Magic and the Holidays
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As the winter snow melts away and the weather turns warmer, people worldwide look for ways to celebrate the arrival of spring. In Japan, one of the most beloved ways to welcome the new season is by participating in the centuries-old tradition of hanami, or cherry blossom viewing. The blooming of cherry blossoms, or sakura, typically occurs in late March through early May, depending on the location. During this time, people flock to parks, temples, and other outdoor spaces to admire the delicate pink and white flowers and enjoy picnics with friends and family.
But cherry blossom viewing isn’t the only springtime celebration in Japan. Another popular event is the annual Japanese festival, or matsuri, in various regions throughout the country. These festivals typically involve parades, music, food, and a vibrant display of traditional attire and customs. One particularly famous matsuri is the Kyoto Gion Festival, held every July, which draws over a million visitors worldwide.
What do these springtime festivities in Japan have to do with Twelfth Night, one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays? At first glance, not much. Twelfth Night is set in Illyria, a fictional land without a direct connection to Japan. However, a closer examination reveals some fascinating parallels between the play and several springtime traditions across cultures.
For one, Twelfth Night is a comedy that centers around themes of love, disguise, and mistaken identity, which could easily apply to springtime festivals’ lighthearted, joyous nature. Also, the play is traditionally performed on the twelfth night after Christmas, known as Epiphany, a Christian holiday celebrating the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. Similarly, in Japan, New Year’s Day is considered a time for “firsts” and new beginnings, which echoes the idea of fresh starts and renewal that comes with the arrival of spring.
Finally, there’s the matter of bubble tea. While connecting a Taiwanese beverage trend with a Shakespearean play set in a fictional land may seem like a stretch, bear with me. With its sweet, fruity flavors and chewy tapioca pearls, Bubble tea has become a popular drink worldwide, especially among young people. Not only is it a refreshing treat to enjoy on a warm spring day, but it also has a sense of playful whimsy that fits well with the spirit of Twelfth Night. Plus, something about those little bubbles at the bottom of the cup feels like a nod to the comedy’s themes of hidden identities and surprising revelations.
If you’re curious to learn more about the connections between Twelfth Night and springtime festivities in Japan, the Smithsonian Libraries has plenty of resources to explore. There’s no shortage of fascinating material, from books on Japanese culture and art to critical analyses of the play. So next time you find yourself sipping bubble tea under cherry blossoms in the springtime, consider the unexpected connections across cultures and periods and let the playfulness and joy of Twelfth Night inspire you.
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Paris is famous for its gastronomy, and Twelfth Night is no exception to the rule. As a holiday celebrated across France, locals indulge in various delicacies to mark the end of the festive season. From January 5th to January 6th, it’s common to find an array of delicious sweet treats in bakeries, cafés, and restaurants across the city. However, if you’re looking for the most delicious and authentic Twelfth Night delicacies in Paris, these are the places to go.
The Galette des Rois is the star of the Twelfth Night festivities in Paris. This puff pastry cake filled with almond cream is available in almost every patisserie and bakery in Paris. The cake comes complete with a paper crown, symbolic of the three kings who arrived bearing gifts for baby Jesus. It’s customary for families and friends to share the cake at a celebratory dinner during the Twelfth Night festivities. The person who discovers the small porcelain figurine hidden inside the galette is declared the King or Queen for the day.
If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience on Twelfth Night, head to Le Dali restaurant, located in the luxurious Hôtel Le Meurice on the Rue de Rivoli. Their take on the Galette des Rois is a subtly sweet and nutty pastry served with a generous dollop of vanilla cream. The restaurant’s ambiance is elegant and refined, providing an opulent setting to partake in this French tradition.
For those who want to experience Twelfth Night like a local, Le Grenier à Pain should be your choice. This art-deco-influenced bakery on the Rue des Abbesses in Montmartre offers a Galette des Rois that’s crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside, and bursting with almond flavor. Their bakery is also renowned for its artisanal bread, which Parisians have enjoyed since 1994.
La Pâtisserie des Rêves, located in the chic 7th arrondissement, is home to a Galette des Rois that changes every year, depending on the inspiration of the pastry chefs. This modern patisserie infuses traditional French recipes with contemporary style, creating an unforgettable gastronomic experience. The décor of the patisserie is also noteworthy, with ceiling-high glass jars filled with colorful candies and whimsical pastries on display.
Located near the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries, Café Pouchkine is a cozy and elegant café perfect for savoring Twelfth Night delicacies. The café offers a “Crown Cup” version of the Galette des Rois, consisting of a small pastry filled with almond cream and topped off with golden sugar. The design of the pastry is inspired by the crown shape, fitting for the celebration of the kings.
In conclusion, Paris’ culinary scene offers endless options for indulging in Twelfth Night delicacies. From elegant restaurants to cozy cafes, there’s a place for everyone to enjoy this French tradition. Whether you prefer a modern interpretation or a classic version of the Galette des Rois, the places mentioned above will satisfy your taste during this festive time of year.
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Most people have Yuletide traditions they hold dear to their hearts regarding Christmas. The holiday season is full of joy and warm memories, from singing carols to baking seasonal treats. One of the most iconic symbols of Christmas is the Christmas tree, ornately decorated with glittering lights and charming baubles.
The green artificial Christmas tree has become increasingly popular as more people opt against buying natural trees. Artificial trees are a great way to bring festive cheer and ambiance without harming the environment. It is also a practical and cost-friendly solution as it is reusable and requires minimal maintenance.
Nothing gets you more in the mood for Christmas than a Peppermint Wonderland! Decorating your green artificial Christmas tree with bright red and white candy canes creates an adorable, festive theme in your home. It also offers a theme for all your seasonal treats.
Peppermint candy canes can make delicious treats like peppermint bark, hot cocoa, and candy cane marshmallows. These treats are perfect to serve at family gatherings and to give as gifts to your loved ones.
Decorating your tree with other festive decor can also add to the fun. Consider adding little elves or reindeer ornaments to create a winter wonderland. Lights and tinsel can also help enhance the aesthetic of your green artificial Christmas tree.
In conclusion, using a green artificial Christmas tree is a practical and festive way to bring Yuletide traditions into your home for the holiday season. You can enhance the ambiance by including festive decor, such as candy canes and ornaments, and indulging in seasonal treats. Celebrate Christmas in style this year with your very own Peppermint Wonderland.
Introduction There is something magical about Christmas. It is the time of year when families come together, share stories, and create unforgettable memories. One of the most cherished traditions of this holiday season is decorating the Christmas tree. Many families opt for artificial Christmas trees …