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Jan

What’s in the Art of New Year’s Resolutions?

by Meredith Mullins on January 2, 2019

Happy new year hat on weathered boards, showing the cultural traditions of Japanese wabi sabi and lending a theme for New Year's resolutions. (Image © Kameleon007/iStock.)

Here’s to a year of glitter and the worn beauty of wabi sabi.
© Kameleon007/iStock

Cultural Tradition with a Dash of Wabi Sabi

Eat healthier.
Get more exercise.
Lose weight.
Learn a language.
Save more money.
(Make more money!)
Master a new skill.
Read more.
Spend quality time with friends and family.

Sound familiar?

Yes, it’s that time of year again. A transition to a new annual chapter. A time to turn the page. Start fresh. And make a New Year’s resolution or two . . . or three—rising to the challenge of self-improvement and accomplishing new goals.

These days, the percentage of people making New Year’s resolutions seems to be steadily declining. And the percentage of those keeping their resolutions dives even lower.

I admit to being in this latter category. Resolutions made. Resolutions broken (usually by sometime in January).

So why not take a different tack? Why not embrace wabi sabi? Read more...

Meredith Mullins 5 Comments

Cultural Heritage & Traditions/Japan

Dec

Memorable Moments: Holiday Happenings

by Your friends at OIC on December 24, 2018

Our gift to you. © Kemal Bas/iStock

As you enjoy your own holiday celebrations, we’d like to share with you this look back at traditions and treats from around the world.

The Season Sparkle of Cultural Differences

Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or Epiphany. Whether you’re commemorating Père Noêl, Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, the Three Wisemen, Sinterklaas, Befana, or the miracle of light. ‘Tis the season to be festive. Go to the post.

Holiday Foods Around the World

by Meredith Mullins on December 17, 2018

Christmas Pudding, showing the cultural traditions of holiday food around the world. (Image © Bruce Goldstone/iStock.)

‘Tis the Season for Cultural Traditions

The holiday season is here, and thoughts turn to twinkling lights, frenetic shopping, food traditions, celebrations with family and friends, decorated trees, wreaths and menorahs, holiday songs, festive food, stockings hung by the chimney with care, animated store windows, seasonal food treats, red-nosed reindeer, roasted chestnuts, peace on earth, and . . . did I mention food?

There are many cultural traditions associated with the holidays around the world, and, in many cases, holiday food traditions play a major role. From roasted turkey to mince pies to babka and bibingka, every country is different. Read more...

Meredith Mullins Comments

Cultural Heritage & Traditions/Worldwide Sites

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