History of Murano Rosary Beads

Murano Italy, a small town north of Venice, has set the world standard for glasswork and beads, including Murano Rosary Beads, making it the glass capital of the world,. Tracing back to the 9th century, Murano glass and beads have a long history. The artwork, innovation and craftsmanship have grown in tradition though the centuries.

Murano was a large port, along with Venice allowing it to use the glass as a trading staple with its is Asian and African neighbors. One of the earliest uses and stories was about how glass was blown into the shape of bottles dating back as far as 1083 and elevated to the glass capital of the world in the 13th century.

In the 1930s there was a distinctive shift in Murano Glass, lead by Ermanno Toso. He changed the focus of the items made to a more modern theme. Murano glass and the island itself has withstood the test of two world wars, and in the 40s was reinvigorated post World War II, making the 1950s one of the more artistically memorable sets of years. Among the artist techniques employed, glass blowers used the technique called filigrana, where the glass blower takes the glass blowing pipe and roll over the canes of glass each a unique striping for the bead. Some beads are straight striped, some are spiral and may then be shaped into balls and teardrop shapes. In modern times the glass created though the 1950s is considered one of the most sought after.

In the late 20th century, the problem of counterfeiting Murano Glass entered the market. Asia was making replicas of the glassware, vases and millefiore, a process where buy an image is placed into the glass rod itself and then becoming part of the blown bead, Prior to 1849, it was called mosaic. Millefiori in Murano beads always contain a very distinctive flower pattern.

In response the Promovetro, or glassmakers consortium, came up with a Murano trademark, a lilac sticker that displays a cana de soffio or glass blowers pipe and the Italian words, Artistic Glass Murano so that it is difficult to copy. This was registered with the European Union.

In 2003 it was necessary for the city of Venice to once again make a new Trademark designed by the French artist, Mathieu Thibautto. This allowed for Murano glass stay exclusive and making counterfeits lacking in the quality and history that Murano glass beads have come to represent.

Italy, Dolomites - When Advent Knocks on the Door

In the authentic Sarntal Valley in Italy's South Tyrol traditions are kept alive passionately. For example, "Kloeckeln" is a tradition during the Advents time (the four weeks before Christmas) that exists here since the 16th Century and has survived until today in its special original form.

Anyone who visits the Sarntal valley finds authentic, evolved tradition, which is kept alive naturally by the Sarners. Customs are no routine rituals here; they are authentically observed and celebrated. A special tradition is Kloeckeln, a custom at the time of Advent with pagan elements. The term "Kloekeln" is derived from "klocken", which in Sarner dialect means as much as "to knock". In former times Kloeckeln existed in the entire Alps, nowadays it is kept alive only in a few valleys - and rarely as authentically as in the Sarntal valley. The evenings for Kloeckeln are the three Thursday evenings in Advent before the winter solstice. On December 3, 10, and 17, 2009 Sarner men, parade as masked figures, noisily blowing their buck-horns in the still winter nights, knocking at the doors, and asking for gifts in the form of food and drink. In this custom these men wear hand-made masks and Sarner working-costumes, and present traditionally two songs: The Kloeckel Song, and the Thank-You Song. In these three nights of December visitors can witness this old tradition in the wintry streets of the Sarntal.

When the Kloeckel-group, the so-called "Kutt", parades with noise from house to house, certain characters may not be absent: The "Zussler" - two men dressed as a married couple, the accordion player, the "Lottrsackträger" as well as further "Kloecklers" using bells, buck-horns and other loud instruments. The Zussler are meant to represent in this play the dark demons of winter fighting with the bright spirits of spring. The "Zusslmandl" wears in this pageant the old Sarner costume with the red, split sword, which is beaten continuously on the hand to the beat of the Thank-You Song and the constant pursuits by the "Zussweibele". The "Weibele" wears the "Niederfeiertag"-dress of Summer and around her hips a belt with bells, that is heard already from a distance when running. While the "Kutt" presents the Kloeckel song, the couple often enters the homes and accepts served food. During the Thank-You Song the "Zussler" finally come into the village center, and dance out of respect. At the end of such a Kloeckel night, the "Kutt" take off their masks, and all Kloecklers celebrate wildly with song and dance at a farmer's place. Hearty food like dumplings, meat, and sauerkraut are not supposed to be missing. Since fasting was done previously during the time of Advent, the Kloeckler could not eat their earned gifts immediately, but had to be patient until Stephen's day (December 26th) But then the so-called "Kloeckel-Sausage-Brewing" was celebrated happily with dance and music. This tradition is alive up to today in the small mountain village Durnholz in the Northern Italian Sarntal Valley.

Christmas Is Not God's Holy Day: It Is A Culmination Of Pagan Practices

Christmas Is The Most Celebrated Holiday In Christianity. Some Consider It The Most 'Holy' Day Of The Year.

The exaltation of Christmas is in itself a travesty. Most historians, and Christian scholars know that Jesus was not born on December 25th. They realize that his birth date was probably in the fall. This is backed up by circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth.

People knowingly follow a false date - set aside to exalt Jesus. Not only is the date a fraud, but also so are the practices. Many manmade traditions have been mixed in with the worship of God. This is like mixing 'dung with balsam'.

The majority of the activities associated with Christmas have no relationship to Jesus. Sure there is an adopted religious (paganish) Nativity scene about Christ. But there are many more adopted pagan customs that are totally unrelated.

Christmas originated in Rome in the 4th century. The tradition came after the Council of Nicaea met in 325 C.E. For kingdom unification, the Council adopted the idea that Jesus was God. Christmas was a Christian substitute for the pagan celebration of winter solstice.

The winter solstice usually occurred around December 25th on the ancient Julian calendar. This celebration was a part of another Roman celebration called Saturnalia. Saturnalia began each year on December 17th. At that time the Romans honored Saturn, the ancient god of agriculture. Also celebrated was the lengthening of daylight following the winter solstice. Romans did this by glorifying Mithra, the ancient Persian god of light. These and other winter festivities lasted until January 1.

The Roman Catholic Church chose December 25 as the day for the Feast of the Nativity. This was in order to give Christian meaning to existing pagan rituals. The Church replaced festivities honoring the birth of the Mithra by commemorating the birth of Jesus. They called Jesus the light of the world. The Church hoped to draw pagans into its religion by overlapping their revelry.

Traditionally, the sacred Christmas season starts with Advent. Advent continues to Christmas Day. During Advent, Christians make preparations for commemorating Jesus' birth on December 25th. They also look forward to the Second Coming of Christ.

About 600A.D., Pope Gregory I decreed that Advent start the fourth Sunday before Christmas. He decreed that the season end on Epiphany, January 6th.

Over the next 1200 years, Christmas observances followed the expansion of Christianity. It expanded throughout Europe, into Egypt, and eventually into America. Along the way, Christian beliefs combined with other pagan feasts and winter rituals. This created many distorted long-standing Christian traditions of Christmas celebrations.

Some examples are:

1)The ancient Europeans believed that the mistletoe plant held magic powers to bestow life and fertility, to bring about peace, and to protect against disease. They associated the plant with the Norse goddess of love, Freya, and developed the custom of kissing underneath mistletoe branches.

2)The Roman Catholic Church first introduced the midnight Mass in the 5th century. The dramatization of the biblical story of Jesus' birth was a practice begun by Saint Francis of Assisi in the 13th century.

3)Many cultures continue the pre-Christian custom of burning Yule logs during the midwinter season; the Yule log symbolizes the victory of light over the darkness of winter. According to ancient tradition, the ashes provide protection against bad luck during the year.

4)The German custom of decorating an evergreen tree at Christmastime has become one of the most popular images of Christmas around the world. At one time, Germany supplied the world with almost all of the decorative glass ornaments for Christmas trees. On the evening of December 5th, children wait for a visit from Saint Nicholas, who brings them gifts. Most children also receive gifts on Christmas Eve. In some parts of Germany, Santa Claus distributes gifts, but in other regions Knecht Ruprecht, a mythical figure dressed in animal skins, delivers children's treats. On Christmas Eve, families traditionally gather around Christmas trees decorated with lights, ornaments, and Lebkuchen, which are spiced cookies cut into decorative shapes. Worshippers holding candles illuminate Church services on Christmas Eve. The Advent wreath, which consists of four candles anchored in a circle of evergreen branches, originated with German Lutherans; many churches and families have adopted the tradition. At the beginning of each of the four weeks preceding Christmas, Christians light an Advent candle as they say a prayer.

5)In Italian folklore Santa Claus is not a prominent figure. Instead, Italian children wait for La Befana, a good witch who rides her broom to their homes on Epiphany to distribute gifts. According to folk belief, La Befana--whose name refers to the word Epifania (Epiphany)--was too busy to accompany the Three Wise Men on their journey to visit the infant Jesus in Bethlehem. Now, to atone for her failing, she visits all good children, leaving treats. She also visits bad children and leaves them lumps of coal or bags of ash.

6)In England religious customs of Christmas celebrations center on recounting the story of Christ's birth. Most people who celebrate Christmas also participate in such secular customs as watching Christmas plays, feasting, singing, and helping the poor. Before Christmas Day, children write wish lists to Father Christmas, who is the British version of Santa Claus. They then throw these letters into the fire. Children believe that if a draft draws the letter up through the chimney, their wishes will be fulfilled. Children open their gifts on Christmas afternoon. Many people in England also make charitable contributions to churches and to the needy on the day after Christmas, known as Boxing Day. They also give small gifts known as Christmas boxes to those who have performed personal services throughout the year.

7)America has become a melting pot for many world Christmas traditions, with many new customs, many of which started in the 19th century. Before then Christmas had been an ordinary workday in many communities, particularly in New England, where early Puritan objections to Christmas celebrations remained highly influential. Families almost never exchanged Christmas gifts among themselves.

These early Christmas traditions in America quickly changed. Among some groups, Christmas became an especially boisterous event, characterized by huge feasts, drunkenness, and raucous public revelry. In an English tradition that survived in some parts of North America, Christmas revelers would dress in costume and progress from door to door to receive gifts of food and drink. Most holiday gifts were limited to small amounts of money and modest presents passed from the wealthy to the poor and from masters to their servants. The rapidly expanding industrial economy of the 19th century flooded the market with new goods for sale, and also helped establish a new middle class. Christmas gained increased prominence largely because many people believed it could draw families together and honor children. Giving gifts to children and loved ones eventually replaced the raucous public celebrations of the past, and Christmas became primarily a domestic holiday.

With the new custom of Christmas gift giving, the marketplace exerted an unprecedented influence on holiday celebrations. Commercial innovations such as department stores and mass advertising further expanded the custom of exchanging Christmas gifts. Seasonal retail sales helped fuel the economy, causing merchants and advertisers to become some of the season's most dedicated promoters. Many holiday celebrants regretted these changes and began voicing the now common grieve that Christmas has become too commercial. With the influx of immigrants, who introduced a wide variety of religious and cultural practices to North American life, celebrating Christmas became a way for people from different parts of the world to create a sense of community in the cities. The holiday forged a sense of nondenominational Christian spirit in the communities, as it promoted a sense of collective good will.

Christmas, the most 'Holy' Day of Christianity, has many built-in errors and influences. Although it has become a Day to reflect on goodwill toward mankind, the core of Christianity's foundation (Jesus' birth) has pagan roots. Just imagine how many more pagan customs are embedded into other Christian holidays and beliefs. All of the Christian traditions need to be investigated thoroughly, if one is to take them literally.

With Christmas, like other holidays, Christians give reverence to images and symbols. With Christmas there is the symbol of the Christ child. In Rome this image is called 'Santo Bambino Jesu'.

There are also other pagan images, adopted for various reasons. Some of these images include: mistletoe, prayer cloths and beads, people, spirits, Crucifixes, etc. To include the worship of any image or object is an abomination. God wants our total dedication to Him only, in spirit only.

Biblical Scriptures read:

"Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth:" - Deut. 5:8.

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." - Deut. 6:5.

Jesus said:

"Have ye ever seen dung mixed with balsam?"

"Now I tell you that there be in the world greater madmen, because with the service of God they mingle the service of the world. So much so that many of blameless life have been deceived of Satan, and while praying have mingled with their prayer worldly business, whereupon they have become at that time abominable in the sight of God. Tell me, when ye wash yourselves for prayer, do ye take care that no unclean thing touch you? Yea, assuredly. But what do ye when ye are making prayer? Ye wash your soul from sins through the mercy of God. Would ye be willing then, while ye are making prayer, to speak of worldly things? Take care not to do so, for every worldly word becometh dung of the devil upon the soul of him that speaketh." - GB: 84.

More is revealed on this subject of: False holidays and customs, as well as on the subjects of: God's Knowledge and Worship, and the Judgments of God, in the Guide Book: ONE GOD ONE WORD: The TRUTH About The KNOWLEDGE and WORSHIP of GOD.

Tuscan Italian Food - Its Amazing Taste Revealed

Tuscany is famed for its cities, its churches, its great works of art and its food. The countryside of Tuscany, the area centred on Florence is where Italian cooking reaches a high point, blending as it does the ingredients of the North and the South in a happy combination.

Tuscan food is essentially a variant on the Mediterranean diet. It is rich in olive oil, legumes, fish, fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables. The carbohydrates typically eaten in Tuscany, such as bread, pasta, rice and polenta, are low in fat. This diet is good for weight management and heart health.

If you are going to begin cooking in the Tuscan manner you need to stock your store cupboard with a number of ingredients. You will certainly need good quality, extra virgin olive oil. Extra virgin oil is produced in the first pressing without the application of any heat. it contains all the minor ingredients that are so important both for taste and health.

You will also need dried pasta preferably made in Italy or according to traditional recipes and methods. Most fresh pasta sold in supermarkets is of poorer quality that good dried pasta and should be avoided.

Legumes, such as cannellini beans, borlotti beans, chick peas and lentils are essential. You will need some medium ground cornmeal for polenta. Avoid the ready made polenta and make your own.

The kind of rice you will need is arborio rice for risotto. You may be able to get hold of carnaroli, vialone or nano rice which are also often used in Tuscany. But they are not so widely available as arborio.

Balsamic vinegar is widely used in Tuscan cuisine, as are anchovies. For seasoning you need capers, dried porcini mushrooms and plenty of herbs.

Parmesan cheese should be bought piece not ready grated. The grated parmesan soons goes off and tastes terrible. Once you have tried the fresh kind you will never go back to grated variety.

Tuscan classic recipes include meat filet in balsamic vinegar sauce. You might use beef or pork for this dish. The steak is simply fried and then the pan is deglazed with a mixture of stock, balsamic vinegar, lemon, pepper and garlic. The resulting sauce can be thickened with a little cornflour but this is not essential.

You might begin your Tuscan meal with a typical Tuscan soup consisting of cannellini beans and vegetables. This soup also makes a good simple meal with a chunk of ciabatta or focaccia bread.

One of the great Tuscan favourites is bruschetta which consists of slices of bread spread with tomato sauce and cooked under a broiler or grill.

A famous Tuscan dessert is Schiacciata alla Fiorentina or Florentine sponge cake, which is a sponge made with olive oil, flavored with organge zest and made a golden color with saffron.

Finally, and most essentially, there is wine. Wine has been made in Tuscany since the time of the Etruscans who first domesticated the grapes that grew wild there. Their tomb paintings record convivial feasts at which the guests drank wine. The most famous Tuscan wine is, of course, Chianti, which is known all over the world. But you will encounter others such as Brunello di Montalcino. There are even some white wines such as Bianco di Bolgheri.

Tuscan food is often referred to as "slow food." That is to say it is produced, cooked and eaten slowly in contrast to the mass produced fast food that makes up such a large part of the modern diet. It preserves local culinary traditions that have been developed in Tuscany over centuries.

How to Say Happy Father's Day in Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, Polish, and German

If you think back to when you were a child you can probably remember sitting in the front room eagerly waiting for your dad to get home. You can probably envision the excitement that you felt when his car turned into the driveway or even when you heard the garage door open and he pulled inside. You couldn't wait for him to walk into the door so you could give him a huge hug and tell him everything that had happened to you during the day.

For most kids their dads are their rocks. No No matter what is wrong with you, whether it is good or bad, I knew I could always tell your father what happened. The best part is able to tell your father what was going on, that could solve everything for you magically appeared. As a small child fall and scrape your knees required by the mother who kiss better, but if your bike a flat tire, it was just a father who could do it well.

No matter where you live, whether in a remote village in Alaska orthe island of New Zealand, how you view your dad is going to be similar to how other children view their dads. The relationship that a child has with their father has even withstood the sands of time. Dads all across the world play with their kids when they are young and teach them to drive when they get older.

It is because of this relationship that a child has with their father that all across the globe we celebrate Father's Day. The date that Father's Day is celebrated on in various regions around the world varies, as does the language you use to wish your dad a Happy Father's Day. However, despite these differences the main point is to show how dads how much they mean to us.

Here is how you would say "Happy Father's Day" in a variety of different languages:

Portuguese - Feliz dia do pai
Spanish - Feliz dia del padre
Italian - Giorno di Padre Felice
Polish - Wszystkiego Najlepszego Z Okazji Dnia Ojca
Dutch - Gelukkige Vaderdag
German - Alles Gute zum Vatertag
French - Bonne fete des peres

One thing that is interesting to note is that most countries follow the American custom of celebrating Father's Day on the third Sunday in June, but there are a handful of other countries that follow their own customs. Austria, Costa Rica, and Belgium celebrate Father's Day on the second Sunday in June. New Zealand and Australia celebrate it on the first Sunday of September. Russia doesn't celebrate the event on a Sunday instead the celebrate it on February 23 every year. China also has a specific date for Father's Day, which is August 8. Iran and Germany have no specific date for celebrating Father's Day instead they celebrate it based on certain events. Iran follows the Islamic calendar, so they celebrate it on 13 Rajab, while Germany uses Ascension Day, which comes from the Bible, to decide what date they are celebrating the event.

No matter what day you celebrate the event or what language you use to tell your father Happy Father's Day to celebrate Father's Day is the same. The day is dedicated to show our Father, because I respect them and all they have done for us love together.

Three Lessons From Machiavelli For Church Leaders

Do you want to be loved as a leader?" The Italian thinker Machiavelli long ago asked the question: whether it is better to be loved than feared, or the reverse. His response is this: "The answer is, of course, that it would be best to be both loved and feared. But since the two rarely come together, anyone compelled to choose will find greater security in being feared than in being loved." These words may not sit well with most of us in church leadership, but here are three lessons I find in this challenge from Machiavelli:

1. Do not make being loved your primary goal. Sure, people often love their pastors and ministry leaders. But if that is your highest motivation for being in ministry, you will find it hard to make progress, and the ministry will suffer.

2. Keep an appropriate distance from your followers. To be "feared" as a leader does not mean people have to be overtly afraid of you, but they do need to respect you and your position. One of my predecessors in the church I served as pastor took a stand from the pulpit on a controversial issue. Someone stormed up to her afterwards and said, "If you ever do that again, I will take the pulpit and answer you." "Not from my pulpit," she declared. In that instance she was very clear on the boundaries between herself and her followers. In fact, she was also deeply loved by the people of that church-it is possible, sometimes, to accomplish both.

3. Make necessary decisions. The inability to make a tough decision because it seems "mean" or "cruel" can in fact lead to organizational disorder and chaos that can take years to recover from. My colleague Israel Galindo suggests that the firing of unproductive employees can be a good first step for an incoming leader. He says, "It helps the system know that there is someone in charge and actually, tends to be a favor to the unmotivated worker. The most important benefit, however, is to communicate to the BEST people in the system that you value their work and will not tolerate underachievers in the system."

If we are driven by the need to be loved, our effectiveness as leaders is compromised. We cannot give people the challenge they need to grow. As delightful as it is to be loved by followers, it must be a secondary goal, as Machiavelli understood centuries ago. It is more important to lead than to be loved.

Fun and Creative Easter Baskets For Children

When you think of Easter baskets for children, what immediately comes to mind? A colorful wicker container filled with chocolates, candies, jelly beans and other tooth decaying treats, right? This Easter, create kids and children's Easter baskets that are fun to give and a joy to receive...without the sugar rush!

Do the children in your life love to draw? Create Easter baskets full of art and coloring supplies! Choose a wide, roomy basket and fill it with quality crayons, markers, colored pencils, construction paper, Easter themed stencils and coloring books. For painters, you can even add a palette of paints, some brushes and a small easel. Don't forget the pretty Easter bow to finish it off!

Spring is right around the corner, so how about kids and children's Easter baskets filled with gardening goodies? In a basket decorated with flowers, you can place potting soil, seeds for flowers and vegetables, child sized gardening gloves, and an easy and fun to read gardening guide.

Lots of children love to help in the kitchen with cooking, so Easter baskets with a cooking theme are sure to thrill the little chefs in your life. Instead of a traditional basket, you can decorate an oversized pot with Easter decorations. Fill the pot with child friendly cook books, easy to use kitchen utensils, and a variety of spices. Include easy to cook ingredients like pasta in fun shapes.

Does your child have a favorite activity? Load up kids and children's Easter baskets with the things they love the most. Themes include karate, soccer, dancing, singing, and much more. Stickers, books, videos and other items highlighting the favorite activity can fill a colorful Easter basket.

For children who have been experiencing a long, cold winter, Easter baskets celebrating the spring will be much appreciated. Take a sunny colored basket and fill it with items they can use in the spring such as a ball, a Frisbee, a set of jacks, a set of marbles, a jump rope, chalk and even sunscreen.

Inspire reading this Easter by giving Easter baskets full of reading fun. Create kids and children's Easter baskets that overflow with books that will interest and excite them. You can even include comic books and favorite magazines. Kids love them, and they count as reading, too!

With the economy on the down swing lately, there are many children who are in need this Easter. Create special Easter baskets that you can donate to children in need. Fill the baskets with healthy treats, soap and toothpaste, small toys and playthings, even a gift card or two to a local supermarket. This Easter, you can put smiles on the faces of children and their parents with Easter baskets that bring necessities and care.

When it comes down to it, kids and children's Easter baskets with special themes are creative and fun. And they last much longer, and are much healthier, than a basket full of chocolate and candy. Make Easter themed baskets a holiday tradition. You will see how children will eagerly look forward to seeing what each year's theme will bring!

Gold Italian Charms

Italian Charms come in tens of thousands of designs and can symbolize almost anything in the world such as colleges, buildings, monuments, places, food, animals, cartoons, sports, phrases- even birthday cakes and decorations! The charms usually made of gold or gold plating, can be interchanged to make a new charm everyday. These links are easy enough to interchange and offer versatility to the wearer. Charms are the most popular jewelry items for gifting and small, elegant purchases for self.

Gold Italian Charms originated in Italy and are usually made out of two base metals, such as copper or iron, plated with 18 K gold and enamel. Nothing looks classier than gold, and a gold plated Italian Charm can catch one's eye like no other piece of jewelry. Quality gold Italian charm manufacturers and exporters offer thousands of pieces, each better than the other, with seasonal and festive discounts for bulk and retail customers. All gold Italian charms are made from high quality stainless steel, which is later painted with gold enamel, then decorated with semiprecious gems such as garnets and lapis. This gold enamel gives the charm a very beautiful and sparkling appearance. Shining stainless steel and gold make an absolutely breathtaking contrast. In the gold category of Italian charms, the ones most in demand are symbols of the zodiac, letters of the various alphabets of the world, animals and hearts, sports and hobbies, apart from an ever widening range of designs, modified every day to suit customer demands.

The more exclusive gold Italian Charms are made of white gold, which is comparatively costlier and rarer, but can be bought from a reputed retailer who may have a host of Christmas charms, 14-karat gold charms, bracelet charms, and crown charms. For those wanting to be different from the rest, this white gold Italian charm might well be a rare choice when it comes to charms, but if looking for love, this is one jewelry gift few are known to resist.

The Great English Tradition - Afternoon Tea

When we talk about tea, one of the first thing we talk about is afternoon tea and the English way of drinking tea. Its been practiced for years and has been well published in books, TV and movies alike. Not many people actually know the origins and history behind this quintessential English way of drinking tea.

History
It is said to have started two centuries ago with the 7th Duchess of Bedford named Anna Maria who was the lady in waiting to Queen Victoria. It started due to the Victorian having there dinner late at night and she was always getting hungry earlier in the afternoon. So she arranged the butler to prepare her tea and a few cakes and biscuits to be served around 5pm. Over time see invited her friends to the afternoon tea and soon after Queen Victoria began with afternoon tea then it truly became popular. As time went by the price of tea became affordable and then more and more people began to enjoy.

Over time references to low and high tea have been made, it does not have any reference to the status of the people drinking it but more on the height of which the tea is served. So basically the height of the table and nothing to do with upper or middle class.

Low Tea
Afternoon tea is typically served between the hours of two and five in the afternoon and will be served with sandwiches, pasties, scones, jam, butter and biscuits. It would be generally served in the drawing room or sitting room on a low table, hence the word low tea. The tea is normally the loose form and is served in the best china teapot with milk and sugar. If its an important guess the cakes and pastries will be more elaborate. Tea will be served in the formal rooms of the house accompanied by the best linen and accessories.

High Tea
This is slightly different compared to low tea, its normally an early dinner which will be held at around 5pm. The foods accompanying the tea is cold meats, eggs, cakes and sandwiches and is a more formal event. Due to the type of foods it is normally served at the dinning room table and hence the word high tea.

Type of Tea
There are many different types of tea that can be served with afternoon tea. Typically the tea is made with boiled water that will reduce the time to brew the tea. Normally loose tea is used and that gives for a better cup of tea due the higher quality of tea used.

Non-Traditional Christmas Dinner Ideas For a Change This Year!

Are you one of those families who like to switch it up a notch and try out new and inventive ideas for the holidays? No stinkin' turkey and mashed potatoes for you? No problem! There is no rule book for the holidays. True, traditions are widely practiced, especially during the holidays, but these are unwritten rules and there is no reason why you need to follow these rules during the holiday season. Spice it up a little and make a meal that you know will please your guests, even if it is not the traditional holiday menu that people are used to. In fact, you can make a new tradition and have a different international flair each holiday. Bring in a menu from every corner of the world during the holidays. These Christmas dinner ideas will most definitely be a conversation piece that will keep your guests talking and wondering what nationality they will be celebrating this season!

Spice up your Christmas Eve dinner with a Mexican fiesta! There are so many different items you can make to create a really delicious holiday meal using Mexican recipes and many of these dishes you can prepare ahead of time which will leave you more time to sit and visit with your guests and will allow you to enjoy the holidays more! Make a couple of batches of enchiladas prepared different ways, perhaps cheese enchiladas with a red sauce and chicken enchiladas with a creamy sauce. Don't forget to add the delicious side dishes such as Spanish rice, refried beans, nacho chips, guacamole and salsa. For dessert, prepare a tasty flan to complete your Mexican holiday fiesta feast! The following year, instead of a Mexican feed, why not go for Italian route and prepare some delicious pasta dishes. A large bowl of spaghetti and meatballs and a baking dish of lasagna or cannelloni can be prepared for a large gathering of people. Add some fresh garlic bread a and a Caesar salad and you have a quick, easy and delicious Italian menu that will be delicious to feast on at Christmas.

You don't have to use traditional Christmas dinner ideas to make your menu and gathering warm and inviting. All you need is family and good friends, lots of laughter and a delicious meal to make any holiday gathering memorable.

Feast of the Seven Fishes - Christmas Eve Italian Style

The holidays are a magical time and to the Italians, La Vigilia (the vigil) is considered the most magical and festive night of the year. Italians share a rich culture, a zest for life, a love of good food, and strong religious and family values. Holiday meals are an integral part of our social culture, and while every culture has its own traditions, no culture celebrates tradition with more passion than the Italians. Christmas Eve is a special time for family and friends to gather together to celebrate, reminisce about the past, create new memories and share a delicious meal of seasonal foods.

Cena della Vigilia (the dinner of the vigil), the traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner, known as Festa dei Sette Pesci or Feast of the Seven Fishes, is a meal without meat, honoring the midnight birth of the baby Jesus; a custom that originated in southern Italy and has since spread throughout Italy and around the world. Today many Italians and Italian-Americans still celebrate this old-world custom that has been handed down from generation to generation.

There are several religious theories that support the origin of this symbolic feast but the most popular belief is that the seven fishes signify the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. The meal is also believed to bring buona fortuna (good fortune) in the New Year.

In order to honor this ancient tradition, a variety of seven different fish must be served, and while the menu and preparation varies from region to region and family to family, traditionally it is a meal that begins with antipastos and bread, soup and salad, an abundant feast of seven types of fish, pastas, vegetables and ending with an assortment of dolce served with espresso, Anisette or Sambuca. This celebratory feast captures the spirit of Christmas and offers Italians a chance to unite with their families while honoring their faith.

However you celebrate this season of miracles, may you be surrounded by the love of family and friends, and may the spirit of Christmas fill your heart with peace, joy and hope for the new year.

Buon Natale e felice anno nuovo!

Why Go Camping in Italy?

When people think of European camping holidays, Italy often isn't their first thought. But there are many reasons why this overlooked camping destination should be higher on their list of places to go.

Quality Campsites and Mobile Homes

The campsites in Italy offer you choice, reliability and comfort as well as hotel style facilities. Spacious tents and mobile homes with en-suite and cooking facilities are available in a range of locations. You also have a huge amount of choice as to where you take your Italian camping holiday; you can go to areas of breathtaking natural beauty, such as Lake Garda, or decide on a more city based break, camping within easy driving distance of Rome, Venice, or Milan.

We suggest trying the Marina di Venezia, our favourite campsite in Italy. Close to the Venetian lagoon itself, the Marina di Venezia is one of the largest and best campsites in this area of Italy. It has direct access to a beach, a brand new swimming pool and fountain complex as well as plenty family activities to keep everyone happy.

The Weather

As a nation where it seems to rain a lot of the time, many British people believe that Europe must be the same way. However, Southern Italy has weather similar to the rest of the Mediterranean and parts of central and northern Italy are on average two degrees hotter than the UK! In the far north it becomes much cooler, but since the far north of Italy is dominated by the Alps it makes this location ideal for walking or other sporting activities.

The Things to Do

There's a huge amount of things to do when you holiday in a tent or a mobile home in Italy. If you choose the Marina di Venezia site I talked about earlier, you have Venice right next door. The city has a long history of culture and extravagance, and has some of the best known architecture on the planet.

The floating city is a maze of waterways, bridges and pontoons and has something for everyone. Huge historic buildings such as St. Mark's Basilica and La Fenice opera house will delight architecture buffs, and the scale and construction of Venetian building on such uncertain foundations amazes all visitors.

Venice is incredible at any time, but to see the epitome of Venetian life you have to go during "Carnovale" or carnival time. Throughout February the city bustles with parties and events, a key factor being the masked balls and revels which have an ancient tradition there since the thirteenth century in Italy. The buzz of city life is heightened to a pitch and visitors can join in with the colour, sights and splendour of this amazing tradition.

If you choose Marina di Venezia (or any of the other great campsites in Italy) you are bound to enjoy yourself. The Italian lifestyle, the change of pace, the opportunity and the enjoyment to be found on a camping holiday in Italy are immense and not to be failure. So if this sounds like your kind of holiday, why not consider camping in a tent or mobile home in Italy this summer?

Reasons Why Wearing White After Labor Day Is Frowned Upon

Why is it bad to wear white after Labor Day? Many people wonder why it is a tradition for people not to wear white clothing just a day after the celebration. It is a holiday observed in many countries all over the world. In the United States this is an event annually observed to acknowledge the hard work of the work force in the society. Most of the nations celebrate Labor Day on May 1. Other nations celebrate it at different months like in the United States where it is celebrated in September first. To know the answer to the question, why is it bad to wear white after the holiday, we have to study the history of this tradition.

1. The first answer to the question, why is it bad to wear white after the holiday is because it was a common custom started in the latter years of the nineteenth century until the early years of the twentieth century.

2. The second answer to the question, why is it bad to wear white after the holiday is because white was the color that represented the status of the middle class workers. They believed then that it should be a color that should be respected because most of the people belong to the middle class.

3. The third answer to the question, why is it bad to wear white after the holiday is because many people back then believed that white is the hue that will give less protection from cold weather. Labor Day also signals the beginning of the autumn season for several people.

4. The fourth answer to the question, why is it bad to wear white after Labor Day is because a big movement for labor causes wanted to make the rich class in the society become aware of the existence of the Labor Day. It is one of the best ways they can get them to pay attention.

Based on the records Labor Day began as a celebration by the movement called as the Eight Hour movement. The group made all the members rest for eight hours and enjoy some form of recreation for eight hours as well. In Turkey, Labor Day is called Solidarity Day. In the Philippines this event is observed by marching on the streets to fight for the rights of the laborers. Jamaicans celebrate this holiday to give emphasis to the significance of the workers' input to the economic development of the country.

The Italian Stallion Explained

If you are coming to Rome on vacation or thinking of making it your new home then maybe some inside information on the infamous 'Italian Stallion' is what you need. Italians are so dramatic its in their blood and the men more so than the women. Italian men have reputation that proceeds them and maybe its this reputation they are seeking to uphold. Over the last few year I have come to realize what you can expect from them and I am going to share it with you. 

Step one: Getting your attention

As I mentioned before Italian men are dramatic and they are far from shy.  If they see a woman they think is attractive walking down the street they feel its their duty as a man to let her know. This is done by calling "Ciao Bella!", or if you're really looking good you will get the full "Mama Mia Che Bella!" of course after while you begin not to notice it, the  catcall of Italian men  is the what the wolf whistle is to construction works in the States. A more subtle way they may try to get your attention is to ask you directions, and they can be quite persistent even if you have your earphones in a pretend not to hear they will just tap you  on the shoulder to get your attention- once they do its on to step two...

Step Two: Your Number  

If you decide to take the gamble and give a guy your number expect him to call. Italian men waste no time, there is no rules for them to follow, no waiting 3 days to ring they will call you right there and then but in most cases that's just to check that you gave them the right number!

They are persistent too so be prepared when you give your number that you are going to be asked out. If you need time to think about it, best you take their number and you can call them in your own time then.. which lead us to step three...

Step Three: Dating

Italians are in love with love. They love to romance women. They are extremely romantic and old fashioned.  Italian men are great at showing how much they care, by paying 'little attentions' to the woman they are with, including small gifts and romantic Italian phrases and of course paying for your night out, like a true gentleman.This aspect is one of the more intriguing to women of other cultures.

However, while romanticism is definitely at the forefront of Italian relationships, an Italian man will not find anything wrong with looking at other women. In fact, jealousy plays a large part in a relationship.

Finally: Cultural Curiosity

In many other Western countries, the roles have changed between men and women, woman can sometimes be the main breadwinner with the man staying home being the house husband or indeed both partners working and the household chores shared evenly.  In Italy they still  stay true to tradition. This means that many Italian men do not cook or clean, and many live with their families until they are 30%2B, or until they are married (hence, wife becomes their mother). Mammone is the term for a "mama's boy" in Italy, a very common thing.

In Rome and Italy, it is important to understand the people who live there. The Italian Stallion is a very real thing, and as a woman it is a phenomenon you will definitely encounter on your journeys. I  find it easier to take the loudly voiced comments as compliments. And if you are lucky enough to find a handsome Roman, or otherwise, who wants to grab a cappuccino with you, just remember that if you give them your number, they will call and more than likely introduce you to their mother!

Beach Holidays in Italy

The experience of a beach holiday comes as a surprise to many visitors. To experience the beach in Italy is to find something very different from beach resorts elsewhere in the Mediterranean.

The Med, for so long now a favourite holiday destination with so many. Those of us from the colder parts of northern and continental Europe so often look to Spain, Greece and the various Mediterranean islands for our annual holidays.

In a sense, we like such trips because we know what to expect - great weather, packed beaches and warm seas.

Italian beach holidays, like those experience in the south of France, seem to give many of us different expectations. We expect a holiday in Italy to be a rather more classy affair - Italy does, after all, rival France for the title of being the most fashionable, glamourous location in Europe.

Arriving at an Italian beach for the first time can come as something of a shock. Where many other European beach resorts leave the beaches practically empty, allowing you and your family to find a suitable spot, things are rather different in Italy.

You'll almost certainly find the beach almost covered with sun loungers, deckchairs and sunshades. Welcome to the concept of the bathing station.

People here are used to paying for their spot on the beach, which may come as a cultural shock for many of us. You'll find that you pay more to spend your day towards the front of the beach, closest to the sea.

Where other beaches may see visitors playing games and splashing around in the sea, Italian beaches seem to have a more relaxed air.

Welcome to a different kind of beach holiday.

Birthday Traditions & Activities - 15 Ideas to Make B-Day's Fun & Meaningful

I grew up in a home where birthdays were simple, yet extremely special, personal, and fun. Without fail, every year I would begin my birthday by being woken up by my entire family coming into my room and singing me happy birthday. They would sing happy birthday, jump on my bed to wake me up, and my mom always had a little gift for me. I then got to choose not only breakfast, but every meal - and I could have whatever I wanted! I didn't have to do any chores, didn't have to help with dishes, and I always got pumpkin pie and boysenberry pie - my favorites. And of course, my parents always got me a few gifts.

But, perhaps what was most memorable and significant about the birthdays in my home growing up was that Birthday's were a family day. Some of my fondest memories growing up were simply sitting around the dinner table with my parents and siblings just talking and laughing. And then, we would always gather in the family room and just play games. As I reflect back, perhaps birthday's were so special - not necessarily because of the food, gifts, attention, or even having the day off - it was certainly because of the fact that birthday's were a family day, and I got to just be with those I love most - my family.

My hope is that the 15 ideas below will help serve as ideas to start fun and meaningful birthday traditions in your family. As is obvious, there are so many more ideas than just these 15 - but it is a start. Regardless of which one's you implement, the importance is to be consistent and ensure birthday's become not only a special day for the child whose birthday it is, but also that birthday's become a 'family day.'

1) 'Special' Plate: Designate a plate that will be used only on birthdays. You can buy one or make your own - but make it 'special.'

2) Choose a Meal: The person whose birthday it is gets to choose what they want for their 'Birthday Dinner!' It can be one meal - or better yet - ALL meals that day!

3) 'Morning Surprise': Wake up the person whose birthday it is by singing them 'Happy Birthday' in bed. Give them a gift first thing in the morning!

4) No Work: The birthday child does not have to do any chores, work, or help with dishes, etc. on their birthday. Just a day of relaxation and fun!

5) 'I Love You Game': At dinner, everyone in the family will go around the table and say one or two things they love about that family member (whose birthday it is).

6) Breakfast in Bed: Every year, the person whose birthday it is gets breakfast in bed!

7) Decorate Room / House: Buy some balloons and decorate the house or child's room whose birthday it is.

8) Birthday Letter: Each year, write a personal letter to your child and give it to them on their birthday. Tell them why you love them, why you are proud of them, write memories of them from the past year, etc. (Make copies and save/collect them in case the child loses them :)

9) Birthday Present Scavenger Hunt: Hide all the presents you got your child around the house, yard, etc. Then, create a scavenger hunt for the child to find the presents.

10) Individual Birthday Dinner/Date: If you have more than once child, spend the birthday as a family. But then on another night that week, go out to dinner with just the parent(s) and the child whose birthday it is - an individual 'special' night for just them. (Let the child choose the restaurant they want to go to). Maybe an idea is to get the child out of school early and go out to eat (kids always love getting out of school!)

11) Birthday Cake Breakfast: Be creative and do things different. Mix up ingredients for a chocolate cake and make chocolate waffles. Bake a cake for breakfast - let the child decorate it. Have ice cream, cookies, or brownies - whatever. Hey, it's their birthday ... why not!

12) Yearly Growth: Establish a portion of a wall in the house as the 'growth wall.' Each year, mark how tall the child is to show their growth and change (take a picture of the child each year also to show how they change year to year).

13) Stay up Late: Whosever birthday it is, they get to stay up late. They can watch a movie, play with friends, have a party, or just play games with the family (thus, allow the other kids to stay up too, if applicable).

14) Birthday Table Cloth: Each child will have their own table cloth (needs to be white, to draw on). Then, each birthday, it will be pulled out and used for dinner. Each family member will write a few things on it every year - why they love the person whose birthday it is, a funny or significant memory from the last year, etc.

15) Birthday's are Family Days: Spend birthdays as a family. Have a fun family game night. Play games, watch a movie together, tell stories, share past birthday memories, etc. Just have fun as a family that day/night.

Be creative and think of your own ideas and traditions as well. Regardless of which of these you use, how many, or if you think of your own - the important thing is to make the day special for that child, and spend time as a family.

What Are The Ingredients Of The Best Italian Recipes?

It might come as a surprise that Italian cooking doesn't exist.

Italy was united only in 1861 and the history of this country is so fragmented that every city and village has its own, ferociously guarded traditions.

For centuries neighboring towns have looked at each other as enemies, stubbornly refusing to share language, traditions and cooking recipes. Even the name of common food is jealously guarded: for example the same sea snails are called in Ancona "crocette", in Senigallia (30 km away) "garagoi".

The geography of Italy didn't help matters either, the west and the east coast are divided by a high range of mountains, the Apennines and the Italian boot is separated from the rest of the continent by the even higher Alps. The result is that we find in a relatively small nation a climate that ranges from the warm Mediterranean to the cool alpine weather, with almost everything else in between.

The cooking reflects this great variety with ingredients coming from land and sea and from very different climates.
Given roughly the same ingredients two sea towns with a temperate climate like Naples and Venice managed to develop very different culinary traditions.

Only television brought to Italy a certain uniformity with a shared common language and similar cultural patterns.

There are though two main ingredients in Italian food that I think unite the nation.

The first is the love and respect for food quality and freshness: only the best produce will do for the family table. The quality is pursued in the daily markets and little shops that survive despite the advent of the large superstores, always regarded with suspicion by the Italian consumer.

The second is the attitude toward eating: sitting at the table is a rite that daily brings together family and friends, it becomes more than just eating, is an act of love and sharing that keeps together the basic social structure.

The recipe I am going to talk about simplify these two concepts: it is based on the quality and freshness of the ingredients and is the kind of food that you prepare after a day at the beach, while chatting with friends and sipping a glass of white wine.

Ingredients:

Sauce:

One big mozzarella: look for the fresh kind that comes in its own liquid, if possible made with buffalo milk instead of the more current one made with regular cow milk.

Fresh basil: possibly just picked leaves, never the dried substitute.

One cup of cherry tomatoes.

Two cloves of garlic: keep away from the powder.

Crushed chili pepper.

Pasta:

A packet of pasta: your favorite shape but take care to cook it rigorously "al dente", overcooked pasta can spoil the best sauces.

Instructions:

Chop roughly the ingredients of the sauce and mix them in a big bowl with a little of your best extra virgin olive oil.
Boil the pasta in salted water, don't exceed the cooking times on the package.

Drain the pasta and pass it under cool running water, this will prevent the mozzarella from sticking in one solid block at the bottom of the bowl.

Mix the pasta with the other ingredients and enjoy it with your friends and family.

Buon appetito!

Top Five Lake Garda Resorts

The Italian lakes are renowned for their beauty and none are more impressive than the stunning Lake Garda. Surrounded by pretty towns and villages, the area offers a wide range of places to stay.

Deciding which location is best for you will very much depend on the type of holiday that you are looking for. The following list should, however, give you a great starting point, with details on the best resorts around the lake:

1. Garda: This is the village that gave the lake its name. The village has a very traditional feel and hosts an impressive firework display in August each year.

2. Lazise: Ideally located for the nearby theme park that is known as Gardaland. Lazise has plenty to offer, with its historic streets leading down to its bustling harbour.

3. Bardolino: Like Garda and Lazise, Bardolino is located in the popular south-east corner of the region. Well-known for its local wine, the area also produces excellent oils and fishes, meaning that Bardolino is an excellent place to stay for those who love food.

4. Riva Del Garda: One of the finest towns in Italy, Riva Del Garda is located at the northern edge of the lake, nestling at the foot of the mountains. With its gravel beach, the town is popular with those looking to relax, as well as those using this as a base for water sports.

5. San Benedetto: This small village is great for those enjoy cycling or walking, by virtue of being located in the middle of a relatively flat area of land. This is also an excellent place to stay for those wanting to get away from the busier resorts.

These are five of the finest resorts in the Lake Garda region but the best thing about staying in this part of Italy is that you can take the time to explore - it's perfectly possible to include each of the best resorts within your holiday itinerary.

Jana, Goddess of Doorways and Seeing

Jana is not a well-known Goddess. We know better her husband and brother Janus, who gave name to the first month of the year. An interesting tidbit here is that Jana gave the name to June through her reincarnation as the Roman Juno. I think about the Hebrew tradition by which the year consists of two half-years, one that begins at Rosh Hashanah, at Autumn, and the other at Pesach, at Spring. Maybe they Romans had a similar tradition, one year from Midwinter to Midsummer, Janus' year, and another from Midsummer to Midwinter, Jana's year.

Jana is the Goddess of doorways. One could say the saying "when God closes a door, She opens a window" fits perfectly on Jana. There are many kinds of doorways in life. Some take us to a completely new life, and these should be celebrated, like we celebrate graduation. Jana is also the Goddess of initiations. Some doorways have no doors, and passing through these just widens the life. These doorways can be used to both directions. One example of these is the journey from a role we have in life to another role. Journeys are yet another of Jana's dominions.

She is the Goddess of beginnings, among them The New Year. She is two-faced, facing the new and old year at the same time, future and past. Jana's role as the guardian of doorways reminds me of the High Priestess of Tarot, sitting with Her moon in front of the doorway and like a sphinx, expects you to answer correctly to the question before she lets you enter to Empress' paradise.

In the Italian tradition, the new year starts at Midwinter. In Finland the Midwinter is a time for divination. There are especially two kinds of divination practiced; mirror divination and divination with molted tin (Molybdomancy). Both are sacred to Jana, because she, Goddess who sees all, uses every reflecting surface as Her window. She is the Moon Goddess, and what is Moon anything else but a huge mirror reflecting the Sun's light to Earth?

Jana is the Goddess of divination as well, and if She likes you, She will allow you to see things through Her eyes. Hers are all kinds of mirror divination and scrying.

Her animal is the peacock, and Jana's eyes are on peacock's beautiful tail. This is the reason why peacock feathers bring luck. Jana can see into your home through the eyes. In some countries peacock feather bring bad luck - people don't want a Pagan Goddess to see into their homes.

Jana developed into Diana and Juno, and both these Goddesses still have her qualities. Diana kept the moon and Juno peacocks. The Holy Spirit of Christianity is also Jana transformed.

When the Greek Gods took over the Roman Pantheon, Jana lived on as Juno Lucina, which is Juno's name as the Goddess of childbirth. Childbirth is just another beginning, entering through a doorway, and Lucina means "The Light One". Juno Lucina became St. Lucy, who is being celebrated on thirteenth of December. That was the winter solstice day according to the old reckoning (the Julian calendar), and St. Lucy is the patriot Saint of the blind people.

Irish and Italian Communion Dresses - Intricate Beauties

Irish and Italian communion dresses are intriguing examples of intricate design and detail. They celebrate First Communion and culture in elaborate style. Since both groups tend to hold steadfast to their heritage and their faith, it is easy to understand their emphasis on communion dresses.

Irish Communion Dresses

Irish shamrocks (with pearls) are often embroidered along the bodice and hem of a full-length matte satin dress. Indeed, an Irish girl may have an allover shamrock-embroidered skirt and bodice. The Irish dress can show a scalloped hemline with embroidery and sequins.

Special finishing touches could be a floral trim at the waist or a sprinkling of pearls as well as satin buttons and bows. Communion veils might use satin or lace headbands and scattered shamrocks or Celtic crosses. The shamrock signifies an Irish heritage and honors the Holy Trinity.

The dresses dazzle in multi-layered style and fullness. Shamrock-embroidered sheer organza panels may top a bridal satin skirt. A layer of tulle underneath the dress can add extra fullness. These Irish gowns may also have a crinoline under slip.

A princess drop front waist, slightly rounded neck, and scalloped-edged short sleeves are popular features. The dresses may be tea-length or full length. A tea-length dress with an embroidered satin bodice and tulle skirt is a terrific choice. The gowns are often fashioned from the very best bridal satin.

The accessories for an Irish First Communion will also follow a Celtic theme. Each delicate item has divine details from top to bottom - from pearled anklets to a shamrock clip headpiece. The claddagh, a Gaelic symbol of love and friendship, is also seen on communion gifts such as necklaces and bracelets.

In recent years, some families have chosen to add just a few Irish touches to First Communion. Instead of having a full Irish theme, they may choose a shamrock headpiece, a Celtic cross, or an Irish rosary with a claddagh charm. Yet many still prefer to use Irish symbols in the entire outfit and accessories. The lovely Irish names of the dress styles further reflect youthful, Irish beauty - Enya and Ester, Meghan and Maralyn.

Italian Communion Dresses

Italian communion dresses can be original designs. They can be made from the finest Italian and European silk and other beautiful fabrics. Some dresses, handmade and hand smocked, are imported from Italy. Throughout the years, custom dresses have been the style for Italian girls. A mother would usually ask her neighborhood seamstress to create that special one-of-a-kind communion dress for her daughter.

Shantung dresses often have Valenciennes lace on the skirt, sleeves, and bodice. Valenciennes lace is a type of bobbin lace with a floral pattern. Due to its extremely intricate, sophisticated design, it requires a skilled hand to create this lace.

A flower organza gown can impress with hand embroidery. A short-sleeve, off-white dress, in silk taffeta will look like a vintage style. Italian organdy gowns often have a back sash tie. The dresses use intricate details such as flower embroideries, layering, and ribbons. Communion veils can be long or shorter lengths. The accessories always match the elegance of the gowns.

These special occasion dresses could suit a girl for First Communion or for flower girl duties. For maximum fullness, the skirts are often lined with layers of tulle and netting. There is always careful attention to detail. The exquisite fabrics and extra special touches set these dresses apart from the crowd.

Irish and Italian communion dresses have a special meaning for the girls and their families. Yet everyone can enjoy the beauty and the magic which happens when strong traditions meet an even stronger faith.