The Language of Flowers: Introduction
Karen The language of flowers, also called florography, refers to the use of flowers and plants to secretly communicate with others. It is the result of the a blending of traditions…
History of Vegetables: Biretta Vermelha Pepper (Capsicum baccatum)
Also known as Nepalese Bell, Chapeau de Frade (friar’s cap), and orchid pepper, this unique pepper from Brazil is one of a group of peppers known as Aji’s that are…
Old Time Recipes for Home Made Wines: Parsnip Wine
My paternal grandmother, Helen S Wright, included three recipes for parsnip wine in her book, Old Time Recipes for Home Made Wines. Two of the three recipes begin with ample…
Roses in Art: Middle Ages
The Middle Ages is generally considered to be the time from the fifth century to the fifteen century. During this time feudalism was strong and the power and influence of…
Roses in Art: Ancient Times
Roses have been grown for seventy million years in Asia and thirty five million years in North America. Today there are over one fifty different species of rose and thousands…
Celebrating New Years Russian-Style with Olivier Salad
You may not think of a salad as typical New Year’s fare but many Russians around the world do. Russian New Year, Novy God, is celebrated with a tree, Grandfather…
Vaijanti Mala (Indian Prayer Beads)
As we entered the foyer of the Lalit Hotel in Khajurho, India, we were welcomed by greeters who placed a necklace of gray beads around our neck. Made from the…
Ten Interesting Facts about Chestnuts
As the Christmas song tells us, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…Help to make the season bright.” To many, however, chestnuts have been a staple food rather than a holiday…
Gardens of Pompeii: Animals in the Garden
The Romans enjoyed animals in the garden just as we do. Birds, dogs, cats, and fish all had a place in Roman life. Evidence for the presence of animals in…
Enkutatash: Ethiopian New Year
While most of us in the United States celebrate New Year on January 1st, many people around the world do not. Ethiopians, here and in their native land celebrate it…