Tag Archives: traditions

Coming Together

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From the words of American pastor and Christian author, Charles Swindoll:  “Thanksgiving is a time of quiet reflection . . . an annual reminder that God has, again, been ever so faithful.  The solid and simple things of life are brought into clear focus.”

Photo by Anna Tukhfatullina Food Photographer/Stylist on Pexels.com

National tradition

Year’s intentional pause

Coming together as one

With purposeful cause

 

Nation’s heart now gathers

Thanksgiving welcomes all

Putting aside differences

Mercy’s blessed call

 

Family’s homeward steps

Cherished goodness brightens

Strengthening tomorrow’s bonds

Grace shall enlighten

 

Love fills another home

Peace refreshes outlook

Praying with one single voice

Heaven’s warm chinook

 

Harmony writes new psalm

Tranquility’s fellowship

Sharing gratitude today

Praise from every lip

 

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

From Revelation 7:12:  “Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever!   Amen.”

Buckeye Snapshots (Issue #13)

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From a night game, the proud tradition of “Script Ohio” continues. (Photo courtesy of Pinterest)

The proud Buckeyes’ football program at The Ohio State University plays its first game in 1890.  Beginning in 1899, another significant tradition begins with the introduction of a marching band at home games. 

During the 1922 season, home games begin to be played in Ohio Stadium (nicknamed the “Horseshoe”).  The marching band remains a key component of football’s lasting legacy at the university.

Left:  aerial view of ohio stadium.  right:  statue near ohio stadium celebrates the birth of “script ohio.”  (photos courtesy of pinterest)

The band’s foremost tradition remains the “Script Ohio” formation, which has been in continuous use since 1936.  Designed by Director Eugene Weigel, the band marches in formation for the first time as the Buckeyes host the Indiana Hoosiers on October 24.

Back in those early days, the marching band consists of 120 members.  Today’s band features 192 members.

During the pre-game ceremony, the marching band is given center state on the turf of Ohio Stadium.  The “Script Ohio” formation begins along the sideline, centered at the 50-yard line.  A triple block “O” becomes the starting point from which a constantly flowing script slowly unwinds across the field. 

As the drum major leads the way, the band plays “Le Regiment de Sambre et Meuce.”  O-H-I-O unfolds and loops with each letter until the “I” is dotted.

“Le Regiment de Sambre et Meuse” is a military march, which is written by French composer, Robert Planquette, in 1870.  The cadence of the music blends perfectly with the graceful loops of “Script Ohio.”

According to tradition, a senior sousaphone player is selected to dot the “I” as he is led by the drum major to his assigned place.  He removes his hat and salutes the cheering crowd in the “Shoe.”

The video below showcases the “Script Ohio” of The Ohio State University marching band.  The formation begins at the 3:30 mark.

On rare occasions, notable people have been invited to dot the “I” at home games.  Here are some of the people who have been honored with this privilege:

  • Comedian Bob Hope (1978)
  • Buckeyes’ Head Coach Woody Hayes (1983)
  • Ohio State alum and professional golfer Jack Nicklaus (2006)
  • Astronaut John Glenn and his wife, Annie (2009)
  • Two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin (2024)

featured “i” dotters:  john and annie glenn, archie griffin.  (photos courtesy of pinterest)

Trivia’s Facts and More (12/23)

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This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

I’m a plant seen at Christmas that people hang above.  And then they stand beneath me, and kiss someone they love.  What am I?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

With Christmas just around the corner, many Americans have followed familiar traditions of the season.

A few delightful sightings from Christmases past have included:

  • Threading popcorn on a string
  • Making gingerbread houses
  • Drinking eggnog
  • Writing Christmas cards to family and friends.

One of my cherished Christmas memories was from my childhood when our family was selected to fill in as characters for a live nativity scene at our church on Christmas Eve.  My three brothers and myself played the shepherds while our parents stood in for Mary and Joseph.  Perhaps some of you have a favorite Christmas memory.

Over the years, members of my family and yours truly have enjoyed these traditions:

  • Decorating the tree (does anyone remember using tinsel?)
  • Baking cookies (my mother turned her sons into expert kitchen assistants)
  • Writing letters to Santa
  • Touring streets filled with outdoor lights and decorations
  • Watching Christmas films (“It’s a Wonderful Life” and “White Christmas”)
  • Singing Christmas carols
  • Spending time with family
  • Exchanging gifts with family and close friends
  • Wearing Christmas sweaters and ties

Nestled in the Lehigh Valley of eastern Pennsylvania, a small town was christened to be called Bethlehem on Christmas Eve in 1741.  Since 1937, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania has been recognized as Christmas City USA.

Over the years, many families have hung Christmas stockings in their homes.  This practice has followed a long-standing tradition, first written about in the poem, “A Visit From St. Nicholas.”  The poem was crafted by Clement Clarke Moore (1779-1863), and many have recognized its updated title of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”  Initially, the poem was published anonymously in 1823 in a Troy, New York newspaper.  Finally in 1837, Moore stepped forward to take credit for writing this beloved poem.

You are invited to share some of your Christmas memories and traditions.  Merry Christmas to one and all.

starting left and clockwise: stockings hung from the mantel with care, live nativity scene, Christmas city usa, traditional christmas tree DECORATED with tinsel, and sheet music with a familiar christmas carol. (photographs courtesy of pinterest.)

 

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

Mistletoe

Trivia’s Facts and More (12/31)

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This informative post will be posted on Saturday along with my usual writing.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

Put these statements in the right order.

(A) A woman tries on a dress.

(B) A woman buys a hat.

(C) A man buys a dress.

(D) A woman returns a dress to a store.

(E) A man gives his wife a present.

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

Once a month, a special post will be published with something related to the given month.  With the start of a new year just around the corner, it seems appropriate to look at a New Year’s tradition of many Americans.

A traditional southern dish is prepared by many families.  It is called “Hoppin’ John,” and is eaten in the southern United States on New Year’s Day.  The dish dates back to the 1800s, and the main ingredients are black-eyes peas (cow peas), rice, and pork (usually ham or bacon).  Additional sides may include collard greens and corn bread.

By preparing and eating this dish, one hopes to experience luck in the year to come.  Some families may eat the dish on New Year’s Eve while most will enjoy it on New Year’s Day.  

Some of the ingredients of “Hoppin’ John” carry symbolic importance.

  • Black-eyed peas:  represent coins
  • Collard greens:  represent greenbacks (dollars) or cash
  • Corn bread:  represents gold
  • Pork:  recalls cheap cuts of meat provided to enslaved people

One customary act is to eat all but three of the black-eyed peas on one’s plate.  This will promise a trio of benefits:  luck, wealth, and romance.

Courtesy of Pinterest.

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

C, E, A, D, B

Another Cup Please (Haiku Series #204)

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Fall’s Annual Treat

Coffee drinkers smile

Autumn brewing each fresh cup—

“Welcome Home Pumpkin”

Photo by Valeriia Miller on Pexels.com

Sticking to the Basics

Asking for black please

Lasting morning tradition—

Coffee without frills

Photo by Andrew Neel on Pexels.com

Over the Top

Black coffee now served

Adding sugar plus creamer—

Sweet, caffeine milkshake

Photo by Di Bella Coffee on Pexels.com

I usually drink my black coffee with a bit of Stevia sweetener in it, but I can handle black straight up as well.  If you are are a coffee person, how do you like your coffee prepared?

Monday Memories: European Christmas Traditions

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This poem, originally written and published in December, 2018, has been updated in its style. The basic theme remains the same from the original post.

Americans celebrate many Christmas traditions from far away

Several come from Europe, continuing to bless lives to this day

 

Christmas in Europe recognized on one of two dates

Gregorian or Julian calendar establishes its final fate

 

Much of the European continent observes St. Nicholas Day

Exchanging gifts of sweets will make it the merriest of days

 

In German homes, Advent calendars displayed every year

Eating sweet fruit bread, exchanging gifts with those near

 

Spain holds special Midnight Mass throughout its vast land

Walking the streets on Christmas Eve, with torches in hand

 

French homes decorated with Christ’s Nativity, sharing its light

Burning in fireplaces, cherry wood Yule logs illuminate so bright

 

Old Man Christmas—Romania’s Father Christmas—Santa’s tagline

Singing beloved Christmas carols, blessed children’s voices shine

 

November and December fill Danish life with parties and more

Receiving presents, every Advent Sunday offers much in store

 

St. Nicholas drops in on expectant children in Ukrainian towns

Singing on the streets, Christmas carols remove sad frowns

 

Naples creates most magnificent Nativity scenes of all-time

Savoring Italian Christmas cake and hot chocolate, so fine

 

Many British homes adorn and trim two Christmas trees

Decorating with plenty of holly, ivy, and mistletoe to see

 

America’s European ancestors brought much to this land

Celebrating Christmas with traditions, enduring and grand

 

All photographs courtesy of Pinterest.