For some engaged or newly married Canadians, life’s journey will take them south of the border on a more permanent basis. Employment opportunities, enterprise, education or even the union itself may mean a move to the United States. Thousands of Canadians leave the Great White North each year to parts south. Almost 2% of the 42 million immigrants within the US hail from the nation whose name descends from the St. Lawrence Iroquoian word Kanata, which translates to “village” or “sentiment.” While the two nations share the world’s longest border and other cultural elements, there’s a lot that you might not know about life in the States. Here are some things you should do before and right after you move.
Deciding Where To Live In The U.S.
The United States is the world’s third-most-populous nation behind China and India. It’s also the third in size by total area. It’s a place that has diverse regions in terms of climate and culture. You shouldn’t assume that you know what a place is like based on media and literature. The largest city, New York City, is itself a collection of various neighborhoods with various influences and personalities. If work and education are bringing you south of the border, the location may dictate your choices. Canada is a place that is intimately familiar with very cold temperatures in the winter. Parts of the Southern and Western United States have mild winters and extremely hot summers. The cost of living varies greatly from place to place. Keep all these in mind as you plan.
Applying for a Social Security Number
A social security number (SSN) is a nine-digit number assigned to citizens, permanent residents and temporary workers by the Social Security Administration, an agency of the federal government. This number acts sort of as a national ID for taxation and other purposes. Often various records for credit, education, health care and employment are sorted and indexed using the SSN. You will need an SSN to do the following:
Open an account with a financial institution
Complete a tax return
Apply for a driver’s license
Apply for a federal loan
Secure some types of public assistance
Opening a Bank Account In The U.S.
Having a checking account with a US bank is convenient for depositing paychecks and withdrawing money to pay bills and make purchases. Once you have your SSN and a mailing address, you’ll need to pick a bank or credit union for your money. Think about the type of personal banking features you’ll need, such as debit cards, automatic teller machines, branch locations and online access. You should go with an institution that has locations and amenities that are convenient to your lifestyle.
Establishing Credit
Building credit in the United States is an important part of putting down roots. If you want to finance a home or car purchase, lenders will look at your credit history to see how likely you are to repay your debts in full. If you want to rent an apartment, open an account with a utility provider or even work for some companies, your credit history will be reviewed. Having Canadian credit may not be enough for you to do all the things you need to do. Consider applying for a secured or prepaid credit card to start building a borrowing history stateside. By paying your balance on time each month, you’ll slowly build good credit to be eligible for the most favorable loan terms and conditions.
Starting a new phase of life in a new place can be very exciting, especially in the United States. There is much to offer, but it’s important to attend to a few matters as soon as possible. Think carefully about the life that you and your partner want to have and plan accordingly.
From the time most girls are little, they start to plan the wedding of their dreams. It can seem as if the groom’s only job is to wait at the altar for the bride to show up. The wedding planning may be the bride’s venue, but as a groom, you can certainly get involved. This celebration commemorates the love you have for each other.
A Supportive Groom
Instead of letting one person take care of everything, both of you should be actively engaged in the planning. Here are some tips to help a groom be supportive and to have a say in what should be the most memorable day of your life.
Have opinions. Even though the details may seem minute to you, it’s important for the bride to see that you are engaged with the process. Be diplomatic when you really aren’t sure what the difference is.
Take care of your relationship through this time. You may be required to go through pre-marital counseling. Use that time as a stepping stone to build a better partnership.
Register for gifts with your bride. Use the time to learn more about her tastes and style instead of looking at it as a long shopping trip.
Help with the research of venues, caterers, or other vendors. Offer to help look for photographers or rental companies for the tuxes. Talk to friends or family members who have recently gotten married and ask them to share advice about their experience.
Go to the meetings with the vendors when you can. Not only will you share the time with your bride, but you also help take the pressure off her during planning.
Deal with your family during the planning and wedding. This may mean that you have to stand up to your mom when she inserts herself into the mix. Don’t expect your bride to mediate with your parents or siblings over wedding details. Work it out together, then make the decision known to everyone.
Be the stress relief. Take time out of your schedule to make sure you have dates with your bride that aren’t about the wedding. Make sure she has days to relax with her friends to help keep her sane. The closer the wedding gets, the more stressed she may feel. Being the helpmate before you ever get married will bring you closer together.
Don’t shirk on your responsibilities to your groomsmen. Pick out the gifts for the guys yourself. Schedule fitting times to meet with the guys, and stay on top of your own planning. If you have friends who may get out of line during the party and reception, talk to them beforehand and have a plan to deal with it.
Be appreciative. Thank the people who have been helpful in making the wedding happen. Help write thank-you notes for gifts that arrive.
Plan the honeymoon. Even though you may enjoy surprising your bride, don’t wait until the last minute to tell her where you’re going. Remember that the wedding night may not be all you expect. You both may be exhausted after the ceremony and reception, so don’t have so many expectations that it turns a positive day into a disappointing night.
Help Manage the Stress Instead of Adding to It
Every bride wants the perfect day for a wedding. You may have to be the voice of reason that reminds her that when something doesn’t go as planned, it’s okay. However, you can also do what you can to make sure things do go right. Help her check in with the vendors and wedding planner on the days before the ceremony. Ask her what you can do to help every step along the way so that you both get to the altar with less stress.
It’s hard enough to create a guest list for just adults, but dealing with kids at a wedding can be more complicated. When comes to young people, you have to decide first whether you want to and can include them at the affair. If you have space limitations, excluding children is a good place to start to keep the head count in check. If you decide to invite children, you do need to make some arrangements for them. Here are some thoughts to help you plan for children, or not, at your ceremony and reception.
Not Inviting Children
You should be prepared for people to ask you if their children are included on the invitation, even when it’s specifically addressed to just the parents. Have an answer ready, like, “no, we just can’t include children this time due to space parameters,” or “we need to limit the guest list.” If you’re allowing nieces, nephews or family members who are younger, say so. “We are only able to invite the children of our family.” It is very difficult to exclude children, but it is appropriate to only have those individuals at your wedding who you want. Just be tactful when you respond to people.
One additional note: It might be tempting to invite the kids to the ceremony only, but this isn’t recommended. Imagine how you would feel attending the service only to watch your friends or family go off to a party without you.
Inviting Children
Kids add a certain magic to a wedding because they experience it in a way adults cannot. Still, unattended children could easily turn into a black magic moment. You have to plan for kids in attendance.
Make sure you are clear about which children are invited from each family. If space isn’t an issue, then just put “and family” on the invitation. When space is an issue, you’ll need to write out each person’s name.
Dictate seating appropriately. Don’t put one adult at a table with lots of kids. Certainly reconsider placing all the children at a table without supervision. You might even consider having a designated adult or teenager, or a hired babysitter, keep an eye on things. It would be a small price to pay to maintain semblance and order while allowing parents to dance and enjoy the party too.
Talk to the caterer about offering a separate child’s meal that is simple and easy and something little ones will eat, such as chicken fingers or pizza. You might also request that the kids get served first because they won’t be as patient as adults. A sundae bar makes a great dessert option.
Keep the kids entertained. Set up a movie room or have goodie bags with crayons and color books. Place a few board games off to the side for after dinner. Provide diversions to keep everyone occupied.
Stay calm and have a sense of humor about the way the kids act. Ask your photographer to get those special moments of the kids dancing or sticking their fingers in the cake when no one’s looking. You can’t control every moment, so you might as well relax and just have fun with them.
Don’t apologize for giving your young friends the opportunity to take part in your wedding day. Children need to see these special moments to understand the world. However, you also don’t need to apologize for limiting your guest list and not allowing every child to attend. It’s your wedding and you need to make the best choices for you and your spouse. Do what needs to be done and stand firm. Just be prepared to deal with whichever option you choose to make the most of your ceremony and reception.
There are a number of scriptures in the Bible that discuss baptism. John the Baptist actually baptized Jesus, even though he believed he was unworthy to perform the ritual for Christ. In many Christian churches, baptism is one of the sacraments. It’s taken very seriously, even though it is a very joyous occasion.
Believers are taught Matthew 28: 19-20:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
In Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist says, “I baptize you with water for repentance.” He was referring to the people who came to him to be baptized. It’s never really explained in the Bible why people would believe that water baptism would be symbolic of repentance. In order to fully understand why John the Baptist’s followers would believe that this baptism would prepare the Jews for the Messiah, we have to go back to the Old Testament and the Law.
Jewish Traditions
Jews were given laws about ritual washing, which was called a mikvah. Both women and men were required to submerse their bodies in water to purify it before Holy Days or the Sabbath. Women were commanded to immerse their body following menstruation. In Orthodox communities, people even submerse kitchen utensils and cookware in the mikvah before use.
The Jews were told to use a natural spring or cistern for the mikvah. Oceans and rivers were also acceptable. When John the Baptist began baptizing the Jews, this was understood as part of their heritage. It’s very probable that the mikvah was the precursor to the Christian baptism sacrament.
Christians & Water as a Purifier
Water is one of the necessities of life. An individual might go up to three or four weeks without food, but only about two to three days without water before becoming very ill. It is essential to every system in the body. Water is required for healing, calming and soothing. In the desert of Israel, it would have been even more important than most of us in America could appreciate.
In many religions, water is considered a purifier and is sacred. The Hindus believe that water is spiritually cleansing. A morning cleansing bath is obligatory. Many temples have cisterns where believers can take baths before entering. Muslims, too, have ritual immersion rites to purify their body before approaching God in prayer. In the Buddhist culture, water is important to the funeral ceremony. The water takes the soul from the body and returns it to the earth.
Water in Christianity
Most Christians remember the story of Noah and the flood. God covered the earth in water as a purification rite. You should note that Christians are not the only ones with a flood story. Many other cultures around the world, from South America to Asia, have stories about a great flood as part of their creation story.
Water features heavily throughout the Bible as a symbol of the spiritual need for God. Psalm 42 says, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” – Revelation 21:6
The Christian rite of baptism is an outward sign of an inward change in a person’s life. It is a celebration of a new person. Even if you don’t believe in Christianity, celebrate a loved one’s baptism with them as they take on a new direction.
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.
On March 20, people around the world will take steps to be happy and promote happiness for everyone. The initiative began in 2013, adopted by the UN. It was a campaign that began due to a consciousness that happiness should be a personal goal for everyone. It’s a basic human right. The American forefathers identified the pursuit of happiness as a right in the 18th century, and the UN finally got on board. In 2013, Ndaba Mandela and Chelsea Clinton, children of international political figures, kicked off the first celebration at the UN. In 2014, Pharrell Williams took over. Make sure to check out what Google does on March 20. Last year, Pharrell would randomly pop up in the search engine and dance.
Defining Happiness
Miriam-Webster defines happiness as “the state of being happy” or a “pleasurable or satisfying experience.” Synonyms include words such as pleasure, contentment, and well-being. These things are a bit subjective. When asking people how to measure happiness, scientists ask two questions:
How happy are you with your life as a whole?
How happy are you now?
Unfortunately, no one can really tell you how to be happy, but they also can’t tell you that you can’t be happy. Philosophers have tried for generations to find the secret to happiness, but it is an elusive concept that depends on so much more than just life status or money. Some people can be happy through circumstances that might crush another.
World Happiness Report
Scientists have tried to measure the happiness around the world. The first report was issued in 2013, In 2015, Canada ranked in the top 10 happiest countries in the world. Other countries that showed a great deal of happiness were Switzerland, Iceland, and Australia. These researchers did find that the global recession affected a country’s happiness score. Nicaragua and Ecuador showed increases in their happiness score, coinciding with their coming out of a recession. The World Happiness Report for 2016 will be released on March 16. It should be interesting to see where Canada places this year.
Get Involved
In 2015, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, “The pursuit of happiness is serious business.” The UN offers a few ideas on how to take action on International Day of Happiness:
Do what makes you happy
Spread happiness
Tell people about the day
Celebrate the day
#internationaldayofhappiness to find what others are sharing
At dayofhappiness.org, they recommend sharing the day with others. Happinessday.org is the official site of the initiative, and they have a number of resources and information promoting happiness in your own life and in the community. One campaign asks you to cheer on happy heroes and take part in the day. At Happiness International, they have a happiness planner. It’s offered free to help you select your action plan toward being well.
Make March 20 a day of happiness. It’s a Sunday, which means most people will be off work. Do something that creates satisfaction in your life. Just for one day. If you find you aren’t happy with your life in general, ask yourself what you could do to be happy. Use the spring to make one change. Take a class. Make a friend. Pick up a hobby that helps you relax when you’re not a work. Change your attitude. Only you know what is going to make the difference in your life. Only you can take the steps toward your goals.
Remember that your happiness is part of something bigger. Human connection is one thing that has been found to increase happiness and satisfaction in people’s lives. When you are connected to friends and family, you not only increase your own well-being, but theirs as well. Share positive messages to those you love to defeat the feeling of isolation that has become so predominate in today’s culture.
If you were to do a search for the phrase “how to be a success” you’d get thousands of suggestions. Hard work, dedication, enjoyment, and even confidence are all part of the equation in achieving success. One author suggests that success is subjective. What you believe to be success may be quite different than your neighbor, but in general, we can probably agree that success is an accomplishment of some goal or purpose in your life. Researchers constantly study the characteristics that go into making people successful. One study from Washington University in St. Louis found that a spouse was one key element in determining how successful an individual was.
Who You Spend Time With Influences You
Jim Rohn, popular motivational speaker, said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Your mom probably told to you to be careful who your friends are. It’s no secret that friends and family members influence your character. The WU study demonstrated that the personality traits of a spouse can actually play a part in work performance. Researchers studied more than 5,000 married people over five years. These individuals were aged 19 to 89. About three-quarters of the couples both worked.
Researchers assessed five measures of personality:
Openness
Agreeableness
Conscientiousness
Extraversion
Neuroticism
The researchers also tracked the performance of the working spouses to measure occupational success by using salary increases, annual surveys, and self-reported job satisfaction. What they found was that those workers who scored high in occupational success typically had a spouse who was very conscientious. Interestingly, it didn’t matter whether the employee was male or female or whether both spouses worked or not.
Short-Term and Long-Term Relationship Patterns
It’s true that when someone has a bad day, they often bring that stress home, which causes tension between a married couple. Research has proven this, but the WU study tracks long-term influences of a spouse. The researchers in the WU study offer some suggestions about why a conscientious spouse can benefit your career in the long run.
Having a spouse with good habits encourages the other person to emulate those good habits, which leaks over into work.
A working spouse with a reliable partner isn’t trying to manage everything on their own.
When people work together to keep their life running smoothly, it makes it easier to balance work and home life.
You can’t continually come home and be upset from work and expect your spouse’s personality to make things better, but you can use your spouse’s enthusiasm and motivation to push yourself to change. Success, whether on the job or in a relationship, doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a long-term process in which you just have to keep moving forward. There are many elements to success and a conscientious spouse is just one of them.
Choose Your Spouse Wisely
Many studies have shown that who you marry is vital to your health or financial status. Your partner will definitely have an impact on who you are and will become. When choosing a romantic partner, you not only want someone who is agreeable and not narcissistic, but you also want someone who is conscientious. It’s just one of the ingredients you want to look for when choosing a partner.
If you’re already married, what can you do? You can’t change anyone except yourself. All you can do is to be more supportive and lead by example. Based on this study, when one person is more conscientious, the other person tends to step up and become more hard-working. You have to set the example. Will things change overnight? Maybe not. You and your spouse need to have the same goals and objectives.
Planning your wedding reception can often feel very complicated. While it is true that you need to start early and dedicate a good chunk of your time to putting together such a large event, most of what you need to know is quite simple and straightforward. A reception doesn’t need to have a lot of bells and whistles for guests to remember it for years to come. In fact, all you really need to do is consider a few general points to ensure your reception is as enjoyable as it is efficient.
The Seating Situation During The Reception
Perhaps the biggest headache couples deal with when planning a reception is the seating chart. Try as you might to put together a perfect arrangement, there are lots of little details you need to keep in mind. Keeping couples at the same table is a given, but you also want to avoid seating people together who don’t particularly get along. According to wedding experts, putting a lot of thought behind your seating arrangement is actually key to keeping the event light and fun for all.
Weddings can be tiring. If guests don’t have a clear idea of where they are supposed to sit from the moment they enter the venue, it can lead to some immediate frustration. Prominently displaying the seating information is one step. Having a lounge area for guests to relax in can also be key. In fact, the more options guests have for sitting and having a moment to catch their breath, the more likely it is your night will maintain a consistent and enjoyable flow.
The Entertainment
Setting the mood is important for any event. A reception is all about music. Whether you opt for a DJ or a live band, you need to make sure the entertainment is always on top of the mood in the room. Since you’ll be busy enjoying your big day, you want to trust in your entertainers to read the guests and see what tunes need to be played to lighten or calm the mood. This goes beyond getting people up to dance. From dinner being served to speeches being delivered, the music sets the tone.
Music is not the only way to entertain guests, of course. In some cases, there is a big enough gap between the wedding ceremony and reception that guests need to entertain themselves for a bit. If this is the case for your event, you should plan ahead in terms of entertainment. For outdoor weddings, this can mean bringing along group games that guests can engage with. For indoor events, think about how hiring an illusionist or artist can captivate the crowd while they wait.
The Refreshments
Finally, refreshments play a critical part in how guests perceive the reception. While you definitely have put time and effort into selecting the right caterer for your wedding, you also need to think about the pacing of the night. Guests are going to be hungry from the moment they leave the ceremony, so this means that appetizers and smaller plates should be provided as soon as people start arriving at the reception. The longer it takes for food and drink to become available, the more likely it is that you’ll be dealing with a tense group of people.
Though most of the planning process surrounding a wedding has to do with the reception itself, most couples forget that the basics are what truly make for a memorable experience. No matter what decorations or color theme you select to impress people on a visual level, you cannot overlook the importance of having an organized environment where entertainment and refreshments are available from the very start.
Decor is an essential component in a wedding. However, the decorations and floral arrangements you include are not the only thing to consider when it comes to the special details of your big day. There are some things that fall outside of the realm of both fashion and decor. Dubbed “wedding accessories” by industry experts in recent years, these are the little touches that help to connect you with your event and make it as memorable as possible on a personal scale. Use these suggestions to include the right accessories.
Decor & The Personal Items
A lot of time and energy is put into selecting the perfect wedding attire. From lavish dresses to tuxedos that look like they were plucked from an old film, couples want to look their best when walking down the aisle. However, what you wear is not solely about how you are perceived by others. The accessories you include can add a level of personal significance to your outfit. Some people include heirloom accessories or jewelry in order to feel connected to their families during this important milestone.
The accessories don’t need to be traditional accessories that are worn, either. Some couples purchase special hangers for their wedding garments in order to avoid wrinkles and creases. A personalized set of hangers can be a cute little feature that helps you feel excited for this new chapter in your life.
The Guest Book
The guest book at your wedding is another item that falls outside of the traditional decor category and more into the realm of accessories. Though many opt for an actual book for guests to sign, there are endless ways to get creative. Including an old typewriter and a long sheet of paper is a neat alternative that allows guests the chance to type out their messages of luck and love. A video guest book is also a popular option, with people recording their messages in a “confessional” style made popular on reality television.
The Party Members
Giving the members of your wedding party fun accessories can also be a great way to add another dimension of style to your event. If you have a ring bearer and flower girl, then consider hanging little signs on them with humorous messages. A flower girl with a sign that reads “follow the petals, follow the love” or a similar phrase can get guests to deliver some audible “awws” from the very start.
Similarly, you might want to give accessories to all of your bridesmaids or groomsmen as a way of thanking them for being involved. Though few people will actually see this accessory, custom socks can be a fantastic gift. Whether you personalize each pair to the person or order bulk socks with the same message, the people in your party will definitely want to wear them during the event.
The Little Touches With Decor
Plenty of couples have wedding themes these days. Whether your event is rustic, modern, or classic, be sure that any accessories you include in your big day complement the overall aesthetic. If you’re having a wedding meant to invoke the roaring parties of the 1920s, consider placement cards that boast a bold and vintage font that perfectly captures the bygone era. This is your chance to be as creative as possible, so think outside the box and find fun ways to put finishing touches on your wedding’s look.
Though the term itself is something of a new concept, wedding accessories have long been a part of the planning process. Before you finish putting together the details of your big day, think about how a couple of small accessories can help to add a delicious level of personal texture to the experience.
Maybe you’ve heard of feng shui – creating balance with the natural world in one’s indoor spaces. Tied to some important Chinese cultural beliefs, this fascinating art is a few thousand years old. But how exactly does it work? Once you understand the basics, feng shui can be a little easier to grasp. This quick guide introduces its concepts and their applications.
Taoist Principles Behind Feng Shui
New York architect Anjie Cho explains feng shui’s roots. The term comes from two separate Chinese words — “feng” means wind and “shui” means water. It’s related to Tao, a principle underlying all creation and calling for harmony with its natural order.
Tao is an extensive philosophy, but some of its basics play out in feng shui. Qi, pronounced as “chi,” is a fundamental life energy flowing through the world. You may have heard of yin and yang – these refer to complementary opposite forces that must remain in balance. And then there’s Wu Xing, a cycle in which life moves through five states: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
With Wu Xing, creative or destructive effects occur based on the order in which the cycle moves. The Chinese Buddhist Encyclopedia details how this works. Starting with wood, one state helps create the next. Wood can fuel a fire, which can produce ashes to create earth, and so on. But there’s also a controlling or suppressive cycle. Fire melts metal, metal cuts wood, and wood grows through earth. As this cycle continues, earth hems in water, which in turn extinguishes fire.
How the Five Elements Work
In another piece for The Spruce, Cho further describes how the five states work in feng shui. These states have physical properties, but they also represent intangible things. Earth, for instance, stands for nourishment, self-care, and boundaries. These states also have their own sets of colors:
Fire: red and orange
Earth: yellow and neutral earth tones
Metal: gray and silver
Water: black, darker gray, and navy
Wood: green and light blue tones
Shapes can also represent these element states. Fire shapes are very angular – usually triangles. Squares symbolize earth. Circles and round shapes recall the metal element. Irregular and wavy shapes point to water – like waves in a pond or lake. Tall shapes and columns represent wood, like the trunks of trees.
Thoughtful choices can help bring needed elements into your spaces. Sometimes, these choices are obvious. You could add a wooden desk and houseplants as wood elements in a home office. But sometimes, an item symbolizes one of the elements. Maybe you don’t have a brick oven in your kitchen, but your stove represents fire just the same. You shouldn’t bring a pile of dirt into your living room, but a square yellow rug can stand in for earth.
Positions in Feng Shui
Cho adds that placement makes a huge difference in feng shui. There’s the commanding position – the spot in each room located the farthest from the door. The commanding position is not in direct line with the door, but you can still see the door itself. It’s where you’d place objects that you use the most – the stove in your kitchen, your desk in a home office, and so forth.
Feng shui also uses a map to locate eight key areas in a space. This map, called a bagua, assigns each area to an aspect of life. The central southern area, for example, is red and represents one’s fame and reputation. There’s also a central area that stands for the individual – specifically, wellness and health.
More Than Interior Design
Feng shui comes from Taoist philosophies: important ideas that helped shape Chinese culture. While using feng shui can create beautiful interior spaces, the central goal is achieving balance with nature. Today’s practitioners have adapted its ancient concepts to modern interiors, building design, and lifestyles.
For some engaged or newly married Canadians, life’s journey will take them south of the border on a more permanent basis. Employment opportunities, enterprise, education or even the union itself may mean a move to the United States. Thousands of Canadians leave the Great White North each year to parts south. Almost 2% of the 42 million immigrants within the US hail from the nation whose name descends from the St. Lawrence Iroquoian word Kanata, which translates to “village” or “sentiment.” While the two nations share the world’s longest border and other cultural elements, there’s a lot that you might not know about life in the States. Here are some things you should do before and right after you move.
Deciding Where To Live In The U.S.
The United States is the world’s third-most-populous nation behind China and India. It’s also the third in size by total area. It’s a place that has diverse regions in terms of climate and culture. You shouldn’t assume that you know what a place is like based on media and literature. The largest city, New York City, is itself a collection of various neighborhoods with various influences and personalities. If work and education are bringing you south of the border, the location may dictate your choices. Canada is a place that is intimately familiar with very cold temperatures in the winter. Parts of the Southern and Western United States have mild winters and extremely hot summers. The cost of living varies greatly from place to place. Keep all these in mind as you plan.
Applying for a Social Security Number
A social security number (SSN) is a nine-digit number assigned to citizens, permanent residents and temporary workers by the Social Security Administration, an agency of the federal government. This number acts sort of as a national ID for taxation and other purposes. Often various records for credit, education, health care and employment are sorted and indexed using the SSN. You will need an SSN to do the following:
Open an account with a financial institution
Complete a tax return
Apply for a driver’s license
Apply for a federal loan
Secure some types of public assistance
Opening a Bank Account In The U.S.
Having a checking account with a US bank is convenient for depositing paychecks and withdrawing money to pay bills and make purchases. Once you have your SSN and a mailing address, you’ll need to pick a bank or credit union for your money. Think about the type of personal banking features you’ll need, such as debit cards, automatic teller machines, branch locations and online access. You should go with an institution that has locations and amenities that are convenient to your lifestyle.
Establishing Credit
Building credit in the United States is an important part of putting down roots. If you want to finance a home or car purchase, lenders will look at your credit history to see how likely you are to repay your debts in full. If you want to rent an apartment, open an account with a utility provider or even work for some companies, your credit history will be reviewed. Having Canadian credit may not be enough for you to do all the things you need to do. Consider applying for a secured or prepaid credit card to start building a borrowing history stateside. By paying your balance on time each month, you’ll slowly build good credit to be eligible for the most favorable loan terms and conditions.
Starting a new phase of life in a new place can be very exciting, especially in the United States. There is much to offer, but it’s important to attend to a few matters as soon as possible. Think carefully about the life that you and your partner want to have and plan accordingly.
From the time most girls are little, they start to plan the wedding of their dreams. It can seem as if the groom’s only job is to wait at the altar for the bride to show up. The wedding planning may be the bride’s venue, but as a groom, you can certainly get involved. This celebration commemorates the love you have for each other.
A Supportive Groom
Instead of letting one person take care of everything, both of you should be actively engaged in the planning. Here are some tips to help a groom be supportive and to have a say in what should be the most memorable day of your life.
Have opinions. Even though the details may seem minute to you, it’s important for the bride to see that you are engaged with the process. Be diplomatic when you really aren’t sure what the difference is.
Take care of your relationship through this time. You may be required to go through pre-marital counseling. Use that time as a stepping stone to build a better partnership.
Register for gifts with your bride. Use the time to learn more about her tastes and style instead of looking at it as a long shopping trip.
Help with the research of venues, caterers, or other vendors. Offer to help look for photographers or rental companies for the tuxes. Talk to friends or family members who have recently gotten married and ask them to share advice about their experience.
Go to the meetings with the vendors when you can. Not only will you share the time with your bride, but you also help take the pressure off her during planning.
Deal with your family during the planning and wedding. This may mean that you have to stand up to your mom when she inserts herself into the mix. Don’t expect your bride to mediate with your parents or siblings over wedding details. Work it out together, then make the decision known to everyone.
Be the stress relief. Take time out of your schedule to make sure you have dates with your bride that aren’t about the wedding. Make sure she has days to relax with her friends to help keep her sane. The closer the wedding gets, the more stressed she may feel. Being the helpmate before you ever get married will bring you closer together.
Don’t shirk on your responsibilities to your groomsmen. Pick out the gifts for the guys yourself. Schedule fitting times to meet with the guys, and stay on top of your own planning. If you have friends who may get out of line during the party and reception, talk to them beforehand and have a plan to deal with it.
Be appreciative. Thank the people who have been helpful in making the wedding happen. Help write thank-you notes for gifts that arrive.
Plan the honeymoon. Even though you may enjoy surprising your bride, don’t wait until the last minute to tell her where you’re going. Remember that the wedding night may not be all you expect. You both may be exhausted after the ceremony and reception, so don’t have so many expectations that it turns a positive day into a disappointing night.
Help Manage the Stress Instead of Adding to It
Every bride wants the perfect day for a wedding. You may have to be the voice of reason that reminds her that when something doesn’t go as planned, it’s okay. However, you can also do what you can to make sure things do go right. Help her check in with the vendors and wedding planner on the days before the ceremony. Ask her what you can do to help every step along the way so that you both get to the altar with less stress.
It’s hard enough to create a guest list for just adults, but dealing with kids at a wedding can be more complicated. When comes to young people, you have to decide first whether you want to and can include them at the affair. If you have space limitations, excluding children is a good place to start to keep the head count in check. If you decide to invite children, you do need to make some arrangements for them. Here are some thoughts to help you plan for children, or not, at your ceremony and reception.
Not Inviting Children
You should be prepared for people to ask you if their children are included on the invitation, even when it’s specifically addressed to just the parents. Have an answer ready, like, “no, we just can’t include children this time due to space parameters,” or “we need to limit the guest list.” If you’re allowing nieces, nephews or family members who are younger, say so. “We are only able to invite the children of our family.” It is very difficult to exclude children, but it is appropriate to only have those individuals at your wedding who you want. Just be tactful when you respond to people.
One additional note: It might be tempting to invite the kids to the ceremony only, but this isn’t recommended. Imagine how you would feel attending the service only to watch your friends or family go off to a party without you.
Inviting Children
Kids add a certain magic to a wedding because they experience it in a way adults cannot. Still, unattended children could easily turn into a black magic moment. You have to plan for kids in attendance.
Make sure you are clear about which children are invited from each family. If space isn’t an issue, then just put “and family” on the invitation. When space is an issue, you’ll need to write out each person’s name.
Dictate seating appropriately. Don’t put one adult at a table with lots of kids. Certainly reconsider placing all the children at a table without supervision. You might even consider having a designated adult or teenager, or a hired babysitter, keep an eye on things. It would be a small price to pay to maintain semblance and order while allowing parents to dance and enjoy the party too.
Talk to the caterer about offering a separate child’s meal that is simple and easy and something little ones will eat, such as chicken fingers or pizza. You might also request that the kids get served first because they won’t be as patient as adults. A sundae bar makes a great dessert option.
Keep the kids entertained. Set up a movie room or have goodie bags with crayons and color books. Place a few board games off to the side for after dinner. Provide diversions to keep everyone occupied.
Stay calm and have a sense of humor about the way the kids act. Ask your photographer to get those special moments of the kids dancing or sticking their fingers in the cake when no one’s looking. You can’t control every moment, so you might as well relax and just have fun with them.
Don’t apologize for giving your young friends the opportunity to take part in your wedding day. Children need to see these special moments to understand the world. However, you also don’t need to apologize for limiting your guest list and not allowing every child to attend. It’s your wedding and you need to make the best choices for you and your spouse. Do what needs to be done and stand firm. Just be prepared to deal with whichever option you choose to make the most of your ceremony and reception.
There are a number of scriptures in the Bible that discuss baptism. John the Baptist actually baptized Jesus, even though he believed he was unworthy to perform the ritual for Christ. In many Christian churches, baptism is one of the sacraments. It’s taken very seriously, even though it is a very joyous occasion.
Believers are taught Matthew 28: 19-20:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
In Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist says, “I baptize you with water for repentance.” He was referring to the people who came to him to be baptized. It’s never really explained in the Bible why people would believe that water baptism would be symbolic of repentance. In order to fully understand why John the Baptist’s followers would believe that this baptism would prepare the Jews for the Messiah, we have to go back to the Old Testament and the Law.
Jewish Traditions
Jews were given laws about ritual washing, which was called a mikvah. Both women and men were required to submerse their bodies in water to purify it before Holy Days or the Sabbath. Women were commanded to immerse their body following menstruation. In Orthodox communities, people even submerse kitchen utensils and cookware in the mikvah before use.
The Jews were told to use a natural spring or cistern for the mikvah. Oceans and rivers were also acceptable. When John the Baptist began baptizing the Jews, this was understood as part of their heritage. It’s very probable that the mikvah was the precursor to the Christian baptism sacrament.
Christians & Water as a Purifier
Water is one of the necessities of life. An individual might go up to three or four weeks without food, but only about two to three days without water before becoming very ill. It is essential to every system in the body. Water is required for healing, calming and soothing. In the desert of Israel, it would have been even more important than most of us in America could appreciate.
In many religions, water is considered a purifier and is sacred. The Hindus believe that water is spiritually cleansing. A morning cleansing bath is obligatory. Many temples have cisterns where believers can take baths before entering. Muslims, too, have ritual immersion rites to purify their body before approaching God in prayer. In the Buddhist culture, water is important to the funeral ceremony. The water takes the soul from the body and returns it to the earth.
Water in Christianity
Most Christians remember the story of Noah and the flood. God covered the earth in water as a purification rite. You should note that Christians are not the only ones with a flood story. Many other cultures around the world, from South America to Asia, have stories about a great flood as part of their creation story.
Water features heavily throughout the Bible as a symbol of the spiritual need for God. Psalm 42 says, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”
“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” – Revelation 21:6
The Christian rite of baptism is an outward sign of an inward change in a person’s life. It is a celebration of a new person. Even if you don’t believe in Christianity, celebrate a loved one’s baptism with them as they take on a new direction.
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.
On March 20, people around the world will take steps to be happy and promote happiness for everyone. The initiative began in 2013, adopted by the UN. It was a campaign that began due to a consciousness that happiness should be a personal goal for everyone. It’s a basic human right. The American forefathers identified the pursuit of happiness as a right in the 18th century, and the UN finally got on board. In 2013, Ndaba Mandela and Chelsea Clinton, children of international political figures, kicked off the first celebration at the UN. In 2014, Pharrell Williams took over. Make sure to check out what Google does on March 20. Last year, Pharrell would randomly pop up in the search engine and dance.
Defining Happiness
Miriam-Webster defines happiness as “the state of being happy” or a “pleasurable or satisfying experience.” Synonyms include words such as pleasure, contentment, and well-being. These things are a bit subjective. When asking people how to measure happiness, scientists ask two questions:
How happy are you with your life as a whole?
How happy are you now?
Unfortunately, no one can really tell you how to be happy, but they also can’t tell you that you can’t be happy. Philosophers have tried for generations to find the secret to happiness, but it is an elusive concept that depends on so much more than just life status or money. Some people can be happy through circumstances that might crush another.
World Happiness Report
Scientists have tried to measure the happiness around the world. The first report was issued in 2013, In 2015, Canada ranked in the top 10 happiest countries in the world. Other countries that showed a great deal of happiness were Switzerland, Iceland, and Australia. These researchers did find that the global recession affected a country’s happiness score. Nicaragua and Ecuador showed increases in their happiness score, coinciding with their coming out of a recession. The World Happiness Report for 2016 will be released on March 16. It should be interesting to see where Canada places this year.
Get Involved
In 2015, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, “The pursuit of happiness is serious business.” The UN offers a few ideas on how to take action on International Day of Happiness:
Do what makes you happy
Spread happiness
Tell people about the day
Celebrate the day
#internationaldayofhappiness to find what others are sharing
At dayofhappiness.org, they recommend sharing the day with others. Happinessday.org is the official site of the initiative, and they have a number of resources and information promoting happiness in your own life and in the community. One campaign asks you to cheer on happy heroes and take part in the day. At Happiness International, they have a happiness planner. It’s offered free to help you select your action plan toward being well.
Make March 20 a day of happiness. It’s a Sunday, which means most people will be off work. Do something that creates satisfaction in your life. Just for one day. If you find you aren’t happy with your life in general, ask yourself what you could do to be happy. Use the spring to make one change. Take a class. Make a friend. Pick up a hobby that helps you relax when you’re not a work. Change your attitude. Only you know what is going to make the difference in your life. Only you can take the steps toward your goals.
Remember that your happiness is part of something bigger. Human connection is one thing that has been found to increase happiness and satisfaction in people’s lives. When you are connected to friends and family, you not only increase your own well-being, but theirs as well. Share positive messages to those you love to defeat the feeling of isolation that has become so predominate in today’s culture.
If you were to do a search for the phrase “how to be a success” you’d get thousands of suggestions. Hard work, dedication, enjoyment, and even confidence are all part of the equation in achieving success. One author suggests that success is subjective. What you believe to be success may be quite different than your neighbor, but in general, we can probably agree that success is an accomplishment of some goal or purpose in your life. Researchers constantly study the characteristics that go into making people successful. One study from Washington University in St. Louis found that a spouse was one key element in determining how successful an individual was.
Who You Spend Time With Influences You
Jim Rohn, popular motivational speaker, said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Your mom probably told to you to be careful who your friends are. It’s no secret that friends and family members influence your character. The WU study demonstrated that the personality traits of a spouse can actually play a part in work performance. Researchers studied more than 5,000 married people over five years. These individuals were aged 19 to 89. About three-quarters of the couples both worked.
Researchers assessed five measures of personality:
Openness
Agreeableness
Conscientiousness
Extraversion
Neuroticism
The researchers also tracked the performance of the working spouses to measure occupational success by using salary increases, annual surveys, and self-reported job satisfaction. What they found was that those workers who scored high in occupational success typically had a spouse who was very conscientious. Interestingly, it didn’t matter whether the employee was male or female or whether both spouses worked or not.
Short-Term and Long-Term Relationship Patterns
It’s true that when someone has a bad day, they often bring that stress home, which causes tension between a married couple. Research has proven this, but the WU study tracks long-term influences of a spouse. The researchers in the WU study offer some suggestions about why a conscientious spouse can benefit your career in the long run.
Having a spouse with good habits encourages the other person to emulate those good habits, which leaks over into work.
A working spouse with a reliable partner isn’t trying to manage everything on their own.
When people work together to keep their life running smoothly, it makes it easier to balance work and home life.
You can’t continually come home and be upset from work and expect your spouse’s personality to make things better, but you can use your spouse’s enthusiasm and motivation to push yourself to change. Success, whether on the job or in a relationship, doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a long-term process in which you just have to keep moving forward. There are many elements to success and a conscientious spouse is just one of them.
Choose Your Spouse Wisely
Many studies have shown that who you marry is vital to your health or financial status. Your partner will definitely have an impact on who you are and will become. When choosing a romantic partner, you not only want someone who is agreeable and not narcissistic, but you also want someone who is conscientious. It’s just one of the ingredients you want to look for when choosing a partner.
If you’re already married, what can you do? You can’t change anyone except yourself. All you can do is to be more supportive and lead by example. Based on this study, when one person is more conscientious, the other person tends to step up and become more hard-working. You have to set the example. Will things change overnight? Maybe not. You and your spouse need to have the same goals and objectives.
Planning your wedding reception can often feel very complicated. While it is true that you need to start early and dedicate a good chunk of your time to putting together such a large event, most of what you need to know is quite simple and straightforward. A reception doesn’t need to have a lot of bells and whistles for guests to remember it for years to come. In fact, all you really need to do is consider a few general points to ensure your reception is as enjoyable as it is efficient.
The Seating Situation During The Reception
Perhaps the biggest headache couples deal with when planning a reception is the seating chart. Try as you might to put together a perfect arrangement, there are lots of little details you need to keep in mind. Keeping couples at the same table is a given, but you also want to avoid seating people together who don’t particularly get along. According to wedding experts, putting a lot of thought behind your seating arrangement is actually key to keeping the event light and fun for all.
Weddings can be tiring. If guests don’t have a clear idea of where they are supposed to sit from the moment they enter the venue, it can lead to some immediate frustration. Prominently displaying the seating information is one step. Having a lounge area for guests to relax in can also be key. In fact, the more options guests have for sitting and having a moment to catch their breath, the more likely it is your night will maintain a consistent and enjoyable flow.
The Entertainment
Setting the mood is important for any event. A reception is all about music. Whether you opt for a DJ or a live band, you need to make sure the entertainment is always on top of the mood in the room. Since you’ll be busy enjoying your big day, you want to trust in your entertainers to read the guests and see what tunes need to be played to lighten or calm the mood. This goes beyond getting people up to dance. From dinner being served to speeches being delivered, the music sets the tone.
Music is not the only way to entertain guests, of course. In some cases, there is a big enough gap between the wedding ceremony and reception that guests need to entertain themselves for a bit. If this is the case for your event, you should plan ahead in terms of entertainment. For outdoor weddings, this can mean bringing along group games that guests can engage with. For indoor events, think about how hiring an illusionist or artist can captivate the crowd while they wait.
The Refreshments
Finally, refreshments play a critical part in how guests perceive the reception. While you definitely have put time and effort into selecting the right caterer for your wedding, you also need to think about the pacing of the night. Guests are going to be hungry from the moment they leave the ceremony, so this means that appetizers and smaller plates should be provided as soon as people start arriving at the reception. The longer it takes for food and drink to become available, the more likely it is that you’ll be dealing with a tense group of people.
Though most of the planning process surrounding a wedding has to do with the reception itself, most couples forget that the basics are what truly make for a memorable experience. No matter what decorations or color theme you select to impress people on a visual level, you cannot overlook the importance of having an organized environment where entertainment and refreshments are available from the very start.
Decor is an essential component in a wedding. However, the decorations and floral arrangements you include are not the only thing to consider when it comes to the special details of your big day. There are some things that fall outside of the realm of both fashion and decor. Dubbed “wedding accessories” by industry experts in recent years, these are the little touches that help to connect you with your event and make it as memorable as possible on a personal scale. Use these suggestions to include the right accessories.
Decor & The Personal Items
A lot of time and energy is put into selecting the perfect wedding attire. From lavish dresses to tuxedos that look like they were plucked from an old film, couples want to look their best when walking down the aisle. However, what you wear is not solely about how you are perceived by others. The accessories you include can add a level of personal significance to your outfit. Some people include heirloom accessories or jewelry in order to feel connected to their families during this important milestone.
The accessories don’t need to be traditional accessories that are worn, either. Some couples purchase special hangers for their wedding garments in order to avoid wrinkles and creases. A personalized set of hangers can be a cute little feature that helps you feel excited for this new chapter in your life.
The Guest Book
The guest book at your wedding is another item that falls outside of the traditional decor category and more into the realm of accessories. Though many opt for an actual book for guests to sign, there are endless ways to get creative. Including an old typewriter and a long sheet of paper is a neat alternative that allows guests the chance to type out their messages of luck and love. A video guest book is also a popular option, with people recording their messages in a “confessional” style made popular on reality television.
The Party Members
Giving the members of your wedding party fun accessories can also be a great way to add another dimension of style to your event. If you have a ring bearer and flower girl, then consider hanging little signs on them with humorous messages. A flower girl with a sign that reads “follow the petals, follow the love” or a similar phrase can get guests to deliver some audible “awws” from the very start.
Similarly, you might want to give accessories to all of your bridesmaids or groomsmen as a way of thanking them for being involved. Though few people will actually see this accessory, custom socks can be a fantastic gift. Whether you personalize each pair to the person or order bulk socks with the same message, the people in your party will definitely want to wear them during the event.
The Little Touches With Decor
Plenty of couples have wedding themes these days. Whether your event is rustic, modern, or classic, be sure that any accessories you include in your big day complement the overall aesthetic. If you’re having a wedding meant to invoke the roaring parties of the 1920s, consider placement cards that boast a bold and vintage font that perfectly captures the bygone era. This is your chance to be as creative as possible, so think outside the box and find fun ways to put finishing touches on your wedding’s look.
Though the term itself is something of a new concept, wedding accessories have long been a part of the planning process. Before you finish putting together the details of your big day, think about how a couple of small accessories can help to add a delicious level of personal texture to the experience.
Maybe you’ve heard of feng shui – creating balance with the natural world in one’s indoor spaces. Tied to some important Chinese cultural beliefs, this fascinating art is a few thousand years old. But how exactly does it work? Once you understand the basics, feng shui can be a little easier to grasp. This quick guide introduces its concepts and their applications.
Taoist Principles Behind Feng Shui
New York architect Anjie Cho explains feng shui’s roots. The term comes from two separate Chinese words — “feng” means wind and “shui” means water. It’s related to Tao, a principle underlying all creation and calling for harmony with its natural order.
Tao is an extensive philosophy, but some of its basics play out in feng shui. Qi, pronounced as “chi,” is a fundamental life energy flowing through the world. You may have heard of yin and yang – these refer to complementary opposite forces that must remain in balance. And then there’s Wu Xing, a cycle in which life moves through five states: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
With Wu Xing, creative or destructive effects occur based on the order in which the cycle moves. The Chinese Buddhist Encyclopedia details how this works. Starting with wood, one state helps create the next. Wood can fuel a fire, which can produce ashes to create earth, and so on. But there’s also a controlling or suppressive cycle. Fire melts metal, metal cuts wood, and wood grows through earth. As this cycle continues, earth hems in water, which in turn extinguishes fire.
How the Five Elements Work
In another piece for The Spruce, Cho further describes how the five states work in feng shui. These states have physical properties, but they also represent intangible things. Earth, for instance, stands for nourishment, self-care, and boundaries. These states also have their own sets of colors:
Fire: red and orange
Earth: yellow and neutral earth tones
Metal: gray and silver
Water: black, darker gray, and navy
Wood: green and light blue tones
Shapes can also represent these element states. Fire shapes are very angular – usually triangles. Squares symbolize earth. Circles and round shapes recall the metal element. Irregular and wavy shapes point to water – like waves in a pond or lake. Tall shapes and columns represent wood, like the trunks of trees.
Thoughtful choices can help bring needed elements into your spaces. Sometimes, these choices are obvious. You could add a wooden desk and houseplants as wood elements in a home office. But sometimes, an item symbolizes one of the elements. Maybe you don’t have a brick oven in your kitchen, but your stove represents fire just the same. You shouldn’t bring a pile of dirt into your living room, but a square yellow rug can stand in for earth.
Positions in Feng Shui
Cho adds that placement makes a huge difference in feng shui. There’s the commanding position – the spot in each room located the farthest from the door. The commanding position is not in direct line with the door, but you can still see the door itself. It’s where you’d place objects that you use the most – the stove in your kitchen, your desk in a home office, and so forth.
Feng shui also uses a map to locate eight key areas in a space. This map, called a bagua, assigns each area to an aspect of life. The central southern area, for example, is red and represents one’s fame and reputation. There’s also a central area that stands for the individual – specifically, wellness and health.
More Than Interior Design
Feng shui comes from Taoist philosophies: important ideas that helped shape Chinese culture. While using feng shui can create beautiful interior spaces, the central goal is achieving balance with nature. Today’s practitioners have adapted its ancient concepts to modern interiors, building design, and lifestyles.
