May 21 is the United Nations designated international holiday to promote inclusivity and diversity. The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development was adopted after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington D.C. This year, the Third World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue takes place in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan on the theme: “Sharing Culture for a Shared Security” in May. Five different international organizations have planned this conference for world leaders to promote cultural awareness.
Why Is Diversity Important?
Almost all of the world’s major conflicts have an aspect of cultural dimension. Understanding the differences in cultures and religions builds bridges on what is common to everyone. Acknowledging the value of all cultures and ethnicities promotes inclusivity, according to Peter Mousaferiadis, creator of the 1st prize in the #DoOneThing video contest, “Diversified We Grow.” The video is available on YouTube, and it is a nice introduction to the question of why diversity is so vital in today’s multiracial world.
What Can You Do to Promote Diversity?
The UN offers these 10 suggestions for individuals and families who can’t attend an international conference.
Watch a movie or read a book about a religion other than your own.
Have dinner with another family whose background is much different than yours.
Visit museums and art exhibits that celebrate other cultures and traditions.
Study philosophers and historians from other countries to gain a different perspective.
Attend a worship service outside of your own religion. Contact the leader before you attend if you are concerned about the worship traditions and participation.
Play a game in which you put a post-it with the name of country on it on your forehead. Others tell you stereotypes about the country and you have to guess which one it is.
Read the ULC blog and others for information about celebrations around the world, such as Hanukkah, the Holi Festival of Colors, or the Chinese New Year.
Talk about your own culture with your family.
Listen to music from around the world.
Invite others to speak to your group about their traditions.
Join the Facebook campaign at “Do One Thing For Diversity and Inclusion” for more ideas about encouraging inclusivity in your community. This grassroots campaign encourages people to take action for diversity and promotes concrete ideas to do just that. There may be no way for you to change a conflict in Bangladesh, but you can prevent arguments in your community.
This campaign also sponsored the #DoOneThing video contest. The second place winner, “Tomato Story” By Lidiia Kozhevnikova is a very powerful story of how differences can be attractive. After you’ve found the first two videos, catch the third place winner, “Me and the differences” By Francesco Lucantoni. The contest is from 2013, but the message is timeless. Keep scrolling down the timeline and you’ll find a number of other cute videos with the same message.
Small Steps by Individuals Make Changes
A person’s cultural background affects their behavior and performance, but a person’s behavior and performance can also affect their culture. It’s important to understand how the dynamics of culture and religion shape a person, in order to challenge stereotypes and remove barriers between misunderstandings. None of these things happen overnight. It’s the small changes individuals make in their own lives that shifts the country’s thinking over time.
Join the celebration on May 21 by doing one thing to promote cultural diversity. Work within your own organization or church to encourage unity amid the differences in your community. The United Nations webpage on Cultural Diversity Day offers numerous resources both globally and locally. Promoting diversity discourages racism and intolerance. It starts with each person making strides to understand their neighbors.
On December 6, 1989, at l’Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal, 14 young women were gunned down by a man who was deliberately targeting women on the campus. This year marks the 26th anniversary of this tragic event, which is now commemorated by the Rose Campaign. The message heard around the country after this tragedy was “First Mourn, Then Work for Change.” Take this day as a message of hope for women who deal with violence.
Domestic Violence Statistics
Research indicates that more than 50 percent of women in Canada will experience some form of violence within their life. Younger women are more often targets of violence, and most women know their abuser. It’s estimated that this violence against women costs Canadians over $7 billion annually. It’s not just medical costs, but social services fees and lost productivity.
Women are not the only victims of domestic violence. Children witness these attacks, and it affects their own development. They cannot learn in school when they are scared of what will happen at home. When a child does see violence in the home, he or she is likely to develop long-term behavioral issues. This increases the costs associated with domestic violence, because the child may require therapy to address these issues and to be able to cope with the stress.
Who Is at Risk?
According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, violence against women is not limited to certain ethnic or religious groups, nor is it limited to any particular age or income group. Whether you’re atheist or Christian, this problem relates to everyone in the country. Unfortunately, there is one group in Canada that has an increased risk. Women of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis are 3.5 times more likely to be victims of violence than non-Aboriginal women. In fact, they are eight times more likely to be killed by their partner. Immigrant women and those with a disability are also higher-risk victims. Sadly, often when women go to get help, they may be dismissed by the police, the medical team, or family members who don’t want to acknowledge that there is a problem.
December 6 Activities
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women was established in 1991 by Parliament. The flag is flown at half-mast on federal buildings. The day is also known as White Ribbon Day. Canadians wear white or purple ribbons to show their support to end violence against women. In some locations, a moment of silence is observed in remembrance of the victims and to demonstrate support.
The Rose Campaign is the main advocacy program that drives awareness of domestic violence in Canada. It started a Light the Night Against Violence movement across the nation as another way to draw attention. Many monuments, bridges, and buildings will be lit up in red to take a stand. Vancouver City Hall, Yellowknife City Hall, CN Tower, and Science World are just a few of the buildings that will be alight that night. In Ontario, there will be memorial services and candlelight vigils as part of the commemoration.
How You Can Take Action Against Violence
Reflect on these statistics to understand the problem. Consider your circle of female friends. Half of them have probably experienced some form of domestic violence over their lifetime. What would you do if they admitted it to you?
Participate in the activities on December 6 to show your support for ending domestic violence. The response cannot stop there. It’s important to speak up about violence when you see it in your community. Those who commit violence need to be encouraged to get help. Women who experience violence need a place to be safe. Be a beacon of light in your community and help to fight this awful crime that transcends age, ethnicity, race, and religion.
The United Nations has designated October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. According to Globalissues.org, over three billion people, or half of the world’s population, live on less than $3.29CAD per day. In Canada, according to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, about 14 percent of the population have what is called “low income.” That means they make less than half of the median income, but the group is not truly labeled poor. Lack of income is just one way of measuring poverty. Because Canada is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, we shouldn’t have almost five million people living without food or housing.
Although organizations measure poverty differently, it is agreed that certain subsets of Canadians are worse off than others. Aboriginal Canadians tend to make about 30 percent less than the rest of the population. Immigrants, seniors and those with disabilities are also at a higher risk of being affected by poverty. UNICEF measures child poverty, even in rich nations. Canada has 13.3 percent of its children living in poverty, compared to the average 11 percent in the other 35 economically advanced countries.
How Are You Affected By Poverty?
You may have a roof over your head and food in your refrigerator and get regular health care. However, poverty is a significant burden on the economy. It’s estimated that poverty costs Ontario about 6 percent of its Gross Domestic Product each year. Those who live in poverty have higher health care expenses, because their health is exacerbated by not having their basic needs met. Poverty shortens a person’s life by about 21 years. About 200,000 Canadians experience homelessness each year, and the figures are increasing due to the rising costs of housing and rising debt levels.
Personally, you may not ever experience poverty or have a reason to be concerned about knowing where your next meal is coming from. That’s not the reality for many of your neighbors. Whether or not you know these people, you should be aware of the effects of poverty on your community and the country. It takes more resources to help those individuals. Students who don’t have enough don’t learn effectively. Men and women who don’t have a home often don’t have a job. It hurts everyone when those people have to be supported.
A Plan to Reduce Poverty
In 2016, the Standing Committee on Human Resources developed a National Anti-Poverty Plan that recommends how poverty can be eradicated in our country. It’s been argued that investing in reducing child poverty has a huge return on future spending by the government in social assistance, criminal justice and the health system. This plan is comprehensive and considerate. It is guided by human rights, ensuring that those in need have dignity in getting assistance. It includes:
Early childhood education and care that is publicly funded
Investment for indigenous education and economic development
Improvements to the Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement programs to lift seniors out of poverty
Development of a policy concerning right to food
Improving the nutritional programs in the country
Implementing a national pharmacy program for prescription drug care for everyone
Federal minimum wage increases
Many organizations will be pushing the government to make steps in reducing poverty in Canada. The plan has been released but not accepted by Parliament. Join the Twitter or Facebook feed of Citizens for Public Justice to follow its progress and to learn how you can help. It’s going to take each of us to work together to make a difference in the lives of all. “It is never acceptable for a rich country to do nothing about poverty, and now is certainly not the time,” said Leilani Farha, Canada Without Poverty’s Executive Director. “The rights of 4.8 million people are being violated and yet the Federal Government hardly seems concerned. Our plan lays out the framework for a successful national anti-poverty plan.”
Beginning in November, some people sport red poppies on their lapels to honor those who died in military conflicts. Americans wear red poppies in May for the same reason. White poppies are for those who passed away in service, but not during a conflict. On November 11, we celebrate Remembrance Day. Some churches have special services. If you have family members who passed away during the war, you may go out to their grave and honor them. Canada recognizes Remembrance Day as a national holiday, but for many, it’s just another day off work. Learn more about the importance of this day and why we wear red poppies.
World War I
It was the British Empire that chose to take Canada into the First World War. Nearly 61,000 Canadians died in the conflict, making it the bloodiest war in our history. However, it gave the country confidence to be a world leader. It was in April 1915, at the Second Battle of Ypres where one Canadian division lost over 6,000 men. Major John McCrae, who was serving as a doctor at the time, is thought to have composed a poem, “In Flanders Fields” during his time in this battle as a tribute to his friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer. The poem begins:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
Why the Poppy?
The Scarlet Corn Poppies thrived in Europe under barren conditions. During the Napoleonic Wars that ravished the land, these poppies were the one plant that grew and covered the land. When the armies arrived in Europe to battle the Germans, soldiers were greeted by fields of poppies that flourished on bare land.
When McCrae used the poppy in his poem as a tribute to the sacrifice, he honored this plant that many almost saw as kind of a weed. In 1921, the Royal British Legion adopted the symbol for those who died in the war and in later conflicts. A few years later, a women’s guild introduced the white poppy as a lasting symbol of peace. Some people saw the white poppy undermining the significance of the red poppy, but these two ideas, honoring those who died and praying for peace, can coexist.
Red Poppies & National Celebrations
Remembrance Day is celebrated on November 11 to mark the end of World War I. Sometimes it is called Armistice Day or Poppy Day. Many other countries celebrate the day, including Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, and the United States. World War I affected people worldwide, not just where the fighting was, but in countries that sent soldiers to the warfront.
Although the federal government recognizes Remembrance Day, each of the provinces treat the day much differently. In Manitoba, most businesses close from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In other places, it’s up to the employer to give decide if they want to give a holiday. Whether you get to take the day off or not, you should remember those valiant men who fought for freedom in foreign wars. If you ever get a chance to attend the official ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, it’s a tribute that you’ll never forget.
Everyone can get behind the symbolism of the red poppy. The men who fought in the military deserve to be remembered for their service. Make a point to read “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae. Hear the respect he had for those who served and died on the battlefield. Take a few moments on November 11 to remember the men who gave everything for Canada.
There have been many shifts to Canada’s cultural landscape in recent years. While some areas remain immersed in tradition, there are regions where major changes are taking place. This is especially true when it comes to religion. Studies conducted over the last decade highlight a number of evolutions that have occurred when it comes to how Canadians view spiritual matters. Take a look at these facts and learn more about these changes and how they are impacting everyday life throughout the country.
Younger Generations Feel Less Connected to Religion
According to surveys conducted throughout the 1970s, most Canadians identified with some type of religion. In fact, more than half of the population was connected to different denominations of Christianity. Only about 4% of the population identified as being non-religious. When Canadians were surveyed again 40 years later in the 2010s, the percentage of the population who did not identify with any type of religion rose dramatically to 24%. The data suggests that younger generations have less of a connection to religion than previous generations did.
Immigration Is Impacting Religion in Canada
Canada has long been a place that has welcomed immigrants from all over the world. However, there have been recent changes to where these migrants are coming from. For many years, most of the people who moved to Canada came from European nations. Now, the majority of immigrants entering the country are coming from the Middle East and Asia. This change has had a direct impact on the religious makeup of Canada. According to research from 2018, about 8% of the population now identifies as being connected to Buddhism, Islam, or Hinduism.
Many Canadians Don’t View as Religion Important
A Pew Research survey from 2013 highlighted that many Canadians did not engage in everyday religious practices like praying. What’s more, only about 25% of those surveyed admitted to going to any type of weekly religious gathering like church. However, this same study pointed out that a good chunk of the population viewed religion as important to the fabric of society. This data suggests that many Canadians feel connected to their religious ideologies without feeling the need to consistently engage with the rituals and traditions connected to these belief systems.
Canada’s Constitution Protects Freedom of Religion
Citizens of Canada are allowed to practice whatever religion they wish without fear of persecution from the government. Because freedom of religion is written into the nation’s constitution, it has directly impacted how tolerant many Canadians are of other religions. Still, there are situations where members of the public raise a fuss about certain religious practices. An example of this comes from 2018 when a woman was targeted in Quebec for wearing a hijab while in a courtroom. Though she was asked to remove her hijab, higher courts in the region viewed the move as unconstitutional.
Most Canadians Don’t Associate Good Morals With Religion
Around the world, many people believe that good morals stem from a strong religious background. A majority of Canadians don’t believe this. When surveyed about the topic, around 70% of participants stated that it was not necessary to believe in God in order to be a good person. This has remained a consistent belief among the population for many years. Surveys on the subject were conducted in 2002, 2007, 2013, and 2018, and the responses were similar across the board. The data suggests that the religious tolerance of the average Canadian shapes his or her views on morality.
Though Canada is a place where tradition is considered important, it is also a country that is happy to change with the times. As more and more people immigrate to Canada from around the world, it is likely that the religious landscape of the nation will continue to fluctuate to reflect the belief systems of new citizens.
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.
May 21 is the United Nations designated international holiday to promote inclusivity and diversity. The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development was adopted after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington D.C. This year, the Third World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue takes place in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan on the theme: “Sharing Culture for a Shared Security” in May. Five different international organizations have planned this conference for world leaders to promote cultural awareness.
Why Is Diversity Important?
Almost all of the world’s major conflicts have an aspect of cultural dimension. Understanding the differences in cultures and religions builds bridges on what is common to everyone. Acknowledging the value of all cultures and ethnicities promotes inclusivity, according to Peter Mousaferiadis, creator of the 1st prize in the #DoOneThing video contest, “Diversified We Grow.” The video is available on YouTube, and it is a nice introduction to the question of why diversity is so vital in today’s multiracial world.
What Can You Do to Promote Diversity?
The UN offers these 10 suggestions for individuals and families who can’t attend an international conference.
Watch a movie or read a book about a religion other than your own.
Have dinner with another family whose background is much different than yours.
Visit museums and art exhibits that celebrate other cultures and traditions.
Study philosophers and historians from other countries to gain a different perspective.
Attend a worship service outside of your own religion. Contact the leader before you attend if you are concerned about the worship traditions and participation.
Play a game in which you put a post-it with the name of country on it on your forehead. Others tell you stereotypes about the country and you have to guess which one it is.
Read the ULC blog and others for information about celebrations around the world, such as Hanukkah, the Holi Festival of Colors, or the Chinese New Year.
Talk about your own culture with your family.
Listen to music from around the world.
Invite others to speak to your group about their traditions.
Join the Facebook campaign at “Do One Thing For Diversity and Inclusion” for more ideas about encouraging inclusivity in your community. This grassroots campaign encourages people to take action for diversity and promotes concrete ideas to do just that. There may be no way for you to change a conflict in Bangladesh, but you can prevent arguments in your community.
This campaign also sponsored the #DoOneThing video contest. The second place winner, “Tomato Story” By Lidiia Kozhevnikova is a very powerful story of how differences can be attractive. After you’ve found the first two videos, catch the third place winner, “Me and the differences” By Francesco Lucantoni. The contest is from 2013, but the message is timeless. Keep scrolling down the timeline and you’ll find a number of other cute videos with the same message.
Small Steps by Individuals Make Changes
A person’s cultural background affects their behavior and performance, but a person’s behavior and performance can also affect their culture. It’s important to understand how the dynamics of culture and religion shape a person, in order to challenge stereotypes and remove barriers between misunderstandings. None of these things happen overnight. It’s the small changes individuals make in their own lives that shifts the country’s thinking over time.
Join the celebration on May 21 by doing one thing to promote cultural diversity. Work within your own organization or church to encourage unity amid the differences in your community. The United Nations webpage on Cultural Diversity Day offers numerous resources both globally and locally. Promoting diversity discourages racism and intolerance. It starts with each person making strides to understand their neighbors.
On December 6, 1989, at l’Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal, 14 young women were gunned down by a man who was deliberately targeting women on the campus. This year marks the 26th anniversary of this tragic event, which is now commemorated by the Rose Campaign. The message heard around the country after this tragedy was “First Mourn, Then Work for Change.” Take this day as a message of hope for women who deal with violence.
Domestic Violence Statistics
Research indicates that more than 50 percent of women in Canada will experience some form of violence within their life. Younger women are more often targets of violence, and most women know their abuser. It’s estimated that this violence against women costs Canadians over $7 billion annually. It’s not just medical costs, but social services fees and lost productivity.
Women are not the only victims of domestic violence. Children witness these attacks, and it affects their own development. They cannot learn in school when they are scared of what will happen at home. When a child does see violence in the home, he or she is likely to develop long-term behavioral issues. This increases the costs associated with domestic violence, because the child may require therapy to address these issues and to be able to cope with the stress.
Who Is at Risk?
According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, violence against women is not limited to certain ethnic or religious groups, nor is it limited to any particular age or income group. Whether you’re atheist or Christian, this problem relates to everyone in the country. Unfortunately, there is one group in Canada that has an increased risk. Women of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis are 3.5 times more likely to be victims of violence than non-Aboriginal women. In fact, they are eight times more likely to be killed by their partner. Immigrant women and those with a disability are also higher-risk victims. Sadly, often when women go to get help, they may be dismissed by the police, the medical team, or family members who don’t want to acknowledge that there is a problem.
December 6 Activities
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women was established in 1991 by Parliament. The flag is flown at half-mast on federal buildings. The day is also known as White Ribbon Day. Canadians wear white or purple ribbons to show their support to end violence against women. In some locations, a moment of silence is observed in remembrance of the victims and to demonstrate support.
The Rose Campaign is the main advocacy program that drives awareness of domestic violence in Canada. It started a Light the Night Against Violence movement across the nation as another way to draw attention. Many monuments, bridges, and buildings will be lit up in red to take a stand. Vancouver City Hall, Yellowknife City Hall, CN Tower, and Science World are just a few of the buildings that will be alight that night. In Ontario, there will be memorial services and candlelight vigils as part of the commemoration.
How You Can Take Action Against Violence
Reflect on these statistics to understand the problem. Consider your circle of female friends. Half of them have probably experienced some form of domestic violence over their lifetime. What would you do if they admitted it to you?
Participate in the activities on December 6 to show your support for ending domestic violence. The response cannot stop there. It’s important to speak up about violence when you see it in your community. Those who commit violence need to be encouraged to get help. Women who experience violence need a place to be safe. Be a beacon of light in your community and help to fight this awful crime that transcends age, ethnicity, race, and religion.
The United Nations has designated October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. According to Globalissues.org, over three billion people, or half of the world’s population, live on less than $3.29CAD per day. In Canada, according to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, about 14 percent of the population have what is called “low income.” That means they make less than half of the median income, but the group is not truly labeled poor. Lack of income is just one way of measuring poverty. Because Canada is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, we shouldn’t have almost five million people living without food or housing.
Although organizations measure poverty differently, it is agreed that certain subsets of Canadians are worse off than others. Aboriginal Canadians tend to make about 30 percent less than the rest of the population. Immigrants, seniors and those with disabilities are also at a higher risk of being affected by poverty. UNICEF measures child poverty, even in rich nations. Canada has 13.3 percent of its children living in poverty, compared to the average 11 percent in the other 35 economically advanced countries.
How Are You Affected By Poverty?
You may have a roof over your head and food in your refrigerator and get regular health care. However, poverty is a significant burden on the economy. It’s estimated that poverty costs Ontario about 6 percent of its Gross Domestic Product each year. Those who live in poverty have higher health care expenses, because their health is exacerbated by not having their basic needs met. Poverty shortens a person’s life by about 21 years. About 200,000 Canadians experience homelessness each year, and the figures are increasing due to the rising costs of housing and rising debt levels.
Personally, you may not ever experience poverty or have a reason to be concerned about knowing where your next meal is coming from. That’s not the reality for many of your neighbors. Whether or not you know these people, you should be aware of the effects of poverty on your community and the country. It takes more resources to help those individuals. Students who don’t have enough don’t learn effectively. Men and women who don’t have a home often don’t have a job. It hurts everyone when those people have to be supported.
A Plan to Reduce Poverty
In 2016, the Standing Committee on Human Resources developed a National Anti-Poverty Plan that recommends how poverty can be eradicated in our country. It’s been argued that investing in reducing child poverty has a huge return on future spending by the government in social assistance, criminal justice and the health system. This plan is comprehensive and considerate. It is guided by human rights, ensuring that those in need have dignity in getting assistance. It includes:
Early childhood education and care that is publicly funded
Investment for indigenous education and economic development
Improvements to the Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement programs to lift seniors out of poverty
Development of a policy concerning right to food
Improving the nutritional programs in the country
Implementing a national pharmacy program for prescription drug care for everyone
Federal minimum wage increases
Many organizations will be pushing the government to make steps in reducing poverty in Canada. The plan has been released but not accepted by Parliament. Join the Twitter or Facebook feed of Citizens for Public Justice to follow its progress and to learn how you can help. It’s going to take each of us to work together to make a difference in the lives of all. “It is never acceptable for a rich country to do nothing about poverty, and now is certainly not the time,” said Leilani Farha, Canada Without Poverty’s Executive Director. “The rights of 4.8 million people are being violated and yet the Federal Government hardly seems concerned. Our plan lays out the framework for a successful national anti-poverty plan.”
Beginning in November, some people sport red poppies on their lapels to honor those who died in military conflicts. Americans wear red poppies in May for the same reason. White poppies are for those who passed away in service, but not during a conflict. On November 11, we celebrate Remembrance Day. Some churches have special services. If you have family members who passed away during the war, you may go out to their grave and honor them. Canada recognizes Remembrance Day as a national holiday, but for many, it’s just another day off work. Learn more about the importance of this day and why we wear red poppies.
World War I
It was the British Empire that chose to take Canada into the First World War. Nearly 61,000 Canadians died in the conflict, making it the bloodiest war in our history. However, it gave the country confidence to be a world leader. It was in April 1915, at the Second Battle of Ypres where one Canadian division lost over 6,000 men. Major John McCrae, who was serving as a doctor at the time, is thought to have composed a poem, “In Flanders Fields” during his time in this battle as a tribute to his friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer. The poem begins:
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
Why the Poppy?
The Scarlet Corn Poppies thrived in Europe under barren conditions. During the Napoleonic Wars that ravished the land, these poppies were the one plant that grew and covered the land. When the armies arrived in Europe to battle the Germans, soldiers were greeted by fields of poppies that flourished on bare land.
When McCrae used the poppy in his poem as a tribute to the sacrifice, he honored this plant that many almost saw as kind of a weed. In 1921, the Royal British Legion adopted the symbol for those who died in the war and in later conflicts. A few years later, a women’s guild introduced the white poppy as a lasting symbol of peace. Some people saw the white poppy undermining the significance of the red poppy, but these two ideas, honoring those who died and praying for peace, can coexist.
Red Poppies & National Celebrations
Remembrance Day is celebrated on November 11 to mark the end of World War I. Sometimes it is called Armistice Day or Poppy Day. Many other countries celebrate the day, including Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, and the United States. World War I affected people worldwide, not just where the fighting was, but in countries that sent soldiers to the warfront.
Although the federal government recognizes Remembrance Day, each of the provinces treat the day much differently. In Manitoba, most businesses close from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In other places, it’s up to the employer to give decide if they want to give a holiday. Whether you get to take the day off or not, you should remember those valiant men who fought for freedom in foreign wars. If you ever get a chance to attend the official ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, it’s a tribute that you’ll never forget.
Everyone can get behind the symbolism of the red poppy. The men who fought in the military deserve to be remembered for their service. Make a point to read “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae. Hear the respect he had for those who served and died on the battlefield. Take a few moments on November 11 to remember the men who gave everything for Canada.
There have been many shifts to Canada’s cultural landscape in recent years. While some areas remain immersed in tradition, there are regions where major changes are taking place. This is especially true when it comes to religion. Studies conducted over the last decade highlight a number of evolutions that have occurred when it comes to how Canadians view spiritual matters. Take a look at these facts and learn more about these changes and how they are impacting everyday life throughout the country.
Younger Generations Feel Less Connected to Religion
According to surveys conducted throughout the 1970s, most Canadians identified with some type of religion. In fact, more than half of the population was connected to different denominations of Christianity. Only about 4% of the population identified as being non-religious. When Canadians were surveyed again 40 years later in the 2010s, the percentage of the population who did not identify with any type of religion rose dramatically to 24%. The data suggests that younger generations have less of a connection to religion than previous generations did.
Immigration Is Impacting Religion in Canada
Canada has long been a place that has welcomed immigrants from all over the world. However, there have been recent changes to where these migrants are coming from. For many years, most of the people who moved to Canada came from European nations. Now, the majority of immigrants entering the country are coming from the Middle East and Asia. This change has had a direct impact on the religious makeup of Canada. According to research from 2018, about 8% of the population now identifies as being connected to Buddhism, Islam, or Hinduism.
Many Canadians Don’t View as Religion Important
A Pew Research survey from 2013 highlighted that many Canadians did not engage in everyday religious practices like praying. What’s more, only about 25% of those surveyed admitted to going to any type of weekly religious gathering like church. However, this same study pointed out that a good chunk of the population viewed religion as important to the fabric of society. This data suggests that many Canadians feel connected to their religious ideologies without feeling the need to consistently engage with the rituals and traditions connected to these belief systems.
Canada’s Constitution Protects Freedom of Religion
Citizens of Canada are allowed to practice whatever religion they wish without fear of persecution from the government. Because freedom of religion is written into the nation’s constitution, it has directly impacted how tolerant many Canadians are of other religions. Still, there are situations where members of the public raise a fuss about certain religious practices. An example of this comes from 2018 when a woman was targeted in Quebec for wearing a hijab while in a courtroom. Though she was asked to remove her hijab, higher courts in the region viewed the move as unconstitutional.
Most Canadians Don’t Associate Good Morals With Religion
Around the world, many people believe that good morals stem from a strong religious background. A majority of Canadians don’t believe this. When surveyed about the topic, around 70% of participants stated that it was not necessary to believe in God in order to be a good person. This has remained a consistent belief among the population for many years. Surveys on the subject were conducted in 2002, 2007, 2013, and 2018, and the responses were similar across the board. The data suggests that the religious tolerance of the average Canadian shapes his or her views on morality.
Though Canada is a place where tradition is considered important, it is also a country that is happy to change with the times. As more and more people immigrate to Canada from around the world, it is likely that the religious landscape of the nation will continue to fluctuate to reflect the belief systems of new citizens.
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.
