FEB 2021
culture
Table of Contents The Day of the Dead
Words and Illustration by Rachel Sawyer
Cultural Patterns
Words and Illustration by Rachel Middleton
The Year of the Ox
Words and Illustration by Anna Stone
Artists and Online Culture Words and Illustration by Amy Rose Perkins
The Danish Pastry
Words and Illustrations by Abigail Winson
Greek Easter Traditions
Words and Illustrations by Margarita Louka
Cover and Endpapers: Andy Edwards Editor: Anna Stone
By: Rachel Sawyer
The Day of the Dead
We are halfway through Lockdown 3.0 and as holidays are currently off of the cards, Arktic Lime would like to bring some sunshine and culture to you instead! Enjoy this months colourful issue! The origins of El Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) is somewhat disputed, ranging from an ancient tradition formed by native Mexicans, to a more modern celebration created as a form of nationalism. Celebrated annually on the 1st and 2nd of November, the Day of the Dead looks to pay homage to loved ones long lost to time. The customs of this holiday vary from town to town, but general, overarching traditions can be observed. The main activity of El Día de los Muertos is the cleaning and decorating of family/friend’s graves with Ofrendas (offerings). These are elaborate and colourful altars made up of traditional Mexican Marigolds, Papel Picado (perforated paper), memorabilia and offerings of food and drink. The intent is to encourage a visit from the souls of the departed. As with most holidays, food and drinks play a key role in the celebrations. Traditional treats include Pan de Muerto (bread of the dead), Calaveras (sugar skulls) and an alcoholic drink called Pulque. Both the living and the diseased partake of these offerings, with the former eating the physical item and the latter absorbing the foods’ ‘spiritual essence’. The Day of the Dead is a family inclusive holiday with large celebrations that often overflow into the streets. With the Calavera (skull) acting as the main symbol of the celebration, skeletal costumes are the traditional clothes of choice. These are often decorated with pieces of
shell so as the celebrants dance, the noise will encourage the souls of the dead to wake. The image of the Mexican skull has been popularised so much so that Western holidays such as Halloween have also adopted the costume. The macabre quality of El Día de los Muertos may be the reason for its popularity and the fascination it yields from outside cultures, however the unique and endearing quality that sets this holiday apart is its focus on celebrating and reviving the lives of our departed.
Illustration By: Rachel Sawyer
By: Rachel Middleton
Cultural Patterns
From nature to human invention, the people of the world have taken these inspirations to rock, clay, fabric and paper, often holding their mark-making as a defining feature of their community or geographical identity. In order to survive, human beings had to master the arts of creating and sustaining food, clothing, and shelter. As time went on, we became better at those tasks and began to create more intricate designs, encouraging creativity and interpretations within these crafts. Since the earliest record of our attempts at art and documentation, even in cave paintings, the choice of repetition began to put importance on specific markings and symbols, identifying what mattered most to the people who made them. Hand stencils, to mark their own existence paintings of animals which were a sought after food source, hunting drawings which became story telling tools, kick-started the exploration of pattern-making. From the various geographical places that people settled, patterns and symbols were formed out of the need for signifying what communities valued most. Their formed religions had visual elements for storytelling. Even just to distinguish one community from the next, the development of shapes, colour and design evolved. These repetitive markings not only enriched communities in their design, but also gave them a sense of belonging and unity with the pattern they grew with.
Story telling is often a large influence in pattern making, creating symbolism for many of these designs. Celtic and Nordic knots are one example, where continuous lines are knotted and overlapped, often surrounding a motif or image. These knots are infinite, with no beginning or end, symbolising how life and eternity are interconnected. Despite the constant changes of design that we see in present day, there is still a solid foundation of patterns which many cultures hold onto and even share, whether they encountered another or not. There are many examples in various cultures where patterns show connections and evolution. For instance, the spiral and floral patterns that span across eastern European, Russian, Kazakh, and Mongolian communities, showing shared histories. Whether it was through influence of shared crafts or past empires, these patterns still remain a treasured part of people’s culture and heritage. Even in separate continents where communities will have unlikely come into contact with each other in the distant past, there are still similar shapes and patterns that have developed without influence. Pattern-work is not only a beloved decoration, but a sign of just how enriched our world is with creativity, culture, and community.
Illustration By: Rachel Middleton
By: Anna Stone
The Year of the Ox
The most important holiday in China is Chinese New Year. Did you know that it is celebrated by more than 20% of the world? It can also be known as the Spring Festival, and marks the end of the coldest days, as a way to welcome spring, harvest, and new beginnings. There is a Chinese New Year calendar, which consists of “Little Year,” “Spring Festival,” and “Lantern Festival.” “Little Year” is all the preparation for the new year, and lasts for 8 days. “Spring Festival” is when Chinese New Year formally begins, with celebrations lasting 11 days. Then, “Lantern Festival” is the conclusion for the overall celebration. This lasts four days, with preparations leading up to the finale on the last day. This year, “Little Year” is 4th-11th of February, “Spring Festival” runs from February 12th to February 22nd. Finally, “Lantern Festival” runs from February 23rd to February 26th. Therefore, the official Chinese New Year is on February 12th.
each animal. Some examples for the Ox is that there is allocations of fortune based on the year born and element associated (such as Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth). There is also supposed to be differences of superstition for men and women. These are just two examples of beliefs associated with each zodiac animal. The most recent years in the past century that it was the year of the Ox, other than this year, includes 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, and 1925. The superstitious side of Chinese New Year and the zodiac animals are not always acknowledged, however it is still a popular celebration. Will you celebrate Chinese New Year this year?
Furthermore, there are 12 zodiac animals that represent good luck, and work in a rotation. This year, it is the year of the Ox. According to a myth, “the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Ox was about to be the first to arrive, but Rat tricked Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox.” (Chinese New Year Ox, 2021) Therefore, Ox is the second animal in the 12 zodiac celebrations. In Chinese culture, the Ox is seen as a valued animal, because of its position in agriculture, with positive characteristics, such as being hard-working and honest. Just like beliefs of other zodiacs, the Chinese zodiac system also comes with superstition for
Chinese New Year Ox (2021): www.chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/ox
Illustration By: Anna Stone
Illustration By: Amy Rose Perkins
Artists and Online Culture
By: Amy Rose Perkins
Online culture is addictive. There are billions of people online, in some form, all around the globe. Did you know that the average scroll is a whopping 90 meters a day? People have invented and reinvented all kinds of whacky tricks and techniques to make content look engaging so that an audience won’t just swipe past. The word “click bait” may resonate with any die-hard YouTube fans reading this (ye olde faithful). And who can blame us! If you’re anything like myself then no matter how many new hobbies and games picked up whilst we’re all stuck inside (I recommend a game of chess or a good jigsaw puzzle) the brain just can’t help needing some stimulation to occupy the time; and queue a phone or tablet that’s oh so eager to launch that app you’ve been itching to check. But for the millions of creative folks, it’s a tough enough competition getting people to take notice of your illustrations or lovingly handcrafted products, never mind in the midst of a global pandemonium. Facebook was fab for letting your mum know what mischief you got up to, back when we could go out socialising with friends *cries internally*. In struts sassy Instagram, defying the social networking experience as it once was. It really went from blue and white status updates, to documenting our lives through stylish filtered pictures and videos almost overnight. Sitting comfortably on the social-network Iron Thrown, Instagram gave a contemporary online opportunity for the creative community to shove our eccentric content right under the noses of the rest of the world. The Arts were finally getting a slice of the recognition they deserve, and furthermore, caused a cultural
shift in formalities by landing boast-worthy jobs or freelance work that all started with a casual slide into the DMs. When I think about Instagram now, however, the saying, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ comes to mind. What am I talking about, you ask? The dreaded algorithms. With the rise of TikTok, several trend predictions for 2021 suggest the ultimate demise of Instagram rests on the horizon – an intriguing forecast. Algorithms risk alienating freelance designers and small business owners so it’s no wonder that young creative folk have channelled their energy elsewhere. TikTok is the edgy cool new kid on the block, possessing somewhat of a more inclusive, positive culture to social networking, never seen before; a “safe-space”, if you will. I have discovered first hand that TikTok allows for communities, such as LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC’s, voices to be heard. Gen X to Baby Boomers are actually addressing issues such as politics, sexual education, physical and mental illnesses, and much more but also now artists have a better chance to show off their creative process – progressive, right? So, keep putting yourself out there, do what you love and your hard work will pay off eventually. Just remember to drink some water and go outside from time to time. Oh, and have some fun – you definitely deserve it!
By: Abigail Winson
The Danish Pastry
The Danish Pastry, we have all had them I am sure, and if not, why not. I suggest you take a long hard look at yourself. Do yourself a favour, and pick some up. In England, the Danish pastry is mainly known for the cinnamon swirl and the custard crown, or if you feel extra cheeky you would replace the custard for jam. Now these are all well and good but there is so much more to a Danish pastry than just the humble cinnamon swirl. Don’t get me wrong, cinnamon swirls are amazing. In fact, if there was a noble prize for baked goods, anything containing cinnamon would take first place. The thing is, England is pretty limited on the Danish pastry selection, this makes sense, we are not in Denmark. So it falls upon me to impart the Danish Pastry culture, and how it has become such an asset to Danes. As part Danish I have travelled to Denmark many times, and for me one of the highlights is every morning taking a trip down to the super market. Without a doubt, you find right by the entrance, the bakery. This is the part of Danish culture that I just love, as although we have bakers in Britain, the majority of us probably don’t go every day. In Denmark you will find people queuing in the morning for their bread, and more importantly pastries. The fact that you have to past the bakers before you even go shopping, shows they have their priorities in order. Here you find the wide selection of pastries, allow me to take you on a guided tour on my personal favourites.
1. SMØRKAGE (BUTTER CAKE) This puff pastry is filled with cinnamon, almonds, and usually a combination of chocolate and white icing on top. This pastry stands out with its cluster of rolls all joined together, creating one big pastry. Making it great to share or, just one grand night in with yourself.
2. RABARBERHORNS (RHUBARB HORN) Danes love cinnamon, but they also love almonds and marzipan. You find these two in this soft pastry mixed in with rhubarb, creating a tangy and a different flavour to most pastries, but definitely worth a try.
Illustrations By: Abigail Winson
3. ROMKUGLER (DANISH RUM BALLS) I cheat a little as these are not pastries, but I’m writing the article so deal with it. This dessert is for all the chocolate lovers. It is mixed with coco powder, rum and all of the left over pastry and cake (so technically part pastry), and usually topped with coconut shavings or sprinkles. Although the pastries look great, don’t miss the opportunity to try this delight. Big shock, but the Danish pastry actually originated in France when a baker forgot to add flour and butter to the dough. When adding it later, it turned out to be a success, creating a light textured pastry. This recipe eventually travelled to Austria, and when the Danish bakers went on strike in 1850, the Austrian bakers came in. They introduced the pastry, however they enhanced it by adding rich Danish butter, and thus became the Danish pastry. When the strike was over, Denmark continued to make the pastry and named it “Wienbrød” (meaning Viennese bread), while Austria named it “the Copenhagener” with the improved recipe. Who knew there was so much culture in one baked good. Although we can’t exactly travel right now you, when you do I recommend visiting Denmark and trying one for yourself. But in the meantime you could always give making one a go. If it goes wrong it’s not like anyone will know, if it goes right, you can enjoy what I think is an amazing treat.
Greek Easter Traditions
By: Margarita Louka
As the December holiday celebrations conclude, we are slightly overwhelmed with the January Blues and with the daunting possibility of facing a fresh year. When my thoughts get overwhelming, I like to have little things to look forward to, especially during these tougher times we are going through. As a student, the thing I looked forward to the most when I was starting to get overwhelmed with academic pressure, is the next holiday. That is why for this month’s issue, I want to discuss Easter, as I consider it the next big holiday after the Winter Break. Easter traditions differ all over the world and, being from Cyprus, I want to take you on a journey through my memories of this holiday. APOKRIES This is Greece and Cyprus’ carnival season, which takes place before the 40-day lent period begins. Apokries is a fun event celebrated with masquerades, dancing and music! The term ‘apokries’ means abstaining from meat because no meat is consumed during lent. LENT Usually, it is customary for my friends in the UK to give up something beloved, like chocolate. However, in Greece and Cyprus it is customary for a practicing Orthodox to give up red meat, meat by-products, and fish with a backbone. TIME DIFFERENCE Greek Orthodox Easter falls on a different day than UK Easter, as it is calculated on a number of things. Easter Sunday must be after the Jewish holiday of Passover, and it is on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox.
EASTER EGGS Hard boiled eggs are traditionally dyed red to symbolize the blood and sacrifice of Christ. This is traditionally done with natural dye, using onion skins, but nowadays you can use synthetic dyes as well. I have lots of fond memories sitting as a child and painting eggs red with other children. Sometimes we would add patterns, stickers or mix up the colours. Then, each member of the house would proceed to pick an egg, and we would play a game of taking turns to crack the top of each other’s egg. The one who’s egg is last to crack is the winner, and they are assured good luck for the rest of the year! TSOUREKI This is a traditional sweet Greek Easter bread. The bread is braided into 3 strands to symbolize the Holy trinity, and sometimes the red Easter eggs are woven into the strands of the bread. LAMPADA Lampada is a decorated, long candle that is held on Holy Saturday. They are commonly decorated with ribbons, buttons and beads. It would be very crowded on Holy Saturday, and I would always watch my hair and shield it from the lampada behind me! I hope I gave you an insight into my childhood and into a different culture. I hope that as we prepare to celebrate Easter in a different way this year, we can all retain some of our traditions.
Illustrations By: Margarita Louka
Copyright Š 2021 by Andy Edwards, Rachel Sawyer, Rachel Middleton, Amy Rose Perkins, Abigail Winson, Margarita Louka, and Anna Stone. All rights reserved. This publication or any portion thereof may not be reproduced, copied, reprinted, reworked, redistributed, or used in any manner whatsoever without the explicit written permission of the copyright holders.