Archive for the ‘Festivals’ Category

Why is Easter Celebrated?

Why is Easter Celebrated?
Even though it is a Christian feast, there are now many other reasons why people celebrate Easter. As with Christmas, it has become something of a secular holiday in America. Even in other countries, other aspects have been added to the festival. The Resurrection of Jesus For a lot of Christians, the reason remains the same. It is the day in which Jesus rose from the dead. After being crucified and dying, Jesus rose from the dead promising eternal life to those who believe in him. Among many Christian denominations, the day is commemorated with prayers and hymns. Some Protestant groups start their observation on the night of Holy / Black Saturday. They light candles and at daybreak. For these Christians, the reason why people celebrate Easter (or should) is to remember the risen Christ. Egg...

Why Do People Throw Beads at Mardi Gras?

Why Do People Throw Beads at Mardi Gras?
Whether it’s in Brazil or New Orleans carnival time usually means frolicking and partying in the streets. By studying the traditions of Mardi Gras, you’ll come to understand its roots. Bead Throwing Bead throwing actually began in the 1920s. The krewe were in charge of the parades. Moving across the streets, they would hurl cheap beads at the crowds. The practice caught on, and today it has become an integral part of carnival festivities. Most of the time beads thrown are made of glass, but nowadays some use plastic or other material. Flashing of Breasts Another common feature are women flashing their breasts. This actually has its roots in Roman practices. During the Lupercalla feast it was customary for the high priests to throw animal skin at women whom they came across. According...

Why is Shrove Tuesday Celebrated?

Why is Shrove Tuesday Celebrated?
Shrove Tuesday is primarily the day before the Christian practice called Ash Wednesday. This term is widely used in various countries like Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Likewise, people living in United Kingdom and Ireland also use this term when dealing with this festive event. To know more about this special day including the reason why people celebrate Shrove Tuesday, let’s take a closer look at the nature of this very nice practice. The Significance of Shrove Tuesday Why is Shrove Tuesday celebrated? In various countries, people celebrate Shrove Tuesday in preparation for the Lenten Season. In this special day, they do things that are not allowed during the said Christian practice of Lent. It was derived from the act of shriving that English Christians do before they receive absolution...

Why is Independence Day Celebrated on July 4th?

Why is Independence Day Celebrated on July 4th?
Nothing can match the superior satisfaction that people can get from being free. This is the very essence of Independence Day in the U.S. Also called the Fourth of July, this holiday celebrates that great moment when the country finally acquired its liberty from the foreign power who once took it. This specific date is highly important to the U.S. as well as to its citizens because it served as a huge turning point in the nation’s history. The Reason Why People Celebrate Independence Day on the Fourth of July Why is Independence Day Celebrated on July 4th? It was on July 4, 1776 when the Continental Congress adopted the United States Declaration of Independence. Written by Thomas Jefferson, this all-important statement declared the independence of 13 American colonies from the British Empire....

Why is Insider Trading Illegal?

Why is Insider Trading Illegal?
If you are planning to invest in the stock market, you must know the reasons why insider trading is illegal. You might come upon it and it’s crucial you know exactly what the thing is about. How it Works In a nutshell, it involves an individual or group that trades shares based on private company data. This allows the person/group to make a profit at the loss of other individuals in the market. Example, John Doe is informed by someone from Company X that it lost a lot of money in the last quarter. It is totally unexpected. John decides to sell his Company X shares for $40. A couple of days later, Company X releases their quarter earnings. The news disappoints investors and its stock value plummets to $20. While John makes a profit, everyone else sells at a huge loss. That is the reason...