Category Archives: Events

Advice/How To, Events

Top 5 most common Christmas tree ornaments

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By: Oak Berg

Image created with Wonder

Christmas tree ornaments are more than just decoration. They can be symbols of love, or memories, and everything Christmas is about. So, next time you decorate the tree, you can remember each ornament has its own bit of Christmas mood.

First, the colorful glass ball ornaments are very common. Each color can have its own meaning too. Red is love, gold is wealth, and blue, is good health. The orbs are often colorful and shiny reflecting the bright lights on the tree. You can get them in every possible color and they bring the rainbow to Christmas.

Second, we have stars that top the tree. The star is a commonly used topper to the Christmas tree because it just finishes off the looks of the tree. It also shows love and kindness.

Third, tinsel garlands have been used for Christmas trees for a very long time, but they aren’t really an ornament, Their glittering rope makes them a really cool part of our tree though. Tinsel garlands shaking inside with the indoor breeze makes it look like the winter’s frost, bringing the season’s chill indoors as part of the Christmas spirit.

Fourth, are the candy canes. The red and white swirl is very classic at Christmas time. They are originally from the 17th century but these
hooks are straight sugar and have been used in Christmas trees so many times. Candy canes have a sweet peppermint flavor and they give you a taste of Christmas. They’re also a fun addition, bringing back memories of Christmas baking and warm kitchens.

Finally, we’ve got family or personalized ornaments. They are normally anything from a paper snowflake made in kindergarten to a custom ornament with an important photo. They tell the story of something really big and bring lots of emotion to the tradition. Personalized ornaments are special hand me downs or heirlooms. The stories that the ornaments carry can remind people of old Christmases imprinting the personal moods and growth in the winter season.

Events, Getting To Know/History

The history behind Thanksgiving and traditions

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By: Aliana Romo

Thanksgiving is a national holiday that takes place on November 23rd, and is celebrated mainly in the United States and Canada to celebrate the blessings of the year. According to Britannica.com, Americans believe that Thanksgiving is celebrated because it represents the 1621 harvest feast that was shared between the Wampanoag people and the English colonists known as pilgrims. It is also celebrated to give honor and show respect to the Wampanoag people for their support. Canadians though, believe that Thanksgiving has been celebrated in their culture since 1578, because of an expedition by Martin Frobisher in which he gave thanks for his safe voyage. In both countries, Thanksgiving is celebrated to share a meal with loved ones and be thankful for each other.

It takes place in the fall and this overall represents how it’s celebrated, mainly with pumpkin flavored things. Family’s decorate their household with pumpkins, leaves, and turkeys, along with colors such as yellow, orange, brown and red. The decorations provided with Thanksgiving make the feel of it a lot more comfy. Thanksgiving is also, for some people, the last day to celebrate fall, since almost a month later is Christmas, which many people love to start celebrating as soon as possible.

On Thanksgiving day, many traditions are celebrated such as the large meal that is shared and gathered with family members. The food provided on Thanksgiving is supposed to represent a feast. Foods such as turkey, pumpkin pie, ham, mashed potatoes, cornbread, vegetables and much more are usually provided, although it varies in each family.

In my household, everything on Thanksgiving is shared, which usually means my grandfather cooks the turkey and my grandmother makes mashed potatoes and pies. This is done in my household because we all provided something for dinner which makes us all more thankful for each other. Along with that, family members that live in other states and countries come to visit to spend time for Thanksgiving.

Not only on Thanksgiving is a meal shared, but family members also gather together to watch football. Usually on Thanksgiving, there’s many football games and especially in America, football is very important. In my family football is always being watched, so on Thanksgiving there’s a tradition to wear jerseys with fall decorations on them. Thanksgiving is special in my family because we love to cook and be together.

There’s many things about Thanksgiving that make it special. Gathering with loved ones to eat favorite and delicious foods, while being thankful for each other creates a special feeling for people. It gives people a moment to relax with family and friends.

Events, Getting To Know/History

Dia de los Muertos

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By: Stephanie Caballero Benitez

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Día de los Muertos is a celebration that happens every year on November 2nd. This celebration is most popular amongst the Hispanic community. Día de los Muertos is a celebration and remembrance of the life of loved ones. This tradition originates from Mexico, from the Aztec ancestors.

One of the most popular ways to honor and remember a person is by making them an ‘altar’. An altar is a decorated table with pictures of dead loved ones. These altars are usually decorated with things that the dead once enjoyed; it can consist of foods, books, and drinks.

Another way that people decorate these altars is by putting colorful candy skulls. Another thing you may notice in an altar are non edible skulls also known as catrinas and catrins.

A flower that is very popular in these altars are the golden marigolds. Usually people create small paths with the petals of these flowers to help guide the loved ones to the altar.

Another popular thing in these altars are lighting candles, with some even believe that the candles are a way to communicate with the dead.

Lastly, one of the things that is not often used here in the US but in other countries, music. People play their favorite songs to the dead, some even go to graves and take what is called a “mariachi’ or ‘banda’ to play them live music.

In Mexico, where this is more popular, the altars can stay up for weeks. Here in the US, it is not as common to see the altars up for that long. The longest an altar stays up for the public is only for a week.

This tradition is not only for the Hispanic community but for all. Many around the United States have taken up this tradition in remembrance of their loved ones; this even includes pets! Dia de los Muertos is sometimes confused with something evil, but not to worry, as once again this is only to celebrate and remember the life of ones who have passed.

Events, Fashion/Make-Up

10 most popular costumes this year

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By: Brennan McMahon

Halloween is a very popular holiday for children. Kids dress up in costumes and walk around asking people for candy. The struggle for parents is making sure your kid has a costume. If they do not, then here is a list of the 10 most popular costumes for this year.

1. Western Barbie

With the release of the new ‘Barbie’ movie it was clear that many people were going to dress up as Barbie. It is a super easy costume to make or buy all you need is a lot of pink and a cowboy hat.

2. Ted Lasso
Ted Lasso is a famous TV show character and is known to be a great soccer coach. All you need for this costume is a fake mustache, a whistle, and a soccer ball.

3. Western Ken
Western Ken is also from the super popular ‘Barbie’ movie that came out this year. For this costume all you need are white boots, black pants, and a cowboy shirt.

4. Wednesday Addams
‘Addams Family’ is an older movie but nevertheless it is still super popular. For this costume you only need a black dress.

5. Little Mermaid
The live action ‘Little Mermaid’ came out this year. This movie is not as popular as ‘Barbie’ but still a great movie. For this, you are going to need to buy a costume but they are very easy to find on Amazon.

6. Buzz Lightyear
With the release of the movie ‘Lightyear’ it has made Buzz Lightyear super popular. You can get a super realistic costume on Amazon.

7. Money Heist
The popular TV show ‘Money Heist’ is full of antiheroes and it is super easy to dress as one for Halloween. All you need is a Dalí mask and a red jumpsuit.

8. Jon Snow
With the new ‘Game of Thrones’ TV show there are going to be many people going as Jon Snow, the former King of the North. You are going to have to buy this one online.

9. Joker
Joker is the antihero of the Batman movies. For this costume all you are going to need is a green shirt and a purple suit, pants, and face paint to pull this costume off.

10. Batman
With the Batman movies being so popular there are bound to be some people dressed up as Batman. This is a super easy costume to find on Amazon.

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Events

Pride month

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By: Tasha Cudinski

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What is Pride month? Every year during the month of June America celebrates Pride month. Pride celebrates LGBTQIA+ rights and identities, allowing people the chance to gather and show their pride in who they are. Places that celebrate Pride will often put on a huge parade with dancers and various organizations that want to show their support.

On June 28th, 1969, in New York City, a police raid led to the Stonewall Riots, one of the first major protests against prosecutions of LGBTQIA+ peoples, and a movement that is often credited with being a starting place of the larger movement. The Stonewall Riots happened when police raided a gay bar, and attempted to arrest the people inside for being members of the LGBTQIA+ society. Instead of allowing themselves to be unfairly imprisoned for who they were, the people at the bar fought back, eventually being joined by thousands of people from across New York, who had come to protest against the police and the prosecution of members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The one year anniversary of the riots was the first ever Pride celebration in America, and the beginning of Pride month.

During Pride people of the LGBTQIA+ community gather together to celebrate. There are the parades, as well as music and drag shows. Many companies will have special products as a way of showing support for Pride, and earning money. People who are celebrating Pride will often wear clothing with rainbows, or flags that represent their identities. Pride goes on for the entire month and is open to all who are accepting of other people’s identities.

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Events

Eid

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By: Ajmal Abdirahman

Muslims have two major holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The two holidays are determined by the Islamic calendar, which is a lunar calendar, meaning it depends on the cycles of the moon phases. There are 12 months in the calendar. A new month begins when a new moon is sighted.

Muslims are currently observing Ramadan, and Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated at the end. Eid al-Fitr commemorates the end of Ramadan. It’s a time for Muslims to gather with friends and family. Also, to show gratitude toward God following the previous month of reflection. It is a time when Muslims are reminded to be grateful for what they have, and to share what they have with others who are less fortunate. 

The day will start off with families attending an Eid prayer, early in the morning. Families will dress in beautiful cultural attire.

After prayers, families will go visit their friends and family. A lot of Muslims also exchange gifts. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated either for 1 or 3 days!

Eid al-Adha marks the end of hajj. Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca. Very similar to Eid al-Fitr there will be a prayer, with many people, visiting loved ones and gift exchanges!

Different from Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha can take place anytime of year, so not right after Ramadan. It comes typically around two months after Eid al-Fitr. During Eid al-Adha those that can afford to sacrifice an animal do so, they either sacrifice a sheep, goat, camel, or cow, and divide it among friends, family, and the poor. It’s less common here in America for many Muslims to sacrifice animals.

My experience with celebrating Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha has always been amazing. It’s the time I look forward to most every year. It’s a time of fun and happiness for me. I love seeing family and friends I haven’t seen in a long time. Me and my family will typically go out to eat after the Eid prayer and then spend the rest of the day going to different Eid parties or doing fun activities at home! I love Eid!

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Editorials/Student Voice, Events

Women’s History Month

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By: Lauren Kottke & Ella Sutherland

Women’s history month is the month of March that is dedicated to women. It’s to honor the women that have been mistreated, pushed down, and suffered throughout history. It’s well known about the struggles that women have faced for hundreds of years. Up until the women’s suffrage movement, they couldn’t even vote. And before that, it wasn’t normalized for women to have a job or to be unmarried. Though much has changed, the world is still unsafe for women.

Women’s history month started in 1978. At first it was only a week-long celebration and was called “Women’s History Week’. It started in Santa Rosa California by the Education Task Force of Sonoma County Commission and the Status of Women. Women’s History Week was led by a teacher named Molly Murphy McGregor. During that week, Santa Rosa had presentations on women’s contributions to history, society and culture. After the Santa Rosa Women’s Week, it spread across the country. More and more states started to follow and celebrate Women’s Week.

Someone who helped start celebrating women was Gerda Lerner. She organized and chaired a 15-day conference on women’s history. Her conference had many different sponsors for the event. Women’s Action Alliance and the Smithsonian Institution were two of the many sponsors. This conference made more people push towards Women’s Month.

“Women’s history is a women’s right—an essential, indispensable heritage from which we can draw pride, comfort, courage, and long-range vision.”— Gerda Lerner

It wasn’t until 1980 that Women’s Week became a national celebration. In February of 1980, president Jimmy Carter declared March 2-8 as National Women’s History Week. After it was declared by the president, more issues started to be passed by the president. On August 4, 1981, president Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation that Women’s History Week would be celebrated with ceremonies and activities. People wanted there to be speakers, presentations, and parades.

Then, in 1987, congress passed a petition which made Women’s Week, Women’s Month. The petition was made by the National Women’s History Project. And after 1987 it became an annual celebration.

Now Women’s History Month is celebrated by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Other countries celebrate but at different times. For example, Canada celebrates Women’s Month during October. There is also International Women’s Day on March 8th.

Since Women’s History Month started, there have been things that have improved and some things that haven’t.

One of the things that have improved for women is the amount of women working in the government. This may not seem like a huge deal but it is. Women now have a say in laws that get passed, and are more likely to recognize women’s struggles.

Another way that things have improved for women is now many more countries are instigating laws to support the fight for gender equality. In the last 10 years, 131 countries have passed over 274 legal reforms in order to create more equality between genders. This is important for the futures of young girls and women.

One more way that things have improved for women is the percentage of young women and girls, that are attending school, has gone up hugely. As of today there are over 79 million more girls that are in school learning than there were in 1998.

There are still many issues that women face today like pay gaps, job security, gender based violence, and reproductive rights being taken away. We still have a long way to go before women can feel fully comfortable in the world we live in today, but from what we can tell we are making slow progress.

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Events

Ramadan

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By: Yumna Abajebel

I’m sure we’re all wondering what the holiday Ramadan really is about. In the religion of Islam Muslim, Ramadan marks the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

When the crescent moon is sighted in Saudi Arabia, it starts the long awaited month of fasting. Ramadan isn’t only about fasting, it’s a month about giving zakat (charity), making prayers, and forgiveness for the sake of Allah (God).

The real reason why we fast is to be grateful for what we have, and see what it’s like for people who are less fortunate. Usually, we don’t have food or drinks from sunrise to sunset. Before the sun rises we have to have a filling meal. Then towards sunset, you have to start preparing for dinner, which is called Iftar, and is at an exact time. You can eat anything you want, but have to stop right before sunrise.

Fasting is mandatory in Islam once you hit the age of puberty, exceptions being extend for people who are either ill, diabetic, traveling, pregnant, or women in their menstrual period.

Towards the end of the month, Laylat al-Qadr starts; it’s one of five odd-numbered nights which fall during the last 10 days. Those last days are the most spirited days of the month which is spent praying all you can and asking for forgiveness of all your past sins.

Then, on the 30th night, the new crescent moon has to be sighted for the completion of the thirty days of fasting. After the moon is sighted, it marks the beginning of Shawwal, the next lunar month.

Then sparks up the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. Eid is the celebration after Ramadan that lasts for 3 days. It’s spent wearing the best clothes you have, being with family, and eating all the food you can. Muslim people all around the world are the happiest during this time. They spend all year preparing and waiting for this holy month. We don’t have that many holidays in our religion, but Ramadan and Eid will forever make up for that.

Events

Lunar New Year

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By: Julia Yang

It’s Chinese New Year, a new year is a new animal. This year, we explore The Year Of The Rabbit. Did you know that in Chinese culture, the rabbit represents mercy, elegance, and beauty? It’s said to be the luckiest animal of the twelve.

Lunar New Year is also known as the Spring Festival. It lasts for fifteen days and is the most important festival in China.

The rotation of the twelve animals is based on the tale of a “Great Race” consisting of the twelve animals, created by the Jade Emperor— a god in Chinese mythology. According to the tale, animals had to overcome a rapidly-flowing river in order to get to the finish line. The results came in the following order: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

Those born in the years 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 and so on (every twelve years) are born in The Year Of The Rabbit. Each animal has their own years assigned to them. With that, everyone has their own Chinese zodiac assigned to them.

Although these are the twelve zodiac animals for Chinese culture, some animals can switch out based on where it’s celebrated. In Vietnam, the ox is replaced with a water buffalo, and the bunny with a cat. In the “Great Race” tale, the cat was not included in the Chinese zodiac cycle because the rabbit failed to inform the cat of the race, even after promising to do so.

Nobody is confident in how the cat came to be in the Vietnam zodiacs, but there is speculation that the ancient words for rabbit and cat sounded similar. So, technically, it is also The Year Of The Cat.

China has several traditions that come with the New Year, traditions that include putting up decorations, eating reunion dinner with family on New Year’s Eve, giving red envelopes and other gifts, firecrackers and fireworks, etc.

If you wish to learn more about The Lunar New Years, feel free to visit the sources given below.

● https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/special-report/chinese-new-year/

● https://time.com/6248736/lunar-new-year-celebrations/

Events, Getting To Know/History

Hmong New Year

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By: Ayamei Her

Hmong New Year is all about celebrating the culture and showcasing Hmong dance groups, fashion shows, cultural food and so much more. People sometimes ask why Hmong New Year happens at the time of year that it is celebrated, the reason for that is because Hmong New Year is celebrated during the time of the end of a harvest and it’s celebrated to honor our ancestors and spirits. Every year the River Centre is packed with people who are dressed up and are there to celebrate the culture. 

At Hmong New Year, there are tons of activities for people to do and the most popular activity is called “Pov Pob” which translates to “throw the ball”. This game was originally meant for women to find a husband. During this, you throw the ball to a boy you like in hopes he tosses it back, but it can now be played with your significant other or your friends and family. 

Also during this celebration, a singing and dancing competition is held. Each of these are based on traditional backgrounds, for example, the dancing is a traditional style of dancing which normally is showcased by all girl groups, and during the singing competition, every contestant (usually) sings an older Hmong song or a popular Hmong song. 

Now, for most people’s favorite part: the food. Every year the variety of food is different but some staples that show up every year are sticky rice, spicy papaya (which is a spicy salad) and egg rolls. Each of these are usually made by the community elders, or Hmong caterers, and everyone appreciates a good break for the food during the celebration. 

Hmong New Year is a great time to celebrate and give thanks to our ancestors and show off our cultural clothing. There are many activities to do during this celebration.