Today Importance - 26th December
26-Dec-1530
Zahir al-Din Muhammad Babur Shah, the founder of the Mughal dynasty, died at Dholpur at the age of 48.
26-December-1801
According to the Charter, the Supreme Court consisted of Bengal and Madras.
26-December-1831
Henry Louis Vivian Derozio passed away.
26-December-1904
The first cross-country motor car race between Delhi and Bombay was inaugurated. It was organized by the Western India Motor Union.
26-December-1907
Dr. Rash Behari Bose presided over the 23rd session of the Indian National Congress. At this session, the Congress split into two factions, the 'extremists' led by Lala Lajpat Rai and the 'moderates' led by Dr. Rashbehari Bose. Sir Firoz Shah Mehta took an active part in the moderate group. Anandabazar reported with the headline "23rd National Congress. Presidential election. Tilak's amendment. Turbulent proceedings. Free fight. Police help. Pandal cleared. Police escort Tilak. Suspended sign die".
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Today Importance - 27th December
26-December-1914
Shushila Nair, social reformer, was born in Kunjah, district Gunjara, Punjab (now Pakistan). He devoted his life to the service of Gandhiji and the Gandhi Ashram and fulfilled his responsibilities as an Indian citizen by actively participating in the freedom movement.
26-December-1917
Famous Hindi and Marathi writer Prabhakar was born in Machwe.
26-December-1921
Nurul. S Hasan, educationist and politician, born in Lucknow (UP).
26-December-1925
Krishna ji Ginde, great musician and singer, is born.
26-December-1947
KM Munshi has been made the government. Agent of India in the State of Hyderabad.
26-December-1978
Indira Gandhi was released after being jailed for refusing to testify about corruption.
26-December-1985
Rajiv Gandhi and Pakistani President Zia-ul-Haq met in Delhi and agreed not to attack nuclear facilities in each other's countries.
26-December-1986
Consumer Rights Act is passed.
26-Dec-1989
India has banned Bofors from future contracts until they are cleared by Pakistan.
26-Dec-1989
Parliament has approved the Constitution's 62nd Amendment Bill to extend the period of reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha and State Legislatures for another ten years.
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Today Importance - 28th December
26-Dec-1989
Internationally renowned cartoonist, painter, author and Padma Bhushan awardee Keshav Shankar Pillai has passed away.
26-December-1991
Militant Sikhs in India killed 55 and injured 70.
26-Dec-1997
Four MPs - Shri Suresh Kalmadi from Pune, Shri Anadi Charan Sahu from Cuttack, Shri Mohan Delkar from Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Shri Gopal Tandel from Daman & Diu - resigned from the Congress (I).
26-Dec-1999
Former President of India Shankar Dayal Sharma (81) passed away in New Delhi.
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*************************************************Year of the Wood Dragon Lunar New Year TeaUnlocking Prosperity: Celebrating the Year of the Wood Dragon with Lunar New Year Tea TraditionsIntroduction:The Lunar New Year is a time of jubilation, cultural festivities, and the ushering in of good fortune. In the Chinese zodiac, each year is associated with a specific animal sign and one of the five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. In 2024, we welcome the Year of the Wood Dragon, a symbol of strength, wisdom, and growth. As families and communities across the globe prepare for this auspicious occasion, one tradition stands out as both a cultural and sensory celebration – Lunar New Year tea. In this article, we delve into the significance of the Year of the Wood Dragon and explore the rich heritage of Lunar New Year tea, inviting you to join the festivities with a cup that embodies prosperity and tradition. The Year of the Wood Dragon:In the Chinese zodiac, the Dragon is a revered and powerful symbol associated with good luck, strength, and intelligence. The Wood element adds an extra layer of significance, as it is linked to growth, flexibility, and harmony. The combination of the Wood Dragon creates a year that is believed to bring positive changes, innovation, and prosperity. As families come together to celebrate this momentous occasion, they engage in various customs and traditions, with tea playing a central role in the festivities. Lunar New Year Tea Traditions:Tea has been an integral part of Chinese culture for thousands of years, with its consumption deeply rooted in tradition, ritual, and symbolism. During the Lunar New Year, tea becomes a conduit for expressing good wishes, fostering family bonds, and paying homage to ancestors. The art of serving and drinking tea during this festive period is a cherished practice, and it varies across regions, reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of China. 1. The Significance of Tea in Lunar New Year Celebrations:Tea is regarded as a symbol of respect, purity, and tranquility in Chinese culture. During the Lunar New Year, families offer tea to elders as a gesture of gratitude and filial piety. This act, known as "baibing" or "pays respect with tea," is a way to express good wishes and seek blessings for the coming year. The choice of tea is often deliberate, with certain varieties believed to bring specific benefits, such as health, wealth, and happiness. 2. Choosing the Right Tea for the Year of the Wood Dragon:Just as the zodiac sign and element influence predictions for the year ahead, they also impact the choice of tea. In the Year of the Wood Dragon, teas with earthy and woody notes take center stage. Oolong teas, in particular, are favored for their balance of flavors, symbolizing the harmony associated with the Wood element. Tie Guan Yin, a popular oolong tea, is known for its floral aroma and smooth taste, making it a delightful choice for Lunar New Year celebrations. 3. Tea Ceremonies as a Form of Celebration:Tea ceremonies are a revered tradition in Chinese culture, and they take on special significance during the Lunar New Year. Families gather to perform elaborate tea ceremonies, using intricately designed teaware to brew and serve tea. The rhythmic pouring of tea and the exchange of well-wishes create a harmonious atmosphere, fostering a sense of unity and shared joy. The Year of the Wood Dragon adds an extra layer of symbolism to these ceremonies, emphasizing the values of growth, adaptability, and prosperity. 4. Symbolism in Tea Artistry:Tea artistry goes beyond the act of brewing and drinking; it extends to the visual appeal of the tea set and the presentation of the tea leaves. For the Year of the Wood Dragon, tea artistry may incorporate elements that represent strength and growth. Wooden tea trays, carved tea scoops, and tea leaves arranged in the shape of a dragon are creative ways to infuse symbolism into the tea-drinking experience. 5. Lunar New Year Tea Pairings:In addition to selecting the right type of tea, the art of pairing tea with traditional Lunar New Year snacks is a culinary delight. Delicate green teas, such as Long Jing (Dragonwell), complement the flavors of light pastries and fresh fruits. For those with a sweet tooth, a rich and earthy Pu-erh tea can be paired with sweet rice cakes, symbolizing the wish for a sweet and prosperous year ahead. 6. Tea as a Gift of Blessings:During the Lunar New Year, the exchange of gifts is a common practice, and tea is often chosen for its auspicious qualities. Gifting tea symbolizes the wish for good health, happiness, and prosperity. Packaging tea in vibrant red and gold, traditional colors associated with luck and wealth, adds an extra layer of symbolism to the gift-giving tradition. Conclusion:As we embrace the Year of the Wood Dragon, the art of Lunar New Year tea takes on a profound significance, weaving together elements of tradition, symbolism, and sensory pleasure. Whether you participate in a tea ceremony, savor the flavors of a carefully chosen oolong, or share the gift of tea with loved ones, you are partaking in a celebration that transcends time and connects generations. May your teacup overflow with the warmth of prosperity, and may the Year of the Wood Dragon bring you strength, wisdom, and boundless joy. Cheers to a bountiful Lunar New Year filled with the aroma of tea and the promise of auspicious beginnings. ************************************************ |