Category: News

Happy New Year

2009

Happy New Year

New Year traditions and celebrations vary enormously across the globe. This is perfectly illustrated by countries in Asia. China and India for example are among many countries who celebrate New Year on dates other than January 1, which has been widely used since the official adoption of the Gregorian calendar from 1582. As in the other continents, Asian New Year celebrations reflect a huge range of cultural and religious differences.

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, occurs every year on the new moon of the first lunar month. The exact date can fall any time between January 21 and February 21 (inclusive) of the Gregorian Calendar. In the Chinese lunar calendar, following a twelve year cycle, each of the 12 years is named after an animal. Lord Buddha asked all the animals to come to him before he left the earth. Only 12 animals came to wish him farewell, and as a reward Buddha named a year after each one.

New Year is a very important Chinese celebration. Chinese families travel far and wide to be together. In fact, Chinese New Year leads to the biggest movement of people on any one day during specific dates in the year. People carry lanterns and join in a huge parade led by a silk dragon, the Chinese symbol of strength. According to legend, the dragon hibernates most of the year, so people throw firecrackers to keep the dragon awake. 2019 will be the year of the pig.

The Balinese New Year, based on the Saka Calendar is called Nyepi, and it falls on Bali’s

Lunar New Year (around March). It is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation; observed from 6am until 6am the next morning. Nyepi is a day reserved for self-reflection and as such, anything that might interfere with that purpose is restricted. Although Nyepi is primarily a Hindu holiday, non-Hindu residents of Bali observe the day of silence as well, out of respect for their fellow citizens. Even tourists are not exempt. Although free to do as they wish inside their hotels, no one is allowed onto the beaches or streets, and the only airport in Bali remains closed for the entire day. The only exceptions granted are for emergency vehicles carrying those with life-threatening conditions and women about to give birth.

In Thailand, a special three-day water festival on April 13–15 marks Songkran, the Buddhists’ celebration of the New Year. Parades feature huge statues of Buddha that spray water on passers-by. In small villages, young people throw water at each other for fun. People also release fish into rivers as an act of kindness. During Songkran, people tie strings around each other’s wrists to show their respect. The strings are supposed to be left on until they fall off naturally.

Europeans of course are no different when it comes to unique New Year traditions. For Italians, new beginning means getting away from everything old and useless, so on New Year’s Eve they throw out of the window their old furniture or other discarded things, like old clothes or dishes. So, if you ever want to spend the holiday there, be careful while walking on the streets, especially in the south, where this tradition is particularly popular.

 

 

THE MIRACLE OF THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE 1914

This photograph shows German and British soldiers standing together on the battlefield near Ploegsteert, Belgium, during the Christmas Truce. On the far right a football match between Allied and German soldiers was supposed to have taken place during the Christmas Truce. How much truth is there in all this?
On a frosty, starlit Christmas Eve in 1914 a miracle took place on the Western Front. Peeking over their trenches for what must have been the first time in weeks, British soldiers were surprised to see Christmas trees lit with candles on the parapets of the enemy’s trenches. A melody drifted over the darkness of ‘No Man’s Land.’ Men of the British Expeditionary Force heard German troops in the trenches opposite them singing carols and patriotic songs and saw lanterns and small fir trees along their trenches. Carols and messages began to be exchanged between the trenches. First “Silent Night,” then “God Save the King.” This was followed by the cry of “You no shoot, we no shoot!” The Christmas Truce was a brief, spontaneous cease-fire that spread up and down the Western Front in the first year of World War I. The incident has become a symbol of peace and goodwill.
Letters home reported the wonder of the Christmas Truce. Corporal Leon Harris, 13th Battalion, London Regiment wrote, “This has been the most wonderful Christmas ever. We were in the trenches on Christmas Eve and about 8.30 p.m. the firing was almost at a standstill. Then the Germans started shouting across to us, “Happy Christmas”.
In his letter home, Rifleman C.H. Brazier commented on soldiers leaving their trenches and entering ‘No-Man’s Land.’ “Half-way (across) they were met by four Germans. They gave our fellows cigars and a bottle of wine and were given a cake and cigarettes. When they came back I went out with some more of our fellows and we were met by about 30 Germans, who seemed to be very nice fellows. I got one of them to write his name and address on a postcard as a souvenir. All through the night we sang carols to them and they sang to us.”
British and German soldiers met and exchanged gifts, took photographs and some played impromptu games of football. One British Officer even claimed his regiment actually had a football match with the Germans who beat them 3-2. The incident was famously remembered by Edmund Blackadder in the funny and poignant final episode of Blackadder Goes Forth. “I was never offside! I could not believe that decision!”
Most historians think it was unlikely that there was actually a football match between the Allies and Germans and emphasise other features of the Truce. Both sides took the opportunity to bury casualties and repair trenches and dugouts. After Boxing Day, meetings dwindled. In any case, the Christmas Truce was not observed everywhere along the Western Front. Some fighting continued and casualties did occur on Christmas Day. Some officers were unhappy at the Truce and worried that it would undermine fighting spirit. After 1914, the High Commands on both sides tried to prevent any truces on a similar scale happening again. Despite this, there were some isolated incidents of soldiers

(this article is incomplete)

 

 

MILK DELIVERIES

MILK
Ron may no longer be delivering the milk around the area but the company Bright & Early still are. Their aim is to attempt to deliver to all their customers before 7am to make sure everyone has milk in time for breakfast.
If you are a past customer or new to the area and would like fresh bottled milk on your door step contact Bright & Early on 0345 606 3606 or at www.milkandmore.co.uk.

 

 

HAVE YOURSELF A STRESS-FREE CHRISTMAS

 

HAVE YOURSELF A STRESS-FREE CHRISTMAS

The Christmas season is almost upon us and the shops are filling with colourful decorations and enticing gifts, (as well as some rather annoyingly repetitive music!!) As wonderful as this time of year can be, the extra work for family, preparing meals, and present-buying, can all cause extra stress. It is important to take time out for ourselves to unwind. Regular exercise and relaxation practices can really help to ground you, put things in perspective and allow you to further enjoy the festive season. Looking after yourself can help you to look after others.

As the weather cools down, and the days shorten, outdoor exercises are somehow far less appealing. It is tempting to hide ourselves beneath jumpers and jackets and not bother to exercise, but the cold weather is no excuse to stop caring for our bodies.

Cold weather can worsen stiff joints and chronic aches and pains, so having a routine of gentle exercise and stretching can really help. Maintaining an exercise routine can also elevate your mood and so is the perfect antidote to chase away the winter blues that can creep in during the dark and cold winter months.

With over twenty years of teaching experience, Julia Wylie is bringing her own blend of “Stretch and Relax” classes to the Wenvoe Community Centre. Starting December 5th. Come along on Wednesday mornings at 10:00am for just over an hour of gentle stretches and guided relaxation. Designed to leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed, these classes are suitable for all levels including total beginners.

“Stretch and Relax” classes for December will be on December 5th, 12th and 19th. There will be no classes December 26th or January 2nd, and classes will resume in the New Year on January 9th.

There is no need to book; just come along. Bring an exercise mat or yoga mat if you have one, and some water to drink. (I have a few spare mats that I can lend people.)

Wishing you a very happy and stress-free holiday season!

Julia

 

 

FRAUD ADVICE

 

FRAUD ADVICE

We have had a number of complaints in relation to bogus charity collectors cold calling at resident’s homes in The Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff.

In some cases, fraudsters have used the name, logo and charity registration number of a genuine charity to appeal for donations and keep the profits.

If you are cold called by a charity collector, you have several choices, but always err on the side of caution. A polite ‘no thank you’ should do, or you could choose not to answer the door, or put up a ‘No cold callers’ sign.

If you do speak to a doorstep charity collector, ask to see their official badge and permit – but don’t commit to anything. Once again, check with the official charity itself, either online or over the phone, to see if they are making house calls in your area.

If you are concerned about whether a collection is genuine you can:

  • try to contact the charity to check that the collection is legitimate
  • see if the leaflet only gives mobile numbers or none at all, as this could be a sign that they are not collecting on behalf of a legitimate charity
  • give your donations directly to your local charity shop or any official clothing points
  • get your friends and neighbours involved, and contact your Neighbourhood Watch

 

If you have any concerns in relation to this, or wish to report a crime or anti-social behaviour contact the Police on 101.

 

 

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