Tour guide Lisa Anderson helps uncover some special New Year’s traditions.

A nation or a “Wonder World” that dazzles with color and chaos, India takes visitors on a journey of soul-stirring encounters. This country boasts a matrix of innumerable co-existing beliefs, a 5000-years old civilization, a home to some of the most colorful and vivid folklore from several ethnic groups, five seasons a year; a festival every day, a smile every second. It’s easy to realize that India is a magical paradox with modern connotations.

This past March 8th, I was wondering about the importance of this celebration and the role of women in the western society and all over the world. Looking at the sad figures of domestic violence , abuses , murders perpetrated by husbands, boyfriends and fathers over women, a deep, disheartening feeling hits me like a punch in the stomach.

One of our neighbours’ sons, got married in 2016, so I asked if I could write about “going to the chapel,” aka, the wedding, and the answer was “Si!” Weddings are a fun and interesting way to get a glimpse into any culture. This wedding was a great mix of old traditions and modern trends.

I realize that I am blessed to have been born in the US (thank you , Mom and Dad, for seeking and working for a better life). I realize that I enjoy great privilege in being able to travel and learn from experiences and cultures from all over the world, and I do not ever want to take any of that for granted.

Shortbread is synonymous with Scotland, and no self-respecting shortbread tin would be without a striking image of the country. If you’re thinking of visiting friends on New Year’s Eve and want to take a home-made gift, or if you simply want to treat yourself or your family, the recipes below are quick and easy and could be just what you’re looking for!

Grounded in the bodies we inhabit, to be grateful with the rising of each morning.

Celebrations come from within

They are small and full of love.

These days, the public journeys through the streets with dedicated volunteers hoisting the weight of ornate floats on their shoulders, carrying the religious figures through crowds of the faithful followers to their local parish. Those who want their sins forgiven must pay respect to their saints of devotion, parading behind the floats on their respective days of the week, depending on the cofradía they belonged to. 

Pushkar attracts Rajasthanis from far and wide, all of them wearing their best, brightest saris, turbans, and traditional costumes, creating a festive energy and a surging sea of visual splendor. There are carnival rides, food booths, and plenty of entertainment. It’s a busker’s paradise.

Maybe it’s the climate with long, cold, dark nights. Maybe it’s just the psyche of the people. Whatever the reason, we Scots are never slow to turn a celebration into a party. The winter months in Scotland are scattered with festivities—Halloween, Guy Fawkes (or Bonfire) Night, St Andrew’s Day, Burns Night, not to mention Christmas! But when it comes to celebrations, aboon them a’ (above them all), is Hogmanay.

The Eve of Sankt Hans is tied to the feast of Saint John the Baptist (Sankt Hans in Danish, “Hans” being the diminutive for Johannes), who was born on June 24th, but Danes celebrate on the eve before. This celebration has though existed a long time before Denmark became christianized in the 10th century. Originally, it was the summer solstice being celebrated, a fertility festival with several customs and rituals connected with nature, the wish for good fortune, and the hope for a fertile harvest in the autumn. 

The word “celebration” has its origin in the latin Celebrò. We can translate that as “gathering together” or “an assembly,” both of which are precisely the type of activities that Covid-19 is preventing us from doing! This prohibition inspired me to reconsider the subject of celebrating from an alternative point of view—religious celebrations.

Move over, Mardi Gras. Slow down that samba, Rio de Janeiro. There’s another Lenten carnival that’s just as fun a party—plus it’s got monsters. I’m talking about Ptuj’s kurentovanje.