Naptime: History and Practice of the Spanish Siesta

For Americans who visit Spain, the concept of a siesta, or a midday nap may seem very strange indeed. Americans are known for living fast-paced and very hectic lives with little, if any downtime. However, for those who embrace the concept of a siesta there are many rewards. The practice of taking a siesta extends back in time a long way and is woven into the Spanish culture.

 

The Definition of La Siesta

Technically the term La Siesta means a 15 to 30 minute uninterrupted rest. However, in Spain and other parts of the world a siesta usually means that shops and businesses close down from around 2pm through 5pm and bars and restaurants close from 4pm until 8 or 9pm.

 

Roots of a Siesta

It is very hot in Spain, especially in the afternoon. Traditionally a siesta was taken by Spanish field workers in order to get some shelter from the blazing afternoon sun. Other countries such as South America, Africa and the Philippines also embrace the concept of a siesta to escape the sun and heat.

Modern Day Siesta

Even with the modern day siesta, employees and business owners return ready to work well into the evening hours. Since very few people actually get enough sleep in America, a siesta may be a practice worth considering. Even though shop and restaurant owners are not out in the hot sun, and many have air conditioning, they still embrace the concept of a siesta. Part of this has to do with the fact that they like to have a very long lunch and spend time with friends and family. Spanish families still gather at lunchtime to enjoy each other’s company and some down time. Spanish businesses also stay open later at night, and Spanish people tend to be very productive well into the evening thanks to their siesta. If you visit Spain, you will find a buzzing nightlife and people well up in age still up working and milling about the streets.

 

Is the Siesta Being Threatened?

While a long workday and late nights with friends and family is customary in Spain, many residents are no longer taking traditional siesta to compensate for the longer hours and late nights. As with many Americans, the younger generations in Spain now see the siesta as being unproductive. With this mentality, the siesta is becoming somewhat of an endangered institution in some parts of the country.  With many multinational companies moving into Spain, businesses are eager to capitalize on as long a workday as possible. A Spanish citizens’ advice group states that Spain’s office hours should end early to compensate for the fact that fewer people are taking. Recent studies show that Spaniards sleep one hour less than other Europeans, a fact that did not show up until people started to abandon the siesta. Many long time supporters of the siesta are not so eager to let the cultural practice disappear. They claim it is healthy not only physically but also emotionally and strengthens family ties.

 

About the Author: Susan Patterson is a home educator and freelance writer. She recently wrote an article about how to learn Spanish in a short amount of time.

Christmas Traditions in Sweden

Family traditions and culture are never seen more clearly than they are during the Christmas season. Christmas in Sweden is marked by a number of historical traditions and festivities that are still widely practiced today. It is always interesting to study these traditions in light of our own and enjoy the many different ways that Christmas is remembered.

 

Counting the Days

Most homes have an Advent calendar and children usually have their own. The first Sunday in the month of December is known as Advent Sunday. Families begin to count down the days until Christmas using an Advent calendar; children are especially fond of these calendars. Although there are many variations of this calendar, most have a flap for each day that opens up with a Christmas picture inside and a treat, usually chocolate.

 

Special Gifts

Families and friends usually exchange thoughtful handmade gifts that they either make themselves or purchase at the Christmas Market. Gifts of candy, ornaments and other special favors are wrapped and sealed with special sealing wax. Many people include a heartfelt verse or note with their gift.

 

St. Lucia’s Day

St. Lucia is known as the patron saint of light, and most Christmas festivities begin on St. Lucia Day, December 13. Traditional celebrations begin with the oldest daughter dressing early in the morning, before anyone is up, as the “Queen of Light.” She puts on a beautiful white dress and a crown made of woven leaves and candles. She visits each family members bedroom and sings “Santa Lucia,” while she delivers coffee and sweet breakfast treats.

 

Christmas Tree

Unlike many people in America who get their Christmas tree weeks before Christmas, Swedes get their trees just one or two days prior to Christmas. Homemade ornaments and figures of Christmas gnomes are used to decorate along with lights.

The lights are turned on the tree after dinner. Tomte, a tiny Christmas gnome, much like America’s Santa Claus, delivers Christmas presents. He comes to each house in a sleigh that is pulled by a goat.

 

Christmas Day Meal

The Christmas meal is served around midday and a common tradition involves dipping bread into an iron kettle containing broth. This practice is a reminder of times when there was very little food to go around, and many people were hungry. However, this is quickly followed by a large meal with dried fish, ham, pork sausage, spiced breads, herring salad and boiled potatoes. The meal is followed by a wide variety of sweet treats including pudding, pies and cakes.

 

After Christmas

The day after Christmas is known as “Second Day Christmas” and a day for singing carols. January 5th is known as the eve of the Twelfth Night. Boys dress up like Wise Men and travel around to different homes with lit candles on a pole that is topped with a star, singing carols. St. Knut’s Day is on January 13th. Adults in the home take down the Christmas decorations while children in costumes pick candy from the tree.

 

About the Author: Susan Patterson is a freelance writer with an interest in studying other cultures. She recently wrote an article regarding how to how to learn Russian for travelling.

The Rich History of French Cuisine

In America, we have a tendency to rush through our meals, eat out and put very little planning into the execution of a meal. For the French, a meal is a total experience. It is meant to be not only a feast for the stomach but also a feast for the eyes. French food is, by nature, intricate, elaborate, and delicious and an art that is appreciated by people all over the world. The roots of French cuisine can be traced back in history a long way.

 

The Middle Ages

French cuisine dates back to the Middle Ages when French meals were served in a style known as en confusion, which meant that meals were served all at once. A meal might consist of spiced meat including beef, poultry, fish and pork. Meals were also very seasonal in nature and centered on what was available and fresh. The French were also masters at food preservation. Meats were salted to preserve, and vegetables were put in jars and salted so that they could be enjoyed during the winter months. Chefs in the Middle Ages were very concerned with presentation, as they still are today. Edible garnishments such as egg yolks, saffron, and spinach were used to add color and texture to a meal. A favorite French Middle Age dinner was a roast swan or peacock that was sewn into its skin to after cooking to make it look all together, feathers and all. Feet and beaks were coated in gold for an extravagant display.

 

Italian Influence

When Catherine de Medici married France's King Henry II in the mid-sixteenth century, she introduced Italian food and cooking practices into the French court. Not long after this, another Italian married a French king and more Italian cuisine influences were introduced. The way food was prepared and served; including elaborate table dressings were all influenced in part by the Italians.

 

The First French Cookbook

In 1652, French chef La Varenne wrote the very first French cookbook titled “ Le Cuisine Francois.” The book held many French food secrets and detailed instructions on some of the most popular French dishes of the time. In addition, the book stood as a testimony to the progressive nature of French cuisine and its strong importance in the French culture.

 

Wine

Not much can be said about French cuisine without some mention of wine. Wine is an essential ingredient to the French dining experience. At elaborate dinner parties, a different wine is served with each course depending on what is being served. The French are experts at marrying wine and food and seem to know exactly which wine will enhance the flavor of a meal or a particular course in the meal. Of course, who could forget that it was Don Perignon, a Frenchman who invented champagne.

 

Key Ingredients in French Food

The French are renowned for using some key ingredients in their fine food. You can expect to find such things as butter, cheese, brown onions, potatoes, herbs, Djon mustard, bread, garlic and turnips in a number of popular French dishes.

 

About the Author: Susan Patterson is a freelance writer with a love for French cuisine and culture. She recently completed an article about how to learn French when you plan to travel to France

Greek Superstitions: They Don’t Really Believe That Do They?

Greece lies at the southeastern edge of Europe and is bordered by Yugoslavia and Bulgaria on the north, and Turkey on the northeast. The beautiful Aegean Sea is on the east, the Mediterranean Sea on the south, and the Ionian Sea on the west. There are more than 400 Greek islands, of which 149 are inhabited. Greece is beautiful, culturally rich, ancient and full of superstitions that are still practiced by many residents to this day.

 

The Evil Eye

The evil eye superstition is common in many cultures throughout the Mediterranean Sea, Turkey, Arabia, Greece and even India. The evil eye, also known as “Matiasma,” is one of the oldest beliefs in Greece dating back to the 6th century BC. Even the Greek Orthodox Church believes in the evil eye and calls it “Vaskania.”

The superstition behind the evil eye is the belief that people can harm you, your family, your fruit trees or even your livestock by simply looking at them with envy and praising them. If someone gives you the evil eye, it is thought that you will feel bad both physically and psychologically. To ward off the evil eye, Greeks wear a blue glass eye charm is worn. These charms hang off of their necks and wrists to confound the evil eye. It is also thought that when people with blue eyes pay you a compliment it could bring disastrous results. Garlic is also thought to defend the evil eye and some people hang it in their homes. The cactus plant is also thought to bring a measure of protection, and many Greeks have at least one cactus in their homes.

Sneezing

Greek superstition says that if you sneeze, someone else is speaking about you where you cannot hear. If you are curious and want to find out who it is, you can ask someone around you to give you a 3-digit number. Count each digit down the alphabet. When you hit the last letter, this is the first initial of the person who has been doing the talking. If you know a lot of people with that initial, you may have your work cut out for you.

No Empty Pockets

Greeks believe that money attract more money. Because of this belief, they never leave their pockets, wallets or purses with some money. They do not take all the money out of their bank accounts either. When they give gifts of wallets or purses they always put some money in them first.

 

Overturned Shoes

In some areas in Greece, overturned shoes are thought to be an omen of death. If your shoes are turned upside down, it is imperative that you turn them right side immediately and say “Skorda,” which means garlic in Greek.

Knives

When someone asks for a knife, Greeks do not pass it directly to their hand. They believe that if the other person takes if from their hand that they will have an argument. Instead, they place the knife close to the other person and allow them to pick it up.

 

Superstitions have long been a part of the human race and have been passed on by generation to generation. While many people will just laugh at a superstition, others take them very seriously. There is no doubt that many of these interesting Greek superstitions, that have survived the test of time, will persist well into the future.

 

About the Author: Susan Patterson is a homeschool mother who values teaching her children about other cultures, languages and traditions. She recently wrote an article about how to learn Spanish.

Wedding Bliss Around the Globe

Weddings are a grand affair no matter where they are held. All across the world different cultures have protected and incorporated long-standing traditions into their wedding ceremonies. Here is a look at three intriguing wedding traditions from three supremely beautiful countries.

Weddings in Portugal

Portugal is a culturally rich country that lies on a narrow corner of the Iberian Peninsula. Residents and visitors enjoy a temperate climate, historical relics, rich art styles and captivating scenery.

Fairytale unions are popular in this southwestern, European republic. Endless gardens, lush valleys, mountaintops and pristine beaches are home to some of the most beautiful weddings in the world.

Although visitors come from far and wide to be wed in scenic Portugal, resident weddings are full of culturally significant traditions. When a local couple marries, the priest covers them with his stole as a symbol of the joining of souls. After the wedding, both bride and groom walk through their town for everyone to see. Candy and flowers are tossed at the bride and groom as they exit the church.

Weddings in Slovenia

Situated between the Alps and the Mediterranean, Slovenia has an incredibly diverse landscape including countryside, mountains, vineyards, lakes and coastline on the Adriatic. Neighbors to Slovenia include Austria, Italy, Hungary and Croatia. Known as Europe’s greenest nation, this country with just over 2 million has over half of its landmass covered in dense forests.

Many historic castles and mansions offer wedding halls for those looking for a truly unique experience. Idyllic outdoor venues are not hard to find. During the warm summer months, couples use the expansive landscape as a beautiful backdrop for their momentous day.

One of the most popular places for a Slovenian wedding is at Bled Castle, an elegant, historical structure located on top of a rocky cliff overlooking the pristine resort area of Lake Bled. Grooms be aware, if you plan on wedding at Bled Castle it is customary for you to carry your wife up the 99 stairs to the top!

In traditional Slovenia weddings, there is an unveiling ceremony. The bride’s veil is taken off, and a red carnation is placed in her hair. This signifies the transition from maidenhood to married life. During this same ceremony, a red carnation replaces the groom’s white boutonniere.

Guests arrive at the home of the bride early in the morning on the wedding day and take part in Slovenian wedding games. The most popular game “ Kidnap the Bride” involves the groomsmen kidnapping the bride and taking her to various taverns throughout the town. The kidnappers leave clues along the way and when the groom finally finds his bride he must pay a ransom for her return.

Weddings in Andorra

Tucked neatly between the borders of France and Spain there lies a tiny, but breathtakingly beautiful country called Andorra. This European prize full of slender valleys sits high in the Pyrenees mountain range. Virtually untouched and unspoiled architecture, culture and countryside form one of Europe’s oldest and smallest countries with roots stretching as far back as the early 800’s.

Venue options are plentiful in this tranquil principality. For those wishing an outdoor affair, there are lush meadows, elegant pine forests, rambling brooks or snowcapped mountain peaks to consider. Simple and elegant Romanesque churches dot the landscape, stony bell towers reaching towards the blue sky.

An Andorran wedding is an extraordinarily elaborate affair full of music and dancing. Traditionally, Andorran brides place flowers in their hair, each flower with its own distinctive meaning. Guests often throw flowers at the bride and groom after the ceremony. Historically, Andorran women do not take their husband’s name.

About the Author: Susan Patterson is a freelance writer  and a homeschool mother who enjoys researching and writing on different cultures. She writes for various websites including Transparent Language.

Eating Well: Living Long

Extensive study has proven that if human beings lived up to their full physical potential that they could easily live to be 120 years old. The secret to living to this ripe old age, warding off disease and maintaining a healthy mind lies, researchers say, in what we eat. According to the U.S. surgeon general, 1.8 million of the 2.2 million deaths in America each year are diet-related. What if you could actually slow down the aging process, feel younger and prevent disease by making a few lifestyle changes? This discovery, in fact, is nothing new. Cultures around the world bear testimony to the fact that lifestyle is the strongest indicator of health and how long a person will actually live. Here is a look at two populations of people that are examples of the relationship between eating well and living long.

People of Okinawa

The Okinawan islands are a group of 161 islands that are in the East China Sea. These people suffer from Western disease less than anywhere else in the world. Elderly people are active, there is not such thing as retirement, and there exist a large number of people over 105 years of age. Heart disease, stroke and cancer are almost unheard of. Studies have been done on these people since 1975, and they almost all point exclusively to the connection between longevity and diet. Okinawans truly believe that diet is medicine and base much of their meals around staples such as sweet potatoes, leafy greens and whole grains. They also consume moderate amounts of fish, pork, rice and soy. This nutrient dense diet provides a plethora of vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants necessary to fight aging and disease. This healthy group of people consumes remarkably little sugar or refined foods of any type. In addition, Okinawans get plenty of exercise and practice stress reduction techniques.

People of Hunza

The Hunza valley lies in the mountains of northeast Pakistan and is home to about 20,000 extremely healthy people known as the Hunzakuts. The people living in this lush valley enjoy freedom from disease and long and active lives. The Hunza diet has been studied for decades by researchers who are amazed by the number of elderly Hunzakuts who not only look thirty years less their age but also act thirty years less their age. Virtually untouched by the modern world until the 1980’s the Hunzakuts ate a traditional diet of local foods. Their traditional diet is organic vegetable-based, and they consume a great deal of fruit as well as whole wheat and lentils. Meat is eaten only in small amounts and is not processed as in America. Glacier water and herbal teas are also part of the traditional diet. Unfortunately, with western infiltration, processed foods and sugar have come to the valley and with them heart disease and cancer. However, Hunzakuts that still live off of the land are healthy and live long productive lives.

While there are other factors that come into play when discussing longevity such as toxins, stress and heredity, diet appears to play a critical role in not only the length of one's life but also the quality of that life. These two extraordinary groups of people serve as inspiration to anyone seeking a longer and healthier life.

About the Author: Susan Patterson is a Biblical Health Coach and a Metabolic Typing Advisor with a keen interest in nutrition. She enjoys studying other cultures and languages and frequently writes for such websites as TransparentLanguage.

The Evolution of the English Language

English, as a language, was surely not born overnight as no language is. Over the period of thousands of years, modern English, as we know it today, blossomed. Modern English spawned from Middle English, which grew from Old English, a combination of European dialects including Old Danish and Middle French. There have been many historical influences on the English language through the years brining it to the point it is at today.

Invasion of Britain and Old English (450 – 1100)

During the 5th century Ad, three tribes, the Angles, the Saxons and the Jutes sailed from Denmark to Britain. At this time, people in Britain spoke a Celtic language. When the invaders arrived, the Celtic speaking inhabitants moved into Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The Germanic tribes that invaded Britain spoke a similar dialect, which eventually became known as Old English. Although Old English was not at all like the English we know today, over half of our modern, commonly used words have Old English roots.

Middle English and William the Conqueror (1100-1500)

When William the Conqueror invaded and conquered England in 1066 he and his people, the Normands, brought a language similar to French with them. This language became the official language of not only royally but also the business class. For a time, the lower class in the country spoke English while the upper class spoke French. It was not until some time later that English became the dominant language once again. However, over the years, it had absorbed a strong French influence. Most of us would find Middle English incredibly hard to understand.

Early Modern English and Classical Learning (1500-1800)

As the Middle English period ended, there was what has been called the Great Vowel Shift in the English Language. Vowels were pronounced shorter and shorter. This was partially due to the fact that British people had more contact with different people around the world and because of classical learning associated with the Renaissance. More and more words and phrases were entering the language at this time. With the invention of the printing press, there was also a common language in print and grammar became standard. The first English dictionary was published in 1604.

Late Modern English and the Great Vocabulary Expansion (1500-1800)

As the English language became modernized, more and more words were added. New words came from the Industrial Revolution and the British Empire, which covered a large portion of the earth’s surface, absorbed many foreign words from other countries.

Types of English

The colonization of North America resulted in a new and highly distinct form of English. While some British expressions have been preserved, there have also been Spanish influence, French influence and West African influence on our language, as we know it today. There are many varieties of English around the world today including, Indian English, Caribbean English, Canadian English, Australian English and New Zealand English.

About the Author: Susan Patterson is a freelance writer who enjoys studying culture and language. She writes for a variety of websites and is presenting crafting an article on how to learn Russian for travel purposes.