Flower Pressings
Techniques such as flower pressing, decoupage, and oshibana are time-honored ways of celebrating the beauty of nature. These methods create stunning works of art that can be enjoyed for years to come.
culture
Pysanky
Easter is coming and those who celebrate may get nostalgic as egg-themed decorations go up. Dyeing Easter eggs is a popular tradition, and methods of decorating eggs can be found in many cultures, dating thousands of years back and passed down the generations. Pysanka is the name for a particular kind of decorated egg tied to Ukrainian culture and has often been passed from mothers to their daughters.
Furoshiki
The Japanese word furoshiki refers to cloth that has been used to wrap items for gift-giving or travel and transport. Though similar methods existed prior, the use of the word “furoshiki” dates to the Muromachi period (1136 BCE-1573-BCE). It is a practical art, aesthetically pleasing, demonstrating skill and practice, and providing everyday use.
The Year of the Rabbit
Even if you only celebrate the New Year on January 1st, you may be familiar with the Chinese New Year. In the U.S. even those who don’t celebrate the lunar new year know about Chinese zodiac signs tied to it: the rat, the ox, the tiger…and the rabbit! This lunar year, January 22nd, 2023, will start the year of the rabbit, and there’s a lot to learn about the new year and the symbols attached!
The History of Christmas Trees
Every year many of us haul a whole tree into our homes: pretty wild when you think about it! But do you know where the tradition got started?
Evergreens are just that, ever-green. And while we were shivering in the dark and cold, they were thriving just as well as they did all year round. More, by comparison! This has made these plants signify power and life to humans for a long time. These trees have long been thought to have the power to ward off evil spirits, demons, and other supernatural threats.