Pacific Northwest Native Canadian Art Raven
by Clint Leung, Cli. The most important symbol to many Pacific Northwest Native Canadian people is the Raven bird who is considered the Creator's assistant. It is said that the Raven could transform himself into anything. He was responsible for supplying the rivers and...

The Closing Of The Plaza Hotel – A UK Perspective
by Robin Richmond, Rob. The impending closure of the world famous Plaza Hotel in New York, has left lovers of classic hotels across the globe in a state of shock. However, while the Plaza seems doomed to become a shopping mall and condominium flats, classic hotels across...

2005 West End Theatre Review
by Robin Richmond, Rob. It is perhaps in the nature of the British psyche that they don’t realise how good they have got it on their own doorstep. The annual Edinburgh Festivals are regarded world wide as some of the best Europe has to offer in terms of film,...

Portrait Of India: Indian People, Indian Movies, Indian Recipes, India..
by John Thomas, Joh. The success of Indian democracy with more than 1 billion population, 29 states, 7 union territories and 1600 languages/dialects presents a true image of unity in diversity With a civilization more than 5000 years old, India reflects rich culture,...

Birthstones And Their Meanings
by The Gift Wizard, The. A gift that incorporates birthstones is a thoughtful one for a mother or grandmother, especially when a new baby has come into the family. And of course, they make great birthday presents!JanuaryTraditional Gem(s): Garnet, Rose QuartzModern Gem(s):...

X-mas...pinoy-style
by Karla Gae Pascua, Kar. As early as when the months of the year begin to end with "-ber", Filipinos are bursting with anticipation for that special magic the Christmas season never fails to yield. Anywhere else in the world, Christmas is a December "thing". Here in the...

Shamanism
by Jeremiah Huck, Jer. Shamanism is an ancient form of mysticism. Although there are many localized variations, the basic tenet is that all things are sacred and alive. Shamans are experts in this perspective and act as priests, holy persons, guides, researchers,...

The Essentials Of Norse Mythology
by .alfie .vera .mella, .al. Complex but interesting, Norse mythology is the pre-Christian religion of the Danish, Icelandic, Norwegian, and Swedish peoples. It was mainly rooted from the Old Icelandic writing known as the 'Elder Edda,' which unknown skálds wrote centuries...

Foot-binding
by Alfie Mella, Alf. The ancient Chinese had a strange custom known as foot-binding. This practice, which persisted from the tenth to the twentieth century, caused severe lifelong disability for millions of elderly women. According to a study conducted by the University...

'Paglilihí': A Philippine Cultural Myth
by Alfie Mella, Alf. Perhaps you heard of a child born with “crab hands”—instead of having five fingers, his arms end in two thick appendages that look like the pincers of a crab. In the Philippines, many folks would most likely blame this on...

'Thorrablot': An Icelandic Winter Food Festival
by Alfie Mella, Alf. Holidays and festivals are among the most important aspects of Icelandic culture. They mirror not only Iceland’s character but also that of its people. Icelanders await and prepare for these lavish celebrations with reverence and...

Fauna Of Himapan Forest (Thai Mythology)
by Alfie Mella, Alf. Perhaps the most popular realm in Thai mythology, Himapan Forest is the invisible woodland believed to exist in the Himalayas, in the India-Nepal border, just below the equally legendary Buddhist heaven. The fabled forest is home to a great number...

Net Savvy Indian Brides And Grooms!
by Roopa Nair, Roo. India is a diverse, multi-cultural country with people of various religions, communities and sects living together in harmony and peace. Each community has its own set of religious rituals, traditions and multitudes of customs inherited from...

Hanoi: Chu Dong Tu Festival: from 7 to 9 March 2009
by Michele De Capitani, Mic. The Chu Dong Tu Festival, which attracts every years many pilgrims, as well as tourists coming from all over the world, in meant to remind us of Chu Dong Tu, a very important figure of Vietnamese culture, as he is believed to be the first who...

New York: Tartan Day Parade, 4 April 2009
by Michele De Capitani, Mic. The New York Tartan Day Parade is a tribute that the United States pay to its inhabitants of Scottish descent (between 20 and 25 millions people, according to estimations), who played a main role in the building and the developing of the country....