According to Donald Dossey, a folklore historian, the origin of the Number “13” being unlucky originated with a Norse myth about 12 gods having a dinner party in Valhalla. A trickster god named Loki, who was not invited, arrived as the 13th guest and arranged for the god Hoor to shoot another god, Balder, with …
Motherhood! The dictionary defines it as “the state of being a mother or having the spirit or qualities of a mother.” And so what is a mother? Again, according to the dictionary, a mother is a creature who “creates, nurtures and protects.” Today we will once again celebrate Mother’s Day. We will honour mothers who …
“The First of April, some do say, Is set apart for All Fools’ Day. But why the people call it so, Nor I, nor they themselves do know. But on this day are people sent On purpose for pure merriment.” I wonder how many people still consider April 1st as being ‘open season’ to …
No one can deny that the Irish are full of charm and a whole lot of blarney, But St. Patrick himself, for whom March 17th is celebrated each year, was also something of an enigma. Contrary to popular belief, he was in fact neither Irish nor Catholic! Hard to believe, I know. Some say he …
Today Broadmead is an upper-class treed neighbourhood of fine homes and manicured lawns – but of course it wasn’t always that way. Broadmead’s history comprises a varied mix of hard work, horses, religion, burial grounds, famous battles, brewers, and war veterans, with an Emily Carr vision thrown in for good measure. Back in the 1880s …
February is the month when thousands of people around the world will send or receive sentimental or humorous greetings cards from their sweethearts, friends or family members. So, let’s take a step back in time and examine the history of this unique ‘giving-of-cards’ tradition which apparently all started with a man called Valentine. Some people …
Kung Hei Fat Choi! Gong Xi Fa Cai! Saehae bok mani badeuseyo! Chúc mừng năm mới! Today is the Lunar New Year, the first day of the 2 week Spring Festival. Visit your family (but only on the second day), wear red, avoid taking out the trash (which is akin to washing away your luck …
