies are always the best. One of the most perfect travel movies to watch is the one and only Up. The heartwarming story of the friendship between an old man, a young boy scout, a dog that screams “squirrel,” and a weird bird, is a must watch. Not only is the story touching, but it also deals with travelling. The four friends go on a unique trip; were they all wanted, maybe not, but in the end it became a memorable trip. Though it is aimed towards children, everyone should watch this movie. It teaches a great life lesson and even though it is a cartoon, it allows you to travel to a magnificent place.

For those who would like a sweet tale about a traveler, you should watch Lost in Translation. This movie starring big stars, like Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, is a touching tale about a movie star and a young wife who are both in a foreign land, Tokyo, and create a special bond. Another heartwarming tale is The Bucket List. Who doesn’t love a movie with Morgan Freeman? This movie is about two men who have cancer, and road trip around the world. Not only does this take you to a lot of different places, but it is one sweet plot. Into The Wild is another story about life as a traveler. These movies all provide you with insight with what it is like to go around the world and experience life. It’s a great way to escape and relax.

For a travel adventure, The Beach is a great choice. A movie directed by Danny Boyle takes you to Thailand. A man comes across a strange map which leads him to a, well I don’t want to give the ending way, even though the title does.

Lastly, the movies everyone loves to watch, the cheesy clichés; watch Eat, Pray, Love. The movie starring Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem, and James Franco, is about a recent divorcee who travels the world. Perfect for all the romantic, cliché movie lovers who love to travel.

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