Definition: (noun) A monument built to honor people whose remains are interred elsewhere or whose remains cannot be recovered.
Synonyms: empty tomb.
Usage: On the anniversary of the attack on Hiroshima, we observed a minute of silence beside the cenotaph dedicated to the bomb’s victims.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Burning of the Ribbons is centered around a tradition, dating from the 19th century, that is perpetuated by students at the University of Coimbra. At the end of the second semester in May, the students ceremoniously burn the ribbons (one per day) that represent each of the eight faculties at the institution. Numerous concerts and performances take place, as does a traditional nighttime serenade at the Old Cathedral of Coimbra. Another high point is the cortejo, an elaborate parade featuring floats bearing the respective colors of each faculty. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
In ancient Rome, the fasti was a calendar-like list of days that kept track of holy days, festivals, and notable events. Most importantly, it indicated the days when public business could take place without impiety, its original purpose. The first fasti was published in 304 BCE, in the form of engraved stone tablets placed in the Forum, the center of Roman public life. The list served as the origin of the Roman calendar, according to which each week had how many days? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (verb) Make secure underneath.
Synonyms: brace up.
Usage: We need to undergird the ship if we hope to keep it from breaking apart in this violent storm.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The Battle of Alcatraz followed an escape attempt from Alcatraz Island’s federal penitentiary by six inmates who got stuck inside a cellhouse after failing to secure a key to the prison yard. Trapped, the inmates took the guards prisoner and took control of the cellhouse. The US Marines were called in, and two guards and three inmates died in the ensuing confrontation. Two inmates were later executed for their role in the incident. How long was it before the next attempted escape from Alcatraz? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
On Pentecost Island in Vanuatu, land diving, or Nagol, is a centuries-old fertility ritual and the precursor of bungee jumping. Tree branches, trunks, and vines from the forest are used to create a tower—about 85 feet tall. Facing a test of resolve and courage, island men and boys ascend the tower with liana vines. After the diver leaps off the tower, the vines stretch nearly to the ground and the diver ducks his head out of the way and lets his shoulders touch the land. During the ritual, the entire village assembles under the tower to dance, sing, and encourage the divers. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Pessoa was a Portuguese poet and literary critic famous for having written under more than 70 different names. Four of these—his own, Alberto Caeiro, Ricardo Reis, and Álvaro de Campos—are well known. Each of his personas, or “heteronyms,” has a putative biography and a distinct poetic voice. Many of his heteronyms had relationships with each other. Only after his death at age 47 did the rich world of his poetry become known. How old was he when he created his first heteronym? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
Definition: (verb) Add details to.
Synonyms: aggrandize, pad, embroider, lard, dramatize, blow up.
Usage: My friends are always suspicious of my stories, because I tend to embellish the facts for dramatic effect.
Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
In 1943, during World War II, the Allied forces invaded the Marshall Islands; at the end of the war, the United States was given effective power there. On May 1, 1979, the Marshall Islands constitution was signed, establishing it as a self-governing country. Constitution Day is a public holiday in the Marshall Islands. On this day of celebration, people gather together for a parade to commemorate their independence. Field-day contests are held between all private and public schools, entities within the community itself, and more. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary
The haka is a traditional dance of the Maori of New Zealand, performed by a group in unison and incorporating rhythmic shouting, foot stamping, and contorted facial expressions. It was traditionally performed when two groups met, whether for war or diplomacy. Many people today are familiar with this type of dance because it is performed by New Zealand’s international rugby team, the All Blacks, while facing the opposing team before each match. How is the haka said to have originated? Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary