For hundreds of years, Christians have banded together to create organizations to help people on the margins of society, including people living in poverty and dealing with hardship. These causes often take Christians around the world as they look to uplift people who live in vastly different geographical settings. As people all over the globe face more and more severe weather events, Christians in Canada can’t help but look to the root cause, which is the climate crisis. Keep reading to learn about how Christians in Canada are rallying against climate change.
Why Is Climate Change a Christian Cause?
Most people wouldn’t immediately think of environmentalism as a Christian cause, so why is climate change suddenly on the radar of Christians in Canada? The simple answer is that Christian organizations are beginning to recognize that to make a real difference in the lives of the people they help, they need to address the root cause of suffering and hardship.
Giving money to charitable causes that raise funds for people experiencing record-shattering levels of drought and famine in Africa can only ease the symptoms of the issue, but it won’t alleviate the problem. When weather and climate conditions continue to grow more and more extreme year after year, people living in difficult situations will experience the consequences more acutely than those living in developed countries without agriculture and the natural world to survive. Christian organizations in Canada are starting to realize they need to work on these issues from a different angle and address climate change head-on.
What Are Canadian Christians Doing About Climate Change?
Canadian Christians are getting fired up about addressing climate change, and they are taking action to make their voices heard. Organizations such as Tearfund Canada and A Rocha Canada want to make sure that they stay relevant when it comes to making a difference. These organizations understand that young people in Canada feel strongly about climate change and that it is a significant issue for youth all over the world. Taking inspiration from youth movements, these organizations want to help raise awareness about the dangers of climate change among the Canadian public.
Making climate change a central issue within these organizations’ frameworks is a significant shift. It signals that climate change is on people’s minds and that they want to see policy change and action from their governments. The fact that Christians are looking at the underlying cause and pushing for greener policies in government is a sign that public pressure on this issue will only continue to build and build.
What Do Canadian Christians Hope Will Change in the Future?
Canadian Christians are rallying against climate change in the hopes that they can catalyze their communities and push for policy change in government. There is still a long way to go to reduce carbon emissions on a global scale, and Canadian Christians aren’t satisfied staying on the sidelines and waiting for the government to move forward at its own pace.
The issue of climate change isn’t hopeless either. If governments could agree on global standards and make a pact to reduce emissions worldwide, then it would be possible to slow down the temperature changes that are gripping the Earth. However, any changes made need to be implemented permanently, which means that governments and the public have to get on board with a new vision for how to exist safely with Mother Nature.
Canadian Christian organizations such as Tearfund Canada and A Rocha Canada understand that they can’t just throw money at poor families in Oceania and hope those families can make it through the climate crisis. Making a difference is going to take a much more focused effort, and it looks like Canadian Christians are gearing up for the task.
The fabric of daily life for most people in Canada has long included some spiritual elements. However, recent Pew Studies have highlighted a few key details suggesting that traditional religious beliefs are not as important as they were to previous generations. To gain some perspective on this, it can be useful to look at some of the biggest shifts that have taken place in the last few years. Review these statistics and learn the how and why of Canada’s current religious landscape.
Immigration and Population Changes
Canada has long been a nation that has welcomed immigrants from all over the world. From refugees looking for a more stable place to raise families to those simply seeking to reap the many advantages Canadian citizenship can offer, roughly 300,000 people from every corner of the globe immigrate to the country each year. As these numbers continue to grow, Canada has seen significant population increases in various religious groups. In the last decade, about 50% of immigrants to Canada come from the Middle East and Asia. For this reason, groups like Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims have grown.
However, people are also leaving Canada in consistent numbers. Reports state that about 25,000 Canadians emigrate to other countries annually. As this occurs, existing populations of those who follow different Christian beliefs have gone down. While Christianity is still the dominant religion of the country, these changes have seen the number lower significantly in a short amount of time.
Religion Has Less of an Impact
While the religious scene in Canada is becoming more diverse, the role of religion has become less important in many ways to citizens. Another study released by the Pew Research Center revealed that younger generations are not connecting to organized religion as much. Though many individuals may still identify as belonging to a particular religious group, a majority do not believe that religion has much of an influence on their routines. Younger generations are also adamant about keeping religion out of government affairs, whereas previous generations were more divided on the matter.
Personal Prayer Is More Important Than Religious Gatherings
There are a number of metrics that can be used when determining whether a person is actively involved with a religious group. However, younger Canadians are less inclined to take part in community activities. Daily or weekly worship, for example, has much less of an impact on this demographic than prayer. According to recent research, about 60% of all Canadians admit to praying on some type of regular basis. Conversely, only about 50% of the population attends worship services throughout the year.
Where You Live Dictates Your Religious Beliefs
Location has always impacted a person’s religious beliefs. However, reports from the last few years show that people of similar mindsets tend to move to certain regions of Canada. Census data has highlighted that Western Canada is populated by a large number of individuals who consider themselves non-religious. About 45% of citizens in this region consider themselves atheists, agnostics, or disinterested in the topic of religion altogether. On the other hand, cities like Quebec tend to have the strongest and most consistent population of people who identify as Roman Catholic.
People Are Fine With Other People’s Beliefs
International news is filled with plenty of stories about religious intolerance of all degrees. Though Canada is not without its fair share of incidents, studies have pointed out that the country is largely welcoming of other people’s beliefs. Though this will always vary from person to person, the country is routinely ranked as one of the best places to live for those who wish to practice their religion freely and without stigma.
Religion has always had some type of influence on life in Canada. To gain an understanding of how people will feel in the future, it can be helpful to review recent statistics and learn more about the “why” of it all.
As the wedding couple, you will probably be very busy through the ceremony and reception not thinking about entertainment. Your guests may have a completely different experience, from waiting for the caterer to serve dinner after the cocktail hour to waiting for the DJ to start the dancing. Hosting entertainment for those moments can make your guests remember your wedding fondly. Here are some of the best ideas to keep guests busy during the reception.
Hire a Petting Zoo
Even if you have a kids-free wedding, adults will enjoy getting to pet and watch animals in a petting zoo. Some petting zoos have a unique array of animals, hedgehogs, bunnies, ducks, alpacas, goats and more. The staff who come with the zoo will provide information and manage the creatures, so it’s educational and fun without a lot of extra work for anyone. Check with your venue to make sure it’s okay to have animals on site.
Table Games As Entertainment
Buy some travel games or decks of cards to place on the table to give guests something easy to do between courses or during speeches. Practically everyone remembers the classics, like checkers, backgammon or crazy eights, so you won’t need to provide instructions. Personalize the decks of cards with your photos and let guests take them home as a reminder of the wedding.
A Photo Scavenger Hunt
Give guests a list of ideas for pictures to take with their own phone or with a disposable camera. Make up two or three sets of lists so everyone at the same table has a different list. Ask them to post to social media with a unique wedding hashtag to make these photos easy to find. You’ll see much more of the reception through a different lens and get some great memories that your photographer might miss.
Hire Unique Entertainers
Your community probably has a lot of entertainers who would spend a couple of hours providing entertainment for a crowd. Think beyond musicians or circus-style performers. Hire a caricaturist, a magician or a balloon animal artist for the cocktail party in addition to any band or other entertainment. If you’ve ever been to a Renaissance faire, think about the street performers that kept you entertained while you walked around, the dancers, the bird of prey showcase or the comedians.
Set Up a Miniature Golf Course
Check with your local bounce house rental to see what kinds of games they offer. If your venue has space for a mini golf course or croquet, those kinds of games can keep old and young guests entertained for a while without wearing them out in the heat of the day. You may find some other neat game ideas as some party places rent casino games or carnival games that will keep guests busy instead of twiddling their thumbs.
Coloring Books or Advice Pages For Entertainment
On each table, place some crayons and coloring books. Adults and children alike often enjoy having something to keep their hands busy that is not mentally challenging. Give guests an opportunity to leave you a piece of wisdom or advice for your marriage by leaving special cards on the table.
Family and Guest Trivia Entertainment
Get guests to talk to each other by leaving cards with clues to information about each other at the table. Kind of like a “Guess Who” game. Or leave clues about the wedding party to see if guests can guess which person in the family can play the harmonica or some other unique attribute. You might even ask who is the oldest at the wedding or who traveled the farthest. Make sure to provide answers through the evening to see who got it right.
Give your guests a reason to enjoy your wedding by keeping them entertained throughout the day or evening.
They’re everywhere: adorable little cat figurines, each raising a single paw as if to say “hello.” They sit inside Japanese and Chinese restaurants and shops all over Canada, peering at us with huge round eyes and cute smiles on their little kitty faces. They’re said to bring good luck wherever they air. But what’s the story behind these statues? They’re called “maneki neko,” which means “beckoning cat” in Japanese. And they offer a fascinating look into Japanese beliefs and culture.
A Fabulously Fortunate Feline
Where did Lucky Cat come from? It depends on who you ask. One story involves a monk who lived at the Gotokuji temple during the 1400s. The monk was of meager means, but he cared for the temple as best he could. When a stray cat wandered into the temple one day, he allowed the creature to stay. The monk adored his cat, caring for it and sharing what little food he had with it. And one day, he asked the cat to bring him good luck.
Several days later, several samurai approached the monk and explained that the cat had waved to them from the road. One of the men, Lord Naotaka of Hikone, mentioned that he’d taken shelter under a tree during a thunderstorm when he’d seen the kitty waving. As he approached the cat to get a closer look, lightning struck the tree where he’d been standing. Grateful for the cat saving his life, Lord Naotaka donated to the temple and helped it grow into a major landmark.
Another story claims that a poor merchant found a starving stray cat near his stop. Despite his own financial struggles, he took the animal in and cared for it. The cat rewarded the merchant’s kindness by sitting in front of the shop and beckoning customers inside. The merchant’s business grew, bringing him greater prosperity.
The History of Maneki Neko Figurines
SFO Museum explains that artisans first began sculpting cat figurines during the late Edo period. During this time, Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate. The Encyclopedia Britannica mentions that lower social mobility and resistance to foreign influence were common during this time. But it also brought significant economic growth, especially for merchants and tradespeople.
Located on the west bank of the Sumida River, Tokyo’s Imado region is well known for its pottery. The same kilns that produced stoneware for Japan’s dining tables began producing simple maneki neko figurines during the mid-1800s. Over time, these figurines developed design variations like the ones we see in restaurants and shops today.
Crafting maneki neko statues is still a popular art form in modern Japan. Most come from Tokoname, a coastal town about 225 miles southwest of Tokyo. There’s even a giant cat statue, Tokonyan, located on Manekineko Street.
Packed With Unique Symbolism
Today, maneki neko figurines vary in color and size. But you’ll see some common details on most of these statues. Nearly all of them sport a bib attached at the neck, painted with coins and other good luck tokens. They also hold up a single paw, but it’s not always the same paw. A raised left paw brings good fortune to a business, while right-pawed versions invite wealth into one’s home. The statues’ color variations aren’t just for aesthetics, either: White represents happiness, black drives away evil, and gold attracts wealth.
Humans have been fascinated with cats for millennia. Maybe we don’t revere them as gods as the ancient Egyptians did, but we offer space in our homes and hearts for these wonderful beings. While maneki neko figurines are adorable, the stories behind them reveal some key beliefs. Whether tangibly or not, generosity can bring rewards to those who practice it.
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.
With the renewed focus on Canada’s history of forced assimilation against indigenous people, many are striving to learn more about their history and heritage.
The landmass now known as Canada was settled around 14,000 years ago. Evidence suggests that nomadic settlers reached Canada by crossing a land bridge revealed by a melting glacier. These nomads relied on herds of ancient mammals as a food source, and this new land bridge greatly expanded their hunting grounds.
Over time, indigenous Canadians would develop permanent settlements, agricultural practices, and vibrant societies. The rich and diverse cultures of Canada’s indigenous peoples are dispersed across three groups: Inuit, Metis, and the First Nations people.
European contact brought Catholicism to Canada. Sadly, the influence of European settlers culminated in a campaign of forced assimilation. Largely administered by Catholic churches, Canada’s residential school system sought to eliminate the culture and spiritual base of the indigenous tribes.
This policy has been the source of ongoing generational trauma. Additionally, it robbed the nation of the perspectives offered by alternative belief systems. Part of the process of healing and reconciliation requires a validation of indigenous spirituality and the richness it has to offer.
Key Ideas in Indigenous Spirituality
First, one must understand that the beliefs of the Inuit, Metis and First Nations people are not monolithic. In fact, the spiritual practices of these communities are as varied as the people themselves. Upon closer examination, though, consistent themes begin to emerge. As with any spiritual system, indigenous spirituality is multifaceted. Creation myths, spiritual practices, and Great Spirits are critical to understanding the principles of spirituality for the indigenous peoples of Canada.
Creation Myths
Much like other religions across the world, indigenous belief systems begin with stories about how the world came to be. The sacredness of the Earth is a common theme in the indigenous worldview, and this can be seen in their creation stories.
Among the First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people, various versions of the “Diver Myth” can be found. Passed down via oral tradition, this story tells of a protagonist who takes it upon themselves to bring the earth into existence. Depending on the community, this hero can take many forms. They can be supernatural, human, or even a combination of the two.
In the Diver narrative, the waters of the Earth are already present. The hero in the story dives down into the depths to retrieve mud and then fashions Earth from it.
Practices and Ceremonies
The institutions and practices that guide indigenous peoples are also diverse. However, what such practices hold in common is their relationship to Earth’s sacredness. For example, the Sun Dance is a sacred practice for First Nations people in Canada’s prairie regions. This midsummer festival was a community effort to pray for good fortune from the Earth that provided them life.
Great Spirits
The idea of a Great Spirit can be found across communities of indigenous people. While similar to the idea of God in Western traditions, the idea of a Great Spirit tends to be more abstract and less subject to wrath.
Much of indigenous spirituality is comfortable with the idea of uncertainty. Rather than doubling down on the idea that God is static, unchanging, and all-knowing, indigenous belief systems acknowledge the existence of a creator whose true nature can never be fully known. This idea is also known as the Great Mystery.
Spiritual practices are key to the way that societies interact with the world. As Canada looks to reexamine its history, expanding its capacity for belief and incorporating more perspectives into its worldview can create a richer experience for all.
Energy is everything in feng shui. This Chinese form of geomancy stresses room arrangement, building placement, and even burying the dead to best align with natural energies. Part of such placements relies on the command position. Maybe you’ve heard of it before, but what exactly is the commanding position? And how does feng shui say that it can benefit you? Keep reading to learn more about this intriguing element of a centuries-old art form.
How Qi Flows Within a Space
Feng shui is based on the idea that invisible energy flows through all of existence. This energy, known as qi, must move in a balanced fashion. You don’t want it too slow or too fast. Qi tends to rush when traveling in straight lines. That’s why you see a big emphasis on curved lines in feng shui — qi moves at just the right speed.
You also don’t want to be directly in qi’s path, especially if that path is a straight line. Consider that “feng shui” translates as “wind-water” from the original Chinese, so qi flows like both. In feng shui terms, being right in line with the door means you’ll get smacked with qi. Think of it like 50 MPH winds or water from a firehose — except it’s right in your face.
Safe and Secure in the Command Position
Architect and feng shui expert Anjie Cho explains how the commanding position works in a Mind Body Green article by Sarah Regan. It’s when you can see the door from your spot in the room without being in direct line with it. Cosmically speaking, you won’t get slapped with fast-moving qi. But you can also see who comes in and goes out of the room.
Seeing the door is just one reason the commanding position is critical. You also need to feel safe and secure in the room you occupy. Ideally, this means your back faces a wall or you’re in a “kitty-corner” position diagonally from the room’s entryway.
Placing Objects and Furniture
In a piece for The Spruce, Cho adds that certain objects in each room represent you and vital aspects of your life — your bed, desk, or stove, for instance. This is logical, considering that you either physically occupy these items or the close spaces they’re in while using them. The most important objects and furniture can vary by room. In the living room, for instance, you’d place your sofa in the commanding position.
When situating furniture and objects, you’ll also want to consider a few other vital details. For one, the commanding position is never in front of a window. That’s because windows are naturally more fragile thanks to the glass inside. They’re also portals, with the transparent glass allowing visibility inside. Having your back to a window is almost as bad as having your back to a door — you’re more vulnerable and you can’t see what’s coming up behind you.
While the commanding position is important in every room, it’s especially crucial in your bedroom. Expert Cathy Wong mentions in a Verywell Mind piece that you should never place your bed directly in line with a door. This is nicknamed “the coffin position” for a reason: It’s how we traditionally carry the dead out of a room in most cultures. Meanwhile, a bed under the window may undermine one’s feeling of security. There’s also the problem of qi coming in through the window. It can be disruptive, like water spraying onto your face from the outside.
Harmonizing With Natural Energy Flow
Feng shui defines the commanding position as the place where you feel the strongest and most secure inside your space. Placing your bed, desk, stove, seating, and other furniture in this position is advisable. This helps you take advantage of qi instead of qi taking advantage of you.
While most people associate monotheism with the three Abrahamic religions, the concept of a single, all powerful god was also promulgated in ancient Egypt.
Monotheism has long been associated with Abrahamic religions. The first verse of the Shema, the most significant prayer in Judaism, states: “Hear O’ Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.” The Islamic concept of Tawhid holds that God is singular and indivisible. In Christianity, the Trinity doctrine asserts that God is a singular entity with three persons. While these are our most familiar examples of monotheism, it isn’t limited to Abrahamic faiths. One of the most drastic shifts from polytheism to monotheism happened in a place you may not expect: ancient Egypt.
Atum: Father of the Gods
Thousands of years ago, Kemetic polytheism was the norm in Egypt. The Ancient History Encyclopediadescribes ma’at, the essential balance that governed the universe according to the Kemetic worldview. Atum, the chief deity, once existed alone on a great hill standing in the primordial swirl of chaotic nothingness. From him came humanity as well as the progenitors of Kemet’s primary gods. Osiris, Isis, Set, and Nephthys were Atum’s great-grandchildren. He had scores of other descendants, including Horus, Anubis, Bastet, and Hathor.
Religious and Political Divisions
Kemet’s unification in 3150 B.C.E. started nearly 3,000 years of dynastic rule. Yet the northern and southern regions didn’t always coexist harmoniously. Each had a distinctive religious subculture, according to ancient history professor James K. Hoffmeier: The sun god Ra was preeminent in the northern Delta region, while the south venerated Amun.
Kemet’s civil war started in 2150 B.C.E and lasted about 150 years. Each region had its own pharaoh, with Memphis as the north’s seat of power and Thebes as the south’s capital. Mentuhotep II, a Theban monarch, ended the war by defeating the northern rulers and reunifying the north and south. Amenemhet I, who founded Kemet’s Twelfth Dynasty, combined the north’s and south’s chief gods into a single deity: Amun-Ra.
A Sun God’s Royal Devotee
Amun was the chief deity during the first part of the New Kingdom period starting in 1570 B.C.E. Historian Joshua J. Mark mentions that Amun’s depictions combined the most essential attributes of both Atum and Ra, resulting in a god that encompassed every aspect of creation. Amun’s cult was extremely popular, to the point where ancient Kemetic religion embodied monotheism.
Amenhotep IV, who came to power in 1353 B.C.E, would change all of that. About five years later, he abandoned his worship of Atum and became a devotee of Aten. He enacted sweeping religious reforms, instituting a monotheism with Aten as its deity. He erased other deities’ names from public monuments, ordered Amun’s priests to serve the new god, and sent his palace guards to destroy relics, idols, and texts devoted to Amun. Another Encyclopedia Britannicapiece reveals that other gods suffered the same fate: Even Amun’s chief consort Mut and the word “gods” were removed from temples all over the land.
Amenhotep IV also changed his name to Akhenaten. Just for context, the name translates as “beneficial for Aten.” He dedicated several new temples to Aten, complete with iconography depicting the Aten sun disk shining its rays upon the royal family. In another Ancient History Encyclopediaarticle, Joshua J. Mark mentions that Akhenaten declared himself the living incarnation of Aten and his wife Nefertiti to be a god.
Uncertain Motives and a Complicated Legacy
What motivated Akhenaten to make such extreme changes? Political self-interest is one possibility: He could steal power and influence away from the Amun priesthood. Hoffmeier speculates that Akhenaten may have also experienced what he believed was a divine manifestation. Either way, his work was undone after he died. His son King Tut changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun, and Aten’s temples were later dismantled. Yet the records left behind show a fascinating yet troubling pattern that would be repeated in other cultures throughout human history.
The year 2020 is a leap year, and there are many traditions and folklore surrounding both leap years and the date of February 29th.
A leap year only comes around every four years ostensibly to synchronize the calendar year with the season, and 2020 is one of them. Non-leap years are called common years. The Gregorian calendar is not the only one that adds days to keep it on track. The Hebrew calendar adds a 13th month within its cycles to keep the seasons and calendar synchronous. On February 29, there are many traditions and folklore that make it fun.
Gender Role Reversals
Traditionally, men have proposed to women when it comes to marriage. There are a number of reasons for this, one of which is that a woman might appear desperate or too aggressive if they were the ones who proposed. The first legend of a woman having the option to propose is from the fifth century, when the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, granted permission to single women who had shy suitors to propose marriage. It’s thought that St. Brigid of Kildare requested that this tradition happen every leap year.
There’s another tradition that says Queen Margaret put a law on the books requiring a man to pay a fine if he turned the lady down, typically in the form of a pair of gloves, a flower and one pound. However, it’s unlikely that Queen Margaret actually did put the law into motion, because she was only five at the time the said law went into effect.
In Finland, the custom is that the man buys the woman fabrics for a skirt. In the 17th century, it is thought that women would wear a scarlet petticoat if they were going to take advantage of leap year and propose. This gave the potential groom fair warning.
Popular Culture
These traditions are most likely the precursor to Sadie Hawkins Day, which is the United States’ folk tradition celebrated on the first Saturday after November 9th. It’s a gender role reversal day when women and girls take the initiative to invite men on a date or even to propose marriage. Feminists of today believe the holiday is outdated, but some actually say that the tradition can empower women.
In 2010, Amy Adams starred in “Leap Year,” a movie that relates to the tradition of leap year. The character, Anna, follows her boyfriend to Dublin to propose on February 29. Through twists and turns, Anna is of course foiled, travels throughout Ireland and must face the truth about her relationship. It’s a fun and interesting movie.
Leap Year Traditions
In Greece, it’s considered unlucky to get married during the leap year. That must be rough on the wedding industry, because at least 20 percent of couples will avoid getting married during a leap year. In Greek culture, it’s also considered bad luck to start anything new during the leap year, whether it be baptizing a child, starting a business, or taking off on a journey. According to superstition, a marriage or engagement that begins in a leap year will undoubtedly end in a tragedy, such as divorce or death.
In Ukraine, the saint for February 29 is Cassian, who is said to have brought sickness to animals and people with a single gaze. According to legend, Cassian once refused to help a peasant get his cart out of the mud, which prompted God to limit Cassian to one saint’s day every four years. Ukrainians protect their animals and their families by staying inside on February 29. They also won’t marry on the day.
In Today’s Culture
Many people wonder if women really need a special day or year to propose to their partner. There have been some interesting proposals that have reached fame on the television and radio. Women just get tired of waiting for their partner to take the first step. Depending on what your cultural background is, this will ultimately determine whether you feel comfortable taking the step toward marriage during a leap year.
The humble coffee bean has a surprising religious history that weaves together many fascinating tails and origin stories.
Would you call your morning cup of coffee a mystical experience? In our quest to power up for the day, we probably don’t think about coffee’s origins. Yet this humble bean has a surprising religious history. It’s a fascinating and complex tale that began in Africa many centuries ago.
Coffee’s Ethiopian Origins
Coffee cultivation takes place in over 80 countries today, most of them located in tropical regions. One popular legend claims that an Ethiopian goat herder discovered the plant after noticing strange behavior out of his goats. After finding a green shrub decked with bright cherry-colored berries, he picked some of the fruit and brought it to a local monastery. The caffeine enabled the monks to stay awake, and the rest was history.
Except that it wasn’t really history.
Journalist Livia Gershon explains that the coffee plant did first grow wild in Ethiopia. However, the local tribespeople discovered it first. Thanks to its energizing properties, the bean was used as a sacrament in communal ceremonies. Hunters also imbibed it to stay alert and stave off hunger while seeking their prey. It eventually made its way to other parts of Africa, where other cultures found more uses for it. Some brewed a drink from the vivid red berries, while others roasted them in fat or chewed them without any prep. The Haya people of Tanzania even traded the beans as currency.
Java and Midnight Meditations
Just in case you thought the Ethiopian goat herder would get all the credit, there are two other myths about coffee’s origins. The Spruce‘s Lindsey Goodwin mentions one story in which a Sufi mystic finds and chews the berries during his journey through Ethiopia. Another tale claims that an exiled sheik on the verge of starvation discovered the plant in the wild. When he tossed the berries into his campfire, he fell in love with their aroma but found them too hard to chew. After trying to soften them in water, he drank the liquid and felt invigorated.
It’s hard to separate truth from myth, but we do know that Yemenite Sufi Muslims consumed coffee to keep alert during nighttime chanting rituals. Coffee eventually spread throughout the rest of the Muslim world, fueling Yemen’s economy for over 250 years. Many people drank it to stay awake during late-night Ramadan festivities, and coffeehouses sprung up to fuel the demand. More legends propagated about the bean’s origins, with some crediting Muhammed or the archangel Gabriel for gifting it to humanity.
Coffee Comes to Europe and America
Coffee was widely consumed in the Muslim world by the 1500s. Around this time, Europeans began encountering the drink during their travels. Although they found it bitter due to its initial lack of sugar, they loved its energizing effects. The drink soon came to Europe, where it was both loved and considered controversial. Just as in the Middle East, coffeehouses popped up in major cities throughout the continent. They became cultural centers and community meeting places, much like taverns were during America’s colonial era.
One often-repeated legend claims that several clerics asked Pope Clement VII to ban coffee, insisting that it was “Satan’s brew.” Yet when the pope tried coffee for himself, he enjoyed it so much that he gave it his blessing. From there, coffee came to the Americas, where early colonialists embraced the brew. “Coffee makes a man more reasonable, better able to concentrate and hardworking,” comments Laura Turner in the Washington Post. “No wonder people might see it going hand in hand with the Protestant work ethic.”
All Hail the Mighty Bean
Canada ranks third in the world for coffee consumption. For many of us, this bold brew is a must-have that fuels our bodies and minds. Whether or not we thank the divine for our daily drink, it certainly holds a revered place in our modern lives.
For hundreds of years, Christians have banded together to create organizations to help people on the margins of society, including people living in poverty and dealing with hardship. These causes often take Christians around the world as they look to uplift people who live in vastly different geographical settings. As people all over the globe face more and more severe weather events, Christians in Canada can’t help but look to the root cause, which is the climate crisis. Keep reading to learn about how Christians in Canada are rallying against climate change.
Why Is Climate Change a Christian Cause?
Most people wouldn’t immediately think of environmentalism as a Christian cause, so why is climate change suddenly on the radar of Christians in Canada? The simple answer is that Christian organizations are beginning to recognize that to make a real difference in the lives of the people they help, they need to address the root cause of suffering and hardship.
Giving money to charitable causes that raise funds for people experiencing record-shattering levels of drought and famine in Africa can only ease the symptoms of the issue, but it won’t alleviate the problem. When weather and climate conditions continue to grow more and more extreme year after year, people living in difficult situations will experience the consequences more acutely than those living in developed countries without agriculture and the natural world to survive. Christian organizations in Canada are starting to realize they need to work on these issues from a different angle and address climate change head-on.
What Are Canadian Christians Doing About Climate Change?
Canadian Christians are getting fired up about addressing climate change, and they are taking action to make their voices heard. Organizations such as Tearfund Canada and A Rocha Canada want to make sure that they stay relevant when it comes to making a difference. These organizations understand that young people in Canada feel strongly about climate change and that it is a significant issue for youth all over the world. Taking inspiration from youth movements, these organizations want to help raise awareness about the dangers of climate change among the Canadian public.
Making climate change a central issue within these organizations’ frameworks is a significant shift. It signals that climate change is on people’s minds and that they want to see policy change and action from their governments. The fact that Christians are looking at the underlying cause and pushing for greener policies in government is a sign that public pressure on this issue will only continue to build and build.
What Do Canadian Christians Hope Will Change in the Future?
Canadian Christians are rallying against climate change in the hopes that they can catalyze their communities and push for policy change in government. There is still a long way to go to reduce carbon emissions on a global scale, and Canadian Christians aren’t satisfied staying on the sidelines and waiting for the government to move forward at its own pace.
The issue of climate change isn’t hopeless either. If governments could agree on global standards and make a pact to reduce emissions worldwide, then it would be possible to slow down the temperature changes that are gripping the Earth. However, any changes made need to be implemented permanently, which means that governments and the public have to get on board with a new vision for how to exist safely with Mother Nature.
Canadian Christian organizations such as Tearfund Canada and A Rocha Canada understand that they can’t just throw money at poor families in Oceania and hope those families can make it through the climate crisis. Making a difference is going to take a much more focused effort, and it looks like Canadian Christians are gearing up for the task.
The fabric of daily life for most people in Canada has long included some spiritual elements. However, recent Pew Studies have highlighted a few key details suggesting that traditional religious beliefs are not as important as they were to previous generations. To gain some perspective on this, it can be useful to look at some of the biggest shifts that have taken place in the last few years. Review these statistics and learn the how and why of Canada’s current religious landscape.
Immigration and Population Changes
Canada has long been a nation that has welcomed immigrants from all over the world. From refugees looking for a more stable place to raise families to those simply seeking to reap the many advantages Canadian citizenship can offer, roughly 300,000 people from every corner of the globe immigrate to the country each year. As these numbers continue to grow, Canada has seen significant population increases in various religious groups. In the last decade, about 50% of immigrants to Canada come from the Middle East and Asia. For this reason, groups like Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims have grown.
However, people are also leaving Canada in consistent numbers. Reports state that about 25,000 Canadians emigrate to other countries annually. As this occurs, existing populations of those who follow different Christian beliefs have gone down. While Christianity is still the dominant religion of the country, these changes have seen the number lower significantly in a short amount of time.
Religion Has Less of an Impact
While the religious scene in Canada is becoming more diverse, the role of religion has become less important in many ways to citizens. Another study released by the Pew Research Center revealed that younger generations are not connecting to organized religion as much. Though many individuals may still identify as belonging to a particular religious group, a majority do not believe that religion has much of an influence on their routines. Younger generations are also adamant about keeping religion out of government affairs, whereas previous generations were more divided on the matter.
Personal Prayer Is More Important Than Religious Gatherings
There are a number of metrics that can be used when determining whether a person is actively involved with a religious group. However, younger Canadians are less inclined to take part in community activities. Daily or weekly worship, for example, has much less of an impact on this demographic than prayer. According to recent research, about 60% of all Canadians admit to praying on some type of regular basis. Conversely, only about 50% of the population attends worship services throughout the year.
Where You Live Dictates Your Religious Beliefs
Location has always impacted a person’s religious beliefs. However, reports from the last few years show that people of similar mindsets tend to move to certain regions of Canada. Census data has highlighted that Western Canada is populated by a large number of individuals who consider themselves non-religious. About 45% of citizens in this region consider themselves atheists, agnostics, or disinterested in the topic of religion altogether. On the other hand, cities like Quebec tend to have the strongest and most consistent population of people who identify as Roman Catholic.
People Are Fine With Other People’s Beliefs
International news is filled with plenty of stories about religious intolerance of all degrees. Though Canada is not without its fair share of incidents, studies have pointed out that the country is largely welcoming of other people’s beliefs. Though this will always vary from person to person, the country is routinely ranked as one of the best places to live for those who wish to practice their religion freely and without stigma.
Religion has always had some type of influence on life in Canada. To gain an understanding of how people will feel in the future, it can be helpful to review recent statistics and learn more about the “why” of it all.
As the wedding couple, you will probably be very busy through the ceremony and reception not thinking about entertainment. Your guests may have a completely different experience, from waiting for the caterer to serve dinner after the cocktail hour to waiting for the DJ to start the dancing. Hosting entertainment for those moments can make your guests remember your wedding fondly. Here are some of the best ideas to keep guests busy during the reception.
Hire a Petting Zoo
Even if you have a kids-free wedding, adults will enjoy getting to pet and watch animals in a petting zoo. Some petting zoos have a unique array of animals, hedgehogs, bunnies, ducks, alpacas, goats and more. The staff who come with the zoo will provide information and manage the creatures, so it’s educational and fun without a lot of extra work for anyone. Check with your venue to make sure it’s okay to have animals on site.
Table Games As Entertainment
Buy some travel games or decks of cards to place on the table to give guests something easy to do between courses or during speeches. Practically everyone remembers the classics, like checkers, backgammon or crazy eights, so you won’t need to provide instructions. Personalize the decks of cards with your photos and let guests take them home as a reminder of the wedding.
A Photo Scavenger Hunt
Give guests a list of ideas for pictures to take with their own phone or with a disposable camera. Make up two or three sets of lists so everyone at the same table has a different list. Ask them to post to social media with a unique wedding hashtag to make these photos easy to find. You’ll see much more of the reception through a different lens and get some great memories that your photographer might miss.
Hire Unique Entertainers
Your community probably has a lot of entertainers who would spend a couple of hours providing entertainment for a crowd. Think beyond musicians or circus-style performers. Hire a caricaturist, a magician or a balloon animal artist for the cocktail party in addition to any band or other entertainment. If you’ve ever been to a Renaissance faire, think about the street performers that kept you entertained while you walked around, the dancers, the bird of prey showcase or the comedians.
Set Up a Miniature Golf Course
Check with your local bounce house rental to see what kinds of games they offer. If your venue has space for a mini golf course or croquet, those kinds of games can keep old and young guests entertained for a while without wearing them out in the heat of the day. You may find some other neat game ideas as some party places rent casino games or carnival games that will keep guests busy instead of twiddling their thumbs.
Coloring Books or Advice Pages For Entertainment
On each table, place some crayons and coloring books. Adults and children alike often enjoy having something to keep their hands busy that is not mentally challenging. Give guests an opportunity to leave you a piece of wisdom or advice for your marriage by leaving special cards on the table.
Family and Guest Trivia Entertainment
Get guests to talk to each other by leaving cards with clues to information about each other at the table. Kind of like a “Guess Who” game. Or leave clues about the wedding party to see if guests can guess which person in the family can play the harmonica or some other unique attribute. You might even ask who is the oldest at the wedding or who traveled the farthest. Make sure to provide answers through the evening to see who got it right.
Give your guests a reason to enjoy your wedding by keeping them entertained throughout the day or evening.
They’re everywhere: adorable little cat figurines, each raising a single paw as if to say “hello.” They sit inside Japanese and Chinese restaurants and shops all over Canada, peering at us with huge round eyes and cute smiles on their little kitty faces. They’re said to bring good luck wherever they air. But what’s the story behind these statues? They’re called “maneki neko,” which means “beckoning cat” in Japanese. And they offer a fascinating look into Japanese beliefs and culture.
A Fabulously Fortunate Feline
Where did Lucky Cat come from? It depends on who you ask. One story involves a monk who lived at the Gotokuji temple during the 1400s. The monk was of meager means, but he cared for the temple as best he could. When a stray cat wandered into the temple one day, he allowed the creature to stay. The monk adored his cat, caring for it and sharing what little food he had with it. And one day, he asked the cat to bring him good luck.
Several days later, several samurai approached the monk and explained that the cat had waved to them from the road. One of the men, Lord Naotaka of Hikone, mentioned that he’d taken shelter under a tree during a thunderstorm when he’d seen the kitty waving. As he approached the cat to get a closer look, lightning struck the tree where he’d been standing. Grateful for the cat saving his life, Lord Naotaka donated to the temple and helped it grow into a major landmark.
Another story claims that a poor merchant found a starving stray cat near his stop. Despite his own financial struggles, he took the animal in and cared for it. The cat rewarded the merchant’s kindness by sitting in front of the shop and beckoning customers inside. The merchant’s business grew, bringing him greater prosperity.
The History of Maneki Neko Figurines
SFO Museum explains that artisans first began sculpting cat figurines during the late Edo period. During this time, Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate. The Encyclopedia Britannica mentions that lower social mobility and resistance to foreign influence were common during this time. But it also brought significant economic growth, especially for merchants and tradespeople.
Located on the west bank of the Sumida River, Tokyo’s Imado region is well known for its pottery. The same kilns that produced stoneware for Japan’s dining tables began producing simple maneki neko figurines during the mid-1800s. Over time, these figurines developed design variations like the ones we see in restaurants and shops today.
Crafting maneki neko statues is still a popular art form in modern Japan. Most come from Tokoname, a coastal town about 225 miles southwest of Tokyo. There’s even a giant cat statue, Tokonyan, located on Manekineko Street.
Packed With Unique Symbolism
Today, maneki neko figurines vary in color and size. But you’ll see some common details on most of these statues. Nearly all of them sport a bib attached at the neck, painted with coins and other good luck tokens. They also hold up a single paw, but it’s not always the same paw. A raised left paw brings good fortune to a business, while right-pawed versions invite wealth into one’s home. The statues’ color variations aren’t just for aesthetics, either: White represents happiness, black drives away evil, and gold attracts wealth.
Humans have been fascinated with cats for millennia. Maybe we don’t revere them as gods as the ancient Egyptians did, but we offer space in our homes and hearts for these wonderful beings. While maneki neko figurines are adorable, the stories behind them reveal some key beliefs. Whether tangibly or not, generosity can bring rewards to those who practice it.
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.
With the renewed focus on Canada’s history of forced assimilation against indigenous people, many are striving to learn more about their history and heritage.
The landmass now known as Canada was settled around 14,000 years ago. Evidence suggests that nomadic settlers reached Canada by crossing a land bridge revealed by a melting glacier. These nomads relied on herds of ancient mammals as a food source, and this new land bridge greatly expanded their hunting grounds.
Over time, indigenous Canadians would develop permanent settlements, agricultural practices, and vibrant societies. The rich and diverse cultures of Canada’s indigenous peoples are dispersed across three groups: Inuit, Metis, and the First Nations people.
European contact brought Catholicism to Canada. Sadly, the influence of European settlers culminated in a campaign of forced assimilation. Largely administered by Catholic churches, Canada’s residential school system sought to eliminate the culture and spiritual base of the indigenous tribes.
This policy has been the source of ongoing generational trauma. Additionally, it robbed the nation of the perspectives offered by alternative belief systems. Part of the process of healing and reconciliation requires a validation of indigenous spirituality and the richness it has to offer.
Key Ideas in Indigenous Spirituality
First, one must understand that the beliefs of the Inuit, Metis and First Nations people are not monolithic. In fact, the spiritual practices of these communities are as varied as the people themselves. Upon closer examination, though, consistent themes begin to emerge. As with any spiritual system, indigenous spirituality is multifaceted. Creation myths, spiritual practices, and Great Spirits are critical to understanding the principles of spirituality for the indigenous peoples of Canada.
Creation Myths
Much like other religions across the world, indigenous belief systems begin with stories about how the world came to be. The sacredness of the Earth is a common theme in the indigenous worldview, and this can be seen in their creation stories.
Among the First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people, various versions of the “Diver Myth” can be found. Passed down via oral tradition, this story tells of a protagonist who takes it upon themselves to bring the earth into existence. Depending on the community, this hero can take many forms. They can be supernatural, human, or even a combination of the two.
In the Diver narrative, the waters of the Earth are already present. The hero in the story dives down into the depths to retrieve mud and then fashions Earth from it.
Practices and Ceremonies
The institutions and practices that guide indigenous peoples are also diverse. However, what such practices hold in common is their relationship to Earth’s sacredness. For example, the Sun Dance is a sacred practice for First Nations people in Canada’s prairie regions. This midsummer festival was a community effort to pray for good fortune from the Earth that provided them life.
Great Spirits
The idea of a Great Spirit can be found across communities of indigenous people. While similar to the idea of God in Western traditions, the idea of a Great Spirit tends to be more abstract and less subject to wrath.
Much of indigenous spirituality is comfortable with the idea of uncertainty. Rather than doubling down on the idea that God is static, unchanging, and all-knowing, indigenous belief systems acknowledge the existence of a creator whose true nature can never be fully known. This idea is also known as the Great Mystery.
Spiritual practices are key to the way that societies interact with the world. As Canada looks to reexamine its history, expanding its capacity for belief and incorporating more perspectives into its worldview can create a richer experience for all.
Energy is everything in feng shui. This Chinese form of geomancy stresses room arrangement, building placement, and even burying the dead to best align with natural energies. Part of such placements relies on the command position. Maybe you’ve heard of it before, but what exactly is the commanding position? And how does feng shui say that it can benefit you? Keep reading to learn more about this intriguing element of a centuries-old art form.
How Qi Flows Within a Space
Feng shui is based on the idea that invisible energy flows through all of existence. This energy, known as qi, must move in a balanced fashion. You don’t want it too slow or too fast. Qi tends to rush when traveling in straight lines. That’s why you see a big emphasis on curved lines in feng shui — qi moves at just the right speed.
You also don’t want to be directly in qi’s path, especially if that path is a straight line. Consider that “feng shui” translates as “wind-water” from the original Chinese, so qi flows like both. In feng shui terms, being right in line with the door means you’ll get smacked with qi. Think of it like 50 MPH winds or water from a firehose — except it’s right in your face.
Safe and Secure in the Command Position
Architect and feng shui expert Anjie Cho explains how the commanding position works in a Mind Body Green article by Sarah Regan. It’s when you can see the door from your spot in the room without being in direct line with it. Cosmically speaking, you won’t get slapped with fast-moving qi. But you can also see who comes in and goes out of the room.
Seeing the door is just one reason the commanding position is critical. You also need to feel safe and secure in the room you occupy. Ideally, this means your back faces a wall or you’re in a “kitty-corner” position diagonally from the room’s entryway.
Placing Objects and Furniture
In a piece for The Spruce, Cho adds that certain objects in each room represent you and vital aspects of your life — your bed, desk, or stove, for instance. This is logical, considering that you either physically occupy these items or the close spaces they’re in while using them. The most important objects and furniture can vary by room. In the living room, for instance, you’d place your sofa in the commanding position.
When situating furniture and objects, you’ll also want to consider a few other vital details. For one, the commanding position is never in front of a window. That’s because windows are naturally more fragile thanks to the glass inside. They’re also portals, with the transparent glass allowing visibility inside. Having your back to a window is almost as bad as having your back to a door — you’re more vulnerable and you can’t see what’s coming up behind you.
While the commanding position is important in every room, it’s especially crucial in your bedroom. Expert Cathy Wong mentions in a Verywell Mind piece that you should never place your bed directly in line with a door. This is nicknamed “the coffin position” for a reason: It’s how we traditionally carry the dead out of a room in most cultures. Meanwhile, a bed under the window may undermine one’s feeling of security. There’s also the problem of qi coming in through the window. It can be disruptive, like water spraying onto your face from the outside.
Harmonizing With Natural Energy Flow
Feng shui defines the commanding position as the place where you feel the strongest and most secure inside your space. Placing your bed, desk, stove, seating, and other furniture in this position is advisable. This helps you take advantage of qi instead of qi taking advantage of you.
While most people associate monotheism with the three Abrahamic religions, the concept of a single, all powerful god was also promulgated in ancient Egypt.
Monotheism has long been associated with Abrahamic religions. The first verse of the Shema, the most significant prayer in Judaism, states: “Hear O’ Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.” The Islamic concept of Tawhid holds that God is singular and indivisible. In Christianity, the Trinity doctrine asserts that God is a singular entity with three persons. While these are our most familiar examples of monotheism, it isn’t limited to Abrahamic faiths. One of the most drastic shifts from polytheism to monotheism happened in a place you may not expect: ancient Egypt.
Atum: Father of the Gods
Thousands of years ago, Kemetic polytheism was the norm in Egypt. The Ancient History Encyclopediadescribes ma’at, the essential balance that governed the universe according to the Kemetic worldview. Atum, the chief deity, once existed alone on a great hill standing in the primordial swirl of chaotic nothingness. From him came humanity as well as the progenitors of Kemet’s primary gods. Osiris, Isis, Set, and Nephthys were Atum’s great-grandchildren. He had scores of other descendants, including Horus, Anubis, Bastet, and Hathor.
Religious and Political Divisions
Kemet’s unification in 3150 B.C.E. started nearly 3,000 years of dynastic rule. Yet the northern and southern regions didn’t always coexist harmoniously. Each had a distinctive religious subculture, according to ancient history professor James K. Hoffmeier: The sun god Ra was preeminent in the northern Delta region, while the south venerated Amun.
Kemet’s civil war started in 2150 B.C.E and lasted about 150 years. Each region had its own pharaoh, with Memphis as the north’s seat of power and Thebes as the south’s capital. Mentuhotep II, a Theban monarch, ended the war by defeating the northern rulers and reunifying the north and south. Amenemhet I, who founded Kemet’s Twelfth Dynasty, combined the north’s and south’s chief gods into a single deity: Amun-Ra.
A Sun God’s Royal Devotee
Amun was the chief deity during the first part of the New Kingdom period starting in 1570 B.C.E. Historian Joshua J. Mark mentions that Amun’s depictions combined the most essential attributes of both Atum and Ra, resulting in a god that encompassed every aspect of creation. Amun’s cult was extremely popular, to the point where ancient Kemetic religion embodied monotheism.
Amenhotep IV, who came to power in 1353 B.C.E, would change all of that. About five years later, he abandoned his worship of Atum and became a devotee of Aten. He enacted sweeping religious reforms, instituting a monotheism with Aten as its deity. He erased other deities’ names from public monuments, ordered Amun’s priests to serve the new god, and sent his palace guards to destroy relics, idols, and texts devoted to Amun. Another Encyclopedia Britannicapiece reveals that other gods suffered the same fate: Even Amun’s chief consort Mut and the word “gods” were removed from temples all over the land.
Amenhotep IV also changed his name to Akhenaten. Just for context, the name translates as “beneficial for Aten.” He dedicated several new temples to Aten, complete with iconography depicting the Aten sun disk shining its rays upon the royal family. In another Ancient History Encyclopediaarticle, Joshua J. Mark mentions that Akhenaten declared himself the living incarnation of Aten and his wife Nefertiti to be a god.
Uncertain Motives and a Complicated Legacy
What motivated Akhenaten to make such extreme changes? Political self-interest is one possibility: He could steal power and influence away from the Amun priesthood. Hoffmeier speculates that Akhenaten may have also experienced what he believed was a divine manifestation. Either way, his work was undone after he died. His son King Tut changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun, and Aten’s temples were later dismantled. Yet the records left behind show a fascinating yet troubling pattern that would be repeated in other cultures throughout human history.
The year 2020 is a leap year, and there are many traditions and folklore surrounding both leap years and the date of February 29th.
A leap year only comes around every four years ostensibly to synchronize the calendar year with the season, and 2020 is one of them. Non-leap years are called common years. The Gregorian calendar is not the only one that adds days to keep it on track. The Hebrew calendar adds a 13th month within its cycles to keep the seasons and calendar synchronous. On February 29, there are many traditions and folklore that make it fun.
Gender Role Reversals
Traditionally, men have proposed to women when it comes to marriage. There are a number of reasons for this, one of which is that a woman might appear desperate or too aggressive if they were the ones who proposed. The first legend of a woman having the option to propose is from the fifth century, when the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, granted permission to single women who had shy suitors to propose marriage. It’s thought that St. Brigid of Kildare requested that this tradition happen every leap year.
There’s another tradition that says Queen Margaret put a law on the books requiring a man to pay a fine if he turned the lady down, typically in the form of a pair of gloves, a flower and one pound. However, it’s unlikely that Queen Margaret actually did put the law into motion, because she was only five at the time the said law went into effect.
In Finland, the custom is that the man buys the woman fabrics for a skirt. In the 17th century, it is thought that women would wear a scarlet petticoat if they were going to take advantage of leap year and propose. This gave the potential groom fair warning.
Popular Culture
These traditions are most likely the precursor to Sadie Hawkins Day, which is the United States’ folk tradition celebrated on the first Saturday after November 9th. It’s a gender role reversal day when women and girls take the initiative to invite men on a date or even to propose marriage. Feminists of today believe the holiday is outdated, but some actually say that the tradition can empower women.
In 2010, Amy Adams starred in “Leap Year,” a movie that relates to the tradition of leap year. The character, Anna, follows her boyfriend to Dublin to propose on February 29. Through twists and turns, Anna is of course foiled, travels throughout Ireland and must face the truth about her relationship. It’s a fun and interesting movie.
Leap Year Traditions
In Greece, it’s considered unlucky to get married during the leap year. That must be rough on the wedding industry, because at least 20 percent of couples will avoid getting married during a leap year. In Greek culture, it’s also considered bad luck to start anything new during the leap year, whether it be baptizing a child, starting a business, or taking off on a journey. According to superstition, a marriage or engagement that begins in a leap year will undoubtedly end in a tragedy, such as divorce or death.
In Ukraine, the saint for February 29 is Cassian, who is said to have brought sickness to animals and people with a single gaze. According to legend, Cassian once refused to help a peasant get his cart out of the mud, which prompted God to limit Cassian to one saint’s day every four years. Ukrainians protect their animals and their families by staying inside on February 29. They also won’t marry on the day.
In Today’s Culture
Many people wonder if women really need a special day or year to propose to their partner. There have been some interesting proposals that have reached fame on the television and radio. Women just get tired of waiting for their partner to take the first step. Depending on what your cultural background is, this will ultimately determine whether you feel comfortable taking the step toward marriage during a leap year.
The humble coffee bean has a surprising religious history that weaves together many fascinating tails and origin stories.
Would you call your morning cup of coffee a mystical experience? In our quest to power up for the day, we probably don’t think about coffee’s origins. Yet this humble bean has a surprising religious history. It’s a fascinating and complex tale that began in Africa many centuries ago.
Coffee’s Ethiopian Origins
Coffee cultivation takes place in over 80 countries today, most of them located in tropical regions. One popular legend claims that an Ethiopian goat herder discovered the plant after noticing strange behavior out of his goats. After finding a green shrub decked with bright cherry-colored berries, he picked some of the fruit and brought it to a local monastery. The caffeine enabled the monks to stay awake, and the rest was history.
Except that it wasn’t really history.
Journalist Livia Gershon explains that the coffee plant did first grow wild in Ethiopia. However, the local tribespeople discovered it first. Thanks to its energizing properties, the bean was used as a sacrament in communal ceremonies. Hunters also imbibed it to stay alert and stave off hunger while seeking their prey. It eventually made its way to other parts of Africa, where other cultures found more uses for it. Some brewed a drink from the vivid red berries, while others roasted them in fat or chewed them without any prep. The Haya people of Tanzania even traded the beans as currency.
Java and Midnight Meditations
Just in case you thought the Ethiopian goat herder would get all the credit, there are two other myths about coffee’s origins. The Spruce‘s Lindsey Goodwin mentions one story in which a Sufi mystic finds and chews the berries during his journey through Ethiopia. Another tale claims that an exiled sheik on the verge of starvation discovered the plant in the wild. When he tossed the berries into his campfire, he fell in love with their aroma but found them too hard to chew. After trying to soften them in water, he drank the liquid and felt invigorated.
It’s hard to separate truth from myth, but we do know that Yemenite Sufi Muslims consumed coffee to keep alert during nighttime chanting rituals. Coffee eventually spread throughout the rest of the Muslim world, fueling Yemen’s economy for over 250 years. Many people drank it to stay awake during late-night Ramadan festivities, and coffeehouses sprung up to fuel the demand. More legends propagated about the bean’s origins, with some crediting Muhammed or the archangel Gabriel for gifting it to humanity.
Coffee Comes to Europe and America
Coffee was widely consumed in the Muslim world by the 1500s. Around this time, Europeans began encountering the drink during their travels. Although they found it bitter due to its initial lack of sugar, they loved its energizing effects. The drink soon came to Europe, where it was both loved and considered controversial. Just as in the Middle East, coffeehouses popped up in major cities throughout the continent. They became cultural centers and community meeting places, much like taverns were during America’s colonial era.
One often-repeated legend claims that several clerics asked Pope Clement VII to ban coffee, insisting that it was “Satan’s brew.” Yet when the pope tried coffee for himself, he enjoyed it so much that he gave it his blessing. From there, coffee came to the Americas, where early colonialists embraced the brew. “Coffee makes a man more reasonable, better able to concentrate and hardworking,” comments Laura Turner in the Washington Post. “No wonder people might see it going hand in hand with the Protestant work ethic.”
All Hail the Mighty Bean
Canada ranks third in the world for coffee consumption. For many of us, this bold brew is a must-have that fuels our bodies and minds. Whether or not we thank the divine for our daily drink, it certainly holds a revered place in our modern lives.
