Month: March 2020

The Sacrificial Tripod

The sacrificial tripod was a type of altar used by the ancient Greeks, the most famous of which belonged to the Oracle of Delphi and was devoted to the god Apollo. Seated on the ornate golden tripod, the priestess of the temple would utter prophesies in a frenzied trance. In Greek mythology, Heracles once attempted to take the tripod from the temple and was stopped by Apollo, to whom the tripod was sacred. According to Homer, tripods were often given as gifts to whom? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Return of the Swallows of San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano was the name of a mission built on the Pacific Coast by Father Junípero Serra in 1777. Even after the buildings collapsed in an earthquake 35 years later, thousands of swallows continued to nest in the ruins of the church. Local people noticed that the swallows tended to fly south on October 23, the death anniversary of St. John of Capistrano, and returned on March 19, St. Joseph’s Day. A Swallow Festival is held each year at the mission in San Juan Capistrano near Los Angeles, California, around the time of the birds’ return. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Evolution of the Peppered Moth

This moth has been the focus of scientific study for centuries, largely because its color changes illustrate one of the best-known models of natural selection. The moth survives by blending in with birch bark to escape the notice of hungry birds. When the Industrial Revolution blackened the trees with soot, dark moths surged in population as birds ate all the suddenly visible light ones. As air quality improved, trees lightened and light-colored moths resurged. What is this phenomenon called? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Haru no Higan

Higan is a week of Buddhist services observed in Japan at the spring and autumn equinoxes. Higan means the “other shore,” and refers to the spirits of the dead reaching Nirvana after crossing the river of existence. Thus, Higan is a celebration of the spiritual move from the world of suffering to the world of enlightenment and is a time for remembering the dead, visiting, cleaning, and decorating their graves, and reciting sutras, Buddhist prayers. O-hagi, rice balls covered with sweet bean paste, and sushi are offered. It is traditional not to eat meat during this period. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Umm Kulthum

Known as the “Star of the East,” Kulthum was one of the Arab world’s most famous singers in the 20th century. For decades, her live concerts were broadcast from Cairo on the first Thursday of each month, and while she sang, the Arab world was said to stand still. Her concerts could last several hours and were described as enchanting, highly emotional, and fueled by interaction with the audience. Her funeral was one of the largest gatherings in Egyptian history. How many people were there? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Penjing

Penjing is the ancient art of growing miniature trees in tiny containers. Originally developed in China, penjing was the precursor to bonsai, which was adopted by the Japanese. The trees are kept small and proportionate through careful pruning, feeding, and spare watering. Branches are trained in the desired shape by the application of wire coils. Weathered trees in harsh climates serve as natural models for the often gnarled, bent, and overhanging miniature trees. How old is penjing? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary