I think we’ve hinted enough now.  Our LynnK will be bringing us some “different” video’s and such under the title of “Randomness”.  Here is her first installment.  It’s ok to be a little afraid. ~Marie

 

This is beautiful. I would have given anything to see in person!

An illumination presented recently at the Vatican as a gift to Pope Francis from various environmental groups to highlight the threat of global warming.

Some of the most common superstitious rites and traditions on New Year’s Eve that are meant to bring about fortune.

New Year’s Eve in Italy sees a range of superstitious rites and traditions that are meant to bring about fortune. Here are some of the most common.

From north to south, a plate of cotechino and lentils will be served at dinner. The meaning of this tradition is related to the Romans, for whom lentils symbolized abundance and money, and the fatty meat of the pig an omen of abundance. Another tradition in the realm of food is eating pomegranate, which symbolizes loyalty and fertility, particularly effective if eaten in the company of your sweet half. When midnight strikes, you’re supposed to eat 12 grapes, one for each month of the new year, as grape also symbolizes luck.  

Very important! On New Year’s Eve, you’re supposed to wear something red (usually underwear) for love and luck in the new year.

Another tradition is to throw out the window broken old things to symbolize letting go of what is useless to make room for a new start.

Superstition has it that if the first person you meet after midnight is a priest or a doctor, but also a postman or a bell ringer, you’ve got something to worry about; if it’s a woman, it’s not a good sign; if it’s a man, you can rest easy (a bit of a sexist superstition, perhaps?).

The tradition of kissing under a mistletoe hanging from a door is more recent, and it’s meant to drive away evil spirits. It’s also common – and appreciated – for men to bring a mistletoe to the women in their lives on the first day of the new year. – See more at: http://www.italymagazine.com/dual-language/new-years-eve-traditions-tradizioni-di-capodanno#sthash.4jjvGEXY.AwWGtI1W.dpuf

 

 

 

Here is a look at the gorgeous new Etihad A380 Airbus which flew our Guys to Abu Dhabi and New York ! Maybe we could boot the cabin crew off and do a little Flight Crewing the next time the Guys fly Etihad! Marie has the sign up sheet! And don’t anybody bring that parrot!!

 

 

Heh! Heh!

 

Weekly Photo Challenge – Twinkle, twinkle, little star

For article and pictures :
http://dreamdiscoveritalia.com/2014/12/13/weekly-photo-challenge-twinkle-twinkle-little-star/

 

My brother-in-law sends all this goofy stuff! His retired buddies send stuff back and forth all the time and somehow he thinks I need it, too! Actually some of it is pretty hysterical! And I’ve determined you need to see it too!! Heh! Heh!

~LynnK