Pomegranates originate from India, where they were known since prehistoric times. However, since antiquity they spread further west to the Middle East, Greece and the rest of the Mediterranean regions. In many cultures, the pomegranate seeds are considered as the means of enhancing women’s fertility The ancient Greeks realized very early the special therapeutic value …
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The Pomegranate and its Symbolism
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5 Reasons Why We Love Tea
The last days due to the cold weather the popularity of tea has skyrocked! But how the association of tea with cold weather has come about? Tea is often associated with cold weather because it is a warm and comforting beverage that can help warm the body and soothe the soul on a cold day. …
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All about Mother of Pearl, its History and its Qualities
Mother-of-pearl is the hard internal layer of several kinds of shells which serve as the external protective shield of various mollusks. This material, also known as nacre, is made up by an organic-inorganic composition. It has a nature similar to that of porcelain, with an iridescent white or, off-white hue. It is simultaneously strong and …
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The History of the Decorated Christmas Tree
The decorated Christmas tree custom is credited by some to Saint Boniface. In approximately 750 he set of from the English kingdom of Wessex. He was commissioned to Christianize the Germans, and he achieved this to a certain extent. When he reached Friesland in north-western Germany, he had to face the pagan Frisians who were …
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Evil Eye: Its Story Throughout History
The most common amulet in the form that is used today in Greece and in the countries where it has been spread, is what we call evil eye. This can be depicted as a circle divided into three colors, with its outer circular side being coloured cobalt blue, its intermediate concentric part white, while its …
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The Custom of Flower Wreath for May Day
Spring is a season that is loved and celebrated by many, and one of the traditions associated with the arrival of this season is the creation of flower wreaths for the first of May. This custom is believed to have originated in ancient pagan times, and has since been adopted by many cultures around the …
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The Story of the Chili Pepper and its Qualities
Very similar to the evil eye, the good luck charm that is believed to protect its bearer from the envy and harmful intent of others, is the red chili pepper.
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Exhibition Buddha’s Life, Path to the Present
We had the pleasure to visit the exhibition “ Buddha’s life, Path to the present” in De Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam. We admired the art of thousands years old combined with contemporary art by the controversial artists Ai Weiwei and Yoko Ono. Uncertainty surrounds the exact year of the birth of prince Siddharta Gautama, later …
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