Industrial farming methods of today differ greatly from traditional farming methods of the past. In the post World War II era, the creation and
Tag: general learning
Recycling Mardi Gras Beads
Every year, an estimated 25 million pounds of Mardi Gras beads are dispensed during the carnival season. Usually, these beads make their way to
The Lord of Misrule: Twelfth Night Traditions
Twelfth Night festivities were very popular in mediaeval and Tudor England, where it would mark the end of the winter festival started on Halloween,
Vegetables to Plant in January: Winter Gardening Tips
Are you ready to get back out in the garden? Maybe ready to plant your first garden? There is a wealth of information to
The Other Flower of January
Carnation Another well known birth flower for the month of January is the Diantuhus, carophylus, the formal name for the carnation. Dianthus is derived
Garnet: January Birthstone
A Spessartine is a neosilicate, manganese aluminum garnet species named after the Spessart, a low mountain range in northwest Bavaria. This particular specimen is
National Hot Tea Month
January is National Hot Tea Month, and if you’re out about town and looking for the biggest tea selection in the area, try Covington’s
One Flower of January
Galanthus (Snowdrop) One of the flowers representing birth in January is the Galanthus, also known as the Snowdrop. Galanthus is derived from Greek, gala
The Most Familiar Song – to which nobody knows the words
“Auld Lang Syne” became an instant New Years standard when Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians played it New Years Eve of 1929, broadcasting
New Years Traditions Around the World
The Oldest Continually Celebrated Holiday News Year’s celebrations have a long history of rich tradition in almost every culture. It is dated back to
Baby New Year – A Controversial Tradition
The tradition of using a baby to personify the rebirth of a new year actually came from the Greeks, around 600 BC. Many cities
Why Fireworks?
Fireworks date back to 7th century China, where they originated. China remains the largest producer and exporter of fireworks in the world. They hold
The Poinsettia: Christmas Star
The poinsettia is a holiday favorite, indigenous to Mexico and Central America. The colored leaves at the top of the plant, called bracts, are
Aloe Vera, the Healing Plant
Aloe vera, also known as True Aloe, Burn Aloe or First Aid Aloe is a very well known and revered plant throughout the world.
Chrysanthemum – “Mum’s” the Word
The name “chrysanthemum” is from the Greek language, chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower). In 1999, a ruling of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature
The History of the Wreath
The art of making wreaths is both ancient and symbolic, dating back to the times of Greece and Rome. The people of the Greco-Roman
Sodium Bicarbonate
More commonly known as baking soda, this mineral has a long history of use in cooking, cleaning and medicine. Sodium bicarbonate is composed of