Whether you’re a K-pop fan or not, you’ve undoubtedly heard of BTS. The seven-member boy band from Seoul has broken music sales and streaming records in both 2020 and 2021. Religion may not be on your mind when you’re listing to songs like “Dynamite” and “Butter,” but it’s rumored that BTS members V, Jungkook, and J-Hope may be Christians. And they’re not the only ones. Many K-pop idols like Blackpink’s Rosé and solo artist Ailee also call Christianity their faith.
The abundance of South Korean artists and actors who are Christian isn’t surprising. Pew Research Center revealed that around 29% share this faith. PBS’s Hidden Korea series insists that the number is much higher – around 51%. Similar trends exist among Canada’s 240,000 Koreans. So how did an Abrahamic monotheistic faith gain ground in an East Asian country? As it turns out, Korean Christianity has a complex and fascinating history.
Buddhism, Confucianism, and Catholicism
During our lifetimes, we’ve only known Korea as a divided country. The horrors suffered by North Koreans under its current regime frequently make headlines. But Korea’s split into north and south happened in 1945. Its history spans thousands of years, during which several dynasties ruled. The last of these was the Joseon dynasty, ending in the early 20th century.
Korea’s pre-modern religious history begins with its Shinism. This early folk religion blended polytheistic and animistic beliefs. Buddhism arrived during the fourth century C.E. during its Three Kingdoms period. Confucianism rose to prominence during the 14th century C.E.
Meanwhile, Christian missionaries came at various times. By the late-1880s, both Protestant and Catholic schools existed. In 1887, Scottish Presbyterian missionary John Ross finished translating the Bible into Korean.
Oppression and War, Then Hope
Korea became a protectorate of Japan in 1905, but Japan’s rule truly began when it annexed the country in 1910. What followed was three and a half decades of oppression, as History explains. Koreans saw their language erased from public life as Japan forbid its use. The ruling government also burned many books, including over 200,000 Korean historical documents. Thousands of Koreans ended up in forced labor. Many women were trafficked into Japanese military brothels. And as a final insult, the government forced Koreans to worship at imperial Japanese shrines.
After the end of World War II, Korea existed in two separate regions. Historian and professor Ji-Young Lee breaks it down: The north was under Soviet rule, while the United States controlled the south. By 1948, each region had its own government – North Korea’s in Pyongyang and South Korea’s in Seoul. When Kim Il-Sung marched into South Korea in 1950, his actions started the Korean War.
During the war, many South Koreans encountered Christianity. USC professor Diane Winston adds that their positive impression of the faith was thanks to American support against Soviet-backed North Korea. They associated this religion with prosperity, liberty, and “divine blessings,” as Winston puts it. The liberation narrative of Exodus also resonated with some South Koreans – they saw parallels between their tribulations and the ancient Israelites in Egypt.
Christianity in Modern South Korea
Today, Christianity in South Korea includes Catholicism and more than 100 Protestant denominations. Though theological diversity exists, megachurches like Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul attract many followers. And as in the West, conservative evangelism plays a large role in Korean culture and politics. Winston explains that it shares some similarities with Confucianism – traditional gender roles, a focus on family, and reverence for authority.
There are nearly 500 Korean Christian congregations across Canada. In large metro areas such as Toronto, Koreans have a wide range of fellowship and worship options. While there are ideological differences between younger Korean Canadians and their elders, faith remains important to both. As Canadian culture changes, Korean Christian spirituality makes up an important part of the country’s religious landscape.
When we think of religion and psychological abuse, we usually picture ex-cult members. Often, these people come out with severe trauma that needs treatment. But you don’t have to be in a cult to suffer this kind of harm: Faith-related trauma is a real thing. Some are calling it “Religious Trauma Syndrome,” and former evangelicals are emerging to find answers and healing.
Defining Religious Trauma Syndrome
New York Times writer Richard Schiffman says that Religious Trauma Syndrome isn’t an official diagnosis — yet. It’s not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, an extensive resource book used by mental health professionals. But it’s become shorthand for negative mental health outcomes caused by what Schiffman calls “religious indoctrination.” The World Health Organization also recently included RTS in its International Classification of Diseases.
Journey Free, a recovery group that helps people heal from such trauma, describes RTS as resulting from “chronic abuse” connected to authoritarian and dogmatic religious cultures. Since it develops through long-term trauma, RTS sufferers can exhibit symptoms of complex PTSD:
Hyperarousal, the constant feeling of being irritable or “on edge”
Re-experienced trauma through nightmares and flashbacks
Avoiding situations that may remind them of their trauma
Isolation from friends and family
Nagging feelings of guilt of shame
Difficulty with emotional regulation and expression
Journalist Stephanie Russell-Kraft profiled one religious trauma survivor, Ana Sharp Williamson, in a March 2021 piece for The New Republic. Williamson, who had grown up in a conservative evangelical community in the United States, began having panic attacks after she and her husband began attending a new church. She found herself crying, sweating, and hyperventilating during these episodes. Russell-Kraft adds that other former evangelicals have similar experiences, especially after leaving their churches when former U.S. President Donald Trump was elected in 2016.
Causes of Faith-Related Trauma
Religious Trauma Syndrome results from recurring experiences over a long period of time. Often, this begins with fear-based doctrines that are repeatedly taught. With evangelical Christianity, especially in the United States, these can include several ideas: an overemphasis on eternal damnation, white Christian nationalism, and anti-LGBTQIA sentiments. Thinly veiled misogyny expresses itself in complementarianism, the idea that men and women occupy distinctive and separate roles. It also takes the form of purity culture, which insists that men are naturally lustful and women should remain virgins until marriage.
These ideas further become instruments of trauma when they’re used to shame, attack, and abuse others. Anyone can suffer these effects, but they’re especially salient among women and LGBTQIA people. God is an angry guy in the sky demanding perfection and conformity, so the narrative goes. If you’re defective in any way, he will reject you. But since humans are imperfect, it’s easy to develop hypervigilance and fear through repeated exposure within conservative religious environments. And in some cases, these damaging messages are coupled with physical and/or sexual abuse.
It’s OK Not To Be OK
Psychological trauma can heal through treatment. But some sufferers of RTS look for therapists specializing in religious trauma. Groups like Journey Free and Recovering from Religion offer services such as individual counselling and support groups, plus other resources to help in the healing journey. Canadian mental health professionals have followed suit, with counselling services available in places like Vancouver and Alberta. The Reclamation Collective provides religious trauma therapy listings for both the United States and Canada.
Healing from RTS includes rediscovering oneself. That usually means letting go of perfectionism, developing self-compassion, and slowly unlearning damaging and destructive ideas. For some, it also means reclaiming one’s sovereign free will to make deliberate life and faith choices. Ultimately, recovering from religious trauma is a journey that takes time and patience to travel.
Have you thought about making Canada home? Married life is a journey, not just a destination. When you’ve decided to share forever with the love of your life, you’re embarking on a grand voyage for a major new phase in your life. There’s much to anticipate about this next great chapter, whether it’s starting a family or living together. This new milestone in your lives together will come with many decisions that you’ll have to make as a couple. One of these is where you’ll live. You may have many options when it comes to finding a home. Here’s what you should know about living in Canada.
Immigrating Here
The immigration process to Canada can be quite involved. There are many steps to apply and secure approval for immigration. Be aware that the process can take several months and even a few years in some cases. For citizens of other countries seeking permanent residence in the Great White North, there are several programs for entry:
Express Entry Program: Designated for skilled immigrants to live and work here
Federal Skilled Worker: Intended for individuals immigrating to Canada based on their own credentials
Business Immigration: Designed for foreign nationals seeking to establish or invest in a business enterprise in Canada
Provincial Nominee Program: Set aside for certain provinces to use their own criteria and eligibility requirements to nominate persons for permanent residence
Family Class Sponsorship: Specified for people who will be sponsored by family members who are Canadian citizens, Indians or permanent residents
Canadian Experience Class: Intended for foreign students and temporary workers with at least one year of employment experience
Visiting Canada is one thing, but living here will require attainment of permanent resident status.
Getting Medical Care in Canada
Having access to adequate healthcare is important wherever you choose to live. In Canada, healthcare is provided by the government through tax funds. Care is administered through private providers. While basic care is essentially free, not everything is covered, like certain prescriptions or dental care. It is recommended that you purchase third-party medical insurance to offset some of the high costs for care not included with basic coverage. It could take you a while to receive public benefits even as a permanent resident, so having coverage through an international provider before you move here is worth considering.
Adjusting to the Climate in Canada
Immigrants from certain parts of the United States and Europe may feel at home with the weather up here. Describing Canada as cold would be quite an understatement. Most parts of the country have average winter temperatures that are well below zero degrees Celsius (or Fahrenheit)! As a resident, it’s possible to experience four seasons, but your understanding of “winter” may be redefined or reshaped up here. If you’re moving from somewhere warm, you probably don’t have enough winter clothes.
Embracing Diversity
Within Canada’s population there are over 200 nationalities and 250 ethnicities represented, including indigenous people. Currently over 20% of the population was born elsewhere, and that percentage is expected to reach almost 50% by 2031. You and your partner may not feel social pressure to fit a particular cultural mold, as many different cultures are present and represented here. This diversity is reflected not just in the general populace but also in government as well.
Loving Freely
Since 2005, all provinces have recognized same-sex marriages. In Canada, marriage falls under federal jurisdiction, but marriage solemnization falls under provincial regulations. Ceremonies can be either civil or religious, but you should know that clergy cannot be compelled to perform same-sex marriages. When it comes to building a life together, there are many places for you and your spouse or spouse-to-be to start this phase. There’s a lot to see and be in Canada. As with any location, think carefully about the type of life you want for you and your family.
Typically, a marriage ceremony and reception are about one happy couple. This is true in most places, including Canada. Some people opt to have a single ceremony and celebration for two or more couples. When it’s two couples, this is what’s known as a double wedding. Close friends, siblings and other family members may do this to save money, pool resources or just for the quirkiness of it all. The TLC network once aired a program that featured one set of identical twins marrying another set of identical twins in a double wedding. The television program “Fuller House” featured a triple wedding in one of its season finales. Here are some things to consider for going this route.
Know Before You Go
Pulling off a double wedding is going to be difficult if you don’t have a close connection with the other people involved. Even if you have a sibling or bestie, you need to be sure that this is a smart idea going in. Unlike a typical ceremony, where you and your partner are calling the shots, now your special day must also consider the preferences and needs of another couple. If you’re someone who likes to plan and the other couples are less organized or prefer to play things by ear, there could be trouble well before you get to paradise.
Consider the Benefits couples
One of the biggest benefits of a double wedding is cost savings. You’ll only be paying for certain features once, such as a venue, catering and reception entertainment. If the couples are funding the wedding, then the overall costs are split, leading to further savings. If you and someone close are engaged and have the same friends and families, this allows your loved ones to save one date and plan to be at one event. A wedding of this type prioritizes the convenience of those you love, which is a good thing!
Get on the Same Page With The Other Couples
It’s idealistic to expect multiple couples to agree on everything when it comes to details, but you should have open discussion and reach a consensus on the following:
Compromising: Each person should be clear on dealbreakers, must-haves and low-priority items. Be willing to compromise on certain details so that the event is special for all involved.
Choosing a look: If one couple wants high fashion and another wants casual and laid back, there needs to be plenty of discussion about going with a hybrid aesthetic. You don’t want to end up with something that sounds good on paper but is ultimately unsuccessful.
Going first: When there’s one pair tying the knot, you don’t have to figure out who marches down the aisle or exchanges vows first. Realize that between the wedding and reception, you’ll need to figure out what makes sense when there are multiple folks involved.
Exchanging vows: It’s entirely up to the group to decide on the order, but it might be better to have one couple exchange vows at a time. Consider having each couple kiss at the same time to symbolize the various levels of unity represented in a double wedding.
Receiving gifts: Instead of a gift registry, perhaps you could ask guests to contribute monetarily to a pool to be split among the newlyweds for honeymoon or other marriage startup expenses.
Ditch the Wedding Party
Depending on the circumstances, it might be easier to forgo having a maid of honor or best man, especially if the people who would fulfill these roles are getting married too. Remember that bridesmaids and groomsmen are usually there to help the couple before and during the big day. Having loved ones attend to multiple couples may be a huge ask. Multiple parties may be unwieldy.
Marrying multiple couples in one ceremony doesn’t have to be complicated. It allows you and others to deepen your bond and pool resources when it comes to time, talent and treasure. A successful event requires careful planning, a willingness to compromise, honesty and regular communication.
Purchasing a gift for a wedding is a tradition that can prove more difficult than many people realize. Though there is no hard rule stating all guests must bring a present to a reception, custom has made it a forced obligation for many. This is compounded by the fact that couples now spend more than the value of a new car on their nuptials. To make some of that money back, couples will rely on the generous gifts from family and friends.
If you haven’t been to many weddings in your life, you may want to know what the protocol is surrounding presents. Use these tips to learn more about the basic ways guests go about giving gifts.
Follow the Registry
Perhaps the easiest approach to wedding gifts is following the registry. Though it is not as commonplace for couples to create these lists as it once was, plenty of people still prefer this method of making requests. The couple will offer information on where they are registered when they send out invitations, which allows guests the maximum amount of time to find a perfect present. Custom dictates that anyone who receives an invitation should give a gift, but in modern times, those absent from the festivities rarely send presents.
Follow Your Heart
For some people, the act of selecting a present from a list can feel impersonal. If you feel particularly close to the happy couple, then you might not think a simple gift from a registry can provide the emotional impact you’d like. Instead, think about following your heart. This can take many forms, from a personalized present that includes pertinent details about the couple in the design to a gift you make on your own with love and dedication. Sentimental presents are always a nice route to consider when you want your gift to be remembered.
Follow the Gift Trends
Since the world of weddings has become a powerful business industry over recent decades, it makes sense that gift trends are a big part of the picture. If the couple hasn’t provided a registry and you’re short on good ideas, looking at blogs and articles centered on what’s currently in vogue with gifts can be quite useful. While you don’t need to buy any of the gifts suggested, per se, you can use this information to launch further research into what kinds of presents are out there.
Follow the Money
When push comes to shove, money might be the only gift that really matters. Though sentimental or practical presents might serve certain purposes, money can be used for anything. After spending a fortune on their nuptials, couples might be able to breathe easier knowing that their guests are giving them cash. As a rule of thumb, a cash gift should be roughly about $100 per plate. This means that you should give $200 if you were allowed to bring a guest.
Follow Up Later With A Gift
It is a popular misconception that a gift needs to be given to a couple at the wedding reception or on the wedding day. In truth, tradition allows guests a full year to accomplish this task. If you really don’t know what to get the couple or are short on funds, waiting until later can be a great way to find a present that feels fitting.
Being a guest at a big event means researching proper etiquette in advance. Instead of panicking and grabbing any old gift, take a step back and think over your options. Learn more about what kinds of presents are out there and find the perfect fit for a couple you care about.
After months of anticipation, Pope Francis’s visit to Canada was made in late July. In response to growing pressure to apologize for the Catholic Church’s role in the Canadian residential school system, the 85-year-old religious figure toured Edmonton, Quebec, and Iqaluit to meet with government officials and indigenous community leaders.
Accompanied by two Canadian Cardinals, Francis’s trip marks the most public acknowledgment of the Church’s wrongdoing in regards to the residential school system to date. The past year has put the Vatican under renewed scrutiny for its participation, prompted by the grim discovery of several mass graves where these schools once stood. While there is a sense that the Pope’s visit is a step in the right direction, some believe that his visit and apology do not go far enough.
Renewed Focus on Residential Schools
The Indian residential school system is a shameful part of Canadian history. The program provided government money to build and operate boarding schools to forcibly assimilate indigenous children into Canadian society. Enrollment in these schools was mandatory for indigenous children from the 1890s through the 1940s, and such schools continued to operate until the last one was closed in 1997.
Under this program, children were forcibly separated from their families, deprived of their culture, and subjected to numerous abuses. Tragically, these facilities were often rampant with disease. The poor sanitary conditions led to the deaths of thousands of children over the years. While this was known, this dark chapter had largely been buried until mass graves were uncovered in late 2021.
Increased scrutiny has put the Vatican under fire. As part of the Indian residential school system, the Canadian government disbursed funds to religious organizations to administer the program. With Catholicism having a strong presence in Canada, Indian residential schools were disproportionately under the jurisdiction of Catholic parishes.
Francis’s Visit vs. The Vatican
The resulting media attention that followed the discovery of the mass graves proved too strong to ignore. Indigenous leaders demanded a public apology from the Vatican, and ultimately arranged an audience with the Pope himself in Vatican City to air their grievances.
During the meeting, Francis grabbed headlines by extending a personal apology to the delegation of indigenous leaders. While his personal acknowledgement of the Church’s wrongdoing was applauded, it did not equate to an official apology from the Vatican itself.
The distinction between the Pope and Vatican’s respective positions was met with criticism by activists, and while his recent tour of Canada featured further expressions of sorrow, many activists feel more needs to be done.
Many activists felt that Francis’s apology failed to be specific about the scope and nature of the abuses suffered by indigenous children. Additionally, some argued that his apology put too much focus on individuals and not enough focus on the Church as an institution.
Interestingly enough, the Canadian government seems to echo this sentiment. Canada already issued a public apology in 2008 for its role in the atrocities, and now Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called for the Catholic Church itself to acknowledge its participation.
What We Can Learn Francis’s Visit
The atrocities committed during Canada’s residential school program are bigger than individuals. They are the culmination of broader beliefs and incentives, put forth by large institutions.
While it is true that individuals bear responsibility, individual accountability is not enough to make amends. Institutional acknowledgement and accountability are necessary because they require a reexamination of beliefs and practices. In order to truly atone and build a better future, powerful institutions must be reformed and rid themselves of the beliefs that underscored their wrongdoing.
Pope Francis has taken steps in the right direction, but the world waits for more action.
If you’ve ever been inside a Japanese garden, you may have seen lanterns on the ground or sitting on poles. Most of these lanterns have an umbrella-shaped top that’s either square or round. These belong to a class of lanterns called tōrō, a Japanese word that means “light basket” or “light tower.” These little lamps have a long history behind them, crossing national borders and lighting minds and hearts along the way.
A Trip Through Nations and Centuries
Tōrō appear in home and public gardens, but they were first used to light the way leading to a Buddhist temple or a Shinto shrine. Each path, called a sandō, starts with a tall gate known as a torii. Tōrō illuminated the main gate and lined the approach toward the temple’s or shrine’s entrance.
According to an entry from the Japanese Architecture and Art Net Users System, tōrō originated in China several centuries ago. Along with the Buddhist faith, these lamps came to Korea around the fourth century C.E. By the sixth century, both Buddhist temples and the tōrō illuminating them had made their way to Japan. From there, tōrō began appearing in Shinto shrines.
The Brooklyn Museum explains that tōrō likely originated in India, where Buddhism got its start. Lit lanterns are considered offerings to Buddha. Dharma Drum Mountain explains that they’re one of six types of offerings, along with water, incense, flowers, food, and perfume.
The Tale of Poor Woman Nanda
Meanwhile, lit lamps play an important role in the Buddhist story of Poor Woman Nanda. In the tale, Nanda felt sorrowful because she wanted to make an offering to Buddha but was too poor to afford anything. She begged tirelessly on the streets until she earned more money, then went to buy oil. Because she still didn’t have enough coin, the merchant asked what she needed the oil for. When she told him about her desire to make an offering, he gave her enough oil to completely light one lamp. At the temple, the Buddha declared that her lamp would never extinguish.
Sao, either a post or multiple legs that hold the lantern
Depending on a tōrō’s construction, it may have some additional components. The hōju rests on an ukebana, a supportive cup-shaped piece mounted on top of the kasa. Pedestal lanterns have kiso, or a base that’s either hexagonal or round. Some also have kidan, or slabs of rock that sit under the base.
Many Types of Tōrō
The Japanese Wiki Corpus mentions that tōrō are almost exclusively used outdoors. Many are fixed, which means they generally aren’t moved after installation. But some versions, known as oko-dōrō, appear indoors near altars inside Buddhist temples.
Tōrō come in two basic styles: hanging and non-hanging. Dai-dōrō, or non-hanging tōrō, typically fall into four categories. There are tachi-dōrō, pedestal lanterns with decorated light chambers. Ikekomi-dōrō are installed directly into the ground, so they don’t have bases or legs. Oki-dōrō are moveable lanterns usually supported by a base. Yukimi-dōrō are also moveable, sporting three to six legs and a wide cap that’s lower to the ground.
Light Leading to Life
Light has a practical purpose, but humans have given it greater symbolism. Many holidays have light as one of their key themes — for example, clay diyas lit for Divali or menorahs during Hanukkah. Like these other sacred lights, tōrō also bring deeper meaning with them. Perhaps light itself is an offering from the beginning of the universe. Without it, nothing would exist: not the cosmos, not our planet, and certainly not humankind.
Unless you’ve delved a bit into feng shui, you may see it more as an interior design art. While it does involve interior design in modern homes and offices, there are spiritual and philosophical ideas behind the practice. But there is probably lots more about this unique art that you may not know. Want to test your knowledge? Check out these cool and fascinating facts about feng shui.
You’re Probably Pronouncing It Wrong
Feng shui is pronounced “fung shway” and comes from two Chinese words: “feng,” which means wind, and “shui,” which translates as water. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, this term first appeared in English around 1797.
Feng shui has taken a while to spread into Western cultures. Some of the first English-language books on the subject date to the early 1970s. Many of these were academic texts — hardly anything like the “feng shui for dummies” type manuals you see today. The first book that’s even close to a feng shui manual was published in 1984: “Feng Shui: Ancient Wisdom for the Most Beneficial Way to Place and Arrange Furniture, Rooms and Buildings” by Sarah Rossbach.
Feng Shui Came From a Poem
While feng shui has major roots in Taoist philosophy, architect Anjie Cho mentions that the concept comes from an ancient Chinese poem. It comes from the Book of Burial, a text by Chinese historian Guo Pu written during the third or fourth century C.E. You can read the full text at Feng Shui Gate, but one excerpt details how qi works with wind and water:
The Classic says: Qi rides the wind and scatters, but is retained when encountering water.
The ancients collected it to prevent its dissipation, and guided it to assure its retention.
Thus it was called fengshui.
Why Curved Lines Are a Big Deal
If you’ve ever seen a house that uses feng shui principles, you may have noticed lots of curving, flowing lines and shapes. Cho explains why in a Mind Body Green piece by Sarah Regan. Cho mentions a belief from Chinese folklore that evil spirits can only move in straight lines. That’s why meandering paths and flowing border edges are key components of traditional Chinese gardens. You’ll find these elements in the feng shui gardens of Western homes as well.
Curved lines are also ideal in feng shui for another reason: They promote the flow of qi. Appropriately, Blue Lotus Feng Shui nicknames qi as “virtual water.” That life energy should move in a balanced way — not so slow so it gets stagnant, and not so fast that it rushes. Think of it this way: Standing water can gather disease-causing bacteria plus mold and pests such as mosquitoes and rats. And a tsunami hitting landfall at around 40 miles an hour can generate 1,700 pounds of force.
Feng Shui Uses Five Elements, Not Four
You likely know about the four elements — fire, earth, air, and water. These come from classical Greek thought, and we see them reflected in philosophies and arts like Western astrology. But feng shui uses five elements, collectively called “Wuxing”: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. They’re more like elemental states that can nurture or inhibit each other in creative and destructive cycles. They also represent different aspects of qi, the energy that flows through everything and everyone in our universe.
Feng shui has exploded in popularity over the last few decades. While you don’t need a degree in Chinese cultural studies to understand its basics, delving deep into the subject can yield some surprising knowledge. It also shows how much can get lost in translation. Simplifying concepts can help transmit them across languages and cultures, but there’s often much more below the surface.
One of the major milestones in a married couple’s life is finding a new place to call home together. Whether you’re ready to tie the knot with your partner or you’ve just recently wed, you’ll find that buying a house is a more complex process than buying a car or completing a gift registry. You’re in search of a place that you can lay your head to rest as well as start a family of your own. Here’s what Canadian couples should know about finding that perfect home.
Securing a Down Payment For your Home
Many Canadians will need to finance the purchase of a home with a mortgage from a bank or lender. These lenders expect you to provide a down payment to show that you have some skin in the game. Per the Canadian government, your down payment is a percentage of the property price as follows:
If the house is $1,000,000 or more, then the down payment is 20%.
For homes between $500,000 and $1,000,000, you’re expected to put 5% down for the first $500,000 and 10% down for any amount in excess.
For properties over $1,000,000, you’ll have to pony up at least 20%.
Keep in mind that 5% of a residence worth $500,000 is $25,000. Saving money for a down payment is a significant undertaking, especially for a young couple.
Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Unless you can afford to buy a house with cash, you’ll need a home loan. Before you start falling in love with various properties, get a pre-approval from a lender so you can know which properties will be covered by a mortgage. Getting pre-approved also locks in the interest rate for a loan for up to 120 days. Changes in interest rates can significantly impact your monthly loan repayment, so it’s important not to go into the house hunt blind. Keep in mind that what you can actually afford and the amount a lender is offering can be vastly different. Not all lenders are the same, so you should shop around for the best rates.
Finding a Real Estate Agent For Your Future Home
When buying a house, you’ll want to have someone on your side, representing your best interests and walking you through the process. A real estate agent is an expert on the purchasing process and brings knowledge of the local area and market analysis tools. He or she has experience in finding homes and often has other resources to help you find a property with the features that are most important to you. Your agent advocates for you and helps negotiate the best price for the house that you want. You can go through the process without an agent, but why would you, especially when many sellers have agents working with them?
Kicking the Tires
Buying a house without having an inspection done is not like buying clothes without trying them on. You cannot do a simple return if you find that the property has major problems, especially things that would have been revealed in an inspection. It’s important to hire an experienced inspector who can check the structure, the electrical and plumbing systems, and more to make sure you’re not getting more (or less) than what you bargained for. An inspector can help create a punch list of items that need to be repaired or addressed before a sale. The issues that come up may also be grounds for negotiating a lower price.
A new home is a big step in your life together as a new or soon-to-be-married couple. In addition to deciding on the features that both of you need and want, you’ll also need to get your finances together to apply for a mortgage and save money for a down payment. A good real estate agent will walk you through all the steps, helping you to find the perfect Canadian castle to call your own.
Most people getting married don’t think about a divorce. When you tie the knot with someone, the plan usually involves forever, or at least until death, as per exchanged vows. Although you’ve committed to sharing life, love, last names and more, things happen and you might find yourself contemplating a split. Marriage has legal implications and requirements in the Great White North. It should be no surprise that divorce does also. Here’s what Canadians like you should know about saying, “I don’t.”
Applying for a Divorce
First, Canadians must apply for divorce, making sure that these requirements are met:
You and your spouse were married in accordance with Canadian law, or under the laws of another nation with your union legally recognized in Canada.
Your marriage has broken down due to either adultery, living apart for at least one year or cruelty from your spouse, physical or mental.
At least you or your spouse has lived in the province where you’re filing for at least one year.
To file for divorce, both of you must be residents of Canada.
Breaking It Down
When it comes to ending your union, Canada has no-fault divorce. Your marriage must have broken down for any of the reasons listed above, as per the Divorce Act. If the year-long separation is your grounds for splitting up, the law allows a couple to live together for 90 days in an attempt to reconcile. This 90-day period may start before or after you submit an application. If things don’t work out, you can continue with the divorce process. If you and your partner decide to live in the same house while separated, you’ll need to consult an attorney to make sure the separation period is properly documented according to your province of residence.
Getting Started
Although the rules for divorce applications are federal, each province or territory has a specific process. You’ll need to make sure that you complete the correct forms, so it is strongly recommended that you seek legal counsel, if possible. It’s also advisable that you and your partner settle certain issues beforehand, such as custody, child support, spousal support and division of assets. Leaving these issues to the court will likely extend the time and costs of divorce. Some provinces and territories may offer mediation and other services to assist the two of you in making decisions. Consider taking advantage of family justice services, especially if you cannot afford an attorney.
Making A Divorce Official
Generally, your split becomes official 31 days after the judge grants it. You or your ex can request a certificate from the court that processed it. This certificate confirms the dissolution of your marriage and the date. If you’re not sure which court processed your case, you can contact the Central Registry of Divorce Proceedings, which may be able to provide the court information as well as a reference number to help locate the details. It will be helpful to have the date of your marriage and the full names and birthdates for you and your ex-spouse.
Considering Residency Exemptions
Generally, you cannot file for a divorce if neither of you lives in Canada; however, you may be able to end your union as per the Civil Marriage Act if both of the following are true:
You tied the knot in Canada.
Your marriage can’t be undone because your country of residence doesn’t recognize Canadian unions.
In this case, you should still seek legal advice, as there may be province-specific rules to consider. This process ends your marriage, but it doesn’t address any issues regarding children or assets.
A famous singer once sang that “breaking up is hard to do.” Canadian couples should know that there are rules to follow for divorce, just as there were for marriage. It’s important to understand what’s required to make a clean and lawful break, especially if remarriage is in your future.
Whether you’re a K-pop fan or not, you’ve undoubtedly heard of BTS. The seven-member boy band from Seoul has broken music sales and streaming records in both 2020 and 2021. Religion may not be on your mind when you’re listing to songs like “Dynamite” and “Butter,” but it’s rumored that BTS members V, Jungkook, and J-Hope may be Christians. And they’re not the only ones. Many K-pop idols like Blackpink’s Rosé and solo artist Ailee also call Christianity their faith.
The abundance of South Korean artists and actors who are Christian isn’t surprising. Pew Research Center revealed that around 29% share this faith. PBS’s Hidden Korea series insists that the number is much higher – around 51%. Similar trends exist among Canada’s 240,000 Koreans. So how did an Abrahamic monotheistic faith gain ground in an East Asian country? As it turns out, Korean Christianity has a complex and fascinating history.
Buddhism, Confucianism, and Catholicism
During our lifetimes, we’ve only known Korea as a divided country. The horrors suffered by North Koreans under its current regime frequently make headlines. But Korea’s split into north and south happened in 1945. Its history spans thousands of years, during which several dynasties ruled. The last of these was the Joseon dynasty, ending in the early 20th century.
Korea’s pre-modern religious history begins with its Shinism. This early folk religion blended polytheistic and animistic beliefs. Buddhism arrived during the fourth century C.E. during its Three Kingdoms period. Confucianism rose to prominence during the 14th century C.E.
Meanwhile, Christian missionaries came at various times. By the late-1880s, both Protestant and Catholic schools existed. In 1887, Scottish Presbyterian missionary John Ross finished translating the Bible into Korean.
Oppression and War, Then Hope
Korea became a protectorate of Japan in 1905, but Japan’s rule truly began when it annexed the country in 1910. What followed was three and a half decades of oppression, as History explains. Koreans saw their language erased from public life as Japan forbid its use. The ruling government also burned many books, including over 200,000 Korean historical documents. Thousands of Koreans ended up in forced labor. Many women were trafficked into Japanese military brothels. And as a final insult, the government forced Koreans to worship at imperial Japanese shrines.
After the end of World War II, Korea existed in two separate regions. Historian and professor Ji-Young Lee breaks it down: The north was under Soviet rule, while the United States controlled the south. By 1948, each region had its own government – North Korea’s in Pyongyang and South Korea’s in Seoul. When Kim Il-Sung marched into South Korea in 1950, his actions started the Korean War.
During the war, many South Koreans encountered Christianity. USC professor Diane Winston adds that their positive impression of the faith was thanks to American support against Soviet-backed North Korea. They associated this religion with prosperity, liberty, and “divine blessings,” as Winston puts it. The liberation narrative of Exodus also resonated with some South Koreans – they saw parallels between their tribulations and the ancient Israelites in Egypt.
Christianity in Modern South Korea
Today, Christianity in South Korea includes Catholicism and more than 100 Protestant denominations. Though theological diversity exists, megachurches like Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul attract many followers. And as in the West, conservative evangelism plays a large role in Korean culture and politics. Winston explains that it shares some similarities with Confucianism – traditional gender roles, a focus on family, and reverence for authority.
There are nearly 500 Korean Christian congregations across Canada. In large metro areas such as Toronto, Koreans have a wide range of fellowship and worship options. While there are ideological differences between younger Korean Canadians and their elders, faith remains important to both. As Canadian culture changes, Korean Christian spirituality makes up an important part of the country’s religious landscape.
When we think of religion and psychological abuse, we usually picture ex-cult members. Often, these people come out with severe trauma that needs treatment. But you don’t have to be in a cult to suffer this kind of harm: Faith-related trauma is a real thing. Some are calling it “Religious Trauma Syndrome,” and former evangelicals are emerging to find answers and healing.
Defining Religious Trauma Syndrome
New York Times writer Richard Schiffman says that Religious Trauma Syndrome isn’t an official diagnosis — yet. It’s not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, an extensive resource book used by mental health professionals. But it’s become shorthand for negative mental health outcomes caused by what Schiffman calls “religious indoctrination.” The World Health Organization also recently included RTS in its International Classification of Diseases.
Journey Free, a recovery group that helps people heal from such trauma, describes RTS as resulting from “chronic abuse” connected to authoritarian and dogmatic religious cultures. Since it develops through long-term trauma, RTS sufferers can exhibit symptoms of complex PTSD:
Hyperarousal, the constant feeling of being irritable or “on edge”
Re-experienced trauma through nightmares and flashbacks
Avoiding situations that may remind them of their trauma
Isolation from friends and family
Nagging feelings of guilt of shame
Difficulty with emotional regulation and expression
Journalist Stephanie Russell-Kraft profiled one religious trauma survivor, Ana Sharp Williamson, in a March 2021 piece for The New Republic. Williamson, who had grown up in a conservative evangelical community in the United States, began having panic attacks after she and her husband began attending a new church. She found herself crying, sweating, and hyperventilating during these episodes. Russell-Kraft adds that other former evangelicals have similar experiences, especially after leaving their churches when former U.S. President Donald Trump was elected in 2016.
Causes of Faith-Related Trauma
Religious Trauma Syndrome results from recurring experiences over a long period of time. Often, this begins with fear-based doctrines that are repeatedly taught. With evangelical Christianity, especially in the United States, these can include several ideas: an overemphasis on eternal damnation, white Christian nationalism, and anti-LGBTQIA sentiments. Thinly veiled misogyny expresses itself in complementarianism, the idea that men and women occupy distinctive and separate roles. It also takes the form of purity culture, which insists that men are naturally lustful and women should remain virgins until marriage.
These ideas further become instruments of trauma when they’re used to shame, attack, and abuse others. Anyone can suffer these effects, but they’re especially salient among women and LGBTQIA people. God is an angry guy in the sky demanding perfection and conformity, so the narrative goes. If you’re defective in any way, he will reject you. But since humans are imperfect, it’s easy to develop hypervigilance and fear through repeated exposure within conservative religious environments. And in some cases, these damaging messages are coupled with physical and/or sexual abuse.
It’s OK Not To Be OK
Psychological trauma can heal through treatment. But some sufferers of RTS look for therapists specializing in religious trauma. Groups like Journey Free and Recovering from Religion offer services such as individual counselling and support groups, plus other resources to help in the healing journey. Canadian mental health professionals have followed suit, with counselling services available in places like Vancouver and Alberta. The Reclamation Collective provides religious trauma therapy listings for both the United States and Canada.
Healing from RTS includes rediscovering oneself. That usually means letting go of perfectionism, developing self-compassion, and slowly unlearning damaging and destructive ideas. For some, it also means reclaiming one’s sovereign free will to make deliberate life and faith choices. Ultimately, recovering from religious trauma is a journey that takes time and patience to travel.
Have you thought about making Canada home? Married life is a journey, not just a destination. When you’ve decided to share forever with the love of your life, you’re embarking on a grand voyage for a major new phase in your life. There’s much to anticipate about this next great chapter, whether it’s starting a family or living together. This new milestone in your lives together will come with many decisions that you’ll have to make as a couple. One of these is where you’ll live. You may have many options when it comes to finding a home. Here’s what you should know about living in Canada.
Immigrating Here
The immigration process to Canada can be quite involved. There are many steps to apply and secure approval for immigration. Be aware that the process can take several months and even a few years in some cases. For citizens of other countries seeking permanent residence in the Great White North, there are several programs for entry:
Express Entry Program: Designated for skilled immigrants to live and work here
Federal Skilled Worker: Intended for individuals immigrating to Canada based on their own credentials
Business Immigration: Designed for foreign nationals seeking to establish or invest in a business enterprise in Canada
Provincial Nominee Program: Set aside for certain provinces to use their own criteria and eligibility requirements to nominate persons for permanent residence
Family Class Sponsorship: Specified for people who will be sponsored by family members who are Canadian citizens, Indians or permanent residents
Canadian Experience Class: Intended for foreign students and temporary workers with at least one year of employment experience
Visiting Canada is one thing, but living here will require attainment of permanent resident status.
Getting Medical Care in Canada
Having access to adequate healthcare is important wherever you choose to live. In Canada, healthcare is provided by the government through tax funds. Care is administered through private providers. While basic care is essentially free, not everything is covered, like certain prescriptions or dental care. It is recommended that you purchase third-party medical insurance to offset some of the high costs for care not included with basic coverage. It could take you a while to receive public benefits even as a permanent resident, so having coverage through an international provider before you move here is worth considering.
Adjusting to the Climate in Canada
Immigrants from certain parts of the United States and Europe may feel at home with the weather up here. Describing Canada as cold would be quite an understatement. Most parts of the country have average winter temperatures that are well below zero degrees Celsius (or Fahrenheit)! As a resident, it’s possible to experience four seasons, but your understanding of “winter” may be redefined or reshaped up here. If you’re moving from somewhere warm, you probably don’t have enough winter clothes.
Embracing Diversity
Within Canada’s population there are over 200 nationalities and 250 ethnicities represented, including indigenous people. Currently over 20% of the population was born elsewhere, and that percentage is expected to reach almost 50% by 2031. You and your partner may not feel social pressure to fit a particular cultural mold, as many different cultures are present and represented here. This diversity is reflected not just in the general populace but also in government as well.
Loving Freely
Since 2005, all provinces have recognized same-sex marriages. In Canada, marriage falls under federal jurisdiction, but marriage solemnization falls under provincial regulations. Ceremonies can be either civil or religious, but you should know that clergy cannot be compelled to perform same-sex marriages. When it comes to building a life together, there are many places for you and your spouse or spouse-to-be to start this phase. There’s a lot to see and be in Canada. As with any location, think carefully about the type of life you want for you and your family.
Typically, a marriage ceremony and reception are about one happy couple. This is true in most places, including Canada. Some people opt to have a single ceremony and celebration for two or more couples. When it’s two couples, this is what’s known as a double wedding. Close friends, siblings and other family members may do this to save money, pool resources or just for the quirkiness of it all. The TLC network once aired a program that featured one set of identical twins marrying another set of identical twins in a double wedding. The television program “Fuller House” featured a triple wedding in one of its season finales. Here are some things to consider for going this route.
Know Before You Go
Pulling off a double wedding is going to be difficult if you don’t have a close connection with the other people involved. Even if you have a sibling or bestie, you need to be sure that this is a smart idea going in. Unlike a typical ceremony, where you and your partner are calling the shots, now your special day must also consider the preferences and needs of another couple. If you’re someone who likes to plan and the other couples are less organized or prefer to play things by ear, there could be trouble well before you get to paradise.
Consider the Benefits couples
One of the biggest benefits of a double wedding is cost savings. You’ll only be paying for certain features once, such as a venue, catering and reception entertainment. If the couples are funding the wedding, then the overall costs are split, leading to further savings. If you and someone close are engaged and have the same friends and families, this allows your loved ones to save one date and plan to be at one event. A wedding of this type prioritizes the convenience of those you love, which is a good thing!
Get on the Same Page With The Other Couples
It’s idealistic to expect multiple couples to agree on everything when it comes to details, but you should have open discussion and reach a consensus on the following:
Compromising: Each person should be clear on dealbreakers, must-haves and low-priority items. Be willing to compromise on certain details so that the event is special for all involved.
Choosing a look: If one couple wants high fashion and another wants casual and laid back, there needs to be plenty of discussion about going with a hybrid aesthetic. You don’t want to end up with something that sounds good on paper but is ultimately unsuccessful.
Going first: When there’s one pair tying the knot, you don’t have to figure out who marches down the aisle or exchanges vows first. Realize that between the wedding and reception, you’ll need to figure out what makes sense when there are multiple folks involved.
Exchanging vows: It’s entirely up to the group to decide on the order, but it might be better to have one couple exchange vows at a time. Consider having each couple kiss at the same time to symbolize the various levels of unity represented in a double wedding.
Receiving gifts: Instead of a gift registry, perhaps you could ask guests to contribute monetarily to a pool to be split among the newlyweds for honeymoon or other marriage startup expenses.
Ditch the Wedding Party
Depending on the circumstances, it might be easier to forgo having a maid of honor or best man, especially if the people who would fulfill these roles are getting married too. Remember that bridesmaids and groomsmen are usually there to help the couple before and during the big day. Having loved ones attend to multiple couples may be a huge ask. Multiple parties may be unwieldy.
Marrying multiple couples in one ceremony doesn’t have to be complicated. It allows you and others to deepen your bond and pool resources when it comes to time, talent and treasure. A successful event requires careful planning, a willingness to compromise, honesty and regular communication.
Purchasing a gift for a wedding is a tradition that can prove more difficult than many people realize. Though there is no hard rule stating all guests must bring a present to a reception, custom has made it a forced obligation for many. This is compounded by the fact that couples now spend more than the value of a new car on their nuptials. To make some of that money back, couples will rely on the generous gifts from family and friends.
If you haven’t been to many weddings in your life, you may want to know what the protocol is surrounding presents. Use these tips to learn more about the basic ways guests go about giving gifts.
Follow the Registry
Perhaps the easiest approach to wedding gifts is following the registry. Though it is not as commonplace for couples to create these lists as it once was, plenty of people still prefer this method of making requests. The couple will offer information on where they are registered when they send out invitations, which allows guests the maximum amount of time to find a perfect present. Custom dictates that anyone who receives an invitation should give a gift, but in modern times, those absent from the festivities rarely send presents.
Follow Your Heart
For some people, the act of selecting a present from a list can feel impersonal. If you feel particularly close to the happy couple, then you might not think a simple gift from a registry can provide the emotional impact you’d like. Instead, think about following your heart. This can take many forms, from a personalized present that includes pertinent details about the couple in the design to a gift you make on your own with love and dedication. Sentimental presents are always a nice route to consider when you want your gift to be remembered.
Follow the Gift Trends
Since the world of weddings has become a powerful business industry over recent decades, it makes sense that gift trends are a big part of the picture. If the couple hasn’t provided a registry and you’re short on good ideas, looking at blogs and articles centered on what’s currently in vogue with gifts can be quite useful. While you don’t need to buy any of the gifts suggested, per se, you can use this information to launch further research into what kinds of presents are out there.
Follow the Money
When push comes to shove, money might be the only gift that really matters. Though sentimental or practical presents might serve certain purposes, money can be used for anything. After spending a fortune on their nuptials, couples might be able to breathe easier knowing that their guests are giving them cash. As a rule of thumb, a cash gift should be roughly about $100 per plate. This means that you should give $200 if you were allowed to bring a guest.
Follow Up Later With A Gift
It is a popular misconception that a gift needs to be given to a couple at the wedding reception or on the wedding day. In truth, tradition allows guests a full year to accomplish this task. If you really don’t know what to get the couple or are short on funds, waiting until later can be a great way to find a present that feels fitting.
Being a guest at a big event means researching proper etiquette in advance. Instead of panicking and grabbing any old gift, take a step back and think over your options. Learn more about what kinds of presents are out there and find the perfect fit for a couple you care about.
After months of anticipation, Pope Francis’s visit to Canada was made in late July. In response to growing pressure to apologize for the Catholic Church’s role in the Canadian residential school system, the 85-year-old religious figure toured Edmonton, Quebec, and Iqaluit to meet with government officials and indigenous community leaders.
Accompanied by two Canadian Cardinals, Francis’s trip marks the most public acknowledgment of the Church’s wrongdoing in regards to the residential school system to date. The past year has put the Vatican under renewed scrutiny for its participation, prompted by the grim discovery of several mass graves where these schools once stood. While there is a sense that the Pope’s visit is a step in the right direction, some believe that his visit and apology do not go far enough.
Renewed Focus on Residential Schools
The Indian residential school system is a shameful part of Canadian history. The program provided government money to build and operate boarding schools to forcibly assimilate indigenous children into Canadian society. Enrollment in these schools was mandatory for indigenous children from the 1890s through the 1940s, and such schools continued to operate until the last one was closed in 1997.
Under this program, children were forcibly separated from their families, deprived of their culture, and subjected to numerous abuses. Tragically, these facilities were often rampant with disease. The poor sanitary conditions led to the deaths of thousands of children over the years. While this was known, this dark chapter had largely been buried until mass graves were uncovered in late 2021.
Increased scrutiny has put the Vatican under fire. As part of the Indian residential school system, the Canadian government disbursed funds to religious organizations to administer the program. With Catholicism having a strong presence in Canada, Indian residential schools were disproportionately under the jurisdiction of Catholic parishes.
Francis’s Visit vs. The Vatican
The resulting media attention that followed the discovery of the mass graves proved too strong to ignore. Indigenous leaders demanded a public apology from the Vatican, and ultimately arranged an audience with the Pope himself in Vatican City to air their grievances.
During the meeting, Francis grabbed headlines by extending a personal apology to the delegation of indigenous leaders. While his personal acknowledgement of the Church’s wrongdoing was applauded, it did not equate to an official apology from the Vatican itself.
The distinction between the Pope and Vatican’s respective positions was met with criticism by activists, and while his recent tour of Canada featured further expressions of sorrow, many activists feel more needs to be done.
Many activists felt that Francis’s apology failed to be specific about the scope and nature of the abuses suffered by indigenous children. Additionally, some argued that his apology put too much focus on individuals and not enough focus on the Church as an institution.
Interestingly enough, the Canadian government seems to echo this sentiment. Canada already issued a public apology in 2008 for its role in the atrocities, and now Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called for the Catholic Church itself to acknowledge its participation.
What We Can Learn Francis’s Visit
The atrocities committed during Canada’s residential school program are bigger than individuals. They are the culmination of broader beliefs and incentives, put forth by large institutions.
While it is true that individuals bear responsibility, individual accountability is not enough to make amends. Institutional acknowledgement and accountability are necessary because they require a reexamination of beliefs and practices. In order to truly atone and build a better future, powerful institutions must be reformed and rid themselves of the beliefs that underscored their wrongdoing.
Pope Francis has taken steps in the right direction, but the world waits for more action.
If you’ve ever been inside a Japanese garden, you may have seen lanterns on the ground or sitting on poles. Most of these lanterns have an umbrella-shaped top that’s either square or round. These belong to a class of lanterns called tōrō, a Japanese word that means “light basket” or “light tower.” These little lamps have a long history behind them, crossing national borders and lighting minds and hearts along the way.
A Trip Through Nations and Centuries
Tōrō appear in home and public gardens, but they were first used to light the way leading to a Buddhist temple or a Shinto shrine. Each path, called a sandō, starts with a tall gate known as a torii. Tōrō illuminated the main gate and lined the approach toward the temple’s or shrine’s entrance.
According to an entry from the Japanese Architecture and Art Net Users System, tōrō originated in China several centuries ago. Along with the Buddhist faith, these lamps came to Korea around the fourth century C.E. By the sixth century, both Buddhist temples and the tōrō illuminating them had made their way to Japan. From there, tōrō began appearing in Shinto shrines.
The Brooklyn Museum explains that tōrō likely originated in India, where Buddhism got its start. Lit lanterns are considered offerings to Buddha. Dharma Drum Mountain explains that they’re one of six types of offerings, along with water, incense, flowers, food, and perfume.
The Tale of Poor Woman Nanda
Meanwhile, lit lamps play an important role in the Buddhist story of Poor Woman Nanda. In the tale, Nanda felt sorrowful because she wanted to make an offering to Buddha but was too poor to afford anything. She begged tirelessly on the streets until she earned more money, then went to buy oil. Because she still didn’t have enough coin, the merchant asked what she needed the oil for. When she told him about her desire to make an offering, he gave her enough oil to completely light one lamp. At the temple, the Buddha declared that her lamp would never extinguish.
Sao, either a post or multiple legs that hold the lantern
Depending on a tōrō’s construction, it may have some additional components. The hōju rests on an ukebana, a supportive cup-shaped piece mounted on top of the kasa. Pedestal lanterns have kiso, or a base that’s either hexagonal or round. Some also have kidan, or slabs of rock that sit under the base.
Many Types of Tōrō
The Japanese Wiki Corpus mentions that tōrō are almost exclusively used outdoors. Many are fixed, which means they generally aren’t moved after installation. But some versions, known as oko-dōrō, appear indoors near altars inside Buddhist temples.
Tōrō come in two basic styles: hanging and non-hanging. Dai-dōrō, or non-hanging tōrō, typically fall into four categories. There are tachi-dōrō, pedestal lanterns with decorated light chambers. Ikekomi-dōrō are installed directly into the ground, so they don’t have bases or legs. Oki-dōrō are moveable lanterns usually supported by a base. Yukimi-dōrō are also moveable, sporting three to six legs and a wide cap that’s lower to the ground.
Light Leading to Life
Light has a practical purpose, but humans have given it greater symbolism. Many holidays have light as one of their key themes — for example, clay diyas lit for Divali or menorahs during Hanukkah. Like these other sacred lights, tōrō also bring deeper meaning with them. Perhaps light itself is an offering from the beginning of the universe. Without it, nothing would exist: not the cosmos, not our planet, and certainly not humankind.
Unless you’ve delved a bit into feng shui, you may see it more as an interior design art. While it does involve interior design in modern homes and offices, there are spiritual and philosophical ideas behind the practice. But there is probably lots more about this unique art that you may not know. Want to test your knowledge? Check out these cool and fascinating facts about feng shui.
You’re Probably Pronouncing It Wrong
Feng shui is pronounced “fung shway” and comes from two Chinese words: “feng,” which means wind, and “shui,” which translates as water. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, this term first appeared in English around 1797.
Feng shui has taken a while to spread into Western cultures. Some of the first English-language books on the subject date to the early 1970s. Many of these were academic texts — hardly anything like the “feng shui for dummies” type manuals you see today. The first book that’s even close to a feng shui manual was published in 1984: “Feng Shui: Ancient Wisdom for the Most Beneficial Way to Place and Arrange Furniture, Rooms and Buildings” by Sarah Rossbach.
Feng Shui Came From a Poem
While feng shui has major roots in Taoist philosophy, architect Anjie Cho mentions that the concept comes from an ancient Chinese poem. It comes from the Book of Burial, a text by Chinese historian Guo Pu written during the third or fourth century C.E. You can read the full text at Feng Shui Gate, but one excerpt details how qi works with wind and water:
The Classic says: Qi rides the wind and scatters, but is retained when encountering water.
The ancients collected it to prevent its dissipation, and guided it to assure its retention.
Thus it was called fengshui.
Why Curved Lines Are a Big Deal
If you’ve ever seen a house that uses feng shui principles, you may have noticed lots of curving, flowing lines and shapes. Cho explains why in a Mind Body Green piece by Sarah Regan. Cho mentions a belief from Chinese folklore that evil spirits can only move in straight lines. That’s why meandering paths and flowing border edges are key components of traditional Chinese gardens. You’ll find these elements in the feng shui gardens of Western homes as well.
Curved lines are also ideal in feng shui for another reason: They promote the flow of qi. Appropriately, Blue Lotus Feng Shui nicknames qi as “virtual water.” That life energy should move in a balanced way — not so slow so it gets stagnant, and not so fast that it rushes. Think of it this way: Standing water can gather disease-causing bacteria plus mold and pests such as mosquitoes and rats. And a tsunami hitting landfall at around 40 miles an hour can generate 1,700 pounds of force.
Feng Shui Uses Five Elements, Not Four
You likely know about the four elements — fire, earth, air, and water. These come from classical Greek thought, and we see them reflected in philosophies and arts like Western astrology. But feng shui uses five elements, collectively called “Wuxing”: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. They’re more like elemental states that can nurture or inhibit each other in creative and destructive cycles. They also represent different aspects of qi, the energy that flows through everything and everyone in our universe.
Feng shui has exploded in popularity over the last few decades. While you don’t need a degree in Chinese cultural studies to understand its basics, delving deep into the subject can yield some surprising knowledge. It also shows how much can get lost in translation. Simplifying concepts can help transmit them across languages and cultures, but there’s often much more below the surface.
One of the major milestones in a married couple’s life is finding a new place to call home together. Whether you’re ready to tie the knot with your partner or you’ve just recently wed, you’ll find that buying a house is a more complex process than buying a car or completing a gift registry. You’re in search of a place that you can lay your head to rest as well as start a family of your own. Here’s what Canadian couples should know about finding that perfect home.
Securing a Down Payment For your Home
Many Canadians will need to finance the purchase of a home with a mortgage from a bank or lender. These lenders expect you to provide a down payment to show that you have some skin in the game. Per the Canadian government, your down payment is a percentage of the property price as follows:
If the house is $1,000,000 or more, then the down payment is 20%.
For homes between $500,000 and $1,000,000, you’re expected to put 5% down for the first $500,000 and 10% down for any amount in excess.
For properties over $1,000,000, you’ll have to pony up at least 20%.
Keep in mind that 5% of a residence worth $500,000 is $25,000. Saving money for a down payment is a significant undertaking, especially for a young couple.
Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Unless you can afford to buy a house with cash, you’ll need a home loan. Before you start falling in love with various properties, get a pre-approval from a lender so you can know which properties will be covered by a mortgage. Getting pre-approved also locks in the interest rate for a loan for up to 120 days. Changes in interest rates can significantly impact your monthly loan repayment, so it’s important not to go into the house hunt blind. Keep in mind that what you can actually afford and the amount a lender is offering can be vastly different. Not all lenders are the same, so you should shop around for the best rates.
Finding a Real Estate Agent For Your Future Home
When buying a house, you’ll want to have someone on your side, representing your best interests and walking you through the process. A real estate agent is an expert on the purchasing process and brings knowledge of the local area and market analysis tools. He or she has experience in finding homes and often has other resources to help you find a property with the features that are most important to you. Your agent advocates for you and helps negotiate the best price for the house that you want. You can go through the process without an agent, but why would you, especially when many sellers have agents working with them?
Kicking the Tires
Buying a house without having an inspection done is not like buying clothes without trying them on. You cannot do a simple return if you find that the property has major problems, especially things that would have been revealed in an inspection. It’s important to hire an experienced inspector who can check the structure, the electrical and plumbing systems, and more to make sure you’re not getting more (or less) than what you bargained for. An inspector can help create a punch list of items that need to be repaired or addressed before a sale. The issues that come up may also be grounds for negotiating a lower price.
A new home is a big step in your life together as a new or soon-to-be-married couple. In addition to deciding on the features that both of you need and want, you’ll also need to get your finances together to apply for a mortgage and save money for a down payment. A good real estate agent will walk you through all the steps, helping you to find the perfect Canadian castle to call your own.
Most people getting married don’t think about a divorce. When you tie the knot with someone, the plan usually involves forever, or at least until death, as per exchanged vows. Although you’ve committed to sharing life, love, last names and more, things happen and you might find yourself contemplating a split. Marriage has legal implications and requirements in the Great White North. It should be no surprise that divorce does also. Here’s what Canadians like you should know about saying, “I don’t.”
Applying for a Divorce
First, Canadians must apply for divorce, making sure that these requirements are met:
You and your spouse were married in accordance with Canadian law, or under the laws of another nation with your union legally recognized in Canada.
Your marriage has broken down due to either adultery, living apart for at least one year or cruelty from your spouse, physical or mental.
At least you or your spouse has lived in the province where you’re filing for at least one year.
To file for divorce, both of you must be residents of Canada.
Breaking It Down
When it comes to ending your union, Canada has no-fault divorce. Your marriage must have broken down for any of the reasons listed above, as per the Divorce Act. If the year-long separation is your grounds for splitting up, the law allows a couple to live together for 90 days in an attempt to reconcile. This 90-day period may start before or after you submit an application. If things don’t work out, you can continue with the divorce process. If you and your partner decide to live in the same house while separated, you’ll need to consult an attorney to make sure the separation period is properly documented according to your province of residence.
Getting Started
Although the rules for divorce applications are federal, each province or territory has a specific process. You’ll need to make sure that you complete the correct forms, so it is strongly recommended that you seek legal counsel, if possible. It’s also advisable that you and your partner settle certain issues beforehand, such as custody, child support, spousal support and division of assets. Leaving these issues to the court will likely extend the time and costs of divorce. Some provinces and territories may offer mediation and other services to assist the two of you in making decisions. Consider taking advantage of family justice services, especially if you cannot afford an attorney.
Making A Divorce Official
Generally, your split becomes official 31 days after the judge grants it. You or your ex can request a certificate from the court that processed it. This certificate confirms the dissolution of your marriage and the date. If you’re not sure which court processed your case, you can contact the Central Registry of Divorce Proceedings, which may be able to provide the court information as well as a reference number to help locate the details. It will be helpful to have the date of your marriage and the full names and birthdates for you and your ex-spouse.
Considering Residency Exemptions
Generally, you cannot file for a divorce if neither of you lives in Canada; however, you may be able to end your union as per the Civil Marriage Act if both of the following are true:
You tied the knot in Canada.
Your marriage can’t be undone because your country of residence doesn’t recognize Canadian unions.
In this case, you should still seek legal advice, as there may be province-specific rules to consider. This process ends your marriage, but it doesn’t address any issues regarding children or assets.
A famous singer once sang that “breaking up is hard to do.” Canadian couples should know that there are rules to follow for divorce, just as there were for marriage. It’s important to understand what’s required to make a clean and lawful break, especially if remarriage is in your future.
