In Switzerland, the day after New Year’s Day is known as Berchtoldstag and is celebrated primarily by children. Groups of playmates organize parties that feature nut eating and nut games followed by singing and folk dancing. A popular game is the building of “hocks” composed of four nuts placed close together with a fifth balanced on top. The children begin gathering and stockpiling nuts for Berchtold’s Day festivities early in the fall.
Source: The Free Dictionary
The amphisbaena appears in Greek and Roman mythology as a scaled or feathered poisonous serpent with a head at each end of its body, thus enabling it to move either backward or forward with ease. Its name is, in fact, derived from the Greek words amphis, meaning “both ways,” and bainein, “to go.” Ever vigilant, the monster never allows both of its heads to sleep at the same time. According to myth, the amphisbaena was formed from the blood of what dreaded mythological figure? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (adjective) Characterized by or showing the suppression of impulses or emotions.
Synonyms: repressed.
Usage: A fierce fighter, he releases much of his pent-up anger in the boxing ring and has been known to knock out opponents with a single punch.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Feast of the Circumcision, which commemorates the circumcision of the infant Jesus on the eighth day after his birth, is known by a number of different names: Roman Catholics, who used to call it the Octave of the Birth of Our Lord or the Circumcision of Jesus, now mark the day as the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. Episcopalians call it the Feast of the Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, as Jesus was officially given his name on this day. Lutherans refer to it as the Feast of the Circumcision and the Name of Jesus.
Source: The Free Dictionary
Fought in 53 BCE, the Battle of Carrhae stopped the Roman invasion of Parthian Mesopotamia. The Romans were led by Marcus Licinius Crassus, who wanted a victory to balance those of his fellow triumvirs Pompey and Julius Caesar. With seven legions—about 44,000 men—but little cavalry, he was defeated in the desert by 10,000 mounted Parthian archers and was killed. His death gave impetus to Caesar’s quest for power. The defeat also damaged Roman prestige, especially because of the capture of what?
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (verb) Hide under a false appearance.
Synonyms: cloak, mask.
Usage: So artfully can this people dissemble their sentiments that we had not been able hitherto to distinguish our real from our pretended favorers.
Source: The Free Dictionary