Folklore

Chinese Solar Calendar: A Traditional Way of Looking At Time

by Seasonal Wisdom on December 26, 2012

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Guest Post: As another New Year begins, it’s interesting to consider the traditional Chinese solar calendar, which featured 24 mini-seasons closely tied to what was happening in the natural world.  These 24 solar terms helped farmers remember their way through nature’s growing cycles.

This sounded like a topic we had to explore further at Seasonal Wisdom, so we asked Ann Bingley Gallops of NY-based Open Spaces Feng Shui to provide a quick overview of these fascinating 24 solar terms that make up the Chinese solar calendar.  It’s little wonder why these nature-oriented calendar terms still ring true to us today. Come take a peek.  All photos  courtesy of Jeriff Cheng on Flickr. Read the full article →

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Vintage Christmas Cards – Part 2

by Seasonal Wisdom on December 21, 2012

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Another holiday season is here.  And it appears we have survived the “End of the World,” as Dec. 21, 2012 is nearly over as I write this post.  That’s a relief. Even though 2012 has been a rough year for many, it’s nice to know we have turned the corner, and that 2013 is nearly upon us.

To get you in the holiday spirit, here are more charming vintage holiday cards from throughout the twentieth century. Come take a peek … Photo courtesy of roadsidepictures on Flickr.  Read the full article →

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December Home and Garden Resources

December 1, 2012
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The month of December is a bit of a paradox. On the one hand, the month has the shortest, darkest days of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. On the other, this time is a wildly optimistic month when people surround themselves with bright lights, aromatic evergreens and festive activities. However you decide to celebrate [...]

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Welcome November

November 1, 2012
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Happy November! In this month, “the eating of Honey … Ginger … and Goats Milk are very wholesome and profitable to the body … and Cinnamon … drunk often this Moneth give health, and are commendable.” wrote Richard Saunders in Apollo Anglicanus, The English Apollo back in 1665. The early part of this month has [...]

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Halloween Folklore, Ghost Tours and More

October 26, 2012
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It’s that time again — when days grow shorter and colder, and masses of children descend on my front porch at Halloween demanding “tricks or treats!” In honor of this frightfully fun holiday, Seasonal Wisdom is sharing a “mish mash” of resources for Halloween. Come on in … if you dare!

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Fall Feng Shui Advice for Your Home

October 15, 2012
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Guest Post: Another amazing autumn is here! Seasonal Wisdom is delighted to feature these fall-based Feng Shui tips from NY-based consultant Ann Bingley Gallops of Open Spaces Feng Shui.  Learn how you can use the timeless lessons of Feng Shui to enjoy this season to the fullest. Here’s what Ann has to say …

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Happy Fourth of July with Vintage Greetings

July 3, 2012
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Happy Fourth of July! As the United States grows another year older, Seasonal Wisdom thought it might be fun to celebrate the big day with some vintage greeting cards, courtesy of riptheskull on Flickr. These cards all reveal a bit about past lifestyles and important cultural references. As Mount Vernon gardens and President Washington’s rich [...]

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Summer Solstice 2012

June 18, 2012
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Happy summer solstice!  Summer begins officially in the Northern Hemisphere on June 20, 2012, at 7:09 P.M. (EDT).  We’re celebrating another year at Seasonal Wisdom by sharing the news you need to know about the summer solstice — including some old facts and folklore you probably didn’t know about this important day. Vintage photo of children with [...]

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Spring Feng Shui Advice for Your Home

April 10, 2012
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Guest Post: Learn how to jump-start your spring with these expert Feng Shui tips by NYC-based consultant Ann Bingley Gallops of Open Spaces Feng Shui. You may remember Ann’s excellent winter feng shui tips last year. Now — just in time for spring — Ann provides spring Feng Shui advice to get your season off to a [...]

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Easter – Celebrating Life’s New Beginnings

April 1, 2012
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Easter has long celebrated the rebirth of nature, as Spring splashes her seeds and flower buds around the garden at this time. Seasonal Wisdom takes a look at this popular holiday, which has old roots and arcane folklore, in this post illustrated by vintage Easter cards from Riptheskull on Flickr.

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