Friday, January 31, 2020
Irish Weddings Essay Example for Free
Irish Weddings Essay Ireland is one country, which is part of the larger United Kingdom (UK). It is a blessed country with numerous greens, which range from the rolling green hills of sheep pasture to the gorgeous gardens as well as ancient castles. Romance is so much embraced by the Irish culture with a lot of passion. The Irish culture allows one to lie in a meadow with his/her love, track down four leaf clovers, or to dance night long to the favorite Irish band. The culture is rich since the Irish is a blend of the old Celtic mythologies and the Christianity brought in by St. Patrick (Haggerty Bridget http://www. irishcultureandcustoms. com/). Therefore in a relationship both backgrounds have a great influence and tradition asks the lovers to be rational and to respect each other as well as their families. The culture demands that Lovers run bare feet through rugged terrain while tumbling in the grass in show of Irish’s love of nature. Irish Church Weddings St. Patrick was an Irish and his most cherished color was blue and until recently the national flag of the Ireland was blue in honor of him. In addition to the love of green, anyone who wishes to do a church wedding must have blue as a theme (Goodwin Audrey, p128). Considering the fact that the Irish are very patient and religious, the names of the bride and bridegroom are first read in church for three consecutive Sundays prior to the wedding day so as to allow the couple to reconsider their decisions as well as also gives others a chance to file an objection for the same. A couple registers in church for marriage three months prior to their wedding day. Irish Claddagh Ring The claddagh ring is very popular among the Irish and was given to the woman by the man as a show of love and faith. (Fielding, p268). This was especially when a man was going away for sometime, either to war or in pursuit for greener pastures to improve their living standards. The ring was worn by the woman to show that she is somebody’s and could be made more personal by using the birthstone of the person to show that it is specifically meant for her. Irish Hand Fasting Before St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland, the inhabitants of Ireland believed in paganism and Celtic traditions that was attached with hand fasting. Hand fasting is a form of â€Å"trial marriage†which lasted for a year after which the couple are allowed to decide whether they are compatible to continue or to part ways. Sir Walter Scott as a betrothal day first introduced this day (Fielding, William J. p263). There was no attachments or commitments in hand fasting. Even today hand fasting has been incorporated in marriage ceremonies where the bride and the bridegroom have their hands bound together with ribbons. Irish Wedding Days Of The Week Ladies and gentlemen as you have realized the Irish are very religious and always put God before everything. The days of the week are lanked whereby Saturday is seen as no day. According to their traditions, Weddings cannot be done on Christmas day since it is Jesus birthday nor on Sunday as it is the lords worship day. They argue that the events that occur in wedding ceremonies, which include dancing and partying, are not appropriate during these special days. Some other days of the week like Friday and Saturday are also seen as inappropriate for weddings since the ceremonies can go for 2-3 and can stretch to Sunday. Irish Wedding Months For every situation the Irish have their sayings and concerning wedding months the Irish have the following myths: (Irish church wedding, http://www. romanceclass. com). They believe that the marriage that occurs in the start of the year is loving, kind and true. If one marries during the month of February his/her fate is on the balance but march weddings ends up with both joy and sorrow while those in April bring joy for both the bride and bridegroom. They further believe that to marry in May is a waste of time, To marry in June means that you will be away from each other a lot of time whereas July weddings are linked to struggling so much to make a living. Those marriages in the month of August are associated with many changes in the couple. September weddings on the other hand are linked with both wealth and comfort, whereby love and dynamic riches are for October weddings. In addition, only joy will come in November wedding but deficiency of other things and December is the best month for marriage since they belief that true love will manifest. Irish Love Charms Like the saying goes â€Å"the way to a man’s heart is true the stomach†a woman says the Irish traditional charm as she prepares food for her man. The charm is aimed at bringing the man and the woman closer to each other and makes their love grow each day. The woman longs for everlasting affection from her husband and wishes that her man could give her total attention. Irish traditional songs and lyrics The Irish are known to love songs and dance and this is more pronounced during courtship and marriage ceremonies (Mumphy et al, p126). Locals play flute and drum, fiddle as well as harp while singing helping music, which is full of fun in praise of the bride and bridegrooms. They have a proverb that says â€Å"the most beautiful music of all is the music of what happens†and hence all the music and dance is dedicated to the event of that day. Works cited. Fielding, William J. Strange Customs of Courtship and Marriage. The New Home Library, New York. 2005. P. 263. Goodwin Audrey, Irish-wedding traditions El Cajon, Ca. United States. March 2001 p128. Campbell Georgina, The Best Irish Breads and Baking. Georgina Campbell’s Ireland. 2007. p65 Mumphy, Colin and Donal O’Dea (2006), The Feckin’Book of Everything Irish. NewYork, Barnes and Noble. (2006) p126. irish church wedding accessed online 0n 1st October 2007 http://www. romanceclass. com/weddings/ireland/churcweddingasp. Haggerty Bridget, Irish culture and customs; the humor is on me now. Music for an Irish Wedding reception. jan, 2007. accessed online on 1st October 2007 http://www. irishcultureandcustoms. com/wedding/musicreception. html.
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Salt Marshes :: essays research papers
Oceanography                                        Salt Marshes Salt marshes are coastal wetlands rich in marine life, which are covered by water at least once per month. They are found in the intertidal zones along low-energy coastlines, forming along the margins of estuaries, where freshwater from the land mixes with seawater. These marshes can be found near the Great South Bay and the Long Island Sound. The entire south shore of Long Island is considered to be a salt marsh important to the health of the marine life. Beginning in Jamaica Bay and extending to Montauk Point, Long Islands salt marches help remove toxic chemicals that are caused by pollution, thus making them a vital part of the eco-system. The Salt Marshes contain different types of grasses that grow out of the water and along the water's edge. This grass can be seen when the tide is low and is covered by water when the tide comes in. This grass helps hold the soil together by dispersing any wave energy and creating a breeding ground for many important marine animals. Also, the plants act as a natural filter, removing any chemicals that might be in the seawater. Some of the plants that are found in salt marshes are: Salt Marsh Grass or Spartina Alterniflora and Cord grass as well as reeds, sedges and golden rod. At low tide, nutrient-rich water flows from the marsh back into the sea, feeding the plankton upon which all other life depends. Peat, which is what the march is mostly made of, is very absorbent. In some areas, it limits coastal flooding by containing the water that comes in during a very high or storm-driven tide. Peat also acts as a filter, cleaning water by removing various compounds and either storing or breaking them down. The salt marsh is also an important breeding ground for many species of marine life. These animals use the marsh and its tall grasses for protection from predators. Some of the marine life is: clams, mussels, shrimp, oysters and small fishes such as killies and spearing. Some mammals use the salt marsh also. These animals include: mice, skunks and many, many species of water fowl. These animals use the marsh not only as a home, but as a place to find food as well. There are destructive forces at work against the salt marsh. While a slowly rising sea level has had some effect, the greatest destruction of salt marshes that has taken place is urban and suburban development. Salt Marshes :: essays research papers Oceanography                                        Salt Marshes Salt marshes are coastal wetlands rich in marine life, which are covered by water at least once per month. They are found in the intertidal zones along low-energy coastlines, forming along the margins of estuaries, where freshwater from the land mixes with seawater. These marshes can be found near the Great South Bay and the Long Island Sound. The entire south shore of Long Island is considered to be a salt marsh important to the health of the marine life. Beginning in Jamaica Bay and extending to Montauk Point, Long Islands salt marches help remove toxic chemicals that are caused by pollution, thus making them a vital part of the eco-system. The Salt Marshes contain different types of grasses that grow out of the water and along the water's edge. This grass can be seen when the tide is low and is covered by water when the tide comes in. This grass helps hold the soil together by dispersing any wave energy and creating a breeding ground for many important marine animals. Also, the plants act as a natural filter, removing any chemicals that might be in the seawater. Some of the plants that are found in salt marshes are: Salt Marsh Grass or Spartina Alterniflora and Cord grass as well as reeds, sedges and golden rod. At low tide, nutrient-rich water flows from the marsh back into the sea, feeding the plankton upon which all other life depends. Peat, which is what the march is mostly made of, is very absorbent. In some areas, it limits coastal flooding by containing the water that comes in during a very high or storm-driven tide. Peat also acts as a filter, cleaning water by removing various compounds and either storing or breaking them down. The salt marsh is also an important breeding ground for many species of marine life. These animals use the marsh and its tall grasses for protection from predators. Some of the marine life is: clams, mussels, shrimp, oysters and small fishes such as killies and spearing. Some mammals use the salt marsh also. These animals include: mice, skunks and many, many species of water fowl. These animals use the marsh not only as a home, but as a place to find food as well. There are destructive forces at work against the salt marsh. While a slowly rising sea level has had some effect, the greatest destruction of salt marshes that has taken place is urban and suburban development.
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
A Comparison Between Dulce Et Decorum Est and Pro Patria Essay
The First World War was the first truly modern war. Its atrocities and huge death toll changed people’s views of war drastically. Pro patria, by Owen Seaman and Dulce et Decorum est by Wilfred Owen are both war poems written around the time of the First World War, and as such share certain surface properties. However, the two poems differ hugely in their implicit meaning and intentions, giving the two poems many subtle differences between their texts. Both poems use metaphor. Seaman uses metaphor when mentioning the â€Å"brute sword†and soldiers using â€Å"storied ‘scutcheons†, a blaringly inaccurate image to conjure up the idea of chivalry and knights in shining armor, giving that the fighting would be fair and glorious, as opposed to the mass slaughter and unimaginable tortures spelled out in Owen’s Dulce et Decorum est. seaman also makes use of anthropomorphisation, making England out as some great, good but indistinct creature. He refers to England as a being of some sort, writing of it’s pleas for peace at â€Å"the nations bar†, stating that England needed to go to war to keep its honor. Owen uses metaphor to show the state of the soldiers in his poem, saying that the men were â€Å"drunk with fatigue†. The use of simile is more found only in his poem, when he talks about soldiers â€Å"bent double, like beggars under sacks†and â€Å"coughing like hags†. The u se of simile as opposed to metaphor adds to the realness of the poem. Both war poems have religious undertones. The use of Latin in both texts aids this, mimicking the Latin masses of the Catholic Church. Seaman says that those left at home whilst their sons go to war must be â€Å"strong in faith and in prayer†and that they should â€Å"ask what offering we may consecrate†, suggesting to the people back home to turn to their faith for comfort, and to be willing to give up the luxuries of a quiet life for the greater good. Dolce et Decorum est, on the other hand, uses the idea of the devil’s face to describe the expression of a gas victim: â€Å"His hanging face, like a Devil’s sick of sin†The comparison also describes the world weariness of the soldier, what atrocities must a devil be to be sick of sin? Both poems are trying to affect the public’s views on the war. Pro Patria is essentially a propaganda poem, an invention used to great effect during the Boer war and revived at the advent of the First World War. The poems early references to honor and duty are to provoke young men into singing up for the army, fabricating images of glorious victory in their minds, and carefully avoiding the nitty gritty mechanics of it, the living in squalid trenches and the likelihood of death. The later sections of the poem are addressed to the parents of the â€Å"warrior sons†urging them to keep a stiff upper lip, or as he puts it â€Å"to hush all vulgar clamor of the street†. The reason for this is that if every time a mother received a letter from the M.O.D telling her that her son was dead she were to rush out into the street screaming â€Å"OH MY GOD, MY POOR HARRY! HE’S GONE!†other mothers and fathers would have reservations about sending their sons off to war. Therefore the silence of bereaved parents of â€Å"worrier sons†went some way to helping the recruiting sergeant’s job. Dulce et Decorum est is the perfect opposite of the propaganda that is Pro Patria. Whiles Pro Patria uses misleading metaphors Dulce et Decorum est attempts to create the realities of war. Where Pro Patria attempts to glorify war and depict it as honorable, Dulce et Decorum est shows the dirt grime and suffering that went on at the front line. The impassiveness of the soldiers to the gruesome death of the gas victims as they fling him in the cart (the use of the word â€Å"flung†emphasizing the fact that this was not unusual and that it had happened before), the description of the soldiers as â€Å"beggars†shows a stark contrast to Seaman’s proud and noble warrior sons. In structure the poems are quite similar, Dulce et Decorum est seeming to be almost a parody of the older Pro Patria. Indeed when read line by line alternately from different poems, the poems seem to compliment each other: â€Å"England in this great fight to which you go, Bent double like old beggars under sacks†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Also, the last stanzas of both poems use very similar rhyme patterns. Pro Patria’s penultimate lines rhyme best with test, and Dulce et Decorum est rhymes zest with est in the same lines (in relation to the end). Both poems encapsulate their message in the last lines, the finishing pleas of Seamen for parents to send their sons to war, and the solemn Latin verse of Dulce et Decorum est warning people not to indulge in jingoism: â€Å"My friend you would not tell with such high zest, To children†¦, the old lie: Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori (How sweet and fitting it is to die for your country) Both poems are from around the time of the First World War, Pro Patria was written just before the outbreak, written during the conflict. I believe that the stance taken by the authors stems from their experience of the war and the time at which they were written. Seaman did not and could not know what was to happen in the Great War, as it was yet to happen when he wrote the poem. Owen, on the other hand, had been at the front line, and had seen what he was writing about, and felt a need to tell others what he had seen, as opposed to Seaman who was writing for the government.
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Analysis of Gryphon by Charles Baxter
Charles Baxters Gryphon originally appeared in his 1985 collection, Through the Safety Net. It has since been included in several anthologies, as well as in Baxters 2011 collection. PBS adapted the story for television in 1988. Plot Ms. Ferenczi, a substitute teacher, arrives in a fourth-grade classroom in rural Five Oaks, Michigan. The children immediately find her both peculiar and intriguing. They have never met her before, and we are told that [s]he didnt look usual. Before even introducing herself, Ms. Ferenczi declares that the classroom needs a tree and begins drawing one on the board -- an outsized, disproportionate tree. Though Ms. Ferenczi executes the prescribed lesson plan, she clearly finds it tedious and intersperses the assignments with increasingly fantastic stories about her family history, her world travels, the cosmos, the afterlife, and various natural marvels. The students are mesmerized by her stories and her manner. When the regular teacher returns, they are careful not to reveal whats been going on in his absence. A few weeks later, Ms. Ferenczi reappears in the classroom. She shows up with a box of Tarot cards and begins to tell the students futures. When a boy named Wayne Razmer pulls the Death card and asks what it means, she breezily tells him, It means, my sweet, that you will die soon. The boy reports the incident to the principal, and by lunchtime, Ms. Ferenczi has left the school for good. Tommy, the narrator, confronts Wayne for reporting the incident and getting Ms. Ferenczi dismissed, and they end up in a fistfight. By the afternoon, all the students have been doubled up in other classrooms and are back to memorizing facts about the world. Substitute Facts Theres no question that Ms. Ferenczi plays fast and loose with the truth. Her face has two prominent lines, descending vertically from the sides of her mouth to her chin, which Tommy associates with that famous liar, Pinocchio. When she fails to correct a student who has said that six times 11 is 68, she tells the incredulous children to think of it as a substitute fact. Do you think, she asks the children, that anyone is going to be hurt by a substitute fact? This is the big question, of course. The children are enthralled -- enlivened -- by her substitute facts. And in the context of the story, I frequently am, too (then again, I found Miss Jean Brodie pretty charming until I caught on to the whole fascism thing). Ms. Ferenczi tells the children that [w]hen your teacher, Mr. Hibler, returns, six times eleven will be sixty-six again, you can rest assured. And it will be that for the rest of your lives in Five Oaks. Too bad, eh? She seems to be promising something so much better, and the promise is alluring. The children argue about whether shes lying, but its clear that they -- especially Tommy -- want to believe her, and they try to produce evidence in her favor. For instance, when Tommy consults a dictionary and finds gryphon defined as a fabulous beast, he misunderstands the use of the word fabulous and takes it as evidence that Ms. Ferenczi is telling the truth. When another student recognizes the teachers description of a Venus flytrap because hes seen a documentary about them, he concludes that all her other tales must be true as well. At one point Tommy attempts to make up a story of his own. Its as if he doesnt just want to listen to Ms. Ferenczi; he wants to be like her and create his own flights of fancy. But a classmate cuts him off. Dont you try to do it, the boy tells him. Youll just sound like a jerk. So on some level, the children do seem to understand that their substitute is making things up, but they love hearing her anyway. Gryphon Ms. Ferenczi claims to have seen a real gryphon -- a creature half lion, half bird -- in Egypt. The gryphon is an apt metaphor for the teacher and her stories because both combine real parts into unreal wholes. Her teaching vacillates between the prescribed lesson plans and her own whimsical storytelling. She bounces from actual wonders to imagined wonders. She can sound sane in one breath and delusional in the next. This mix of the real and the unreal keeps the children unsteady and hopeful. Whats Important Here? For me, this story is not about whether Ms. Ferenczi is sane, and its not even about whether shes right. Shes a breath of excitement in the childrens otherwise dull routine, and that makes me, as a reader, want to find her heroic. But she can only be considered a hero if you accept the false dichotomy that school is a choice between boring facts and thrilling fictions. It isnt, as many genuinely wonderful teachers prove every day. (And I should make it clear here that I can stomach the character of Ms. Ferenczi only in a fictional context; no one like this has any business in a real classroom.) Whats truly important in this story is the childrens intense longing for something more magical and intriguing than their everyday experience. Its a longing so intense that Tommy is willing to engage in a fistfight over it, shouting, She was always right! She told the truth! in spite of all the evidence. Readers are left pondering the question of whether anyone is going to be hurt by a substitute fact. Does no one get hurt? Is Wayne Razmer hurt by the prediction of his imminent death? (One would imagine so.) Is Tommy hurt by having a tantalizing view of the world held out to him, only to see it abruptly withdrawn? Or is he richer for having glimpsed it at all?
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