Tag Archives: traditions

The Story of the Poinsettia

10 Thursday Dec 2020

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There are a few symbols that are simply synonymous with the holiday season – beautifully decorated trees, stockings hung on mantels, Christmas cards, and poinsettias. But have you ever wondered how these seemingly innate objects have become iconic symbols? This Saturday, December 12, is National Poinsettia Day, so we thought we’d celebrate by learning more about the holiday’s most recognizable plant.

A Mexican legend says that the poinsettia and Christmas first came together through a young girl named Pepita. She was upset during a Christmas Eve Service because she didn’t have a present for Baby Jesus. Her cousin, Pedro, tried to cheer her up by telling her, “I’m sure that even the smallest gift, given by someone who loves him will make Jesus Happy.”

Pepita took Pedro’s words to heart and picked a handful of weeds by the roadside, then arranged them into a small bouquet. She brought the bouquet into the chapel and set them down in front of the nativity scene. The weeds then transformed into bright, beautiful red flowers. Everyone who saw the flowers were convinced that they witnessed a miracle, and the flowers became known as the ‘Flores de Noche Buena,’ or ‘Flowers of the Holy Night’.

The poinsettia is thought to have come to the United States by a man named Joel Roberts Poinsett in the early 1800s. He was a botanist and statesman discovered them while serving as the first US Minister to Mexico. He was fascinated with the plant that bloomed near Christmas and brought them back to his greenhouses in South Carolina. There, he began growing the plants and sending them to friends as well as botanical gardens.

The poinsettia; however, did not become a holiday staple until nearly 100 years later when the Ecke family began promoting them. Paul Ecke, Jr. sent free poinsettia plants to TV studios, which included “The Tonight Show” and Bob Hope’s holiday specials. The trend eventually caught on and today, the poinsettia has become the official Christmas flower.

Although poinsettias are most commonly seen around the holiday season, you may be surprised to learn that they can actually last all year round. Read through these tips for poinsettia care after Christmas.

There you have it – a brief history of the poinsettia. Are these unique, red plants part of your holiday traditions? Let us know in the comments below!

Happy Poinsettia Day from Lions Pride!

The History of Gingerbread Houses

12 Thursday Dec 2019

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cream with jelly on top

Photo by Snapwire on Pexels.com

This time of year, you may have noticed that it is much harder to resist the temptation of sweets. It seems like everywhere you go, you’ll find candy canes, sugar cookies, peppermint bark and, of course, gingerbread houses.

But, as we continue to make our way through the season, we are left wondering where these types of desserts came from, but we’re determined to find out. Today, December 12, is National Gingerbread House Day, and we’re putting on our detective hats to determine the origin behind this magical craft.

If you think back, can you remember the first time you heard about a gingerbread house? If you’re like many of us, it was when you were listening to the fairytales of Brothers Grimm. Perhaps you remember the one. The story of Hansel and Gretel, two young children got lost in the woods before stumbling across a gingerbread house, which is home to an old witch who tries to eat them? That one couldn’t possibly be the story associated with a Christmas tradition.

Although the story may not sound especially Christmas-like, it is the story that inspired a culture of people to start building these houses. German bakers took the description from the story and began crafting their own versions. Since gingersnap cookies were already commonplace during Christmas, the activity became part of families’ annual traditions.

As German families immigrated to the United States, their gingerbread house baking traditions followed closely behind. Nowadays, building gingerbread houses is not only a fun way to pass an afternoon but can also act as a powerful creative outlet.

Are gingerbread houses a part of your families’ holiday traditions? If so, do you build them from scratch or start with a kit? Let us know in the comments below.

If this activity has not been part of your usual preparations, remember that it’s never too late to start a new tradition. Celebrate this unofficial holiday and release your inner architect. Happy Gingerbread House Day from Lions Pride!

The History of Graduation Traditions

18 Thursday May 2017

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Bom bombombom bom bom… bom bombombom bomHappy Graduates

Wow! It’s hard to believe but another school year has come and gone (although students may or may not agree with our sentiment). This weekend, thousands of students across the country will be putting on their caps and gowns and preparing for the next phase of their lives as graduates. To celebrate their enormous accomplishment, we thought it would be fun to compile a few interesting facts about the graduation ceremony:

  • Pomp and Circumstance

Sir Edward Elgar composed the famous commencement tune, also known as “Land of Hope and Glory” in 1901. At its England premier, the conductor proclaimed, “The people simply rose and yelled. I had to play it again – with the same result…” Today, this piece is played at graduation ceremonies all over the words as processionals and recessionals.

  • Caps and Gowns

The traditional graduation outfit is, of course, the cap and gown. Its use first began in the 12th Century. At that time, heating systems had not been created, so graduates were forced to try and keep warm during the ceremony. Scholars began wearing long robes with hoods to preserve their warmth. Before long, the century gown became the official attire of academics.

  • Throwing of the Caps

Anyone familiar with graduation ceremonies knows that once all of the graduates receive their diplomas, they proceed to throw their caps in the air – but why? It turns out this tradition was started in the Naval Academy in 1912. Prior to graduation, academy graduates had to serve two years in the fleet before being commissioned as Navy officers. The graduating class of 1912 was commissioned during their commencement ceremony and received their officers’ hats. Since their midshipmen hats were no longer needed, the graduates threw their hats into the air without having to worry about getting them back. The tradition caught on at other institutions and the action is now regarded as a symbolic gesture to signify the ending of a monumental chapter.

Our Lions Pride office intern, Kirsten, will be graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point with a degree in business management. She spent nearly two years with our organization and will miss her dearly, but know that she has a bright future ahead. We’d like to wish her and all upcoming graduates congratulations and best wishes in all future endeavors. You did it!

The Origins of the Easter Bunny

13 Thursday Apr 2017

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OsterhaseIf you are familiar with the Christian religion, you know that Easter is upon us. You have likely already seen many different variations of crosses and lilies, but have you ever wondered how the bunny got included in the event?

No, you’re not mistaken, there are certainly no bunnies or eggs mentioned in the Bible, and the exact history of the Easter bunny is a bit cloudy.

Our beloved rabbit has been thought to come from Pagan traditions brought from Germany. Many sources believe that the Easter bunny first came to American in the 1700s along with German immigrants. They had a story in which the hare known as “Osterhase” or “Oschter Haws,” would deliver decorative eggs to well-behaved children who prepared him a nest. Since then, Oster has come to be known as the Easter bunny.

As we have previously mentioned, although the Easter bunny is not found in the Scriptures, you may be surprised to learn that there is a connection between the bunny and Jesus Christ. The egg delivered by the Easter bunny is a symbol of the Resurrection of Christ. CatholicCulture.org says “just as the chick breaks through the shell when it is hatched, and begins its life, so Christ comes forth living from the apparently lifeless tomb.” Who knew?

And there you have it, the best-known origins of the Easter bunny! How do you plan to celebrate the upcoming holiday?

The Lions Pride office will be closed Friday, April 14, to celebrate the occasion with our families. We’d like to wish you and yours a Happy Easter!

The History of Hanukkah

11 Thursday Dec 2014

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This time of the year, it seems the only topic we hear about is Christmas. Although it Menorahis one of the most popular December holidays here in Wisconsin, it is important to remember that there are other holidays happening simultaneously around the country and the world. For the remainder of the month, we will explore all of these holidays beginning with Hanukkah.

Hanukkah (or Chanukah) is an eight-day celebration of light that begins this year on December 17th. The story dates back to 200 BC; the land of Israel was under the control of Antiochus III and the Syrian Greeks. At that time, Antiochus allowed Jewish people to continue practicing their religion. When his son, Antiochus IV assumed power, he outlawed Judaism and forced the Judeans to worship Greek gods.

A rebellion, led by Jewish priest Mattathias, broke out after soldier desecrated the city’s Holy Temple and built a statue of Zeus. Mattathias died in 166 BC, and his son Judah took charge. Finally in 165 BC, after three years of battle, the war came to an end; and the Judeans were able to drive the Syrians out of Israel.

To rededicate the Second Temple, they wanted to light the menorah, but soon found that they only had enough olive oil to keep the candles burning for one day. They decided to light the candles and; then a miracle happened. The candles continued to flicker for eight days, leaving the Judeans plenty of time to find a fresh supply of oil. Jewish sages then proclaimed an annual eight-day festival.

Today, the Hanukkah celebration is centered on the lighting of the menorah. Each night of the celebration, another candle is lit after sundown. The menorah is then displayed in the window to remind others of the past miracle.

People often wonder whether or not, Chanukah is a gift-giving holiday. Surprisingly, there are no biblical or Talmudic roots connected to the idea of gift giving. However, there is a timeworn tradition to give children the gifts of gelt, also known as money, to teach them the value of charity in addition to keeping the environment festive and happy. Many families have adopted the tradition for every weeknight of Hanukkah.

This holiday season, don’t forget to remember all of the December holidays, not just the ones celebrated in your family. Happy holidays from all of us at Lions Pride!

Sources:

http://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/449706/jewish/Is-Giving-Chanukah-Presents-a-Non-Jewish-Custom.htm http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/hanukkah
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Jewish_Holidays/Hanukkah/History.shtml?p=1

Thanksgiving and Giving Tuesday

27 Thursday Nov 2014

Posted by in Giving Tips, Holidays, Special Events

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Giving Tuesday QuoteToday, we will gather together with our family and friends to count our blessings and eat what might be the most delicious meal of the year. Then less than 24 hours from now, we will all be overcome with holiday shopping anxiety. How on Earth can we get all of those presents purchased and wrapped by December 25?

We have a question, how come we only get one holiday to appreciate all of life’s precious gifts, but two holidays (Black Friday and Cyber Monday) dedicated specifically to buying gifts?

Someone else must have had that very same question because December 2, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is officially Giving Tuesday. The idea is simple. We, as Americans, are encouraged to take a day off of holiday shopping and instead give back.

On Thanksgiving, we give thanks.

On Black Friday, we get deals.

On Cyber Monday, we get online.

On Giving Tuesday, we give back.

How can you give back? That’s the beauty of Giving Tuesday; you can give back any way you want. You can give a compliment to a complete stranger, give time to an organization you care about, give hope with a generous donation, give someone something to smile about, or give in some other manner.

It doesn’t matter if you give 10 minutes or 10 hours, $5 or $50; all that matters is that you give. If you can find a way for your family, your business, your community or your organization to give back then you have done more than your part. Join in the movement to celebrate generosity and to give. Let’s start a new tradition!

Make an online donation to Lions Pride!

The Lions Pride office will be closed today and tomorrow for the holiday, but will be back in the office and ready to how you will be taking part in Giving Tuesday.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Birthday

08 Thursday May 2014

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“You know you are getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.” –Bob Hope

Image

It’s everyone’s favorite day of the year, (well, most of us still enjoy our birthdays!) A day when we can think back on the year we just completed and daydream about what the next year holds. A day when strangers will wish you well and it’s easy to find a restaurant that will give you a dessert for free. It’s a day when we can all feel truly special.

We have an extra special birthday happening at our office tomorrow. Our Chairman Dewey Carl will be celebrating his day of birth.

In honor of this day, we thought it would be fun to compile a list of birthday facts that we can all appreciate, even if it’s not our special day!

Did you know…?

  • Out of every 23 people, there is a 50/50 chance that two will share the same birthday.
  • August is the most popular birthday month. About 9 percent of the world’s population is born in the eighth month of the year.
  • Birthday cards make up nearly 58 percent of all cards purchased in the United States.
  • The world’s largest birthday cake was made in 1989 to celebrate the 100th birthday of Fort Payne, Indiana. The cake weighed over 128,000 pounds.
  • You can find out what special events happened on your birthday by visiting http://www.mybirthdayfacts.com.

We know that it can be sometimes difficult to find the perfect present for a loved one. Instead of the typical birthday card or flowers, give them something that will really make an impact. Make a donation in honor of the birthday boy or girl to Lions Pride. They will know that your gift truly came from the heart and you will know that your gift helps preserve, protect and support the continuation of all WLF projects. Now that’s a birthday gift we can all agree on.

Happy birthday, Chairman Dewey Carl!

Sources: http://www.paperstyle.com/is-bin/Tips/Birthday-Facts
http://www.kickscountry.com/Kicks-Country-Birthdays/15396251

Origins of May Day

01 Thursday May 2014

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Maypole Dancing

If you’re a parent or grandparent, you may be planning a May Day basket craft idea for your children in attempt to get rid of the ‘Rainy Day Blues’ that we are all experiencing.  But, did you know this holiday, like many others we have seen, has a unique history?

In many countries, May Day is seen as the first day of summer.  It is a time to officially say goodbye to long, cold winter and welcome spring with fun and laughter.

The festivities normally begin with the crowning of a May Queen to officially get the festival started.   People then gather around the Maypole, traditionally cut from a birch tree and decorated the colorful streamers, and dance.

These activities often include the custom that we are most familiar with, May Day Baskets.  Flowers, sweets and other goodies fill the baskets and are placed on the doorknobs of homes.  The giver then knocks on the door or rings the doorbell and runs away.  If he or she was caught by the receiver, a kiss is exchanged.

Early May Day celebrations intended to improve crop growth and help livestock produce more offspring.  Throughout the years, it just became a good time for people to come together.

At Lions Pride we celebrate May Day every day by continuing to grow the Endowment and help provide for more campers to attend Lions Camp and for more people to be served by all the WLF statewide projects now and for future generations.

If you have not already joined the Lions Pride Family visit our website or click here to make a donation.

Happy May Day!

Sources:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/what-is-may-day-all-about/2014/04/29/e2d6056c-cafc-11e3-95f7-7ecdde72d2ea_story.html

http://www.whatisall.com/what-is-maypole-dancing/