There are many explanations put forward to elucidate the popularity of Mardi Gras and parades. Below are some of the reasons used to explain why carnival is celebrated.

Spring Renewal Rites

Researchers have suggested that the custom developed from Roman festivals like the Lupercalla. It’s filled with merrymaking and drinking, but there is a reason for it. The rites symbolize the annual cycle of the seasons. The Dionysian spring rites signify rebirth following the death experienced in winter.

When this ritual began is uncertain. It’s believed to be much older than Rome. In fact it may have started as soon as man recognized the cycle of the seasons.

According to this theory, the rites and feasts are the basis for events like Mardi Gras. So while people may no longer realize it, the reason why carnival is celebrated has to do with the observance of the seasons. Not only does it symbolize changing weather, it also denotes the cycle of life and death.

To Boost the Economy

It can’t be denied that money plays a role too. Cities where these festivals take place promote it heavily. The reason is simple. The event draws in tourists and this translates to revenue for the city. It also helps boost and advertise the other tourist sites in the country.

During this period, tourists come to the city to witness the event. Along the way they stay at hotels, buy souvenirs etc. The money they spend doesn’t just go to the government. It also helps the locals whose livelihood depends on tourism. The reason why carnival is celebrated has to do with earning a living as it is about having fun.

To Enjoy Life

For the revelers and participants, it’s all about forgetting their worries for a while. A lot of those who participate in Mardi Gras come from poor families. For them, it’s a great opportunity to let their troubles go for a while and just have a good time.

Another reason people look forward to it is that some of the rules imposed by society are temporarily taken down. The etiquette concerning classes, gender and decorum are laid down for a while. As anyone who’s participated will tell you, the experience is like becoming one with the people. If you ask why carnival is celebrated, the most common answer you’ll get is that folks just want to have fun.

To Promote National Culture

The floats, parades and dresses also uphold a city’s culture. Today, anyone who mentions Mardi Gras will think of New Orleans or Rio de Janeiro. It brings images of good times. It becomes a part of the city’s lifeblood itself. In the end it boosts the image of a city. This of course, will help the country in many ways.

Religious Purposes

Mardi Gras is also called Fat Tuesday, denoting its religious undertones. Sometime during the Middle Ages the Church declared that it would be the last day before the beginning of Lent. Although it doesn’t look like it, the event is very much connected with the Lenten period.

In the end though, it probably doesn’t matter why carnival is celebrated. For most people it’s the experience that counts, not the whys.

There are several reasons why we should honor veterans. If you’re among the few who are still wondering if it’s necessary, the subsequent explanations should prove sufficient.

For Risking Their Lives

These people are willing to put their lives on the line. They go to war zones and are willing to face danger and death. They don’t do this to attain glory or fame. Soldiers do it so the people back home will have the chance to live in peace. The soldiers fight so you don’t have to.

Joining the military is voluntary. Fighting for your countrymen can’t be forced on anyone. Yet they do it, not just for their families but even total strangers. This is one reason why we should honor veterans.

For the Family Sacrifices They Make

The soldier who goes to the battlefield isn’t just putting his / her life at risk. He leaves behind friends and family as well. Some of these soldiers get stationed in foreign countries for several months on end. They hardly get the chance to see their kids grow. Soldiers gave up the chance to spend time with friends and loved ones so you may do so. This doesn’t just affect the soldier of course; it affects their families and friends as well.

When you are enjoying dinner with your spouse or playing with your child, it’s because someone gave up his / her chance to do so. If you’re wondering why we should honor veterans, it’s because their sacrifices made it possible for you to spend time with your family.

For Providing Security

The threats of terrorism and other enemies are always present. If not for these fighting men and women, you wouldn’t be able to sleep at night. When you walk around the park, enjoy a movie or play video games downtown, it’s because these soldiers made it possible. To this day there are places in the world where people are afraid to leave their homes, because they might never be able to make it back.

For Their Willingness to Fight & Die for Us

The reason why we should honor veterans is that, simply put they are willing to die for their country and countrymen. They have given up the comforts of living life at home you can enjoy it. They chose to see their children grow in pictures so you can see yours say their first word and take their first walk. These people are willing to shed blood, sweat and tears so you can sleep peacefully.

Some of these soldiers will never make it back home. A lot of those who do return carry with them the scars and memories from many tours of duties. They will have to endure physical, emotional and mental anguish.

A visit to any war hospital will show you the pain they go through and will deal with for the rest of their lives. The sacrifices they make for their country are irreplaceable and priceless. That is why we should honor veterans.

It’s a time honored tradition but the reasons why we eat turkey at Thanksgiving is still a matter of dispute. To get an idea of the tradition’s origin, knowing the history of this feast is necessary.

Beginnings

During the period from 1619 to 1620, the Pilgrims residing in Plymouth, Massachusetts experienced severe food shortages. It was brought about by poor weather and unstable food supplies. To overcome the problem they turned to the Native Americans. The Indians taught the Pilgrims how to farm.

A Gift from the Native Americans

The famine ended in 1621. To show their gratitude the Pilgrims held a feast in 1621. The Native Americans were invited. They brought along with them some turkey. Based on this tradition, the reason why we eat turkey at Thanksgiving stemmed from the gifts given by the Native Americans.

More Economical

Some researchers believe that turkey was chosen for purely economical and practical reasons. They were big enough to feed scores of people. For farmers it meant huge savings. Instead of killing scores of chickens, they only need to cook a few turkeys and it would be enough.

It’s true that there were other animals kept in farms, but they couldn’t be killed off just for food. Cow meat was delicious, but they were used for milk and were too costly to just kill off. Serving them up for meals wasn’t practical because they had too many uses.

The reason why we eat turkey at Thanksgiving is that other animals weren’t available or had to be used. Hens were prized because of their eggs which farmers sold. Rooster was available but it was difficult to cook. Some report eating venison at dinner but it was impractical. Not only did you have to cook, but you had to hunt for them too. Hunting for a holiday meal was just too cumbersome.

A British Tradition

Several historians opined that the practice was imported from Britain. During royal occasions, turkey was the centerpiece of the feast. This has been used to explain why turkey was favored instead of ham or pork.

The latter two were widely available but didn’t become popular. If turkey was imported from Britain, it would explain why we eat turkey at Thanksgiving.

Perfect for the Fall

Researchers suggest it was chosen because of seasonal considerations. If the creatures were born in the spring, it could reach up to 10 lbs by the fall. The months in between the creature would spend fattening up. Economically speaking, it meant they were less costly than geese.

Whatever its origins, by 1863 the turkey had become the centerpiece of the feast. It should be noted that even before that time, eating the dish was very widespread.

With Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the traditional preparation was established. It included gravy and stuffing. Although with some variation, it’s still the most popular of serving the dish today.

The reasons why we eat turkey at Thanksgiving may be due to several factors. But whatever the origin, it has come to symbolize the blessings of life.

The main reason why we celebrate Mother’s Day is to show this all important individual what they mean to us. Here are other reasons why this day should be commemorated.

To Give Back

Mothers do everything. They nurture and take care of the baby. They prepare the food when kids go to school. When the husband gets home, she prepares dinner. She cleans the house.

She does all the hard work willingly and without pay. In many homes, the mother gets the day off on Mother’s Day and the husband and kids do the household chores. This is one way people can show mom they know what she is doing, and love her for it. By giving back, you not only give mom a helping hand; you show respect too.

To Show Appreciation

Mothers become nurses when any family member gets sick. They are there to offer advice, be it on relationships, trouble at school or work. For working moms, they also have to balance their career with the chores at home. One more reason why we celebrate Mother’s Day is to show her how much we appreciate all the work she is putting in.

Spending Quality Time Together

This day is also family day. Too often, children are preoccupied with school and playmates, while the husband is busy at work. This day allows everyone to just spend time together. Bonding time can be spent baking cakes, watching the movies or going to the park.

Or maybe everyone gets together and shares a meal. No matter how you spend the day, it usually means the same thing; spending quality time with each other.

In today’s fast paced lifestyle, this is something that is no longer experienced often. You can take advantage of this day to just be with the family, with the emphasis on making it special for mom.

So Mom Can Have Fun

Another reason why we celebrate Mother’s Day is so mother can relax. For this day they can just go shopping with friends or go to a spa. The family can take ma to the movies or eat at a fancy restaurant.

Daddy and the kids can buy her a nice present or if she’s into sports, take her to a ballgame. Of course you do not have to go out to make this day memorable; mother can just spend the whole day in bed, watching TV or reading her favorite novels. This is her day, so she can spend it in any manner she likes.

A Time to Display Affection

People celebrate this day to show their affection. As anyone with a mom will tell you, one never ceases to be a mother; it doesn’t matter if her offspring is 3 years old or 30. The love and affection they show will never change. On this day, children and husbands can show her they feel the same way.

There are many reasons why we celebrate Mother’s Day. But what it boils down to is showing love and admiration for mothers everywhere.

The history of Bonfire Night is commemorated every 5th of November. It is marked by colorful explosions and of course, several bonfires. It is a celebration of the foiled attempt by Guy Fawkes to destroy Parliament.

Background Information

When King James ascended to the throne, English Catholics hoped that the religious policy would change. Under Queen Elizabeth I, the Catholics were forbidden to practice their religious belief. However, King James I didn’t repeal any of these laws. If anything, things just got worse.

Not only were they still forbidden to practice their belief, but penalties were imposed on people who didn’t attend Protestant sermons. What made it worse was that King James was the son of Mary, Queen of the Scots and a devout Catholic.

Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot

The history of Bonfire Night began in 1605. A group of Catholics led by Robert Catesby devised a plot to kill the king. They would plant explosives in the House of Parliament. One of the men with him was Guy Fawkes.

The first thing they did was to purchase a house near Parliament. There they modified the cellar so it was connected to the Parliament building itself. The plot was to place some gunpowder there. When the King arrived they would blow it up.

The Discovery of the Plot

It was Guy Fawkes who was given the task of watching over the gunpowder. Kept in barrels, he was supposed to light them up. On November 5 however, some soldiers on patrol saw him hiding in the cellar. The history of Bonfire Night would change forever.

Not only was his presence suspicious, but there was gun powder all over him. The soldiers became suspicious. He was taken prisoner. Under torture, Fawkes eventually admitted the whole plot. He also named the other people involved.

The King was duly informed. Thankful for the discovery, he decreed that every 5th of November a celebration be held. It would consist of lighting bonfires.

Besides the usual patrolling, there was another reason why Guy Fawkes was discovered. There was a leak in their camp. It was Francis Tresham who helped alter the history of Bonfire Night.

After Catesby and Fawkes devised the plan, Tresham sent a message to Lord Monteagle. Because he was Tresham’s brother in law, Tresham felt he had to warn him. Monteagle went on to inform the other
members of Parliament.

The result was that more soldiers were on guard. As they patrolled the area, they eventually came upon Guy Fawkes.

The Celebration Today

Today the event is marked by colorful fireworks. It is also noted for the burning of various effigies. In Britain it is accompanied by the singing of various hymns including God Save the Queen. Today it is also observed in other parts of the world, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

The history of Bonfire Night is marked today by revelry. Although its origin lay in the attempted violent overthrow of a king, it has become an occasion for fun.