The origins of Anglo-Saxon Easter and other mysteries

Easter? ¿What kind of name is that Rabbits? Why the rabbits? Why the painted eggs? There are too many unexplainable things around Easter. So, just like the searching and inquiring creatures that have become the symbol of Anglo-Saxon Easter, we will jump, jump and enter the rabbit hole to discover the ancient mysteries of this peculiar festivity.

The origins of Easter

Easter, perhaps the most important date on the Christian calendar, is known in much of the world as the holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lent, which is the period of 40 days until Easter Sunday, is a time of self-reflection that is supposed to reflect the time Jesus spent in the desert.

In the Hebrew Bible, the Jews refer to the Passover season as Passover, which symbolizes the liberation of the Hebrew people from the bondage of Egypt.

If we dig a little deeper, it seems that the first commemoration of this time of the year goes back much further back in time than modern religion. The Easter date falls at a key point in the solar calendar: the spring equinox, the moment when there are finally the same hours of light as of darkness. In the north, the arrival of spring was celebrated with great joy.

The hypothesis is that the first celebrations of spring began as an ancestral spiritual festival that honored the cycles of the earth and the moon, as well as the appearance of the first crops and flowers after the long winter. Without a doubt, there is something mystical and virtuous in the connection of Easter with the sun, the solar system and the flowering of life on our planet, do not you think?

Where does the name come from?

It is believed that the name given to Easter in the Anglo-Saxon countries, Easter, refers to Ostara (in ancient English, Eostre), a former pre-Christian goddess of spring and fertility. Bede the Venerable, an old monk with a long beard who was nicknamed "The Father of the History of England," wrote about her more than 1300 years ago. You are imagining Professor Dumbledore right now, why?

The Easter rabbit does not make much sense. Where does it come from?

It seems that the rabbit and the hare have their origin in a pagan ritual. It was known that they were especially fertile, so they were associated with the time of Easter rebirth. In German folklore the rabbit was related to the concept of the eternal life of Christian Easter, since they were born with open eyes and people believed that they had been awake all the time.

The Easter Bunny tradition was introduced to the United States by German settlers who arrived in Pennsylvania in the 18th century.

And of course, that's where the chocolate rabbits' tradition comes from nowadays. Currently, more than 90 million of these small chocolate animals are produced each year in the United States.

Why the eggs?

Let's see where the obsession with these oval objects comes from.

Like the Easter rabbit, the eggs represent the new life. In fact, the egg is in itself a symbol of the mystery of life. It has been the center of philosophical debates of famous scholars, such as Plutarch, who reflected on the famous dilemma "What came first, the chicken or the egg?".

The tradition of decorating eggs is part of the celebration of this concept of new life and, once again, it predates Christianity. It has its origin in the Nowruz , the ancestral Persian festival of the new year.

A few years later, in 1873, the chocolate Easter egg appears in the British industrial factories. Since then, people have gone crazy with these chocolate marvels. In 2011, the highest Easter egg in the world was made in Italy. With 7200 kg, it weighed more than an elephant and had a height of 10.39 meters.

There I leave you, with the thought of eating an oval and enormous construction of delicious chocolate. To enjoy!

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Father's day around the world: customs and traditions

The dads are unique, so they deserve that once a year we pay tribute. Today , March 19, Father's Day is celebrated in Spain , but did you know that it is not celebrated in all countries of the world? Not even the same day! In this post we review some of the most curious celebrations of Father's Day and collect some information about Father's Day around the world.

 

Father's Day in the USA: Father's Day

The origin of this holiday in the United States dates back to June 10, 1910 when a woman, Sonora Smart, wanted to recognize the merit of her father. The man, a war veteran, was soon widowed and had to take care of running the family farm and raising his children. The gesture of Sonora became a vindication towards the father figure and after several years, specifically in 1972, President Richard Nixon declared it a national holiday. Since then, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. A curious fact is that the golf tournament 'United States Open' is scheduled to end precisely on Father's Day.

Father's Day in Germany: Herrentag or Männertag

It is celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday and coincides with the day of Ascension. Father's Day in Germany is synonymous with fun for men. In fact, Männertag means "men's day" and many take the opportunity to make large barbecues in the garden or tour the taverns of the city. But the most typical custom of Father's Day in Germany is the so-called Bollerwagen. It is a traditional mountain expedition with carriages, tractors with trailers and wheelbarrows full of regional food and beer. Some even prepare their vehicle weeks before to have it ready for the occasion.

Father's Day in Japan: Chichi No Hi

As in the United States, Father's Day in Japan is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, although it is not a holiday in the country. In addition to regular gifts like sweets, food and premium drinks (Kobe steak, sake bottles) one of the most typical Father's Day gifts in Japan is the ceramic glasses with the engraved name. They are intended to serve tea or beer as this material helps to better preserve the temperature of the drink, whether hot or cold.

Father's Day in Nepal: Gokarna Aunsi

It is about the celebration celebrated by the Hindu community, the majority in the country. Father's Day, celebrated on August 25, is a strictly family holiday in Nepal. Young people buy gifts for adults and the elderly pay their respects to the ancestors by depositing flowers and praying prayers in temples dedicated to Shiva.

Father's Day in Italy: San Giuseppe

March 19 is also Father's Day in Italy. In some regions, for example, Sicily, the day of San Giuseppe is an event for the senses. The squares of the villages are filled with authentic banquets and the most typical dessert of this festival is tasted: the Zeppole di San Giuseppe . These are sweet fried rings filled with custard, fruits in syrup and covered with sugar.

And if you're still thinking about gifts for Father's Day and yours is a traveler, how about one of our courses for adults abroad ?

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How do they celebrate spring in the world? Meet these 8 amazing traditions

Now that spring begins to banish the last gloomy traces of winter, we can finally begin to dream of sunnier days. Part of the beauty of the arrival of spring is the diversity with which they show you how they celebrate spring in the world ... Each country has a unique way of welcoming the new season, be it with festivals, parades or community meals .

Are you curious to know how they celebrate spring in the world? Immerse yourself in the spring and meet some of the best spring traditions from around the world.

1. Water Festival of Songkran, Thailand

This annual festival takes place shortly after the spring equinox. Songkran comes from the Sanskrit word meaning "astrological passage," and is celebrated in Thailand as New Year's Day. In this festival it is a tradition to go to a Buddhist monastery, visit the elderly and, of course, throw water. The northern capital of Chiang Mai is the setting for the most important celebrations, with parties lasting up to six days. The streets are filled with locals and tourists equipped with huge water guns, pressure hoses and buckets, ready to wet anyone who crosses their path. Children, adults and the elderly participate in the tradition, and all of them dance in the streets to the sound of music at full volume.

2. Easter Egg Race of the White House, United States

The Easter egg race of the White House, which is believed to have begun in 1814, takes place every Easter Monday. In this nice tradition, children gather at the White House in Washington DC to roll eggs on the grass using wooden spoons and compete with each other to see who crosses the finish line first. Children who participate in the race can earn Easter eggs and small prizes, so they are usually excited about the idea of ​​getting candy and treats. The party is supervised by the president of the United States and his family, as well as a giant Easter rabbit. The festive and happy spirit of this event and the Easter decoration that floods every corner make it one of the highlights of the year.

3. Holi, north of India

The Holi, one of the most colorful festivals in the world without a doubt, is a Hindu tradition that is celebrated throughout the north of India. It consists of throwing colored powders, which is a way to commemorate the many nuances of the spring season and also events of Hindu mythology. The festival, which usually lasts all day and all night, is a gloriously colorful and lively celebration of the end of winter and the arrival of spring. You can, however, become a little crazy, so it is advisable to do your homework before attending!

4. Nowruz, Central Asia

Nowruz means New (No) day (ruz). Celebrated as the first day of the first month of the Iranian calendar and coinciding with the spring equinox (normally around March 21), this "new day" symbolizes the new life, the new beginnings and the rebirth of nature. Although it differs from one country to another, this celebration usually begins with the cleaning of homes, although it quickly becomes a celebration of bonfires, costumes and family memories that lasts several days until the 13th of the new year, when everyone leaves. home and meet with friends and family to listen to music, dance and eat in the public spaces of the cities.

5. Rolling Cheese Festival, Gloucester, England

On the last Monday of May of each year, the Gloucester rolling cheese festival takes place at Copper's Hill. Just an hour's drive from Bristol , this seemingly harmless event is, in fact, much more dangerous than its name suggests. A cheese wheel is thrown up a (very) steep hill and, a second later, the participants throw themselves behind it. Win the first to cross the finish line. In this intense tradition bruises, bloody knees and broken bones are very common. It's a rough way to welcome spring, but the community proudly follows this 200-year-old tradition that attracts new competitors each year.

6. Cimburijada, Bosnia

The Cimburijada, which can be translated as "scrambled egg festival", commemorates the first day of spring in the Bosnian city of Zenica. People gather at dawn on the banks of the Bosna River, where a popular meal of scrambled eggs is prepared. Friends, family and visitors eat their scrambled eggs together, drink and listen to music to celebrate the first day of spring.

7. Spring equinox in Teotihuacán, Mexico

Every year, thousands of people dressed in white, as tradition dictates, gather in the huge pyramid of Teotihuacán, located about 30 kilometers northeast of Mexico City, to commemorate the spring equinox. It is celebrated annually on March 20 or 21, and many of the participants climb in the morning the 360 ​​steps that lead to the top of the pyramid to approach the energy portals. By raising your arms to the sky and enjoying the warmth of the sun, you absorb enough energy for the whole year.

8. Floriade, Australia

The Floriade began celebrating in 1988, when park manager Peter Sutton and landscape architect Chris Slotemaker De Bruine conceptualized a proposal for a large floral exhibition commemorating the bicentennial of Australia and the 75th anniversary of Canberra. The result was a beautiful and exotic floral exhibition that the local community welcomed so fondly that it became an annual celebration of spring in the country. Every year, thousands of people travel from the neighboring cities of Sydney and Brisbane to admire more than a million flowers in this festival of color, music and horticulture for a month.

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7 reasons why studying in Sydney will change your life

It is the city of the sun, surfboards and barbecues on the beach: Sydney, Australia. If you have not been there yet, it is likely that this coastal city is at the top of your list. 

While traveling for pleasure or for work are good choices, one of the best ways to experience the relaxed lifestyle of Sydney is to live and study there. Here are 7 reasons to study in Sydney will change your life:

1. Beach hours

Do you want to surf before or after school? Sydney is your place. Australians love surfing and spend a lot of time on the beach. Only in Sydney you have more than 100 beaches to choose from. Surf fans are close to the magnificent beaches of Bondi, Bronte and Coogee. Do you prefer a sunset walk? Go to the beach of Cronulla, with miles of sand to walk. The number one rule in Sydney is not to leave the house without a swimsuit or bikini. You never know, you can always arrange a barbecue on the beach from one moment to the next.

2. Did someone say coffee?

Australians love coffee. Well, maybe that's going to be short. Australians are OBSESSED for coffee. As a result, Sydney is full of cafés that fill the districts of Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Newtown, Chippendale and Brickfields. For the inhabitants of Sydney, coffee is a way of life. And new cafeterias are opened every few days, so you'll surely find in your neighborhood one that you can go to study or hang out with your friends.

3. Take your dose of vitamin D

Sydney has one of the best climates in the world. With its mild winters and a time similar to the Mediterranean, the city has an average of 340 sunny days per year, which makes it the ideal destination for sun lovers. Do not forget the sunscreen!

4. Sydney loves diversity

You will not be the first person to fall in love with Sydney. When you walk through its streets, you will see and hear the influence of cultures from all over the world. The nationalities with more representation in Sydney are the Italian, the Chinese, the Irish, the Lebanese, the Greek, the Indian and the German. The city loves to celebrate this wealth of diversity with countless festivals and festivals, such as the Chinese New Year festival ( #CNYSYD ) and the Indian Spring Festival (Vasant Panchami).

5. Respectful with the LGBTQ community

Sydney not only accepts international diversity, she is also the proud representative of one of the largest gay populations in Australia. When you walk down Oxford Street, you will find yourself on a street dedicated entirely to the LGBTQ community. In addition, the annual Mardi Gras parade of gays and lesbians celebrates the rainbow symbol throughout the city.

6. Day trips

Are you worried that you might get bored of the beach? No problem. Rent a car and, in a few hours, you can walk through the Blue Mountains, Jervis Bay, Port Stephens or the Royal National Park. Also, if you like wine tasting, the Hunter Valley is full of world-famous vineyards where you can try wine and learn.

7. Christmas on the beach

Ok, let's be honest. It may seem a bit strange to celebrate Christmas in the middle of summer, especially if you are used to hot chocolate by the fireplace during this time of year. But the truth is that it is not so bad to celebrate Christmas in the sun with a cold drink in your hand and a barbecue on the beach. Australians know well how to celebrate Christmas and who knows? The experience may change your life.

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The 10 best places to travel in 2018

It's the beginning of 2018 and you already know what it means, "New year, new me!" But how about «New year, new places»? Yes, the growth and personal development is not only given in the gym or after a cleaning based on juices, also in travel. 

And although the world is full of incredible places to visit, here are the best places to travel in 2018:

1. Petra, Jordan

   
   

The Middle East is full of wonders, and Jordan is no exception. You can float without exerting yourself in the Dead Sea or make a getaway to the desert and visit the Wadi Rum, although Jordan is best known for its architectural masterpiece: Petra. Built on a rock wall, this UNESCO World Heritage site was carved in 312 AD and rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss traveler. If you like history and archeology, Petra should be at the top of your travel list for 2018.

2. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Off the Queensland coast of Australia are the more than 1400 miles (2253 kilometers) of the largest coral reef system on the planet. It is obvious that this should be on your list of must-sees. Known as the Blue Outback, this World Heritage Site has thousands of species of fish and mollusks, hundreds of species of birds, sharks, rays and dozens of species of dolphins, whales and porpoises. I feel overwhelmed writing this. Can you imagine what it would be like to see it in person? If you do not know how to dive, do not worry! The surface diving is enough to enjoy one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

3. Kauai, Hawaii, USA UU

Kauai takes the medal to the rainiest place on earth. And although the rain is not the best for curled hair, so many precipitations make it a tropical paradise. Think of walking routes through spectacular sites, indigo blue pools, beautiful bike rides and fascinating dives in colorful coral reef ecosystems. For me, and also for the Huffington Post , the best hiking trail in Hawaii is the Awaawapuhi Trail on Kauai. The route passes over huge cliffs on the Pacific Ocean, with one of the most impressive views that can be found.

4. Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

If you go to Victoria Falls, you will visit two countries for the price of one. Known as the "smoke that thunders", this magnificent fall of water separates Zambia from Zimbabwe and, although it is not the highest or widest cataract on the planet, the combination of the two dimensions makes it the largest in the world. Supposedly, the Zimbabwean side is prettier, but why not check it from both sides and decide for yourself? If you are hunting for emotions, go to the Victoria Falls Bridge, you can cross it in a zip line, bungee jumping from it or swing over the Zambezi River. You only live once, right?

5. Zhangye Danxia, ​​China

When you think of China , you usually think of the Great Wall and the giant pandas, but that is because you have not heard of the Rainbow Mountains. While weathering and erosion generally tend to be quite slow and boring issues, in this case they have created gorgeous strips of colors on the slopes of the Zhangye Danxia Mountains. And although it is not that you are going to find there with unicorns, seeing mountains of red, green and yellow colors is already quite impressive.

6. Yosemite National Park, California, USA UU

When people think of California, they always tend to think of sunny beaches bordered by palm trees and full of celebrities. I understand, the lifestyle of sunny California is fantastic, but I assure you, if you dare to look beyond that scenario and climb the Sierra Nevada mountain range, you will see a California you never imagined. One of those places is the Yosemite National Park. Bounded by granite rock skyscrapers, whispering waterfalls and endless forests, Yosemite is a mecca for rock climbers, hikers and campers. The North Face brand, which was founded in San Francisco, has based its logo on the famous outline of the Half Dome of Yosemite. With hundreds of hikes and climbs to choose from, the park not only has routes for all levels, it is also incredibly photogenic. Take a look at #yosemite on Instagram to get an idea of ​​the beauty of the park.

7. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

I admit that I am an enthusiast of nature and hiking, so I have to add another national park. But hey, it's 2018, right? Surely, one of your resolutions for the new year is to get fit, so here you are, you will thank me later. Anyway, you should know that, in the Magallanes region of Chilean Patagonia, you will find more sheep than people, emerald green valleys, vigorous rivers, crystalline lakes and a world of ice in the form of glaciers and icebergs; it is wonderful. It is also a hard, implacable land, and it is considered to be one of the most inhospitable places on the planet. That's why I recommend you schedule your visit for January or February. At any other time of the year the weather is probably too cold, wet, windy and, in general, miserable to make it fun.

8. Rome Italy

Although many people consider that Paris is the "City of Love", I prefer to think that it is Rome, because if the letters of the word Rome are read back, "Love" is read. Apart from that, can there be something more epic than being known as the Eternal City? It is not only one of the oldest cities in Europe, but it is also considered the cradle of Western civilization. There is so much history here! The Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain (one of my favorite places, the Plaza de España, the Colosseum, and the Vatican.) In just a few hours, you can see some of the most iconic architectural sites in the world and, after visiting the Vatican, you can go back home presuming to have been in the smallest country in the world, and all that without mentioning the delicious gelatos and carbohydrates that you will eat along the way.

9. Costa Rica

There is no better way to try to sleep than with a herd of howler monkeys to your window. But hey, sleeping is not the main reason to travel to Costa Rica, right? You can surf in the surf breaks of Tamarindo, point of reference for surfers, zip-line through the humid forests of Arenal and tour the dense jungles of Corcovado National Park; the action never ends in Costa Rica. With an incredible natural biodiversity, hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, surfing and beaches, Costa Rica is on the list of the 10 best places to visit in 2018 for many reasons, but most of all because of Costa Rica's national motto , «Pure life», a way of life that drives the Costa Rican people. It is used as a greeting and farewell, and refers to a lifestyle that values ​​people and things that really matter. With that in mind, surely a couple of weeks living in the Costa Rican style would do us all a lot of good.

10. Mauricio

As I write this, slush is falling outside, so it is likely that this will influence my desire to go to warm tropical places, but, in fact, it is not valued as it is due to Mauricio. Often overshadowed by the Seychelles and Maldives, the beauty of Mauritius is indescribable. With magnificent white sand beaches, fantastic places to surf and dive, and sunsets that will totally surprise you, Mauritius is a truly magical place. And African sunsets are famous for something. To the south, you will find great places to do kite surfing and hiking. Mauricio was also very influenced by the British, so do not get confused when you see yourself driving on the left. I mention this because I recommend renting a car to get away from the coast and go inland, where you can enjoy meals that are 25 times cheaper and 10 000 times more authentic and delicious. What more could you want?

Greetings to the new year and happy trips!

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9 reasons to travel to Malta | EF Blog

It is impossible not to fall in love with Malta. The sun shines all year, there are more beautiful beaches than you could wish for, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of options for sports and adventure. Here is a list of reasons to travel to Malta. This list will make you wonder why we do not all live in Malta. Really.

THE SUN ALWAYS SHINES

One of the reasons to travel to Malta more important: the good weather. This Mediterranean country enjoys a very long summer of eight months, so it is never a bad time to enjoy the rustic charm of these islands. From April to November, Malta enjoys temperatures above 30 ° C for much of the year. It is also one of the sunniest places in Europe, with more than 3000 hours of sunshine each year. Even in "winter" you can take a dip in its crystalline waters, or tan on any of its immaculate beaches.

THE BEACHES ARE BEAUTIFUL

Malta has beautiful beaches, too many to mention here. You can bathe in the San Pedro Pool, or have a party with your friends in the golden sands of Ghajn Tuffieha, on the islands of Malta you will find the perfect beach for you. The only problem is that once you have enjoyed the Golden Bay or the isolated inlet of Mgarr ix-Xini, it will be almost impossible for you to leave.

THE BLUE LAKE IS THERE

Malta is made up of three main islands. Enclosed between the two main islands, Malta and Gozo, lies the small island of Comino. The rugged island has a population of only four permanent residents, but it is a favorite spot for locals and tourists looking for pristine landscapes and hidden coves. No trip to Malta is complete without enjoying the blue and lush waters of Blue Lake cumin, one of Malta's many natural pools.

A FIRST NIGHTLIFE

Another one of the Maltese likes to enjoy the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle during the day, but do not make the mistake of thinking that Malta has a quiet nightlife. Not much less. Look beyond the old facades and you will discover that the Maltese know how to make parties with important international DJs, such as Tiesto, who makes passes on the island. One of the places brimming with nightlife is San Julián, an important tourist spot.

OLD HISTORY

The first signs of human life and culture on the island of Malta date back more than 7000 years, before the Egyptian pyramids and the Great Wall of China. It's no wonder that the charm of its streets makes the island look like a picturesque open-air museum. The walled city of Mdina is imbued with a rich and colorful history, dating back some 4000 years. The capital, Valletta, is so beautiful that the entire city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

THE PLACES ARE CHARMING

If you are staying with a Maltese family, you will not be a guest, you will be one of the family. The Maltese population is one of the most welcoming on the planet. They also love languages, English and Maltese are the official languages. A third of the population also speaks Italian.

AND THE FOOD IS THE BEST

Everyone knows that Mediterranean food is one of the tastiest there is. Maltese dishes are a fascinating mix of all the countries that have influenced Malta over the years. Maltese prides itself on its delicious cuisine, in which exquisite dishes based on fish predominate.

COMPACT

One of the advantages of visiting such a small island is that you are never too far from the next adventure. The stunning beaches, the vibrant nightlife and the quiet coves are always within reach and within walking distance. Malta may only be 27 km long and 14 km wide, but it holds a lot of wonders in such a small space.

AND FULL OF ADVENTURES

The cozy waters of Malta make it one of the best diving spots in Europe. Dive through the caves and reefs of Comino to experience the waters of the Mediterranean in its best turquoise blue. Malta is also a paradise for other water sports, such as windsurfing and water skiing. If you are able to get out of the water, you can also do horseback riding and epic mountain biking routes.

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