When a person views African art, several themes seem to come up over and over again. These themes are representations of different things that are significant to African culture; and reveal the importance behind some of its most beautiful art. In this issue of our newsletter, I will go through four common themes in African art that show African culture. The common themes are:
A couple
A woman and a child
A male with a weapon or animal
An outsider or “stranger”
Having a themed wedding makes an instant statement about your wedding from the moment you send out your themed wedding invitations. Remember that while having a themed wedding day can be an incredible event that says a lot about you as a couple, it can also destroy your image and your dreams if put together wrong. Here are several tips and tricks to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Western Weddings
Brides sometimes wear a cowboy hat with a veil attached. A western wedding can be a lot of fun. Grooms sometimes wear cowboy hats and spurs. Western weddings can be done tastefully with the right decor and refreshments. Floral arrangements can be arranged with western theme icons arranged with the flowers. When deciding your wedding venue, consider a place that already has a western feel.
Yea! It’s great to be eight. Besides the cool gifts for an 8-year-old’s birthday, there is the cake, the ice cream, and all the friends. There is the party, of course, and the games. And, there is sure to be good food. Perhaps, even a movie and a magic show.
After the party, there may even be time to play hide and seek, tell stories, or camp out in the back yard in a tent. For now, though, let us look at some magical gifts.
1) Movies – Here’s a gift that is sure to be a hit. A DVD of the “Jungle Book” (Platinum Edition) by Disney. This is the classic story of Mowgli, a boy raised by animals in the jungle. Another cool DVD movie is “Meerkat Manor” (Genius Edition). This is about the daily life of meerkats, which are ferret-like mammals in Africa. They are known for their curiosity.
Marriage speaks of love, commitment, and companionship. In Hindu custom and tradition wedding is celebrated for several days. The rituals are based on ‘Vedic’ traditions, signifying different aspects of married life. The day includes rituals like var-mala and mandap.
The bride facing east puts a garland on groom, following the example set by Sita, in Ramayana. This is considered as ‘swayamvara’ or acceptance of the groom as her husband on her own free will. Groom reciprocates and puts a garland on her neck too. The rituals and customs associated with marriage portray the real essence of wedding.
Princess Tiana is a revolutionary development in Disney’s history because it is the first African American Disney princess ever to cross the movie screens. And as every other Disney movie, her story is a tale of love, magic and wondrous events, full of wonder and fun for children of all ages. Every child deserves to be a princess sometime, and if you have a daughter which likes princess Tiana, you can easily let her be a princess for one day, be it for a special occasion such as a birthday, in a theme park like Disneyland or for Halloween. Giving a Disney party is a very good idea, too, to make your child feel good and live her dreams.
Many changes have taken place on the African Continent in the past centuries however a history of tradition and culture still exists. The people are still keen to share the stories of their ancestors and although the culture has been modified over time the roots of tradition still remain.
Let me introduce you to the Shangaan people, with whom I have worked closely over years spent in the Lowveld.
After the bloody defeat of the Ndwandwe clan by Shaka – king of the Zulu, three leaders each having a small following, headed north to surprise and conquer the peaceful Tsonga people. One group under the leadership of Shoshangane remained between the Thonga and the Ndawu while the other two headed towards the Limpopo River. Shoshangane established an empire, which became known as the Gaza, the Tsonga became known as the maShangana or “Shangaans.” Gazaland was the last surviving black empire in Southern Africa and was only taken over by the Portuguese in 1895.
What makes the best honeymoon locations? Is it all about luxury and doing nothing more strenuous other than getting to know the inside of your hotel suite, or is it sunshine, warmth, exploring a new environment… perhaps something completely different…
Whatever you choose, you want to make sure you are going to get the holiday and destination of your dreams.
Let me introduce South Africa as one of the possible options for your honeymoon base. Having had the spotlight shone into this amazing country a year ago for the Football World Cup, South Africa has blossomed into one of the most popular travel destinations for any number of different types of holiday.
And Boy… Do they do great honeymoons!
This year why not treat the kids to something a bit different; like a London theatre break.
Theme parks are busy, hot, and expensive. Visiting London’s West End with the kids is cheaper than you might think, even when you include a hotel stay, and the theatre is certainly better for the soul than being spun around at a million miles an hour. This summer do something special, treat the kids to an unforgettable West End theatre experience.
To make sure your family trip to the theatre is a success we’ve compiled a list of the top family-friendly West End shows currently playing in London’s Theatreland.
Tropical flowers originate from regions in Africa, Asia, Hawaii, Central and South America, and the Polynesian islands. Their rarity and unique beauty sets them apart from traditional wedding flowers. The very shapes they possess, and their bright colors, make them an ideal choice for weddings. Their versatility allows them to be used in a number of ways throughout the wedding.
Don’t cut off the leaves that come with the flowers, as foliage can make a dramatic difference in your tropical wedding flower arrangements. You can put them around your centerpiece for a more casual, beach feel. A variety of foliage can also be used to accompany single or minimal bridal bouquets. Ferns and long leaves are great to compliment centerpieces and bouquets as well.
A hen party is a party which is organised and held for a woman who is about to get married. The term ‘hen party’ originates from old Asian and African wedding traditions whereby the bride’s hands are tattooed with henna the night before she is married. The practice is an act which is believed to ward off bad luck or as it is more commonly referred to in these traditions, the ‘evil eye’.