Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley was born on August 30, 1797, in London. She was the daughter of philosopher and political writer William Godwin and of Mary Wollstonecraft, who died after her birth. Mary Shelley was mainly educated at home but she spended some time also at a dame school. In 1812 Mary met Percy Bysshe Shelley for the first time. In 1814 she eloped with him. Mary Shelley had a daughter in February 1815 but the child died after a few days. However in January 1816 Mary gave birth to a son named William. In may 1816 Mary, Percy and their son traveled to Geneva. While there Mary was inspired to write the novel Frankenstein. It was published in 1818. Mary married Percy on 30 December 1816 in London. On 2 September 1817 Mary gave birth to another daughter. This one was called Clara. Unfortunately Clara Shelley died on 24 September 1818. Mary's son William died on 7 June 1819. However on 12 November while in Florence Mary gave birth to another son, Percy Florence Shelley. He was the couple's only surviving child. Tragedy struck again on 8 July 1822 Percy Shelley drowned. After his death Mary Shelley returned to England and she continued writing. In 1826 she published another novel. This one was called The Last Man. It is set in the 21st century when a plague decimates the population. Mary then wrote a historical novel called The Fortunes of Perkin Warbeck. It was about the pretender to the throne who lived at the time of Henry VII. It was published in 1830. Mary Shelley wrote two more novels, Lodore published in 1835 and Falkner published in 1837. Mary Shelley then wrote her last work, which was entitled Rambles in Germany and Italy. Mary Shelley died on 1 February 1851. She was only 53. Mary was buried in Bournemouth.

the Celts

                               The  Celts


The Celts lived during the Iron Age around 750 years before Jesus, in central and northen Europe. The word Celt, comes form the Greek word "Keltoi", that means barbarians. There were 3 main Celtic groups: Gauls, Britons and Gaels. They lived in villages scattered all around Europe. Their houses were round with no windows, but with a hole in the roof 'cause the Celts would light a fire in the middle of the roundhouse for cooking, and this caused a lot of smoke. They believed in many gods and goddesses over 400, there were Celtic priest, called Druids, that were the link between the supernatural world and the human one. The Celts cut off the heads of their ancestors and they nailed the heads over the door of their huts 'cause they believed that the soul was inside the brain. They believed also that the human soul had an afterife so they buried peolpe with many things they would need in the afterlife. 

story

                 The innocent punishment


This is a story about Akbar, the Emperor of India, and his loyal and witty advisor Birbal.It was a fine morning in the palace. The royal courtroom was buzzing with conversation as Akbar’s advisors awaited the arrival of their Emperor. Soon enough Akbar arrived, but he was not in his usual pleasant mood. He seemed bothered and frustrated. The advisors quietened on seeing the Emperor’s stern face."What is the problem, Your Majesty? Is something bothering you?" asked one of the advisors."Today someone dared to pull on my moustache!" exclaimed Emperor Akbar. "What punishment do you think this person should be given?"One by one the advisors suggested the fiercest of punishments for the rogue who dared to pull on the Emperor’s moustache."He should be hung in the public square!" cried one."His head should be cut off!" exclaimed another."He should be flogged one hundred times!" insisted a third.The Emperor listened to them all, but he noticed that his most trusted advisor remained silent throughout."Birbal, do you not have anything to say on this matter?" he asked.Birbal calmly replied: "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I do not agree with any of the punishments suggested."Emperor Akbar was very surprised indeed and asked of his trusted advisor, "What punishment do you suggest for such a crime?" "I think," said Birbal, "that the person who dared to pull on your moustache should be given a box of sweets." Upon hearing this advice, the royal court was abuzz with conversation once more. The other advisors were shocked to hear Birbal’s suggestion. They all wondered how such a trusted advisor could suggest that the Emperor give this rogue a box of sweets as punishment for his crime. "Surely," they protested, "this is not the correct punishment!"The confused Emperor asked: "Birbal, why would you suggest such a thing?" "Your Majesty, the only one who would dare to pull on your moustache is none other than your son the Prince. He often sits upon your lap, and today he must have pulled your moustache playfully. Such an innocent culprit should only be given an innocent punishment. I suggest you give the young Prince a box of sweets." Birbal’s witty retort made the Emperor smile. ‘You are right, old friend,’ said Emperor Akbar. "It was my son who pulled on my moustache. And he shall indeed receive a box of sweets as his punishment!" Birbal smiled softly as the other advisors looked away in shame for suggesting such harsh punishments without first considering the facts of the situation.
To this day, stories of Birbal’s wit and wisdom continue to be told and retold to generation after generation.

New Form Of Art

                        New Form Of Art

Jennifer Maestre had an idea which was a little bit dangerous at first, of creating objects with nails. The problem with that idea wasn't that the nails where pointy and dangerous, she just couldn't get a lot of form variations and the shapes she could do were limited. That's how she ended up using crayons, colored ones actually to get the most out of her ideas and she has done that very well. 

St. Patrick's Day

                                         Saint Patrick's Day

In many ways St. Patrick’s Day is the most honest of all the major holidays. Whereas Christmas, Thanksgiving, Independence Day and Arbor Day all like

to disguise the fact that they’re about getting drunk with your relatives with pomp, circumstance and decorated foliage, St. Patrick’s Day is very clearly, very plainly and very loudly about getting drunk. Drinking on St. Patrick’s Day is so expected it might as well be required by law.High Crosses or Celtic Crosses as they are also known, are found throughout Ireland on old monastic sites. Along with the Book of Kells and the Book of Durrow, these High Crosses are Irelands biggest contribution to Western European Art of the Middle Ages. Some were probably used as meeting points for religious ceremonies and others were used to mark boundaries. The earliest crosses in Ireland were made of wood and metal and probably much smaller than the great stone monuments we see today. It was generally accepted that the Western Ossory group were amongst the earliest examples of High Crosses to be found in Ireland. Their design imitates the wood and metal crosses before them; but a recent study suggests they may not be 8th century but possibly mid 9th century. These crosses are found within a few miles of each other at Kilkieran, Kilree, Killamery and the finest examples at Ahenny. The majority of scriptural crosses are also believed to have been erected around the 9th century and there are several local groupings: the North Leinster group includes Kells, Monasterboice and Duleek; the Midlands group includes Clonmacnois and Durrow; and another distinct group of granite High Crosses are those of the Barrow valley that includes Castledermot, Graiguenamanagh, Moone and Ullard.


Fairies that dwell together in large societies are known as trooping fairies. The Tuatha de Danann is an ancient race of fairies descended from the Celtic goddess Danu. They are said to be a very wise and learned race. Legend says a battle ensued between humans and the Tuatha de Danann for dominion of Ireland. Humans ultimately won the battle, and the Tuatha de Danann retreated into a hidden location known as the Otherworld.Elves also dwell in the land of Faerie. Like trooping fairies, elves live together in groups. Although elves have magical powers like the fairies, they are much more similar to humans in manner and physical appearance. Leprechauns are the most well-known elves in the Irish tradition. They resemble small, hairy men dressed in green and wearing narrow-brimmed hats. Leprechauns are famous for guarding their pot of gold. Many tales tell of humans who encounter a leprechaun and try to acquire its treasure. Somehow, the leprechaun always manages to outsmart the human.Fenodyree are more benevolent elves. Known for their strength and large stature, these elves will offer their assistance to Irish farmers or maidens in return for a reward.Through the centuries, the fairies and elves of Irish lore have maintained their universal appeal. Authors in Ireland and around the globe continue to reiterate these stories. Some of the most well-known literary works to feature Irish fairies or elves include William Butler Yates' "The Celtic Twilight" and "Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry," and William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Fairies and elves also have appeared in modern films such as Disney's "Darby O'Gill and the Little People" and "Peter Pan."

CELTIC KNOTS


Celtic knots are perhaps the most famous work of art and recognizable in Celtic history . They started appearing in history after about 450 AD, the Celtic knots meaning is sketchy at best, because there is little written history documenting their purpose. However, the repetition of their appearance in history in partnership with other various human interpretations give us an idea , and allow us to infer some basic information relating to the meaning of Celtic knots . symbol of the Celtic knot , is also referred to as the mystic knot , or the endless knot . The more esoteric or spiritual meaning of this symbol eludes to beginnings and endings . In viewing these beautiful knots, we can not see a beginning or end , and thus we are recalling the timeless nature of our spirit. This translation harkens to our most primal self as we contemplate the infinite cycles of birth and rebirth in both physical and ethereal realms . A less spiritual representation is also related to the infinite nature of the nodes. Thanks to its infinite path , the Celtic knot can represent an uninterrupted life cycle . Some may use this symbol as a charm of sorts - ward against sickness or setbacks that might interfere with an otherwise calm and stable life . In this vein, these knots are used as emblems, which can be found in jewelry , clothing or furniture . In ancient times, gifts adorned with mystic knots would be given with best wishes of longevity, or luck with new endeavors.

Presidents' Day

                        Presidents' Day


The forty days of Lent , recalling the Gospel accounts of the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness , serve to mark an annual time of turning. In the days before Lent , all rich food and drink had to be disposed of. The consumption of this is thought to be the origin of Carnival.As an integral part of the Christian calendar , particularly in Catholic regions , some carnival traditions may date back to pre-Christian times . Carnival was also a manifestation of medieval folk culture . Many local carnival customs are based on local pre-Christian rituals. Some of the best-known traditions , including carnival parades and masquerade Masquerade Ball , were first recorded in medieval Italy . The carnival of Venice was for a long time the most famous carnival. In Italy, carnival traditions spread to the Catholic nations of Spain, Portugal and France. From France , they spread to the Rhineland of Germany , and again France in North America. From Spain and Portugal , they spread with Catholic colonization to the Caribbean and Latin America. In 1823 the first carnival in the world took place in Germany. Carnival is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent, the main events are usually during February. Carnival typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus party, mask and public street. People often dress up or masquerade during the celebrations. This goes back to the harvest celebrations of St. Martin's Day. Protestant areas usually do not have carnival or have modified traditions, such as the Danish Carnival or other Shrive Tuesday events. The Philippines, although a predominantly Roman Catholic country, has no Carnival because it was culturally influenced by neighboring Asian nations that do not have Carnival celebrations. Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Shrove Tuesday is determined by Easter, the date of which changes every year. The term Shrove Tuesday comes from the word shrive, meaning "confess." Related popular practices are associated with celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the penitential season of Lent. The term "Mardi Gras" is French for Fat Tuesday, referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday. The pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent because they were a way to use rich foods such as eggs, milk and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent. The liturgical fasting emphasized eating simple food and refraining from food that would give pleasure: In many cultures, this means no meat, dairy or eggs. In Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand the day is also known as "Pancake Day" as it is common practice to eating pancakes as a meal. In Newfoundland little signs are often cooked in the pancakes. Children will delight in discovering the objects, which are intended for divination. For example, the person who receives a coin will be rich.The most famous pancake race , at Olney in Buckinghamshire, has been held since 1445 . The contestants , traditionally women, carry a frying pan and race to the finish. The rules are strict : the contestants must launch their pancakes at the beginning and at the end , wearing an apron and a scarf. Traditionally, when people want to participate , they have to dress like a housewife . The race is followed by a church service .Since 1950, the people of Liberal , Kansas and Olney have held the contest " International Pancake Day " between the two cities. Competitors race The two cities " , measured along an agreed route . Competitors ' times of the two cities ' are compared to determine a winner. After the 2009 race, Liberal was leading with 34 wins to Olney 25 .  a similar race is held in North Somercotes , Lincolnshire , England. Scarborough celebrates closing the coast to all traffic , the closure of schools in advance, and inviting everyone to jump. Traditionally, long ropes were used from the nearby harbor . The auctioneer pancake rings the bell , located at the corner of Westborough and Huntress Row.

Valentine's Day

                       <3 Valentine's Day  <3

The story of Valentine's Day begins in the third century with an oppressive Roman emperor the emperor was Claudius II. The Christian was Valentines. Claudius had ordered all Romans to worship twelve gods, and had made it a crime punishable by death to associate with Christians. But Valentines was dedicated to the ideals of Christ; not even the threat of death could keep him from practicing his beliefs. He was arrested and imprisoned. During the last weeks of Valentines's life a remarkable thing happened. Seeing that he was a man of learning, the jailer asked whether his daughter, Julia, might be brought to Valentines for lessons. She had been blind since birth.   Julia was a pretty young girl with a quick mind. Valentines read stories of Rome's history to her. He described the world of nature to her. He taught her arithmetic and told her about God. She saw the world through his eyes, trusted his wisdom, and found comfort in his quiet strength. so much to see everything you've told me about!"On the eve of his death Valentines wrote a last note to Julia, urging her to stay close to God. He signed it, "From your Valentine."  His sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 270 A.D., near a gate that was later named Porta Valentini in his memory.   He was buried at what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome.   It is said that Julia planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave. Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship.On each February 14, Saint Valentine's Day, messages of affection, love, and devotion are exchanged around the world.