Who started Christmas

 

The origins of Christmas are complex and intertwined with the traditions of both pagan and Christian cultures. The exact origins of the holiday are still being debated by historians, but there is general agreement that it emerged from a combination of Roman and Christian festive celebrations.

Pagan Origins

The Romans celebrated a festival called Saturnalia during the winter solstice, from December 17th to December 23rd. Saturnalia was a time of feasting, gift-giving, and general merrymaking. It was a time when social hierarchies were reversed, and slaves were allowed to dine with their masters.

Christian Origins

The birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated on December 25th. This date was chosen because it coincided with the winter solstice, which was seen as a time of new beginnings and hope. The early Christians also borrowed some of the traditions of Saturnalia, such as gift-giving and feasting, and incorporated them into their own celebrations.

Combining Traditions

Over time, the pagan and Christian traditions of the winter solstice merged to form the holiday we now know as Christmas. The exact details of how this happened are still unclear, but it is likely that the process was gradual and took place over several centuries.

Today's Christmas

Today's Christmas is a celebration of both religious and secular traditions. It is a time for families and friends to come together, to give gifts, and to share in the spirit of the season. The holiday has evolved over time, but it remains a time of joy and celebration for millions of people around the world.

Pluckley Church Haunted?

 

St Nicholas Church in Pluckley is a Grade II* listed parish church in the village of Pluckley, Kent, England. It is one of the most haunted buildings in England, and it is said to be home to over 12 ghosts.

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St Nicholas Church in Pluckley, England

The church was built in the 12th century, and it has been expanded and modified several times since then. It is a beautiful and historic building, but it is also a place that is said to be haunted by a number of restless spirits.

Some of the most famous ghosts of Pluckley Church include:

• The Grey Lady: A 16th-century noblewoman who is said to haunt the churchyard, looking for her lost love.
• The Highwayman: A 17th-century highwayman who is said to haunt the church porch, waiting for his next victim.
• The Phantom Coach: A headless coach that is said to gallop through the churchyard, pursued by ghostly horses.
• The Radiant Boy: A young boy who is said to haunt the churchyard, holding a lantern.

The church is open to the public for tours, and there are regular ghost hunts and events. It is a popular destination for ghost hunters and tourists alike, and it is sure to give you a spine-tingling experience.

The Ghost of Blue Bell Hill

 

The Blue Bell Hill ghost is one of the most famous and enduring legends in English folklore. It is said to be the spirit of a young woman who was killed in a tragic accident on the hill in the early 19th century.

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Blue Bell Hill, England

The legend tells the tale of a young woman named Eleanor who was riding her horse home from a night out one stormy night. As she was traversing the dark and winding road, her horse spooked and threw her off, causing her to fall to her death.

Her ghost is said to haunt the hill, appearing as a young woman in white, often carrying a lantern. Drivers who encounter her are said to experience a variety of strange phenomena, such as their car lights suddenly failing, or their radios turning on and playing eerie music.

The legend of the Blue Bell Hill ghost has been around for centuries, and there have been numerous reported sightings of her over the years. Some people believe that she is a malevolent spirit, while others believe that she is a harmless soul who is simply trying to find her way home.

Whether you believe in the legend or not, there is no doubt that the Blue Bell Hill ghost is a fascinating and enduring part of British folklore. The hill itself is a beautiful and serene place, but it is also a place where you might want to keep your eyes peeled for the ghostly figure of Eleanor.

No 1 Slip Chatham Dockyard

 No. 1 Slip is one of the most iconic and historic buildings at Chatham Dockyard, a Maritime Heritage Site in Kent, England. It is a large covered slipway that was built in 1838 to build and repair ships for the Royal Navy.

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No 1 slip Chatham dockyard

No. 1 Slip is a Grade II* listed building and is considered to be one of the finest examples of its type in the world. It is 300 feet long and 150 feet wide, and it is covered by a large roof that is made of cast iron and glass. The slipway is capable of lifting ships of up to 1,500 tons, and it has been used to build and repair some of the most famous ships in British history, including HMS Victory, HMS Nelson, and HMS Hood.

No. 1 Slip is now a popular tourist attraction and is open to the public for guided tours. It is also used for special events, such as the Chatham Dickens Festival and the Chatham Historic Dockyard Riverlights Festival.

Thought for today December 13th 2023

 Here is a thought for today, December 13th, 2023:

Nurture your inner child.

As we grow older, we often lose touch with the joy and wonder of childhood. We become more serious, more focused on responsibilities, and less willing to let go and have fun.

But it's important to remember that our inner child is still there, waiting to be nurtured. When we nurture our inner child, we tap into a source of creativity, imagination, and joy that can enrich our lives in countless ways.

Here are a few ways to nurture your inner child:

• Play: Engage in activities that you enjoyed as a child, such as drawing, painting, or playing games.
• Be silly: Don't be afraid to let loose and have fun. Do something that makes you laugh.
• Learn new things: Embrace the curiosity of your childhood. Take up new hobbies or learn new skills.
• Spend time in nature: Nature has a way of reminding us of the simple things in life. Go for a walk in the woods or sit by a lake and enjoy the peace and quiet.
• Connect with your loved ones: Make time for the people you care about. Spend time with your family and friends, and let them know how much you care.

Nurturing your inner child is an investment in your happiness and well-being. It's a way to connect with your authentic self and rediscover the joy that is inherent in life.

Here is a poem that captures the essence of this thought:

Nurture your inner child, The playful, curious one. Let them out to play, And let the fun begin.

Embrace the wonder, Let imagination soar. Be silly, be free, And let your spirit explore.

Connect with your inner child, And rediscover the joy. For in this place of innocence, Lies the key to living your life to the fullest.

Swainby a little gem

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Swainby is a village in the Hambleton District of North Yorkshire, England. It is situated on the north-western edge of the North York Moors National Park, 8 miles north-east from Northallerton and 5 miles south-east from Stokesley.

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Swainby, North Yorkshire, England

The village is close to the ruins of Whorlton Castle; Swainby appears to have been built after its abandonment, possibly due to the Black Death (or some other disease) leaving the 10 surviving inhabitants down the hill from Whorlton too few to maintain the castle.

Swainby is a pretty village with a long history, and it is a popular destination for walkers and cyclists. There are a number of pubs and cafes in the village, as well as a village shop. Swainby is also home to a number of historic buildings, including the church of St Lawrence, which dates back to the 12th century.

Dover Castle a brief history

 Dover Castle: A Bastion of British Defense

Dover Castle, a majestic and imposing landmark, stands sentinel on the White Cliffs of Dover, England. Its strategic location, overlooking the narrowest point of the English Channel, has made it a pivotal point of national defense for over 800 years.

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Dover Castle in Kent, England

The castle's origins date back to the 11th century, when it was established by William the Conqueror. Over the centuries, it has been expanded and fortified by successive monarchs, becoming an impenetrable fortress that has repelled numerous invasions.

Dover Castle's strategic importance has been demonstrated time and again. In 1346, during the Hundred Years' War, the castle successfully defended against a French siege, and in 1606, it played a key role in thwarting the "Gunpowder Plot" to assassinate King James I.

Throughout its long history, Dover Castle has served as a royal residence, a prison, and a military barracks. It has also been a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world to marvel at its architectural grandeur and the breathtaking views of the English Channel.

Today, Dover Castle stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of British military strength and resilience. It is a treasured national landmark that continues to inspire awe and admiration.

Do you know what a TonTine is? read on

 A tontine is a type of investment scheme that was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. It involved a group of people who each contributed a sum of money to a common fund. The money was then invested, and the interest was paid out to the surviving members of the group. The last surviving member would receive the entire fund.

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18th century Tontine life insurance scheme

Tontines were originally introduced by Italian financier Lorenzo Tonti in 1653. They quickly became popular among European nobility and merchants, who saw them as a way to secure a retirement income.

Tontines were based on the principle of survivorship. As members of the group died, their shares of the fund were divided among the survivors. This meant that the longer a member survived, the larger their share of the fund would become.

Tontines were eventually banned in many countries, as they were considered to be unfair and unethical. The schemes often led to unscrupulous individuals trying to harm or kill other members in order to collect a larger share of the fund.

Despite their negative reputation, tontines have had a lasting impact on the world of finance. They helped to develop the concept of life insurance, which is now one of the most popular types of investment product.

Tontines also played a role in the development of the stock market. The pooled funds from tontines were often used to purchase shares of stock, which helped to create a more liquid market for securities.

The "Ye Old Bean"

The "Ye Old Bean" was a popular bus service that ran between Upnor and Chatham in Kent, England, from the early 1900s until the 1930s. It was known for its affordable fares and its willingness to stop anywhere, making it a convenient mode of transport for local residents.

The bus was typically a converted Model T Ford, painted in a bright red and yellow livery. It had a seating capacity of 12 passengers, and it was often packed with people on its journeys between Upnor and Chatham.

The "Ye Old Bean" was a popular service for many reasons. It was affordable, with a fare of just two pence (equivalent to around 1p in modern currency). It was also convenient, as it stopped anywhere that passengers requested. And it was cheerful, with its bright livery and friendly drivers.

The "Ye Old Bean" was a much-loved part of the Upnor and Chatham community. It was a symbol of the area's independence and its close-knit community spirit. And it was a reminder of a time when getting around was more affordable and more convenient than it is today.

Unfortunately, the "Ye Old Bean" was eventually replaced by more modern buses. However, it is still fondly remembered by those who used it, and it remains a symbol of Upnor and Chatham's unique character.

Ode to the Turkey

 

In a barnyard deep, where fowls reside, A chicken chirped, "Merry Christmas, my friend." But a turkey replied, with a gruff, harsh tone, "Sod off, you feathered fool, leave me alone!"

The chicken, shocked, with ruffled feathers, Clucked in dismay, her heart feeling heavy. "Why so glum?" she asked, "What's the cause for such strife?" The turkey sighed, his voice heavy with life.

"Every year," he groaned, with a sigh so deep, "Festive cheer turns into my darkest sleep. For I'm the main course, the dish of the day, And my fate is sealed, come Christmas morn's gray."

The chicken, touched, felt a pang of empathy, For the turkey's plight, his fear and anxiety. "But fear not, my friend," she chirped with a smile, "Your life is precious, your value worthwhile."

She hopped closer, her voice soft and kind, "You're more than just meat, you're a feathered mind. You're a creature of grace, with a heart so bold, And your spirit will shine, even in a cold fold."

The turkey's eyes softened, his feathers aglow, As the chicken's words touched his heart's very core. He realized then, with a newfound zest, His life was a gift, a precious bequest.

So, the chicken and turkey, in unity bound, Celebrated Christmas, their spirits unbound. They danced and they sang, their voices so clear, In the barnyard's embrace, their worries grew near.

For Christmas was more than just feasting and cheer, It was about love, friendship, and shedding one's fear. And the chicken and turkey, their bond ever strong, Embraced the season, where kindness belongs.

Scarborough Mist

 

In Scarborough Harbour's embrace, a mystic veil, The mist descends, the seascape's form concealed, The boats lie still, their outlines barely seen, As foghorn's mournful wail resounds unseen.

The harbor's heart, once vibrant and alive, Now slumbers deep, where echoes softly strive, The whispers of the waves, the seagulls' cries, Lost in the fog's ethereal, misty rise.

A sense of mystery, a touch of fear, Envelops all, as foghorn's mournful breath Fills the still air, a haunting, poignant sound, That echoes through the harbor, far and wide, A symphony of mist, in Scarborough's tide.

Thought for today December 12th 2023

 

Here is a thought for today, December 12th, 2023:

Celebrate the small victories in life.

It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and to overlook the small moments of joy that surround us. But these small moments are often the most important ones.

Take a moment today to appreciate the small victories in your life. Did you wake up feeling well? Did you enjoy a delicious meal? Did you have a meaningful conversation with someone you love?

When you focus on the small victories, you'll start to see the beauty and abundance in your life. You'll also start to feel more grateful for what you have.

Here is a poem that captures the essence of this thought:

"Small victories may seem insignificant, But they are the seeds of happiness. Nurture them with appreciation, And they will blossom into joy."

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flower blooming

I hope this helps!