The Twelve Days of Christmas is one of the most famous Christmas carols ever written. It has been sung for a great many years, and is known the world over. To most it is a delightful hymn, but it was originally created with a very serious intent. In England between the years of 1558 and 1829, it was illegal to practice Catholicism in public or private. It was essentially a crime to be Catholic in England during those years.
The Twelve Days of Christmas was written to help preserve the traditions of the Catholic faith during the years that Catholicism was banned in England. The song is steeped in symbolism, and the fact that it is so well known throughout the world is a testament to the faith of the followers of the Catholic doctrine. The symbols contained in the song are as follows:
1st verse – “True Love” refers to God.
2nd verse – “2 Turtle Doves” refers to the Old and New Testaments.
3rd verse – “3 French Hens” refers to Faith, Hope, and Charity.
4th verse – “4 Calling Birds” refers to the Four Gospels or the Four Evangelists.
5th verse – “5 Golden Rings” refers to the first five Books of the Old Testament.
6th verse – “6 Geese-a-laying” refers to the six days of creation.
7th verse – “7 Swans-a-swimming” refers to the seven sacraments.
8th verse – “8 Maids-a-milking” refers to the eight beatitudes.
9th verse – “9 Ladies dancing” refers to the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
10th verse – “10 Lords-a-leaping” refers to the Ten Commandments.
11th verse – “11 Pipers piping” refers to the eleven faithful apostles.
12th verse – “12 Drummers drumming” refers to the twelve points of the Apostle’s creed.
I love this song. It is, by far, my favorite Christmas carol. I had no idea about the symbols contained in the song, until I googled the song lyrics one afternoon. I find it very interesting that a song we all know so well could contain so many hidden meanings. I would never have guessed that it was anything more than lovely Christmas carol. It’s always nice to learn something new, especially about the wonderful celebration of Christmas. I hope you learned something, too. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Monthly Archives: July 2009
A Christmas History Lesson
Sandy Lane Resort – A Fantastic Getaway Option
A beach vacation is something all of us can use, as it provides time away with the family, friends, or just that special someone. Beach vacations are also a great way to unwind from the pressures of life, and just have a blast.
All around the world, there are literally hundreds of places that you can choose for your beach vacation. You can choose from beaches in the United States, or choose to go overseas to more tropical climates and romantic beaches.
Those of you who are looking to get away with a husband or wife, would find the Maui to be the perfect beach vacation. Located in Hawaii, Maui is one of the most romantic beaches in the world. Also well known for honeymoons, Maui offers you plenty of breathtaking beaches with plenty of other things to do as well.
Another well known area for a beach vacation for couples is in Barbados. The Sandy Lane resort is paradise for honeymooners or really anyone. Offering a combination of privacy, numerous activities, and first class service, the resort is located on the west coast of the island of Barbados.
Sandy Lane also offers three golf courses and a 47,000 square foot spa. The resort also offers a white sand beach and the Caribbean Sea.
The island of Barbados offers tropical climate with year round temperatures that stay between 75 and 85 degrees. The non stop flights to Barbados take around 4. 5 hours from New York City, making the island one of the best beach vacation spots from the East Coast.
The country club at Sandy Lane Resort is a golfers’ paradise. The resort spa, fronted by a waterfall and swimming pool, offers guests a combination of relaxing and healing therapies from the Far East, Caribbean, and even Europe. For the ultimate in spa indulgence you should try one of the nine VIP treatment suites with a private landscaped garden and three hydrotherapy pools.
The 112 resort rooms are both luxurious and very spacious, with each one offering a plasma television and high speed internet access. The hotel also provides 24 hour room service, and maid cleaning
service twice a day.
If you plan to go on a family vacation, the resort offers the Tree House Club, which is a special facility designed for children 3 – 12. Kids here can experience exciting thrills, such as swimming with turtles and easter egg hunts. The resort will also offer you and your family a number of exciting water sports, tennis, and even shopping.
The signature restaurant, L’Acajou, serves French cuisine that features fresh island seafood and other local treats. The restaurant also offers you an open air setting on the waterfront, that offers you breathtaking panoramic views.
There Are Many Las Vegas Hotels But None Beat the Bellagio Hotel
For real European elegance go to the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Of all the Las Vegas hotels the Bellagio Hotel has it all, luxurious rooms’ delicious upscale restaurants, great shopping and fine art displayed throughout the gorgeous Bellagio Hotel. One of its striking qualities is the glass ceiling emitting natural light. All of this light illuminates the striking beauty and lovely charisma that is offered to its guests. The conservatory has trees and fresh flowers that change with the seasons. There is in-depth tile work, and lots of interesting sculpture. Even before you get to your room, your senses will be dazzled.
You’ll never find a better dining venue than that of the Bellagio. At Le Cirque you will find fine French food, three times the winner of the AAA Five-Diamond Award. If you opt for the Todd English’s Olives you will have a grand view of the fountains and if you just want something sweet go to the Jean-Philippe Patisserie.
There is shopping on the Via Bellagio but be prepared for the prices. Here are some of the exclusive names you will find, all of them upscale: Prada, Moschino, Chanel and Giorgio Armani, to name a few.
For an exquisite pampering visit the two story, 65,000 square foot Spa Bellagio on the second floor. They have 56 treatment rooms with four couple’s rooms. There are many lounges and it over looks the conservatory with all its lovely plants. They have a full menu of treatments. The most interesting and popular massages at the spa is the Ashiatsu. It is an ancient form of working on the body. A barefoot therapist walks on your back holding on to bars that are embedded in the ceiling. Or if you want to imitate the movie Goldfinger, go for the Egyptian Gold Body Treatment.
The most unique entertainment can be found at the Bellagio. Cirque du Soleil puts on a stunning show that incorporates the earth’s elements of air, fire and especially water. There are 85 acrobats and swimmers that perform above and in a 1. 5 million gallon tank. The most amazing thing you will see is when three acrobats dive into the pool from 65 feet above into a very small seventeen foot section of the pool. Then there is the free, state of the art, fountain shows on Bellagio’s lake.
The Bellagio, often described as a mini city, has many surprises. You can find quiet little hideaways where you can read or just sip coffee. Or you can find wide balconies that overlook the fabulous pools.
There are 3,933 rooms and 512 suites. The casino will please any gambler with over 116,000 square feet. It has all the standard games any first class casino would have. There is a nightclub called The Light that has a very active dance floor and world class DJ’s. In a classy Mediterranean setting there are five pools and four Jacuzzis. And they have numerous wedding packages available for the couple that just has to get married in Vegas.
The business clientele have not be left out. They have a fully operational business center and 14 meeting rooms in various sizes. And if your corporation wants to throw a huge affair there is a 45,000 square foot Grand Ballroom.
The room amenities are what you can expect at a five star hotel. In addition to that they have a concierge, currency exchange, luggage and maid service, a safety deposit box and of course, wake up calls.
You must be 21 years old to rent a room and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by and adult. Only four people can occupy a room and you must supply a credit card or cash deposit to cover any incidentals that may occur.
The bottom line here is that if you want to stay in a upscale establishment while you are in Las Vegas to gamble, you can’t beat the Bellagio hotel. Make a reservation and have a good time.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.
Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Travel. Visit her websites at: http://www. WorldHotelPortal. com and http://www. CruiseTravelDirectory. com You can read more of her articles at http://www. ArticleBazaar. net
On the 9th Day of Christmas
My name’s Gordon Bryan, and as I write this, it’s the 2nd January 2007.
That makes it the 9th day of Christmas.
According to THAT song, on the 9th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 9 ladies dancing.
Not forgettting the 8 maids a milking, 7 swans a-swimming, 6 geese a-laying, 5 gold rings, 4 calling birds, 3 french hens, 2 turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.
In fact, the correct lyric should be that on the 9th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a note saying ‘Right, that’s it! Christmas over, everything back to normal!’
It gets me every year.
As much as seeing Christmas fare in the shops in sodding September makes me wonder, so does the fact that by now you won’t see any sign of Christmas in the shops.
In such a commercialised world, how is it that the last fews days of Christmas are completely ignored, as if they don’t exist?
For the shops to create a 3 month hype to Christmas, and then cut it short just seems ludicrous to me.
Can anybody please point out if I’m missing something here!
In fact on Sunday, 2 days ago, *New Year’s Eve!* I was in a shop and saw a big display of Easter Eggs.
I can tell you, I was THIS close to kicking the whole thing down, but I was stopped by the thought of some poor little 16 year old who didn’t go to school every day, and was turned down by McDonald’s, who had to create the display in the first which was bad enough, and would no doubt have to rebuild it on New Year’s Day if I booted it down.
Hmm, I can feel another letter to Tesco’s coming on. . .
So, here’s the point, c’mon you knew I’d get to it in the end.
It’s about seeing things through to the end.
It’s one of the things I talk about in my self improvement book ‘Transform Your Life’.
Starting on a course of action is often the hardest part of achieving anything, but then once we’ve started, it is unsurprisingly easy to stop before the end!
Stopping on the 8th/9th day of the 12 days of Christmas is just a great example.
The shops are leaving a lot of Christmas potential on the table after doing the hard work, it’s just waiting there to be had.
Don’t make this mistake in the things you do – see things through to the end, and take full advantage of the opportunities you create for yourself.
To Wrap or not to Wrap? That is the Question!
When you have kids, it’s inevitable that they will have friends. And it’s inevitable that those friends will have birthdays and thus birthday parties. Between pre-school and dance class and all her other after-school activities, my five year old daughter Camille has several hundred “best friends”. So Camille does a lot of birthday parties and thus, so does her daddy. I often find myself realizing about ten minutes before we are to leave for a party that I completely forgot to get a gift. Gifts are not optional. So last week I was quite proud of myself when I bought the gift during the week actually several days in advance.
So no need to stress this time. I’ve got everything under control– so I thought until about five minutes before we needed to leave for the party. I never gift wrapped the present and had no “acceptable gift wrapping paper in the house. Life is all about how you market everything, so I thought long and hard about how I was going to sell Camille on the wonderful fact that there would not be any wrapping paper. Will she even notice? If she does, let her know that daddy is saving the environment. Why should a tree die for often cranky, spoiled Amanda? Who needs the extra garbage? We are saving the planet.
As we’re leaving for the party with a Barbie Princess in my hand, Camille scolds me, “Daddy, we forgot Amanda’s gift!”. “Camille, I have the gift right here in my hand. ” “No, Daddy, you have a Barbie doll in your hand. You forgot to gift wrap it. You have to gift wrap it. ” No Cami sweetheart, I didn’t forget. I know how much you and Amanda love trees, and wrapping paper comes from trees. So we are saving a tree by not putting on wrapping paper, and this way Amanda and everyone else at the party gets to see right away what you got for her. ” Camille was pissed. She got her “you’ve got to be the stupidest father in the world face on” and just stared at me. Since, in general, Camille thinks I have a limited intelligence, she often explains things to me in analogies. “Daddy, given a present without gift wrapping it is like playing with a Barbie dolls without any Barbie clothing. It’s boring and no fun. ” I shot back, “Camille, gifts are like people, they are never as fun as you want them to be!” “Daddy, gifts are like people, they don’t want to be ugly. My gift wants some pretty wrapping paper. ” O. K. I needed to change tactics.
“Camille, you know gift wrapping paper can be quite expensive?” “Papa’s right. He says you’re cheap. You’re cheap. ” “Papa says I’m cheap? When did he say that? Just because I buy generic laundry detergent. It’s the same thing! Because I add a little bit of water to the Minute Maid Fruit Punch? It’s so sweet. ”
“Gift wrapping takes about ten minutes as well and it never looks that great unless you’re a professional gift wrapper. If you think about the thousands of gifts you wrap in a lifetime, you are spending days if not weeks of your lifetime wrapping gifts, using paper that will only be shred apart as someone excitedly sees what’s underneath. If gift wrapping paper is so important, why don’t we just give out empty boxes as gifts. Isn’t it the thought that counts? Has the world just gotten that superficial?”
Nobody was listening to my rant. Camille had left for the party with Papa, who being French, had some Chinese silk that could be used as wrapping paper hidden under the bed. Amanda was getting a beautifully wrapped Barbie doll and guess who’s probably getting an empty box for Father’s Day!
Get the Best Neighbors Money Can Buy for the Apartment Rental in Moscow
Many aspects of Russian buildings, in particular Moscow apartments for rent still not regulated. In particular, this concerns the classification of houses. “Despite the fact that we have the specialized organizations, any document, which determines the signs of the apartment in Moscow of different level, we do not have, counts the leader of the department of the new constructions of bureau of real estate “agent 002” Dmitriy Ivanov. – It will not appear within the next few years, because it is profitable to the house-builders , on the basis of the market behavior, to move classification first into one, then to other side. The simple craftiness, which makes it possible to play with the positioning”.
Realtors themselves determine how “clubby” the house is. Someone indicates that there must be not more than 40 apartments, others adhere to previous standards. In the opinion of the director of sales of the agency of elite real estate Penny Lane Realty, in recent years appeared the tendency of increasing the size of the club-house objects. Experts concur only in one – the less, the better. The categories “exclusive”, “prestigious” and “status”, “private” still not alien to the audience, to which attention are presented the apartments of the class “premium”.
“First of all, apartment in the club house must have maximally convenient planning, which makes it possible freely to approach the design of internal accommodations, says the director of the department of elite real estate in Penny Lane Realty Alexander Ziminskiy. – The height of ceilings must be not less than three meters”. Specific characteristics from the windows are very important. According to Dmitriy Ivanov, a good form is capable to increase the cost of apartment by 30%. Moreover it is necessary that the aprtment’swindows would have a view minimum of two, better – to three sides. Very important also that the houses of the same class would be located all around: this creates the sensation of social uniformity.
Very important that each apartment will have minimum of two parking places reserved for cars. There are also little-known, but very key points, which strongly influence status of house. Experienced buyers never forget to inquire, where in the house garbage access is located. If it is located near the staircase it is a minus. The Apartment of the class “premium” implies the presence of concierge and maid services, who will be responsible for the removal of accumulated garbage into the packets and carry out to the rear garbage can, from where special machines will take away it.
The area of contemporary apartment in the club house – not less than 100 square meters (maximum – 500). There was a proposal to sell smaller apartments – from 60 meters, but this exactly was an example of the very case of game with the positioning: the owners of apartments of class “premium” must not feel restricted with space.
But the basic sign of club house – is an arrangement in the center of city. “The first club houses appeared in the middle of the 90’s on Ostozhenke and in other regions of Moscow, where there are limitations on the height of the apartment houses, says the leader of the division of urban real estate of Penny Lane Realty agency, an elite Russian real estate company. – First these were houses in the center of the capital, but tendency did not pass the test of time: indeed it is necessary that all communications would correspond to contemporary technical level, and in the buildings XIX century to reach this without the reconstruction is impossible”. A question with parking here arose: there was no place for tenants to park their cars. All this led to was the fact that the old buildings located in the center of Moscow were reconstructed, and became new elite houses.
Modern clients, who rent apartments in the club houses, interested in objects with the uniqueness, “pearl in the rough”. Houses with the winter gardens, the French windows (from the floor to the ceiling) are in great demand, the beautiful and well-organized territory is required. “Furthermore, clients interested in the presence of the conference rooms, where it is possible to discuss working questions, adds Andrey Ufimtsev. – Rooms for rest and guest rooms (with the leather sofas, the lively colors and the aquariums), daycare centers for children, where it is possible to leave a child, in case of emergency.
Of course in the houses of this level services must be managed by the property management company, with high credentials and for the reasonable price rich people as everyone knows, know how to count the money. The presence of the fitness center in the house, club or beauty salon is no longer necessary according to the expert’s opinion. It is no longer so urgent: people find their own beauticians and trainers, they prefer to use their services. Protection is extremely important. “Safety system must be set to the professional basis and include several levels.
Important role plays the face control of the future tenants”. According to the chief administrator of sales for the company “[Gras]” Damir Ayzatulin – to acquire apartment in the club house a person must be recommended by other tenants or founders. “The high level of fortune – significant, but not unique component of the social uniformity of club house” – It is not possible to create the situation of absolute maximum comfort in the house, where live completely unknown people. In our houses the client control is very strict, it is not always exactly known why and what in the client’s form caused the failure to accept application by house-builder. They can ask potential buyers about anything they desire to know before making a decision to sell an apartment, but to professional even half a phrase is sufficient in order to compose impression about the man”.
Mean price in club house $18 of thousand for the square meter. It can reach also to $35 thousand – in the most claimed complexes. However, such expensive apartments rarely left for the free market: previous owners prefer to sell to their relatives and friends. According to the forecasts of analysts, an increase in the prices of the club apartment in Moscow will in 2007 compose 20-25%, moreover in the spring- years the cost of bonus meters will grow by 10%.
There are not too many club houses on the market today. But experts foretell although not too rapidly, but noticeably development of the market for the apartments of the class “premium”. It is possible to build houses with small number of apartments, even in the center of Moscow. For now traditional locations of club real estate – [Ostozhenka] and Arbat alleys – However the potential of these regions is limited; therefore house-builders begin to turn their attention to other regions – Zamoskvorech’ye, Plyushchikhu, clean ponds: they within the next few years can comprise competition to traditional elite houses in the center of Moscow.
If you like my article please visit my website at
www. eng. realtor. ru/rent to read more about russian real estate
The 10 Most Luxurious Hotels In America
Attempting to list America’s top ten luxury hotels will always be difficult, since there are many criteria by which to judge hotels – whether they are best for business travellers, holidaymakers, families and so on. That said, here is a list of hotels that should meet the demands of the most discerning luxury traveller. Four Seasons – Los Angeles Billed as European grace combined with Beverly Hills style, The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles features a landscaped, rooftop pool and Jacuzzi and a luxurious full-service spa with a steam sauna. The award-winning Gardens Restaurant offers California-Mediterranean cuisine. In every room there is a high-speed Internet connection, and the hotel is ten minutes by car from downtown Hollywood. Grand America Hotel – Salt Lake City, Utah In downtown Salt Lake City, the 24-storey Grand America Hotel has 775 luxurious rooms and suites that feature European-style furnishings, with stunning views to the Rocky Mountains. There is a world-class spa and the fitness centre leads to indoor and outdoor pools. The in-house audio-visual systems are state-of-the-art and the popular Garden Café features American seasonal cuisine. JW Marriott Camelback Inn – Scottsdale, AZ This well-known Scottsdale resort, set on 125 acres of landscaped desert, includes a 36-hole championship golf course, two heated swimming pools, a luxury spa, and a large conference facility. There are 453 spacious, Pueblo-style ‘casitas’, including 27 suites, some with private pools. Resort restaurants include Golf Grill, Hoppin’ Jacks, and Sprouts. Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown – Washington, D. C. Located in Washington DC’s fashionable Georgetown district, with 86 guest rooms and suites, the Ritz-Carlton merges contemporary and historic architecture. Within walking distance of many shopping districts, fine dining choices, trendy nightclubs, and the waterfront, the hotel is also only minutes from the Kennedy Centre. There are meeting facilities for up to 90 people, and a fourteen-screen movie theatre. Ritz-Carlton – Central Park South, New York With expansive views of Central Park and extraordinary, personal service, this 261-room and 48-suite hotel is much in demand by celebrities and royalty. Elegant rooms and suites are lavish, with fine furnishings and all amenities. French cuisine is served at the Atelier restaurant, and beauty treatments are available at La Prairie salon. The American Club – Kohler, Wisconsin The American Club is less than an hour’s drive north of Milwaukee. Luxuriously appointed rooms are finished to the highest standards and include the latest audio-visual and communications facilities. The award-winning golf courses, Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits, give preference to hotel guests. The spa packages include rejuvenating services, and their annual cooking and wine demonstrations attract wine and food enthusiasts from far and wide. The Fairmont Olympic Hotel – Seattle, Washington Listed on the National Register, The Fairmont has been Seattle’s top luxury hotel since it opened in 1924. Located in the heart of Seattle, The Olympic combines impeccable service with 450 beautifully appointed rooms, and its two award-winning restaurants have a top reputation for fine cuisine. Nearby attractions include the famous Pike Place Market, Seattle Waterfront, and Space Needle, plus many theatres, restaurants, and shops. The Greenbrier- White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia Since 1835, a succession of U. S. Presidents has spent their summers here. Accommodation includes estate houses and 803 individual rooms. All accommodations have top-line entertainment systems, refreshment bars, lighted vanity mirrors, individual heating/air conditioning, and access to high-speed, wireless Internet. The Phoenician – Scottsdale, Arizona Exceptional service and breathtaking scenery make The Phoenician a top luxury resort. Guests enjoy an $8 million dollar art collection, spa treatments and the Southwest’s most spectacular golf course. The gilded lobby has valley views, and large well-appointed rooms are finished to the highest standards. Guests can also receive massage therapies, skin and body treatments and expert hair and nail services. Walden Country Inn & Stables – Aurora, Ohio The Walden, set on 32 acres around a 175-year-old barn and silo, has 25 luxuriously appointed suites that include full audio and televisual facilities. In-room services include massage and a maid service. Popular for relaxing getaways, weddings and executive retreats, visitors enjoy world-class dining, inconspicuous service and a wealth of activities such as an equestrian centre, a spa and a theatre.
Palm Beach Hotel In Cyprus
My partner and I have always been big fans of Cyprus holidays and try to stay somewhere different every year to make it a bit more interesting. However, a recent stay at the Palm Beach Hotel was so enjoyable that we will definitely be going back there next year.
There were so many facilities at the hotel that we didn’t know where to start. There was an outdoor swimming pool, a children’s swimming pool and even an indoor pool for when it gets a bit chilly. There was a casino, Turkish baths, tennis courts, gym, water – sports, massage room, sauna, solarium, Jacuzzi, steam bath, beauty facilities, children’s playground, squash court and table tennis.
We were surprised at the wide range of restaurants and bars available at the hotel or on the street across from it. Even though there were bars and restaurants just opposite some of the rooms, surprisingly enough you couldn’t hear anything once you were inside your room. There was a massive selection from Italian, Chinese, Indian and French restaurants so there was definitely something for everyone. Even breakfast was an extravagant affair with a huge selection of items to choose from with either a continental or full cooked breakfast.
To make it even better the hotel is located on one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, anyone going on Cyprus holidays who love the beach will definitely be happy here. There was also a beach hut which served light snacks and drinks which kept us going while sunbathing.
Even if you didn’t want to stay at the hotel there was plenty to keep you busy. Located about a mile from Famagusta and 10 to 15 minutes from Larnaca, a taxi ride was cheap and easy to find. There was plenty of car park space so this was not a problem if you like to rent a car on your Cyprus holidays.
The rooms were very clean as there was a maid service every day. There were also safes, mini bars, hair – dryers, satellite/cable TVs, radios, in – room movies, air conditioning and telephones available in all of the rooms.
The hotel was very pleasant which meant that we had one of the best Cyprus holidays we’ve had since we started going there. It was in a very good location close to Larnaca Airport and the city centre and had stunning views of the beach it over – looked. The whole hotel was very clean and the staff were friendly and only too happy to help. The area itself was fairly quiet but there were a few good restaurants located nearby as well as fast food bars. The shops were only small supermarkets but you can get a bus to Larnaca if you needed to.
A lot of people asked to upgrade their rooms to one with a sea view and not even this was a problem and was done quickly and without any problems. Like I said earlier, this was definitely one of our best Cyprus holidays and will be returning to this wonderful hotel.
The History of Kissing
No one really knows how it all started. Oneless-than-romantic theory is that it was originally a preamble to the act of regurgitation. In the days before Heinz baby food, spoons and Moulinex blenders, cave mothers fed their young offspring by chewing morsels of food, liberally drenched with saliva, and poking the masticated mess into their mouths with their tongues.
Anthropologists pooh-pooh this theory saying that, if this was the case, mouth kissing would have gone on in all societies and eras, which it did not. In parts of Japan, Siberia and among the Eskimo culture, rubbing noses was, until modern times, the only kind of kissing that went on. Certain ancient Finnish tribes believed kissing to be distasteful and indecent, even though they happily bathed naked together. In Asia, for centuries, the bow was the traditional greeting and kissing would only go on in private. In Roman times, kissing was an act of homage used to denote status, ranked by the body parts someone was permitted to kiss. Important nobles kissed cheeks or hands while lesser mortals had to make do with feet kissing.
However, somehow, lip contact caught on and soon became more adventurous. According to Chinese Tao tradition, a perfect balance of yin and yang is only achieved with an exchange of “liquid jade” – more prosaically-known as saliva. Or what we would call a French kiss.
“I have found men who didn’t know how to kiss. I’ve always found time to teach them. ” – Mae West
Kissing, in the days before toothpaste and dental floss, must have been a grim affair. To make it more palatable, young maids would carry a clove-studded apple when courting, exchanging a bite for a kiss. The apple helped to clean the suitor’s teeth and the cloves to sweeten his breath. Perhaps Clark Gable should have taken a leaf out of that particular history book when filming Gone With the Wind. Reportedly, his screen lover Vivien Leigh didn’t want to kiss him because he had halitosis.
Kissing has not always been socially acceptable. In 16th century Naples, it was an offence that carried the death penalty. In Hartford, Connecticut, an old law still makes it illegal for a man to kiss his wife on a Sunday. And in Indiana there used to be a law preventing men with moustaches from kissing, presumably on the grounds of hygiene.
Countless poems, odes and books have been written on the subject of kissing. One of the lesser-known works is The Art of Kissing, written by Hugh Morris in 1936. The book analyses every aspect of the kiss and an entire chapter is devoted to How to Kiss Girls with Different Sizes of Mouth – a useful manual for any man confronted with the voluminous, bee-stung lips of today’s collagen-implanted females.
“A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous. “- Ingrid Bergman
If kissing was slow to catch on in evolutionary terms, scientists concede that it has become part of “natural” human behaviour today. In trials they have found that, when seeing a woman he is attracted to, a man’s saliva fills with the male hormone testosterone. Kissing passes some of those hormones on to the female, making her more in the mood for love.
According to another survey, people who kiss their partners goodbye when they leave for work in the morning tend to earn much higher salaries than those who don’t.
And the scientist who said not all of us kiss the right way? He was Professor Onur Gunturkun from Germany’s Ruhr University who discovered that two thirds of people tilt their heads to the right when kissing, which means that the other one third who tilt their heads to the left are not doing it the “right” way…
Sta-kiss-stics
At the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in 1990, Alfred Wolfram from New Brighton, kissed 8001 people in 8 hours – over sixteen people a minute.
Between 1st and 6th May 1978 Americans Bobbi Sherlock and Ray Blazina held a kiss-in that lasted for 130 hours and 2 minutes.
In 1896, John C. Rice and May Irwin became the first couple to be recorded kissing in a film called The Kiss.
The longest kiss in film history was between Jane Wyman and RayTooney in the 1941 film, You’re in the Army Now. The kiss lasted three-and-a-half minutes.
According to legend, any person who kisses the Blarney Stone at Cork’s 15th century Blarney Castle will be endowed with the gift of eloquence and persuasive flattery.
Chile holds the world record for the largest number of people kissing, set in 2004 in the capital of Santiago when 4,400 kissing couples locked lips en masse.
The Lodger: Shakespeare on Silver Street
“One Mr. Shakespeare that lay in the house. . . ” In 1612, Shakespeare gave evidence at the Court of Requests in Westminster – the only occasion his spoken words were recorded. The case related to a dispute over an unpaid marriage dowry that opens an unexpected window into the dramatist’s obscured life story.
Eight years earlier, we learn that Shakespeare was lodging in the house of the Mountjoys – the French Protestant immigrant family in Cripplegate area of London. One fine day his landlady called him to persuade the family’s former apprentice Stephen to marry their daughter Mary. On Mrs Mountjoy’s request, Shakespeare persuaded Stephen to marry the girl and made the match. But Mary’s father Christopher refused to pay the agreed dowry for his only child. A disappointed Stephen sued the Court of Requests and eight years after the marriage, Shakespeare – the former lodger, was called to give evidence.
Charles Nicholl conjures up a detailed description of the circumstances in which Shakespeare lived and wrote plays like Othello, King Lear and Measure for Measure. Collecting evidence from a wide variety of sources, the author presents us with a rare insight into this little known episode in Shakespeare’s life. Nicholl also delves into the puzzling story of Shakespeare’s collaboration with hack-author George Wilkins.
We see Shakespeare in a very human context of Silver Street in this subtle exploration of Shakespeare at forty. To the maid of the house, he was merely “One Mr. Shakespeare,” lodging in the room upstairs. This enchanting and modest book brings us as close to the elusive lodger as we can possibly get. By plunging so deep into the sweaty tumults of Silver Street, Nicholl makes us see the greatness of the man living upstairs from a close range.
