Tag carol

NATIONAL SQUARE DANCE MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

Swing your partner and dosey-do, don’t let go. September is National Square Dance Month, here we go!

Square dancing was first documented in 16th-century England, but familiar in France and throughout Europe, too. As European immigrants settled in North America, they brought the dance with them. In the early years of the country, there was mixing of dancing styles between black and white people. The stereotype many Americans have of square dancing as an activity for old white people is a misjudgment. Early forms of square dancing actually have roots in the African-American slave communities.

The Western American square dance may be the most widely known form worldwide, possibly due to its association in the 20th century with the romanticized image of the American cowboy. Square dancing is, therefore, strongly associated with the U.S. Nineteen U.S. states have designated it as their official state dance. Though square dancing has undergone considerable development since then, many countries and regions have attained the status of square dancing as a folk dance.

GRAB A PARTNER

The art of square dancing requires a few standard requirements, beginning with dancers. Four couples, eight dancers total, arranged in a square, with one pair on each side facing the middle of the square. Women are positioned to the left of the men, known as the corner. The dance moves counterclockwise in a circular flow. The handhold is when one dancer’s hand comes together with the other dancer’s hand. When the grasp is broken, the handhold is over. To Allemande left means to hold left hands and walk around each other, then return to their original position. The Ladies Chain is when the ladies are singled out to walk towards each other and hold right hands. While walking through, they drop hands and give the left hands to each others’ partner.

HISTORY

While we were unable to identify the source of National Square Dance Month, in the early 1970s, efforts were being made for a Congressional resolution for September to be declared as National Square Dancing Month. No evidence has been found at this time that a decision, joint or otherwise, was made.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Participating in a local square dance club is also a great way to get involved in the community and make life-long friends. Joining a square dance class is the best way to learn how to swing your partner and dosey-do!

Use #NationalSquareDanceMonth in social media.

Womens T Strap Mary Jane Shoes Chunky Block Heel Cut Out Ankle Strap Buckle Dress Dance Pumps#NationalSquareDanceMonth
Womens T Strap Mary Jane Shoes Chunky Block Heel Cut Out Ankle Strap Buckle Dress Dance Pumps
Full Ruffle Short Sleeve Blouse for Square Dance#NationalSquareDanceMonth
Full Ruffle Short Sleeve Blouse for Square Dance
3-Tier Solid Color Western Style Square Dance Skirt#NationalSquareDanceMonth
3-Tier Solid Color Western Style Square Dance Skirt
The Square Dance and Contra Dance Handbook: Calls, Dance Movements, Music, Glossary, Bibliography, Discography, and Directories#NationalSquareDanceMonth
The Square Dance and Contra Dance Handbook: Calls, Dance Movements, Music, Glossary, Bibliography, Discography, and Directories

NATIONAL MONTE CRISTO DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 9 Comments

On September 17th, National Monte Cristo Day recognizes the indulgent and delicious sandwich.  

A Monte Cristo is a fried ham and cheese sandwich. The French sandwich called the croque-monsieur inspired the Monte Cristo. However, the sandwich goes by other names, too. If you find a menu with French Sandwich, Toasted Ham Sandwich, or a French Toasted Cheese Sandwich, order them for a taste of Monte Cristo.

While the Monte Cristo typically offers a savory sandwich, sometimes powdered sugar and jam preserves sweeten it, too. To achieve the crispy outer coating, chefs dip the prepared sandwich in an egg batter. Then they either pan-fry or deep-fry the sandwich to perfection.

Occasionally, variations include sliced turkey and different types of cheese. Other options for serving are available, too. For example, some like to serve a grilled version. Another version may be served open-faced and heated under a grill or broiler. 

Explore More…

amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “jensperspec0d-20”;
amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”;
amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”;
amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”;
amzn_assoc_region = “US”;
amzn_assoc_design = “enhanced_links”;
amzn_assoc_asins = “B0094M2S82”;
amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit”;
amzn_assoc_linkid = “af227132ff8ee616e6eb1aef4091e69d”;

//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US

HOW TO OBSERVE #MonteCristoDay

Invite a friend or family member to join you for a Monte Cristo. Savor the delicious sandwich as an indulgent celebration and share a photo of your meal, too! Don’t forget to include your favorite versions. Do you prefer turkey over ham? Which cheese do you use? Be sure to share using #MonteCristoDay or #Bennigans on social media. 

MONTE CRISTO DAY HISTORY

Bennigan’s founded National Monte Cristo Day in June of 2015 to celebrate a delicious sandwich loved across the country. The restaurant is renowned across the globe for its World Famous Monte Cristo. 

EASTER

Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

Easter is observed on the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox. Considered Christianity’s most important holy day, it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Depending on which calendar a church follows, some will celebrate the holiday earlier than others.

amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit0”; amzn_assoc_search_bar = “true”; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “jensperspe0fb-20”; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”; amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”; amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”; amzn_assoc_region = “US”; amzn_assoc_title = “My Amazon Picks”; amzn_assoc_linkid = “50daecf3797d638dd2e95c4c1e251f51”; amzn_assoc_asins = “B00H5IDK9S,B001ULD366,B0028RY2MK,B004GCI9R4”; amzn_assoc_size = “600×2000”; //z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US

Leading up to Easter Sunday is an entire season of observances beginning with Ash Wednesday, Lent’s official beginning. Lent is a time of fasting and reflection, which represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness for 40 days. Many know this as a time when Christians give something up for Lent.

Then during Holy Week, the Sunday before Easter is known as Palm Sunday. It commemorates Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem on a donkey just five days before the Romans crucified Him. Maundy Thursday remembers Jesus’s last supper; Good Friday is the day of the crucifixion; Holy Saturday is the period between the crucifixion and the resurrection; and Easter Sunday.

EASTER HISTORY

Before Easter (Pascha), Passover was the primary holy day celebrated; however, Christianity closely links the two holidays. Jesus’s last supper was a Passover meal. By the 2nd century, Orthodox Christians also celebrated Pascha alongside Passover as well as pagan spring festivals.

The Easter Bunny tradition comes from medieval Germany, where the Osterhase or Easter Hare would lay its colorful eggs in nests prepared by children. In the 18th-century, settling in the Dutch Pennsylvania countryside, immigrants brought this fable and tradition to the United States.

Explore More…

Dying eggs is a tradition that dates back thousands of years across many cultures. Eggs symbolize rebirth, fertility, and life springing forth. Today Easter egg hunts take place across the country. It is not unusual to see children in their Sunday best surrounding a giant Bunny. Many will also get their picture taken too!

HOW TO OBSERVE #Easter

If you choose, you can participate in any number of church services. Some churches conduct sunrise services. Dye eggs with children and have an Easter egg hunt. Local communities hold annual egg hunts as well, so check your local social media, newspapers, and community listings for dates and times. Use #Easter to share on social media.

amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit0”; amzn_assoc_search_bar = “true”; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “jensperspe0fb-20”; amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = “bottom”; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “search”; amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”; amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”; amzn_assoc_region = “US”; amzn_assoc_title = “Shop Related Products”; amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = “Easter basket”; amzn_assoc_default_category = “Grocery”; amzn_assoc_linkid = “c08f9e0d3cc3d57e13b3d86b32ba4005”; amzn_assoc_rows = “2”; amzn_assoc_default_browse_node = “16310101”; //z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US