European cultural kaleidoscope by Aure Berusca

European cultural

Multilateral

Comenius

Project

2013 - 2015

kaleidoscope

Bucharest, Romania - May 2015

Comenius Project team

European Cultural Kaleidoscope (Multilateral Comenius Project “E-K Press” – Final Product made by “Nicolae Titulescu” Secondary School Coordinator: Aurelia Berușcă)

Printed on: SC Desktop Publishing SRL 1

ISBN 978-973-0-19072-4 2

Collective author

Romania – “Nicolae Titulescu” Secondary School (Bucharest) Teachers: Aurelia Berușcă (project coordinator), Simona Buga, Daniela Bărbat, Cristiana Rîureanu, Elena Rusu, Monica Popa Headmasters: Florian Ghiță, Iudita Popteanu Students: Ruxandra Deaconu, Thea Pușcaru, Alin Birișan, Koç Yasemin, Maria Oprescu, Diana Fecioru.

France – College Jeanne d’Arc (Civray) Teachers:Alain Casano (local coordinator), Françoise Hirondeau, Nazzia Tunstall Students: Pauline Letenneur, Claire Giraud, Sophie Giraud, Maëlle Arnaud, Heidi Neveux, Maisy Wallum, Charlotte Bailey, Daniel Brown, Owen Alford.

Italy - Instituto Comprensivo Erodoto (Corgliano Calabro) Teachers: Nicoletta Fino (local coordinator), Gisa Perri, Rosanna Iannini. Students: Alessia Durante, Laura Longobucco, Giovanni Malavolta, Francesca Pugliese, Carmen Durante, Michele Matranga, Mattia Ritacco, Maria Viviana Cerbella, Rita Luzzi.

Lithuania - Gargždų "Vaivorykštės" Gimnazija (Gargždai) Teachers: Asta Jonauskienė, Neringa Zaveckaitė, Alina Kalinauskienė, Laima Rimkienė, Zofija Vaitkuvienė Students: Gerda Kuprelytė, Areta Šeškaitė, Ignas Pakamorė, Šarūnas Bartkevičius, Kamilė Klevinskytė, Goda Dumbliauskaitė, Ieva Bloškytė, Inesa Šterns, Ieva Klevinskytė, Paulius Valteras

Poland - Jan Kasprowicz Secondary School (Zakrzewo) Teachers: Olena Savosh, Ałła Ostapowycz, Monika Gołaś Students: Adrianna Kapelak, Agnieszka Kurtys, Nicola Błachowiak, Katarzyna Kopaczewsk, Zuzanna Wilniewczyc, Paulina Maciejewska, Kamil Nowak, Sebastian Michalak, Artur Świercz

Spain - Centro de Educación AYS (Murcia) Teachers: Vanessa Sánchez Baeza (local coordinator), Juan Francisco Álvarez de Eulate, Manuel Villaescusa Eddy, Laura Oliva Valero, Manuel Alejandro Melgarejo Cánovas, Susana Muñoz Valero, José Cuello García, Students: María Belén Valero Pujante, Marta Albacete Martínez, Inmaculada Avilés Sellés, Antonio Ayllón Bermejo, Arabela Cárceles Carrillo, Alejandra Carrillo Martínez, Amor Guiard Marín, José María Caballero Fernández, Julio Ángel García Díaz, Carlos García Tejedor, Clara Avilés Sellés, Blanca Lozano Saura

Turkey – Emine İbrahim Pekin Secondary School (Istanbul – Maltepe) Teachers: Vedat Hazen (local coordinator), Derya Sancaklı Students: Işık Odabaşı, Ekin Devrim, Beyzanur Bilgihan, Nida Çobanoğlu, Melike Belkıs Yeşilyurt, Furkan Öz, İlayda Tanyel, Onur Güngör, Yaren Okutucu, Şeyda Dağdelen

Tehnoredactor and cover: Aurelia Berușcă Printed on: SC Desktop Publishing SRL - 0040726-221191, 004031-4119855

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may bemade of the information contained therein.

Hello, This kaleidoscope is the final product of Multilateral Comenius Project "European Kaleidoscope - Little Journalists in Europe", developed in partnership with seven European countries: France, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Spain and Turkey. The book includes some aspects of traditional culture: costumes

and

decorative

arts,

traditions,

traditional

instruments and cultural personalities of each partner country. Browsing through its pages, you will find easy similarities between the decorative elements, among its main religious holiday traditions, but also differences that give identity to a nation that defines her as a people. The Kaleidoscope brings together the most important aspects of the traditional culture of each partner country as a result of discoveries made by teachers and students throughout the two years of the project. The activities performed during mobilities richer:

and in each school made us

we could find what we like, how we differ from

others. We discovered the beauty of folk, traditional dishes we tasted, we sang and danced the other countriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; folklore ... Joy and friendship accompanied us everywhere! Enjoy our European Cultural Kaleidoscope!

Comenius 2013 – 2015

The project EUROPEAN KALEIDOSCOPE (E-K-Press) focuses on improving the student’s education while learning and practising as an active European citizen. Newly created European context, a rainbow – as a cultural diversity and human - is a challenge for students who come into contact with it and experience it. The project aims to empower students sensitive to social signals, to promote awareness of a shared future largely based on youth involvement in social issues, scan the active citizen’s practical effects on people's lives and to involve students in action. "Learning Europe", the comparative cultural study, represents the solid ground of the knowledgeable feature of the project leading to a better understanding of Europe's cultural panorama. This kind of projects furnishes students with precious first - hand data about the partners' cultures, helps them establish personal contacts with people from other countries inducing in them the feelings of respect, tolerance, comprehension, and facilitates the elimination of prejudices. By getting in direct touch with other cultures, participants praise both their national cultures and the partners' cultures, and find many similarities, that unite them, and of course, many differences, that enrich them. How we can better know a people? Knowing their traditional culture, knowing their rules and rights, knowing their famous people. Through joint activities, students and 6

teachers was able to bind friendships with their colleagues from

other

countries.

Communicating

email,

chat,

messenger or met during the visits, they was able to send each other points of view about school and education about lifestyle town / village, about preferences culture, sports, tourism, etc. They collected data for the European citizen guide. Our main objective was to familiarize students with the richness of European cultures and to improve mutual understanding between students from different ethnics, while

fostering

their

communication

skills

foreign

languages and the use of ICT as a means of communication.

Cultural Kaleidoscope

French traditions and customs Goûter is an institution in France. It's tea-time, almost religiously eaten at 4.30 pm, almost exclusively by children as they come out of school. There is nothing like squares of chocolate in a chunk of baguette or the classic tea-time biscuit "Prince" accompanied by a glass of milk or Grenadine.. What a treat!

To kiss or not to kiss, that is the question! As a rule men kiss women and vice versa when they are friends, friends of friends or colleagues. But men don’t kiss men, unless they are relatives or close friends. We call it faire la bise: it is not a proper kiss. It is done high up on the cheek, a delicate brushing of the cheeks with a kissing noise.

Hand shaking: whenever you meet someone you shake hands briefly and say ‘ bonjour’, ‘comment ça va?’ It concerns mainly men but a man and a woman or two women can also shake hands. It can be complicated ...

Poisson D'Avril (or Easter Fish).This French tradition is much like April Fools’Day. It takes place on April the first. Children make fish out of paper and pin them to the backs of as many adults, very often teachers, as possible, then run away shouting Poisson D'Avril!

French bread One of the icons of French life. The « baguette » ( stick) is the most popular type of bread in France. But there are other types of bread just as good and very often much better. Here are a few examples: couronne ( bread in the shape of a ring), flute ( twice the size of baguette), ficelle ( a long and very thin loaf), pain aux céréales etc.

The French eat a lot of crêpes on Chandeleur, February 2nd, but they also do a bit of fortune telling while making them. It is traditional to hold a coin in your writing hand and a crêpe pan in the other, and flip the crêpe into the

A traditional French dish is coq au vin — chicken in Burgundy wine, lardons (small strips or cubes of pork fat), button mushrooms, onions and garlic. French celebrations We mark May Day, also known as Labor Day, on May 1. Victory in Europe Day on May 8 commemorates the end of hostilities in Europe in World War II. Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14. This is the day the Bastille fortress in Paris was stormed by revolutionaries to start the French Revolution. Gifts in France If you’re invited to dinner by a French person (which is a sign that you’ve been accepted into the community), take along a small present of flowers, a plant or chocolates. Gifts of foreign food or drink aren’t generally well received unless they’re highly prized in France such as scotch whisky; foreign wine, however good the quality, isn’t recommended! Wedding Traditions At French weddings it is traditional for someone to behead bottles of champagne using a specially-made saber. According to legend, the tradition originated with Napoleon's skilled Hussard horse soldiers. They would ride up at a full gallop and cleanly chop the top of champagne bottles held in the air by ladies. Religion Catholicism is the predominant religion of France. In a survey by the French Institute of Public Opinion (IFOP), 64 percent of the population (about 41.6 million people) identified themselves as Roman Catholic. According to a 2010 survey by the Pew Research Center, 7.5 percent (4.7 million people) are Muslim. Pew estimated that the Jewish population was 310,000; there were 280,000 Buddhists and 30,000 Hindus. Nearly 18 million people practiced folk religions, "other" religions or no religion ("unaffiliated").

Source: http://www.livescience.com/39149-french-culture.html http://french.lovetoknow.com/French_Traditions https://www.justlanded.com/english/France/Articles/Culture/Social-customs-in-France

Italian traditions and customs

CARNIVAL Carnival is a festival celebrated in countries of Christian tradition. The celebrations often consist in public parades in which playful and imaginative elements dominate: in particular its distinctive and characteristic feature is the use of masking. The word carnival comes from the Latin carnem levare" (" i.e. to eliminate meat " ) that was the original name given to the banquet held on the last day of Carnival ( Mardi Gras ) , immediately before the period of fasting and abstinence of Lent. Origin and meaning Although the Carnival festivities are present in the Catholic tradition, they have much older origins, such as the Greek Dionysian or the Roman Saturnalia. The Carnival is the movement of the spirits between heaven, earth and underworld. It leads to a metaphysical dimension that concerns man and his destiny . In the spring, when the earth begins to manifest his power , Carnival marks an open passage between the underworld and the earth inhabited by the living beings . Carnival in Italy February in Italy means that just about every city on the Peninsula is invaded with masks, confetti, colors and lights that make for a very exciting and unique atmosphere: itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Carnival! It is a party with ancient roots, and today has become a folkloristic rite in which traditions and fun work together to bring enormous life to this unique celebration. From north to south, Italy marks Carnival with long standing traditions that are internationally-known, and that attract thousands of visitors from around the world this time every year.

Venice: The Italian Carnival Par Excellence Some of the most spectacular moments during the Venetian carnival are the Flight of the Angel (or Flight of Colombina), a tradition that began with a Turkish acrobat in mid-1500s. In

this amazing spectacle an artist in flesh and bone hangs from a metal cable, and, suspended in air, makes his descent from the top of St. Mark’s Bell Tower to the Doge’s Palace.

Flight of the Angel (in the picture there is the Italian swimmer champion Federica Pellegrini) Today the Carnival of Venice is an evocative and much-anticipated popular fest, unique in terms of its history, its masks and its atmosphere. Highly-reputed and appreciated in all the

world, it brings thousands of tourists to Italy every year.

Viareggio: The Carnival and its Parade Floats Among the many attractions of perhaps the world’s most beloved Italian region, Tuscany, the Carnival of

Viareggio deserves a place of honor: it is one of the most important and appreciated carnivals internationally, one in which thousands of people – tourists and Italians alike – participate every year.

Putignano: Carnival on the Murge Plateau Particular mention goes to the Carnival of Putignano, a town in the Province of Bari; standing on the Murge Plateau, it is the home of the famous trulli and karst grottoes. Immersed in the Itria Valley, Putignano boasts the longest Carnival of them all, beginning December 26th (St. Stephen’s Day) and ending on Mardi Gras (February 12th, 2013), with an evening parade and, finally, the “funeral” of Carnival. Ivrea: The Carnival of oranges Italian Cuisine Wine, cheese and pasta are important part of Italian meals. Pasta comes in a wide range of shapes, widths and lengths, including penne, spaghetti, linguine, fusilli and lasagna. Staples of Italian cuisine include roasted peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, pasta, prosciutto, garlic, cheese and capers. Italian holidays November 1 commemorates Saints Day, a religious holiday during which Italians typically decorate the graves of deceased relatives with flowers. Many Italian towns and villages celebrate the feast day of their patron saint. September 19, for example, is the feast of San Gennaro, the patron saint of Napoli. The celebration of the Epiphany, celebrated on January 6, is much like Christmas. Befana, an old lady who flies on her broomstick, delivers presents and goodies to good children, according to legend. April 25 is the Liberation Day, marking the 1945 liberation ending World War II in Italy in 1945. Kissing in Italy Italian families and friends usually kiss when they meet, irrespective of their sex. If a lady expects you to kiss her, she offers her cheek. Between members of the opposite sex the ‘kiss’ is deposited high up on the cheek, never on the mouth (except between lovers!) and isn’t usually really a kiss, more a delicate brushing of the cheeks accompanied by kissing noises. There are usually two kisses – first on the right cheek, then on the left. It’s also common in Italy for male relatives and close male friends to embrace each other.

Food Customs at Ceremonial Occasions There are special foods for various occasions. There is a special Saint Joseph's bread, Easter bread with hard–boiled eggs, Saint Lucy's "eyes" for her feast day, and the Feast of the Seven Fishes for New Year's Eve. Wine is served with meals routinely. Weddings customs Italian weddings were always held in churches (sposarsi in chiesa) and certain traditions and folklore had to be abided by. Marriage during the season of Lent was not allowed, nor was it during Advent. No wedding ceremonies were held in May because that month was set aside for the worship of the Virgin Mary. As well, marrying in the month of August was believed to invite bad luck and sickness. There was a practical reason for this also: many Italian citizens took their vacations in August and it was thought that there would be low attendance at weddings. All other months of the year were allowed for weddings. Most weddings were held on Sunday as it was considered the "luckiest day" for the bond of matrimony. Sugared almonds, which are used to celebrate the married couple in Italy and are given to guests in a bonbonniére (bomboniere in Italian), have to be in an odd number, not dividable by 2, just like the marriage! These delicacies comes from the Arab World and arrived in Sicily around the 13th Century, when noble families used to give them as gift in small golden boxes. Right now the major production can be located in Cremona, the “homeland” of sugared almonds. Symbolic foods that are a part of every Italian wedding celebration because they bring good tidings include twists of fried dough, powdered with sugar called bow ties (wanda) and Italian wedding candy. Religion in Italy The major religion in Italy is Roman Catholicism. This is not surprising, as Vatican City, located in the heart of Rome, is the hub of Roman Catholicism and where the Pope resides. Roman Catholics make up 90 percent of the population, though only one-third of those are practicing Catholics, while the other 10 percent is composed of Protestant, Jewish and a growing Muslim immigrant community, according to the University of Michigan.

Source: http://www.everyculture.com/Ge-It/Italy.html#ixzz3XMVeAI4o http://www.lifeinitaly.com/weddings/Traditional-Italian-Wedding.asp http://www.livescience.com/44376-italian-culture.html https://www.justlanded.com/english/Italy/Articles/Culture/Social-customs-in-Italy

Lithuanian traditions and customs JONINĖS Celebrations of Joninės or St. John’s Day (June 24), also called Rasos (Dew Holiday) or Kupolė, date back to the distant pagan times. Girls believe that morning dew turns magic on this shortest night of the year; therefore, they wash their faces with dew to freshen them up. Bonfire is an important ritual on this day, a salute to the Sun. Special importance is attached to water: hexes bathing in lakes and rivers on this night enchant the water and it can make you look younger, help get married sooner, or cure of long-standing illnesses. A bouquet of herbs collected on the Joninės night also has magic powers. Herbs are used for making wreaths and telling fortune. Another important characteristic of the shortest night of the year is to look for a blossom of a fern, although everybody knows that the fern does not blossom at all. People used to believe that one has to be strong-willed, resolute, mature and unselfish to succeed in finding a fern blossom. UŽGAVĖNĖS (SHROVE TUESDAY)

Užgavėnės (Shrove Tuesday) is a winter holiday, at

which people ask the winter to leave and the spring to come. People eat much on this day: the most common food is fatty pancakes and yeasty doughnuts. Masqueraded as different characters like beggars or gypsies, or wearing masks of animals (bears, cranes, goats), people visit their neighbours. Before the end of the feast, people burn, throw into water

or sledge down a hill the jackstraw of the old maid Morė, the symbol of winter’s hardships. After Užgavėnės, spring is said to be within a hand’s reach. ALL SAINTS’ DAY and ALL SOULS’ DAY

All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (November 1 and 2) are the days, when all Lithuanians go to cemeteries to put up candles on the tombs of their loved ones, also on unvisited tombs, and to say a prayer, in the belief that this will help to keep the link between the living and the dead, as All Souls’ Day is a special time, when souls come back home. These are quiet and peaceful days and have nothing to do with Halloween, the feast of hosts, celebrated in other parts of the world.

KŪČIOS (CHRISTMAS EVE)

Kūčios, or Christmas Eve (December 24) is a ritual dinner, for which family members and closest relatives gather. Among inseparable meals of this dinner are kūčiukai (minute buns), oatmeal kisielius (Kissel, sweet drink thickened with starch), and poppy-seed milk. The Christmas Eve dinner must consist of twelve dishes – one for each month of the year – and everyone must taste each of the dishes for the coming year to be wealthy. After the dinner, dishes are not removed from the table – they are left there for the souls, who come at night. The dinner is followed by fortune-telling games, e.g. straws are drawn out from under the tablecloth – the longer the straw, the longer one’s life. Young people try to foretell if their marital life will be a success.

KAZIUKAS FAIR It is an annual folk arts and crafts fair usually held on the Sunday nearest to St. Kasimir’s day, 4 March. It is a joyful folk arts and crafts festival occupying the main streets of Vilnius and Kaunas where one can purchase unique hand-made foodstuffs and souvenirs. The fair’s specialty is verba (Palm Sunday bouquets), made of dried

colourful flowers and herbs. Kaziukas festival is an echo of historical Lithuanian ethnographic tradition. According to historical sources, Kaziukas fair dates back to the beginning of the 17th century. Food & Drinks Before we look deeper into the traditional Lithuanian cuisine, it should be said that it is not static – it has been changing under the influence of many historic factors, as the choice of food varied among social strata, to acquire its present shape. Even though Lithuania is a small country, eating habits and food preferences differ from region to region. The typical diet consists of items that are readily available and not expensive. National dishes reflect the economic situation and the fact that the weather is cold for much of the year, creating a shortage of vegetables in the winter and a desire to prepare and eat warm, wholesome food. Pork, smoked meats, cabbage, beets, and potatoes are staples. Two favorite traditional dishes are šaltibarščiai , cold beet soup with buttermilk, and cepelinai , boiled potato dumplings filled with meat or curd and served with fried pork fat or sour cream. Eating in restaurants has become more popular, and there are many different types of restaurants in the larger cities; how frequently a family dines out is determined by its income. Šakotis Food Customs at Ceremonial Occasions Food plays an important role in celebrations, and a long table full of tasty fare is considered a sign of hospitality and affluence. It is customary for all guests to sit at a common table that fills most of the room, and for the hosts to ensure that no guest leaves the table hungry. These meals start with salads, cold meats, and bread, accompanied by kompotas (cold fruit tea) or juice, vodka, wine, or gira , a carbonated soft drink made from grain. This is followed by a hot course, singing and conversation, and perhaps dessert and coffee. Šakotis

(photo) is a traditional cake and the most important dessert food in Lithuania. It is served at weddings, Christmas, birthday parties or on any other special occasion. It can be decorated with chocolote, jam or flower ornaments, but it is most often served plain. Šakotis is a great dish to use to represent Lithuanian cuisine at various events and gatherings. Holidays and Celebrations The official public holidays of Lithuania include New Year’s Day (1 January), the Restoration of the Lithuanian State (16 February), Mother’s Day (first Sunday in May), Easter, the Anniversary of the Coronation of Grand Duke Mindaugas of Lithuania (6 July), the National Day of Hope and Mourning, also known as All Souls’ Day (1 November), and Christmas (25– 26 December). Various local festivals are held throughout the year. Religion In Lithuania, the Church is separated from the State, meaning that there is no official religion in Lithuania. Yet, religious communities are classified into traditional and non-traditional. Traditional religions are those which have existed in Lithuania for at least 300 years, while non-traditional are those which have been professed in the country for 25 or more years and are supported by the public and do not act against laws or the morale. The majority of Lithuanian population are Roman Catholics, the traditional religious community. Other confessions are Orthodox Believers, Evangelical Lutherans, Evangelical Reformists, Old Believers, Jews, Muslims and some other faiths. Rituals and Holy Places One of the most significant holy places is the Hill of Crosses just north of Šiauliai on the road to Rīga, Latvia. The hill has hundreds of thousands of crosses brought by believers from throughout the country and around the world. Although the Soviets bulldozed the hill several times for its open violation of their antireligious policy, the crosses always reappeared.

Source: http://www.everyculture.com/Ja-Ma/Lithuania.html#ixzz3XMjcsGPI https://www.lietuva.lt/en/lifestyle/religion http://www.everyculture.com/Ja-Ma/Lithuania.html#ixzz3XMiOhB6K http://www.everyculture.com/Ja-Ma/Lithuania.html#ixzz3XMiAashg

Polish traditions and customs Polish Holidays and Celebrations All Saints' Day, observed on November 1st, is an important Polish holiday that offers Poles the opportunity to recognize the deceased. Onthis day and on All Souls' Day, 2 November, people place candles in cemeteries and at places of torment and execution. Wianki is a Midsummer Polish tradition with roots in pre-Christianity. “Wianki” means “wreaths” in English. This holiday is named after the tradition of floating handmade wreaths down the river as a part of a pagan summer solstice custom. The most famous Wianki celebrations happen in Krakow, but Wianki is recognized throughout. In celebration of the shortest night of the year on Saint John's Eve, 23 June, people build bonfires and jump over them to gain purification and protection from evil. In many areas, people float flower garlands in rivers. Traditionally, haying also starts about this time and 29 June was a time for fairs. In the fall, 28 October is devoted to Saint Jude, the patron of things most difficult to achieve and solutions to problems that seem hopeless. During World War II, Saint Jude was the patron of Underground Poland and is still considered the protector of Polish exiles and homeless wa New Year’s Day Traditionally, New Year’s Day was a time for prediction called podbljunaja or “under the plate.” One such practice is where each person takes a ring off his or her finger and places it into a bowl filled with water. A plate covers the bowl and songs are sung. At the end of each song, a ring is pulled out and the fate that the song foretells is believed to apply to the owner of that ring.nderers worldwide. The Feast of the Three Kings The Three Kings or Three Wise Men are an integral part of the Christian church and their name day is celebrated on January 6. In Catholic homes, the local parish priest writes the initials K+M+B for Kaspar, Melchior and Balthazar, in chalk at the top of entrance doors. In the mountains, people may bring chalk to church on this feast day to be blessed. Upon their return, they write these initials on the door themselves, not to be disturbed until the following year. These initials written with blessed chalk, along with the palms from Palm Sunday and blessed candles from Candlemas Day, together are a force to avert disaster.

Traditional Polish food Zapiekanka is Polish name for traditional street food in every city in Poland. Zapiekanka is an open-face sandwich made from halved baguette topped with sauteed mushrooms and cheese, also ham or salami, sprinkled with oregano and sweet paprika and then baked in the oven. If there is any cuisine that is known for being hearty, it's Polish food. Many Polish dishes contain eggs, cream, and meats making them very filling. Chicken and pork are also commonly used in Polish cuisine, but aren't always the main part of the meal. Cabbage, mushrooms, and potatoes are considered staples in Polish kitchens as these ingredients are contained in a large number of Polish meals. Pierogis are perhaps one of the most widely known and loved of Polish dishes. These stuffed dumplings can contain a variety of different things and are really quite a versatile dish in that it can be made sweet and stuff with fruits or even chocolate or, more commonly, contain something more suitable for dinner such as meat, sauerkraut, mushrooms, or potatoes.

Food Customs at Ceremonial Occasions Namedays and weddings center on individuals. Because common first names are noted in published calendars along with holidays, people know when to acknowledge an individual's nameday. Such celebrations typically feature poultry, cakes, and other party foods. At weddings, the bride and groom are greeted with bread and salt (the essentials of life) upon their return from church. The Christmas season is the traditional time for baking cookies, honey-spice cakes, and cheese-dough apple cakes. Among the oldest and most traditional Christmas treats are honeyrye wafers and poppy seed or nut crunch. Babka , a cake, is another traditional dish that must be taller than it is wide and it must be narrower at the top than at the bottom. The most solemn family gathering of the year is the Christmas Eve supper. Family gather to share the oplatek , a thin white wafer sometimes called angel bread, followed by an odd number of meatless dishes. However, fish is permitted. Traditional dishes include noodles with poppy seeds and wheat pudding.

Rituals and Holy Places The Catholic church has formal religious services and practices, and it encourages preservation of folk culture, such as the common roadside shrines built and maintained by the people and the large annual pilgrimages to shrines such as Czȩstochova, Kalwaria, Lanckorona, and Piekarnie Śląskie. Traditionally on the Feast of the Purification, 2 February, the priests bless the gromnica, the candle used to ward off lightning, sickness, and general misfortune. Polish Wedding The wedding ceremony starts at the reception, to which the Bride and Groom arrive after all the guests. When a wedding couple first enters the reception area, there is a ritual involving bread and salt. This is an old tradition from the 1800s which symbolizes the devotion and gratefulness of Mother Earth. Newlyweds receive it so they will never suffer poverty together. At this moment is the DJ’s or the band’s job to announce the ritual in a dignified manner. “Oczepiny” is the most popular wedding tradition. It’s about accepting a new bride into a group of married women. During this moment, a bride gets rid of symbolic attributes. A long time ago it was a wianek (a flower headpiece that symbolized innocence). Now it is a veil. There are usually some contests during Oczepiny that are discussed with the newlyweds before the reception. They are usually dance contests, wherein the winners of the single male dancers and female dancers receive the attributes. There is also a popular game called “Passing a Rolling Pin.” Participants form a circle with the rolling pin to pass it between their legs. The person to the right has to grab it using only their legs and pass it onto the next. This game has become increasingly popular with the younger couples, as it’s extremely funny to watch people getting ‘too close’ together. After the Oczepiny ritual, the DJ typically guides everyone through the Money Dance or Czepek Dance. Money is collected from the guests to dance with both the bride and the groom. At the end of this ceremony, the bride and the groom dance together while the money is counted to determine who has collected more. . If someone requests a song, it is not strange for the person to give money as an extra incentive that it will be played. Religion Approximately 95 percent of Poland's inhabitants are Roman Catholics, with about 75 percent attending church services regularly. The other 5 percent are Eastern Orthodox, Protestants and other Christian religions. Judaism and Muslim are the largest non-Christian religions. Source: http://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Poland.html#ixzz3XN1xsal3 http://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Poland.html#ixzz3XMxgxilz

Romanian traditions and customs On New Year’s Day (January 1st) small children have a custom which is called Sorcova in the Romanian language. The sorcova is a stick decorated with paper flowers, which the children shake while singing a carol. The adults are supposed to give them money for the performance.

The first week of spring is perhaps the most beautiful time of the year, especially for women. March 1st is called Mărţişor. It is a happy, colorful holiday where girls and women receive small figurines with a white-and-red thread, that they wear on their chest for good luck. One week later, on March 8th, women get presents and flowers again, for it is the Women’s Day.

Great St. Mary (the Assumption) is commemorated each year on 15 August. On the morning of this day, women go to church and share grapes, plums and honeycomb.Then the women go to the cemetery and the graves of relatives tamaiaza. Sheep down from the mountain shepherds (La Santamaria Mare / Tulesc sheep inthe valley!), Men change their hat cap, swimming is prohibited in polluted river waterand sleeping on the porch of deer or tarnatul house. Of St. Mary, the girls wore a plant called "heady", which had the power to bring young men to ask them for marriage. On the eve of St. Demetrius celebration (October, 25), bonfires are lit, jump over the children to behealthy all year. Fire is meant to ward off wild animals and to heat death. After the fire is extinguished, the peasants throw a coal yard, that it receive power to bear. Saint Andrew's Night, the 29 to 30 November, is a night of terror popular belief,because this is where all the ghosts, living and dead fight each other. The night Saint Andrew, trying to defend the undead by anointing doors, windows of the house andbarn with garlic. Women returning pots and jugs tonight upside down, the ghosts do not dwell in them. Ash was

removed from the stove, that these spirits do not findshelter from heat. It is customary to throw bread in the yard, the hungry ghosts do notlook for food in the house. The night Saint Andrew, in the village was present a young party called Bewaregarlic. After the party was divided and placed garlic on an icon. Was used in the yearfor medicine to cure diseases. Romanian Cuisine A Unique Romanian Cheese Cheese and tree bark don't seem like a natural fit. But this specialty of southeast Transylvania, especially in the towns and villages that include Moeciu and Fundata, may go as far back as the 14th century. Dairy farmers needed a way to store the surplus cheese, and the local evergreen forests provided the perfect vehicle. After all, woody bark provides wonderful protection for trees. Strip the bark from a fir tree, wrap it around the cheese and presto: the dairy product remains moist and preserved from the elements. A traditional Romanian meal may include: Appetizer All kinds of cheeses, cold cuts and vegetable spreads. A traditional drink enjoyed with appetizers is " ţuică " (a potent plum brandy) which varies in strength, dryness and bouquet according to the production area. Soup - "Ciorbă de perişoare" (meatball soup), "ciorbă ţărănească " (vegetable soup, with or without meat), "ciorbă de burtă " (tripe soup). Fish - "Saramură " (grilled carp in brine), "nisetru la grătar " (grilled Black Sea sturgeon) or "scrumbie la grătar " (grilled herring). Entrée - "Tocaniţă " or "tochitură " (meat stew seasoned with onions and/ or spices), "ghiveci " (over 20 vegetables cooked in oil), "sarmale " (pickled cabbage leaves stuffed with a mix of minced meats, rice and spices) and "mititei " (The "Wee Ones" - small skinless grilled sausages) are among the favorites.

Dessert "Papanaşi " (cottage cheese donuts, topped with sour cream and fruit preserve), "cozonac " (traditional holiday sweet bread filled with walnuts, poppy seeds or cream cheese).

Religion Seventy percent of the population is Romanian Orthodox, 6 percent is Roman Catholic (of which 3 percent is Uniate), 6 percent is Protestant, and 18 percent professes no religious affiliation. Under communism, religion was suppressed; churches were destroyed, and clergy were arrested. The government restricted religious practice but did not forbid it. The Romanian Orthodox Church as a whole did not oppose the government, and in many instances priests were used as tools of the administration. Rituals and Holy Places. Romanian Orthodox churches follow a specific pattern in the placement of icons. On the door there are usually life-size representations of the archangels Gabriel and Michael, above which there are several rows of other icons, including saints, martyrs, and apostles. Inside the church, there is a wall called an iconostasis where the images are displayed. On the feast day of a saint, that icon is placed on the altar for worshipers to kiss. It is customary for a family to have an icon in the home as well. When entering a house, guests cross themselves and bow to the icon before greeting the hosts. Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is the central ritual in Orthodox services. During services on Sunday mornings, hundred of candles are lit and the smell of incense fills the church. Worshipers do not sit or kneel but stand erect. Wedding customs Wedding related customs exceeded, due to the amplitude and variety of the folkloric exhibitions, those of birth and transition to the status of lad and lass suitable for marriage. The invitation to the wedding, “The Calling”, would be made on Saturday by one or more lads, relatives or friends of the groom, all wearing their festive garments. “The Callers” would have a flask of wine or brandy and raise glasses with the guests. One of the most important moments in the actual wedding

ceremony was the arrival of the groom’s convoy at the bride’s house. They were expected with different “hostilities” or tests, which the groom had to pass in order to get to the bride. The welcoming of the bride in the new family was a solemn act, accompanied by a series of rites. On the arrival at the groom’s courtyard, the young would wash their hands and they would make a hora before entering the house. In other places, the guests were greeted with bread and salt, or with wheat or rice grains, which were thrown at them as a symbol of wealth. The house was sprinkled with water on all four corners to protect the wedding against evil forces.

Source: http://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Romania.html http://romaniatourism.com/romanian-food-wine.html

SPANISH traditions and customs Fiestas and Traditions Spanish tradition include the bullfight, the siesta and flamenco dancers. For some, the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona also tops the list. Pamplona, a small city in Spain's northern Basque region, holds its annual Running of the Bulls as part of a religious festival to honor St. Fermin, the patron saint of the city All Spanish towns and cities have their own special celebrations, as well as the national holidays such as Christmas, Easter Week, All Saints Day etc. The way in which the national events are celebrated also varies from place to place. Most festivities are of religious base, mainly Catholic. For most of the world's Christian children, the most important day of the year is Dec. 25, Christmas. That's when, well, you know the drill. However, in Spain, the most important and best-loved tradition among children is Los Tres Reyes Magos, the day of the Three Wise Men. The Three Wise Men were the Biblical rulers who followed the star of Bethlehem to the birthplace of Jesus. The kings brought with them gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. On Jan. 6, Spanish children find gifts inside and outside their shoes. Spanish cuisine varies among Spain's many regions. For example, jamon Serrano, which means "mountain" ham, is popular in the mountains, while ajo, or garlic, is used everywhere. Although Spanish cooking has influenced many regions, including many Latin America cultures, experts warn not to confuse Spanish cuisine with salsa, chilies or even tortillas. Instead, here are just a few of some truly Spanish foods: Seville Manzanilla olives -- These green olives are homecured, slightly bitter, and flavored with garlic, lemon and thyme. They are big and meaty. Olive oil -- Spain is the leading producer of olive oil in the world. The Spanish use olive oil not only in their traditional entrees, but also in many desserts. Tomatoes -- Tomatoes are a staple in salads, tomato sauce and gazpacho, a refreshingly cold soup made with peppers, cucumbers, olive oil, vinegar and spices. Paella -- A tasty meal that originated in Valencia. Paella is made with saffron rice, vegetables, seafood and meat. Fish and seafood -- With nearly 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers) of coastline, seafood is an important part of the Spanish diet.

Tapas -- Lunch and dinner are the two main meals in Spain, although the Spanish like to snack on these small portions of grilled meats, tiny fish and other tasty bites, often served hot and cold. Wedding traditions The wedding is likely to be a very large event with hundreds of guests. It is likely to cost a huge amount of money, with no expense spared. It is unlucky for the bride to see the groom the night before the wedding. The bride will travel to the church with her father who gives her away. A traditional white dress may be worn or sometimes a genuine flamenco dress. She will have several flower girls and boys, dressed to match. The ceremony will last anywhere up to an hour and communion is often taken at the same time. During the ceremony, rings will be exchanged, often identical. These will be worn on the right hand. The bride and groom will often exchange a pouch of 13 gold coins during the ceremony. This is a symbol of sharing everything with each other. Sometimes these coins will have been in the family for many, many years. Nowadays though it is common to purchase a cheap set of imitation gold coins. The bride will also carry a bouquet which is tossed into the air after the wedding. The girl that catches it is said to be the next to marry. The bride may also have a basket of pins. The pins often resemble lilies or orchids. These pins are given to all the ladies at the reception. They will wear them upside down whilst dancing. If the pin falls out, the girl will marry. Nightlife Spanish people often start the evening with el paseo, a leisurely stroll through the main streets or along the paseo maritimo in the coastal resorts. Much of Spanish life is lived in the streets and the atmosphere is especially vibrant at fiesta time. On a warm evening the street cafes and bars can fill to capacity as people sit and relax. The nightclubs of Ibiza and the big cities have attracted the attention of the international media and are always an attraction for the youngsters. Most open late at night and don't close until late the following day. The Spanish way of life is somewhat slower than the rest of Europe, especially in the south. This may be seen as lazy, but when the Spanish work, they work hard. They have adapted to the weather and play hard too. It is quite common for life to begin when the sun goes down, especially in the summer. They are a very happy people who enjoy life to the full. They love music, dance and food. Rituals and Holy Places Spanish pueblos, from hamlets to large cities, and many neighborhoods within population centers, all have patron saints each of whose days occasions a public festival, or fiesta. These fiestas punctuate the year and, along with weddings, comprised the principal events of traditional social life, especially in rural areas. Fiestas are both religious and secular in nature and usually involve feasting on both public and household levels as well as the celebration of masses. Some populations sponsor bullfights or other public entertainments on major fiestas. Shrines, which are associated with miracles, are often located outside of population centers and are visited (as are churches) by individual devotĂŠs or by large groups on the days

associated with the holy figures to whom they are dedicated. Collective pilgrimages to shrines in the countryside on their special days are called romerĂas and typically involve picnicking as well as masses and prayer.

Religion Spain has been a profoundly Catholic country for centuries, and Catholicism was the official religion for most of recent history until after the death of Franco. Church and state were separated briefly under both the First and Second Republics, but their lasting separation did not begin until the 1978 constitution took effect. Even though their numbers have grown, nonCatholics in Spain today probably number less than 2 percent of the populace. Under Franco, regulations concerning the practice of other religions relegated them to near invisibility even while they were not outlawed. Today non-Catholics practice openly.

Source: http://www.everyculture.com/Sa-Th/Spain.html#ixzz3Yt4y0IMv http://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/national-traditions/spanish-tradition3.htm

Turkish traditions and customs Ramadan Bayrami (Ramadan Feast-Eid) Sultan Of The Eleven Months Ramadan is the name of a holy month in Hijri calendar which is the Islamic calendar. During Ramadan month, all the Muslims are obliged to fast, which means they don’t eat And drink from sunrise till sunset. By fasting, people are expected to control and strengthen their will power. After the end of Ramadan month, three days are celebrated as Ramadan Feast (Eid). It is also known as Sugar Feast since it is customary to offer sweets, chocolates and candy to everyone. During the Ramadan Eid, there are many traditional customs. At the first day of Ramadan Eid, people perform the Eid pray. Money is paid to poor and needy people as an act of charity. The people who are angry with each or don't speak, make peace. Everyone say each "Eid Mübarek" "Celebrate your Ramadan Eid". The family elders, relatives and neighbours visit each other. Also, children are given pocket money to share the happiness of this holiday. We wish you a Happy Ramadan Eid! Turkish coffee “The memory of a good cup of Turkish coffee lasts 40 years” is a Turkish saying that emphasize the importance of Turkish coffee in our daily lives. Turkish coffee is a type of coffee that is prepared and served in a way that is special to Turkish people. Turkish coffee is more than just a traditional drink in Turkey. High quality coffee beans are toasted to the point so thinly then is boiled preferably with low heat slowly. It is prepared with water and with enough sugar as you wish by the right equipment that is called. There are 3 types of coffee with no sugar medium, with sugar. Turkish coffee is served in small cups which are called “fincan” with a glass of water. Also Turkish delight is often offered by the Turkish coffee cup. To enjoy your Turkish coffee more, there are some simple rules. You shall drink a glass water or mineral water before you drink your coffee in order to fresh your mouth so that you will be able to feel the taste of coffee well. The special feature of Turkish coffee is its unique smell. Turkish coffee represents friendship and sharing. It is enjoyed during coffee breaks or visiting friends and family or at the bank of a shop. Generally most of the Turkish people drink at least one cup of coffee every day. A good cup of Turkish coffee has a nice

foam at the top, so pay attention and expect this foam from your coffee. Turkish coffee is a really delicious drink and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave Turkey without tasting it. Hamam Another feature symbolizing the Turkish way of life is the Turkish Baths ("Hamam"). They have a very important place in Turkish daily and historical life as a result of the emphasis placed upon cleanliness by Islam. Since Medieval times public bath houses have been built everywhere and they retain an architectural and historical importance. The Turkish way of bathing in a "hamam" is very healthy and refreshing, so do not forget to visit a "hamam;" you will not regret it! For the Turkish bath was much more than just a place to cleanse the skin. It was intimately bound up with everyday life, a place where people of every rank and station, young and old, rich and poor, townsman or villager, could come freely. Women as well as men made use of the "hamam", as the bath is known in Turkish, although of course at separate hours. Evil Eye Wherever you go in Turkey, whether it is a restaurant, hotel or even a taxi you will see the boncuk nazar, or charm, to ward off the evil eye. They can be blue glass beads or pottery with a black eye painted in the center. Mothers pin small beads on their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back or hang them over a crib. They are also found at the entrances to homes. According to folklore, when something is praised it risks attracting the evil eye of jealousy. The charm deflects this. This is a typical item, a specialty of this region you should take home as a souvenir. It's called the Boncuk, the Little Magic Stone that protects one from the *Evil Eye* (pronounced "bon-dschuk"). This amulet against evil eye is very typical in Turkey. You can find it all over Turkey: women use it as a bracelet, earring or necklace; Turkish people use it hanged in their house, office and also at their car, also babies have it hanged in their cloths. It should be mainly blue and look like an eye. There are very different sizes but the shape is usually round. The Turkish name for this amulet that protects one from the evil eye is nazar boncuk. Turkish cuisine includes many different stews of vegetables and meat (lamb and beef primarily); borek , kebab , and dolma dishes; and a sourdough bread eaten with almost every meal. Borek is a pastry made of many thin layers of dough interspersed with cheese, spinach, and/or ground meat. Kebab is the common word for meat roasted in pieces or slices on a skewer or as meatballs on a grill. Dolma is the generic name for dishes made of vegetables (e.g., tomatoes and peppers) and leaves (e.g., grape, cabbage, and eggplant) that are stuffed with or wrapped around rice or bulgur pilaf, ground meat, and spices. Turks are especially fond of eggplant.

Religion Religious Beliefs. Islamic tradition, ideology, and ritual are very important. About 98 percent of Turkey's citizens are nominally Muslims, of whom about 80 to 85 percent are Sunnis of the Hanafi school and 15 to 20 percent are members of Shiite sects (mostly Alevi). Turkish Muslims recognize the standard Islamic creed and duties, but only the most religious fast or make a pilgrimage to Mecca. Four percent of Turks identify themselves as atheists, and 4 percent as agnostics. For most Turks, Islam plays an important role in rites of passage: naming shortly after birth, circumcision for boys, marriage, and funerals. The state controls religious education and most religious personnel by supervising the schools that train Sunni imams and certifying imams as state employees who work in community mosques. Carpets & kilims Carpet weaving has been intertwined with Turkish history since its very beginning. The origins of knotted rugs spread from Central Asia west through Persia and Anatolia with the growing Turkish empires. Designs have evolved through the ages. Early Seljuk carpets had geometric designs and floralmotifs and by the 14th century, animal figures emerged on the rugs. In the 16th century, designs became more elaborate, as weavers took their influences from the expanding Ottoman Empire. Rugs designed for sultanswere oftenmade of silk and drewon intricate Iranian designs and incorporated flowers such as tulips, roses and blossoms. Kilims were valuable household possessions, the result of long weeks of hard work, and no one would dream of laying them on the floor as people do today. Instead, kilims were hung on walls or used to cover seats and beds. Wedding traditions Marriage ceremonies incorporate a number of preparations and phases leading up to the actual act. These stages include religious and even superstitious practices. At each phase, the implementation of a variety of common practices, customs and traditions have become obligatory, almost like rules and principles that govern this ritual act. Each and every society, in compliance with certain rules and practices conforming to their culture, has developed its own particular ways of executing this event. Here we will try to elaborate on different phases of marriage, complete with distinct and rich customs in every region, province and even village in Turkey, by making an attempt to generalize them along main features and aspects. Henna Night (Kina Gecesi) The ceremony held one day before the wedding in the home of bride and groom is called the henna night. It generally takes place at

the girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home and among women, although either side can elect to host it. Usually dry henna brought by the bridegroomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family is broken to pieces in a silver or copper vessel by a woman whose father and mother alive, not experienced any separation. After preparing the bride, veil ornamented with red flake is placed over her head, and she is brought into the middle with hymn and folk songs about henna.

An Invitation To Their House Turkish people invite anybody and anyone around to their house. It might just be for breakfast or a formal evening meal. Remember to say Hos bulduk when entering in response when they tell you that you are welcome. Shoes in the house are generally not allowed. Instead you will be given a pair of slippers. Source: http://www.everyculture.com/To-Z/Turkey.html#ixzz3YsuGpfUw http://www.traveltofethiye.co.uk/about/culture-history/turkish-traditions/

Cultural Kaleidoscope

Apart from Turkey, Christmas is celebrated in all the other six partner countries. The differences reported between Christmas traditions are due religions to their inhabitants belong: Catholic (in France, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Spain) and Orthodox (in Romania).

Christmas Traditions

Children in Italy hang up their stockings on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6. They celebrate the visit of the Three Kings to Bethlehem. Instead of Santa Claus, children are expecting Befana. Italian traditions in Italy are based heavily on the religion of Christianity. Christmas starts eight days before Christmas and lasts till after the Feast of Epiphany. Musical salutes are made at the shrine of the Virgin Mary and songs are played at the homes of carpenters in the honor of St. Joseph. Eight days before Christmas, a special Novena of prayers and church services begin. It all ends on Christmas Day.

Christmas Day is celebrated in France with all of the family coming together. On Christmas Eve, children leave their shoes by the fireplace or under the Christmas tree to be filled with gifts from Père Noel. In the morning they also find that sweets, fruit, nuts and small toys have been hung on the tree. Bûche de Noël: In France, no Christmas was complete without a Bûche de Noël. The French version of a Yule log, this is a traditional French cake, which is made by coating a light, spongy pound cake with butter cream frosting and rolling it into the shape of a log. And it tastes light years better than a fruitcake, I can tell you that. 36

Unique and delightful Christmas traditions are followed in France. The centre of attraction in all homes is the Nativity scene or crĂ¨che that is decorated with cute little clay figures called 'Santons' or 'Little Saintsâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;

It's the most important family gathering of the year. At 12 is celebrated the Rooster Mass (Misa de Gallo). Santa Claus, known in Spain as Papรก Noel, brings gifts for children to open on Christmas Eve. In Spain, we decorate the Christmas tree and Nativity scene two weeks before Christmas Eve. This is our way to welcome this beautiful time of the year. 38

At Christmas Eve, families get reunited to have dinner, all together. Our dinner is divided in three parts: starters, like ham, prawns, cheese, shellfish…; the second part is when we eat heavier food, is usually turkey or chicken but we can eat fish too; and desserts like turrón or “polvorones”. Also, we sing carols and we tell every good experience we have had all the year.

Belén de Navidad

Like Christmas Eve, Christmas Day in Spain is traditionally a family day. The celebration of this day is the same than Christmas Eve. Some children open the gifts received by Santa Claus in the morning.

Christmas Traditions in Romania

Winter holidays bring a lot of habits in all the places of Romania, ancient traditions inherited from ancestors that today children and young people trying to revive. The Romanian houses smells like cake, smells like pine and baked apples. Joy is immeasurable to receive carolers. Children sing carols on Christmas Eve, walk with Steaua (The Sta r) and are waiting for Santa. On the New Year Eve, young boys walking with plow, with Capra (Goat) and Masks. On the first day of the New Year children go to Sorcova and Seeding. On the Christmas Eve it is both children and adults which sing carols, visiting all the houses in the village. Some of carols refer to the birth of Jesus but many of them carry messages about regeneration, abundance, fertility, warding off evil spirits. A carol with a religious connotation is The Star (Steaua), happening on Christmas Eve. Usually, a group of 4 boys carry a star made of wood, decorated with colored paper and a light singing about the night when The Three Wise Men following the big star arrived to the place where Jesus was born bringing presents. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Play of the Old Menâ&#x20AC;? (Jocul MoČ&#x2122;ilor) on the other hand is a carol played by men wearing masks and dancing, having pagan roots. The one wearing the mask has the possibility transcend and take over the special powers of the mask and at the same time allow him to have an unnatural behavior. A similar carol is called Brondosii whereby men wear masks and bells and go through the village trying to ward of the evil spirits.

The little plough

Caroling with the STAR 41

Jocul Mosilor (The old men dance)

The goat

Traditional Christmas dinner The traditional food for Christmas is forcemeat rolls in cabbage (sarmale), different kinds of pork sausages, sponge cakes, home-made cakes and for drinks palinca (plum or apple brandy). You can notice that pork meat is the main ingredient and there is a reason for that. Local families usually raise a pig throughout the year which they slaughter in the weeks before Christmas and then prepare meat products from it like sausage, lard, bacon, dry-cured ham. This is a centuries-old tradition, from the times when animals where sacrificed and offered to Gods. The time for this th

sacrifice was just before the Winter Solstice, on December 20 (St Igantius Day) a date which is still considered the right time for the slaughtering. Tradition says that one should not feel sorry for the animal and preparing the food and eating it should be joyful.

Christmas is a major celebration in Poland, alongside Easter. Polish people usually celebrate it with their families. Christmas traditions in Poland are combination of old pagan customs with the religious ones. The most important day is 24th December â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Christmas Eve. On this day, according to tradition, Poles eat a special supper, called wieczerza wigilijna. This day is also the one when people give gifts to each other and offer best wishes.

The Christmas Eve supper According to the tradition, we have to start supper when the first star appears in the night sky. To us, it is a symbol of the Star of Betlehem, which guided Three Wise Men to the place of Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; birth. The supper starts with a prayer and reading an excerpt from the Holy Bible about birth of Christ. Then people share the wafer. On the table, there are usually 12 dishes, just like a number of months in a year, but in some regions people make more or less of them. The most popular Christmas food is borscht with ravioli, pierogies (dumplings, usually stuffed with cabbage and mushrooms), various kinds of fish and cabbage with pea. There is a tradition that people need to try every single one of those 12 dishes to have good luck in every month of the year. Polish families also leave 45

an empty place setting for „an unexpected guest” because they believe that no one should be alone during Christmas Eve. Christmas Day – 25th December The 25th of December is the day when Polish people are celebrating it with their families. A lot of people go to church that day, even if they were on the Sheperds’ Mass earlier. It’s a public holiday, just like 26th December, so everyone can spend these days with their dearest people. Sharing a wafer / Exchanging Christmas greetings Sharing a wafer is the most important tradition of Christmas Eve supper. This special wafer is a sort of white bread, made from white flour and water, without adding yeast. When people share it, they give each other best wishes for Christmas and incoming New Year. This custom has survived in the Polish tradition since 19th century and it’s unknown in the most countries of the world, except Poland and Lithuania. Sharing the wafer means a will to be together on Christmas and forgiveness, because no one wants to eat Christmas supper while being cross with anyone. Shepherds’ Mass (Pasterka) Pasterka is a Mass celebrated at midnight – 24/25 December. It’s really important for Polish Catholics, beacuse that’s the moment of remembrance of Christ’s birth. People sing Christmas carols at that Mass, and the whole celebration makes everyone feel a solemn and joyful spirit. In the churches there are also nativity scenes (exhibitions representing the scene of birth of Jesus), sometimes there are real animals in them. For the most Polish people, participating in Pasterka is equivalent to the celebration of Christmas.

Christmas Traditions in Lithuania

Decorations: - The ornaments (Staudinukai) are made from white straw. In Lithuania, the straw is bleached to attain the white color. The ornaments on the museum's tree are made from white plastic soda straws made by one woman, the late Rose Maziliauskas. These ornaments are made into very complex geometric patterns and shapes; No lights are on the tree. On top of the tree is a straw cross that symbolizes the faith of the Lithuanian nation. - Other decorations may include eggshells, feathers, nutshells, and birds (Riesutas) made from walnut shells with wings made from birch bark, feathers, paper or flower-like aureoles surrounding centers of shiny beads, metal or mirrors. There also may be straw crosses. - Originally the Lithuanian Christmas tree wasn't a tree at all but evergreen boughs, hung with the bleached straw ornaments and placed in the house. Traditions: In Lithuania, Christmas celebrations tend to be centered around Christmas Eve. The entire family helps to prepare for it by thoroughly cleaning the entire house, changing all of the linens, bathing, and putting on new clothes. Many things make the Lithuanian Christmas Eve meal (called Kueios) unique. The table itself is spread with a thin layer of hay before being covered with a tablecloth and decorated with candles and fir boughs. The hay is meant to remind Lithuanian families of Jesus' birth in a stable. Once the first star appears in the sky, the family sits down to dinner, which always includes 12 main dishes for Jesus' 12 disciples and the 12 months of the year. None of the 12 dishes contain any meat as part of the fasting and abstinence that leads up to the joy of Christmas. Instead, families feast on herring, kisielius (cranberry pudding), dried vegetables, potatoes, sauerkraut, bread, and especially kucia, a honeyed porridge made from wheat, barley, peas, and beans.

The time after dinner is usually reserved for various types of fortune telling. In Lithuanian tradition, Christmas Eve is a marvelous time when supernatural beings and phenomenon are found everywhere. For example, deceased relatives are said to visit during the night, so each family leaves food out for them before going to bed. Young men and women draw straws from underneath the tablecloth to reveal the characteristics of their future spouses (tall, short, fat, skinny). The shape of the shadow each person casts from the candles on the table is supposed to reveal his or her fortune in the coming year. Shoes, fire, dirt, mirrors, and wax are also some of the things Lithuanians use to predict the future on Christmas Eve. Though presents, Christmas trees, and Santa Claus are all recent additions to Lithuanian celebrations, families do gather around a lit tree and wait for Kaledu Senelis, or Father Christmas. Sometimes he makes children earn their presents by singing, dancing, or reciting poems. In any case, older family members usually attend Mass at midnight, called Berneli Midos or Shepherd's Mass. The next days of Christmas are relatively more relaxed, and soon Christmas is over until next year.

Christmas wafers (often referred to as Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cakes) is the first Christmas Eve dinner meal. Each family member is supposed to share his/her Christmas wafer with all the other members of the family as a ritual of continuity and sharing.

All the dishes are strictly meatless: fish, herring, sliĹžikai with poppy seed milk, kisielius (cranberry pudding), a dried fruit soup, a salad of winter and dried vegetables, mushrooms, boiled or baked potatoes, sauerkraut (cooked, of course, without meat) and bread.

In keeping with Lithuanian Christmas tradition, only the dishes as they were prepared in Lithuania for this meal should be eaten and fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, exotic seafood should be left for another meal or for the Christmas dinner. The most typical Christmas dish is roasted ham with potatoes and vegetables. Christmas deserts are sweeter than on Christmas Eve. Children eat a lot of chocolate, candies and sweets.

Christmas Dictionary

Merry Christmas!

Buon Natale! Linksmų Kalėdų!

Wesołych Świąt!

New Year traditions 52

In Spain ... uvas. El number twelve grapes coincides with two key points. First, twelve are the months of the year. In addition, twelve is a time that coincides with the end of the year and early next.

In Lithuania, New Year's Eve has traditionally been an important opportunity for fortune-telling. People watch the weather on New Year’s Day carefully, as it is believed to predict the weather for the coming year. Laimingų Naujųjų

metų! La Multi Ani! In Romania, on New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve the tradition is to make wishes for the coming year. The best known custom is Sorcova: holding a twig adorned with artificial flowers made of coloured paper, children wish the hosts health and prosperity in the new year. Other customs are Pluguşorul (wishes to the host), Capra (the Goat).Goat) and Ursul (the Bear), which are dances with

Cultural Kaleidoscope

Easter Sunday in France is a time for many Christians to celebrate Jesus Christ's resurrection. People may attend special church services, eat a festive meal and search for Easter eggs. Many Christians may attend special church services to celebrate Jesus' resurrection on Easter Sunday. Church bells are not rung on the Friday and Saturday before Easter Sunday as a general rule. This is a sign of mourning. However, church bells are rung for a long time and in a celebratory manner curing the church services on Easter Sunday. These are known as the Easter bells. Many people spend Easter Sunday with family members or friends and eat a festive meal. Roast lamb with spring beans or other freshly harvested vegetables or leaves, brightly coloured boiled eggs and omlets are popular. Easter eggs made of chocolate or candy are popular gifts and children are told that Easter hares, rabbits or bells bring the gifts.

• Spring flowers, lambs, birds' eggs and Easter eggs are symbols of Easter Sunday in France. They are symbolic of nature's rebirth or resurrection after the dark and cold winter period. • Poisson D'Avril • Chocolate is a major element of Pâques. As one of the busiest times of year for French chocolatiers, the giving and receiving of chocolate bunnies, eggs, lambs, chickens and bells highlight the holiday. • Food, of course, plays a large role in the many French holidays, and Easter is no exception. What can one expect to find on dinner plates throughout France during this holiday? Try succulent rack of lamb, a soup of some sort, like onion soup, lots of fresh bread, and of course, delicious hot cross buns.

Easter is a festivity of the Christian liturgical calendar. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, which , according to the Scriptures, would take place on the third day after his death on the cross. The last week of Lent is called Holy Week, a period rich in religious services and celebrations dedicated to silence and high contemplation. It begins with Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem; during this Sunday olive twigs (a sign of Christ's Passion) are distributed to the faithful of the blessed. During Holy Thursday, with the Mass of the Lord's Supper ( Last Supper memorial consumed by Jesus during his earthly life) there is the traditional washing of the feet. On Good Friday in all the churches there are the Via Crucis . Holy Saturday is focused on the expectation of the solemn Easter Eve. The festivity, in addition to the deep-rooted religious reasons, is linked to the awakening of nature. Today, as in the past, on the table can be found ears of wheat, bread, herbs, eggs, lamb, essential and characteristic foods of Easter.

Vocabulary Cibo – Food at Easter time; Colazione – Breakfast: Easter cake, cold meats,

white wine and decorated Easter eggs. Pane e torte – Bread and Cake: Containing cheese, bacon, olives, eggs and butter. Piselli – Peas: Represent the arrival of Spring. Peas are the main side dish for Easter meals. Agnello arrosto – Roast Lamb: It is a very important Easter symbol in Italy. Cappelletti in brodo – Meat filled pasta in broth: Eaten at dinner time as a lite meal, as lunch is the main/large meal eaten at Easter time. Colomba – Sponge cake in the shape of a dove: Very sweet sponge like cake which is baked in the shape of a dove, sprinkled with icing sugar and almonds and served as dessert. Uova di pasqua – Easter eggs: Large Easter eggs are given to children at Easter time.

One of the most heartfelt holidays in Calabria is Easter, in some places even more than Christmas. Certainly, one of the reasons for the success of Easter celebrations, resides in the large religiosity of Calabrian population, but we mustnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget the fact that in Calabria folk traditions are very entrenched. Easter is the time when we organize various folk events that sink their roots in pre-Christian tradition. In almost every country Easter events are organized according to the customs of the place: processions, vigils, blessing of the graves, popular festivities. In addition, at Easter Calabrians love to prepare traditional desserts very tasty and of great symbolic value, such as "culluri" and "riganelle". At Easter everybody usually stay with his family, closer to the people with whom in the past there had been some disappointments. In Calabria we love this festival because the day we celebrate, so important that we prepare a week earlier, is the day that Jesus Christ rose again.

Easter traditions in Lithuania

Lithuanian Easter is called Velykos. Lithuanians generally follow the Roman Catholic faith, and Easter is one of the most important days of the year. It also welcomes springtime and colored eggs, Easter palms, and seasonal foods make the holiday extra special. Some traditions are similar to those in Poland, given that the two countries share a religion as well as history as a result of their shared borders and influences. However, visitors to Lithuania will notice some particular ways in which Easter in this Baltic nation is observed with folk customs and Easter crafts. Lithuanian Easter eggs, called marguciai, are decorated using the wax-resist method or by scratching a design onto a dyed egg using a sharp tool. The tear-drop-shaped markings of wax-decorated Easter eggs are often indicative of eggs from Lithuaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;though this design method appears in 61

other cultures, it is most widely practiced in this Baltic nation. Families enjoy the tradition of painting Easter eggs and games are played with the eggs around the springtime holidays. Singers at Easter, comparable to Christmas carolers, maintain the tradition of singing holiday hymns. In the past, Easter singers visited neighboring households in exchange for food and Easter eggs. This tradition was a way in which unmarried women of the household could display their Easter eggdecorating skills and impress the young men who went caroling. Lithuanian Easter palms, known as verbos, are elaborately woven stalks of dried flowers and leaves used in the Easter ritual. These beautiful symbols of springtime can be found at markets, and some designs are representative of particular regions of Lithuania. The verbos are uses as decoration in homes, are used to â&#x20AC;&#x153;beatâ&#x20AC;? others for good luck, and are taken to church to be blessed on palm Sunday, much like the similar Polish tradition. Easter is a day of feasting and includes foods important to Lithuanian culture. The foods are sometimes blessed at a church before they are eaten, and may include ham, sausage, cheese, butter, and bread. The velykos pyragas is also sometimes eaten. A lamb made of butter sometimes graces the Easter table, and sweet rolls with poppy seeds and honey cakes serve as dessert. Easter Granny brings Easter eggs to children. They usually find two eggs in such places as baskets or even in beds. There are some nice Easter games in Lithuania: funny Easter game roll their eggs and the purpose egg and tap it. If your egg hits take it.

is egg-rolling. Players is to reach the otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s another egg, you can

Polish Easter Traditions

Easter, Easter Sunday-the oldest and most important Christian holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday begins on Saturday after sunset. It begins with the Easter Vigil. During the Easter Vigil people light up candles and the priest lights up Paschal - a big candle. It symbolizes the risen Chris. The preceding Easter week, which is the most important time of events for Christian faith, is called Holly Week. The last three nights of the week are called the Easter. They are Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. Even nowadays in many parishes, masses are celebrated in the resurrection morning.

At the beginning of the resurrection bells ring professing that Christ rise from the dead. At the same time you can hear gunfire from the guns, bangers and cannons. All this noise is to wake the world to life. The Mass is preceded by a procession around the church with the Blessed Sacrament. It starts at the church where there is a symbolic Tomb of the Lord. Next to this Tomb the singing priest announces the resurrection of Christ. Then the priest carrying a monstrance with the Host leads the procession around the church. Formerly next to the church there was cemetery and the 63

priest goes around the church to announce the resurrection to the deceased also. During the procession people carry a statue of the Risen Christ.

Romanian Easter Traditions

Easter is the most important celebration of the Romanian people and it is preceded by numerous preparations and rituals a week before: Flowers Saturday (Flowers Day)

(Lazarus’

Saturday)Palm

Day

Great Thursday Great Friday Easter Known as ”Paște” in Romania, Easter is celebrated according to the Julian calendar, which means that it often falls on a different day than in Catholicism or other Christian faiths. • But what’s specific to Romania is the tradition of painting the multicoloured eggs, with complicated motifs which vary from region to region. They are usually sold in traditional fairs and some can come up pretty expensive. These are empty egg shells which are each painted manually – it’s a lot of work and not everybody can do this. You can find these painted eggs at the monasteries in Northern Romania, in Moldova, for example.

• The traditional food for Easter is anything based on lamb meat. Romanians also bake a cake with cheese, called “Pasca”. The Romanian cake called “cozonac” is also baked for this holiday (and for other holidays as well). A loaf of cozonac and a few red eggs are usually the alms gift, a traditional give away which is believed to feed the souls of those who have died. • The Resurrection itself is celebrated on the nigh before the Easter Day. The nigh before that people go to church to light the candle and bring the resurrection light into their homes. On their way back to their homes, people would share the holy candle fire with others. • Even after Easter is over, there are some words that can be heard on the streets for weeks to come. When a person sees a friend or family for the first time after Easter has passed, the normal introduction is skipped and the first person says, “Cristos a inviat (Christ has risen).” The second person responds by saying, “Adevarat a inviat (Indeed, he has risen).” This verbal exchange is very much part of the celebration and is a way for people to remind each other of the importance of Easter even after the holiday is over.

Easter Traditions in Spain

• Easter is a very important celebration in Spain. The whole of Holy Week is often a holiday. A lot of Spanish Catholics fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. • On Ash Wednesday, people have a cross made of ash put on their foreheads. This is a way of saying sorry to God. • On Palm Sunday, most people go to mass in the morning. Children bring palm leaves and branches to be blessed by the priest. Sometimes the branches decorated with sweets, tinsel or have other decorations hanging from them. • On Maundy Thursday, there is a special 'Dance of Death' celebration in Verges, Gerona. A scary dance is performed, at night, by men dressed as skeletons. • Many towns and cities in Spain celebrate Easter with processions through the streets at night. Floats called 'tronos' are carried through the street. Each float has incredible decorated figures representing part of the Easter story on it. The floats and statues are often covered in gold, silver and fine cloths. They are also decorated with lots of fresh flowers. Forty

or fifty people carry each trono on their shoulders on the procession, which can sometimes last between four or five hours! â&#x20AC;˘ In Murcia, a tronos, telling the story of the Last Supper has real food on on the table. On Easter Sunday the twenty-six men who have carried the table in the procession around the town sit down and eat the food! â&#x20AC;˘ Traditional Easter food in Spain changes within each region, but there are a few dishes that are favoured almost everywhere. One of these dishes is called a hornazo, which is a pie filled with eggs, pork and ham. It can also be filled with almonds, aniseed and egg to make a sweet alternative. Another is a sweet dish known as torrijas, which is basically bread soaked in egg, sugar and milk before being fried in olive oil. It is often dipped in wine, cinnamon, syrup or honey to provide a simply stunning and very rich treat. Chocolate treats used to be very rare in Spain, but recently have

become more and more popular. Whilst they used to only be available in specialist shops, they are now available in chain stores such as SuperSol.

• During the happy days of Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, it is the tradition to eat lamb. • Lamb (el cordero) is the traditional meat for Easter Day in Spain.

• Paella is also popular. • A popular cake of celebration to eat on Easter Day is called La Mona de Pascua. It is decorated with coloured feathers and big chocolate figurines. • On el lunes de Pascua (Easter Monday) families like to go out for the day, to parks or to the countryside, where they have a picnic. • They make sure to take una mona with them. For this reason, Easter Monday in Spain is very often called el día de la mona.

Has come Easter Egg! The eggs are a traditional part of Easter. However, its symbolism has its roots in paganism, as a symbol of fertility and rebirth. The decorations received from prehistoric Africa. Specially decorated Easter eggs are one of the most popular cultural symbols within the traditions of the Christian holidays. The origin of this custom is believed to be coming from the egg itself standing as a symbol for new life and rebirth.

Cultural Kaleidoscope

Accordion The accordion is the mai instrument of the musette style of ballroom music in France. The accordion is still very popular in many country regions, and is often used by local orchestras for ballroom dancing and traditional music. There are several different types of accordions - the Diatonic, the Chromatic. There are also many complex hybrids. The Concertina (below), the Bandeoneon ( on the right) and the Flutina ( on the left) are instruments from the same family

French bagpipes There is a wide range and variety of styles of bagpipes and piping. They have various names such as “cornemuse”, “musette”, “chevrette”, “cabreta”, “boha”, … They are of many different types. They can be mouth blown or bellow blown. They are generally used to play traditional music.

Hurdy-gurdy It is a stringed instrument. The sound is produced by a wheel rubbing against the strings. Melodies are played on a keyboard. It was used as a church instrument, but also in chamber music. The troubabours accompanied their serenades with it and beggars played tunes on it against food and hospitality.

Bombarde The bombard is a woodwind instrument widely used to play traditional music, especially Breton traditional music. It has a very powerful

sound. It is traditionally used in a duet with the « biniou » ( Breton bagpipes) for folk dancing.

Epinette des Vosges It is a traditional plucked-string instrument. It is mainly used in the Vosges mountains of France.

Graïle It is a woodwind instrument resembling a primitive oboe. It is played in some areas in southern France.

Fiddle or Violin The fiddle is part of French traditional music. It is mainly aural tradition; it was taught 'by ear'. Many fiddlers could not read music. It became widely used in the XIXth century. Fiddling called for great skill in producing the rhythmic and melodic lift that was meant to get people dancing and keep them going. A good fiddler would get you to move your body, tap your feet or snap your fingers, or nod your head. Each fiddler could show his artistry through variations and impromptu embellishments.

Baghèt The baghèt (male) is a bagpipe medieval origins of Bergamo and Brescia. Although some of his oldest existence is attested from the mid-fourteenth century. The bagpipe of Bergamo had been virtually abandoned in the mid-fifties, with the entry into the crisis of civilization. The instrument was considered extinct, but since the eighties were carried out new research, by the musician Valter Biella, which led to the discovery of old copies of the instrument. "The baghèt" was present in Imagna valley, in the valley Gandino, Valtorta, in the media and in the Val Seriana, although probably the tool had different shapes, while maintaining the same name. The term baghèt was the most used, but there were also the names of the pious, or the pious baghèt. The player was called baghetér. The baghèt was linked to the peasant world from which they came for the most part the baghetér. The instrument was not played in the summer, only with the arrival of cold weather, when the work became more rare, the peasants found themselves in the stables and it resumed operation. After the Epiphany, the instrument was again shelved until the following winter. Launeddas Launeddas are woodwind musical instrument policalamo reed swing, that originate in Sardinia. It is an instrument with ancient roots that can produce polyphony it is played with the technique of circular breathing and is built using different types of reeds. The instrument consists of three rods of different sizes and thickness, with the top of the cabitzina where the reed is made. The low (or basciu tumbu) is the longer barrel and provides a single note: that the tonic which is tuned the entire instrument (note "pedal" or "drone"), and is devoid of holes. The second rod (mancosa manna) is used to produce the notes of the accompaniment is tied with twine pitched at the bottom (forming the croba). The third barrel (mancosedda) is free, and has the function of producing the notes of the melody.

For the construction of Launeddas you use the barrel of the river. There are different types of launeddas including the main ones are: â&#x20AC;˘ Punt'e organu â&#x20AC;˘ Fiorassiu â&#x20AC;˘ Median The instrument with all the Sardinian music suggests its spread in the past and it still survives in Sardinia. The Sarrabus, and especially Villaputzu, boasted and still boasts a school that disposal of the finest teachers, custodians of the rich repertoire of the different play, the manufacturing techniques and extensive oral literary heritage on the instrument. The School of Sinis Among the so-called schools of launeddas, occupies a special position that the Sinis, which has its epicenter in the village of Cabras. Lira calabrese The Calabrian Lira is a traditional musical instrument characteristic of areas of Calabria , such as the area of Locri and the area of Monte Poro . Due to its characteristics organological the instrument is fully part of a group defined as " Byzantine lira " , a family of chordophones arc , with recurring characteristics and very similar to each other , spread throughout the area of the former Byzantine Empire. He plays alone or accompanied by a tambourine , or frischiotti or terzinu . It is also used for the tarantella calabrese. Features The lyre is played while seated , the instrument is placed between the knees or on the left leg . With the left hand holding the handle of the instrument and tastano the strings sideways with your fingernail while her right hand rubbing the bow across the strings . The traditional repertoire of the lira in Calabria includes the accompaniment to singing in various forms, both tracks suitable for dancing ( sonu at ballu ) , both played for one lira timeless defined air . The lyre , always traditionally played either alone or in a staff that could include tambourine , guitar swing and double flute .

MĂźsa The muse muse or Apennine is a musical instrument of the family of Italian bagpipes, doublereed drone with single-reed. It was used until the thirties of the last century, before being replaced by the accordion as an instrument of accompaniment of the pipe, to the music of the "Four Provinces" which constitute the cultural area formed by the mountain valleys of the province of Pavia, Alessandria, Genoa and Piacenza. In the province of Piacenza was widespread in the valleys of the west: Trebbia Tidone val, val Luretta val Boreca, while in the valleys to the east by Val Nure until the province of Parma, Emilia they used the bagpipe. Parts of the instrument The muse is composed of a barrel with holes digital (or chanter reed of song), a cane drone which emits a unique sound and an insufflator said. All three are included in a skin bag which constitutes the air tank. Ocarina The ocarina is a wind Italian instrument globular elongated, generally built in terracotta; aerophones of the genre, also known generically as arghilofoni (when constructed in clay), are very ancient and common tools (with different features) The ocarina standard used in Western music was invented in Italy, Budrio at a number of ancient civilizations. Its elongated oval shape reminiscent of the profile of a goose without the head: the name is derived from ucareina, diminutive goose in Bolognese dialect. Today ocarinas have spread a bit 'all over the world: in addition to the Group Ocarinistico Budriese, the ocarina is coming into use in some folk groups from Austria, South Tyrol and Bavaria , as well as in other countries, including Korea, Japan , China, Peru, France, England and the United States. Apart from the uses folk and playful, the ocarina has also been used in the composition of some scores, such as in some movies. This musical instrument has also found a place in the "cultured" music. â&#x20AC;˘ A Budrio Festival is held biennial international Ocarina that has reached the seventh edition in 2013.

• There are various App for iPhone, iPod touch, Windows Phone smartphones that will sound like an ocarina. Piva The bagpipe or Emilian bagpipe is an Italian bagpipe in use in Apennines of Parma and Piacenza . The use of this tool was abandoned in the period immediately following the Second World War. It was a solo instrument mainly used for dance. From the eighties of the last century it began a recovery tool by many musical groups active in Modena and in other areas of Emilia-Romagna .. The bagpipe is composed of a rod with holes digital (chanter or s-cell in dialect Parma), by two rods drone (major and minor) and a said insufflator. All three are included in a skin bag which constitutes the air tank. The bag is made of leather tanned, traditionally goat, which is sewn in the back and use the openings of the neck and front legs for the insertion of the chanter and drones, as is done by a special cut for the insufflator. The chanter, double reed, is constructed from a single piece of wood, worked on a lathe, with seven finger holes on its front. Putipù The putipù is a musical instrument membranophone clutch used in Neapolitan music and, more generally, in the popular music of much of southern Italy. This is not a percussion instrument rather than a friction drum. Alternative names are: "Caccavella", "Spernacchiatore", "Puti-Puti", "Pignato", "Cute-Cute", "Cupello" (not to be confused with the eponymous town in Abruzzo), "Bufù" in the Lower Molise, "Pan-Bomb" (of Spanish origin), "Cupa-Cupa" (especially in Puglia), "Gloomy Gloomy" in Basilicata (eg Lauria and neighboring countries). The instrument is composed of a membrane in animal skin or coarse canvas, a reed (generally bamboo) and a resonance chamber (usually wooden or tin). The rod that is rubbed with a downward motion and friction produces the characteristic sound from low pitch. Sa bena Sa bena which can be single, double or triple is a primitive wind instrument woody, is often used reeds with reed swing and scraped. As a tool is used today mainly in the central area of Sardinia. Even if it is composed of two or three rods facing the melody is produced only in the barrel which has the holes. It's part of the family of aerophones, being akin to the pipe or launeddas.

Scetavajasse (in Neapolitan dialect: Sceta = alarm, vaiasse = home) is a tool of popular music of southern Italy, in the most typical form consists of two wooden sticks, one smooth and one serrated, possibly with a series of metal plates on the opposite side of the indentation. The rubbing of the second stick on the first (usually held with the left hand from one end and the other end resting on the shoulder), causes the characteristic sound. It is generally accompanied by other instruments such as putipù and triccheballacche Fischiotto The Fischiotto (in Calabrian dialect: Fischiottu or Frischiottu) is a woodwind musical instrument of the musical tradition of Calabria. The player uses it always paired with another fischiotto. It has the same scale of the bagpipe in use in the place where you play or place of origin of the player. There are three variants of fischiotti: a paru, in mezzachiave or modern and Reggio. With the first means the use of two fischiotti of the same length with the second of different length. Finally, the Reggio is a middle of the above. There is evidence also of the use of 3 fischiotti at the same time, the last of which act as drone without holes. Triccheballacche The triccheballacche (called "Tric-ballac" o Triaccabalacca" o "Trick Ballack") is a traditional musical instrument of the South of Italy.It is know in Naples, it consists of three martellett wooden framed between them. The two hammers are moved by the musician, and beating against the central hammer, which remains fixed, produce the proper sound of the instrument. Vattacicirchie The Vattacicirchie (named “vurra vurra e battafoco”) is a percussion musical instrument of the popular tradition of Abruzzo, consisting of a cylinder and a stick called “mazza vattante”. The origin of the term comes from the words “vattere”(beat) e cicirchie, referring to the husking of legume know as grass pea, similar to the chickpea.

Kanklės is a Lithuanian plucked string musical instrument. The instrument is similar in construction and origin to the Latvian kokle, Russian gusli, Estonian kannel and Finnish kantele. It is usually rested on the player's lap and played with the fingers or a pick made of bone or quill. Within Lithuania, there are three basic regional types of kanklės, although there are variations within each type and some overlap of areas. Each type has its own playing technique. Skrabalai is a Lithuanian folk tuned percussion instrument consisting of wooden bells. Trapezoid-shaped wooden troughs of various sizes in several vertical rows with one or two wooden or metal small clappers hanging inside them. It is played with two wooden sticks. When the skrabalai is moved a clapper knocks at the wall of the trough. The pitch of the sound depends on the size of the wooden trough. The skrabalai is gouged from a piece of hard wood – oak or ash. The size of the troughs varies from small ones (7–12 cm. long, 5– cm. wide, 6–7 cm. high), to larger ones. The walls are 2–3 cm. thick. The skrabalai was used by shepherds from ancient times. They used to tie a wooden bell of this kind on a cow's neck, thus making it easier to find the animals in a forest if they strayed from the herd.

Birbynė is a Lithuanian aerophone that can be either single or double-reeded and may or may not have amouthpiece. Birbynė can be made of a variety of materials: wood, bark, horn, straw, goose feather, etc. The earliest and simplest examples were used by children as playtoys and by shepherds as a tool to control the herd. In the 19th century, influenced by classical instruments and especially the clarinet, the birbynė evolved into a serious musical instrument used in ensembles. Modern birbynės are made of wood with bells of horn and usually have ten tone holes. They are divided by pitch range into three categories: soprano, tenor, and contrabass. Skuduciai (panpipes) is a pipe of 8 – 20 cm length, 1 – 3 cm in diameter, they are made of wood (ash, alder, buckthorn, osier), of willow or linden bark, or of the hollow stems of umbelliferous plants. Each pipe produces one stable note.

The sound is of short duration. Panpipes were extremely popular in middle and northern Aukstaitija. Both instrumental and vocal sutartines (ancient polyphonic songs) and accompaniment to dances were played on them. When forming the ensemble it was decided to upgrade the ancient Lithuanian folk instruments and form a folk instrument orchestra. The concert practice called for development of timbrally rich, technically flexible, acoustically strong and modally broad instruments. It was offered to includekanklės (zither) and its modernized version klaviklės, skudučiai (panpipes), mediniai trimitai (wooden trumpets), daudytės (pipes), lamzdeliai (recorders), birbynės (folk clarinets), tošelės (reeds), pūslinė (a bow made from a pig’s bladder filled with dried peas), skrabalai (cow bells), tabalai (gongs) and other rattles, as well as certain shepherd instruments.

Source: http://ansamblis-lietuva.lt/foto/?lang=en

A direct ancestor of the violin was four-string instrument tune in fifth. Then the violin got to Italy from Poland. In Poland in the Middle Ages, a different kind of small drums, flutes and recorders was mainly used. In 17th and 18th centuries a folk musicians played instruments like lyres, violins and bagpipes. Since that time folk bands counted from two to five instruments. Main folk melodies was played by:    

The violin and bagpipe in Greater Poland; The violin, harmonica and accordion in Mazovia Region; The violin with wind instruments and accordion in Little Poland and Silesia Region; The violin to the accompaniment the drum or second violin – Central and Eastern part of Poland;  Additionally, the dulcimer was used by folk musicians in South-Eastern Poland. Elder musicians from family or neighbourhood taught their relatives who decided to become a folk musician. They didn’t know any notes. They played all melodies by ear and had to remember all sounds for the future.

Suka - Polish string instrument The Suka was a unique fiddle that was played vertically, on the knee or hanging from a trap, and the strings were stopped at the side with the fingernails; similar to the Gadulka. The body of the instrument was very similar to the modern violin but the neck was very wide and the peg box was crude. This was thought to be the “missing link” between the upside-down or “knee chordophone” instruments and the modern violin. It died out and was known only from drawings of a single specimen displayed at an exhibition in 1888. Violin According to the mythology the inventor of the stringed instruments was Mercury and the violin - Orpheus. Sappho invented the bow with the tightened horsehair. The modern violin comes from a baroque one which was evolved from a few instruments used in the former times like a slur, a vielle, a primitive fiddle of the Podhale region (Poland). Some scientists have accepted the hypothesis that the beginnings of a violin should be sought in Poland. The stringed instruments found during the archaeological research in Poland are the important evidence of this theory. Some of them are dated from the 11th century found in Opole called gęśle, another one is dated from the 12th century found in Gdansk in 1948. It is a fivestring instrument. The six-string instrument dating from the 15th century was dug up in Plock in 1986. Violin body consists of two convex boards. The upper one is made of spruce wood and the bottom one of syncamore. The boards are joined with each other. There are sound holes in the upper board. A neck is attached to the sound box where there’s a fingerboard. Four strings are tightened by means of tuning pegs. Long ago violin strings were made of dissected animals bowel and today they’re made of metal. A bow is a wooden, springy stick usually made of the tree called pernambuco with a tightened hair coming from the tail of a horse . The horsehair is strung between the top of the bow called tip and its bottom called frog. The frog is usually wooden, made of ebony. It also can be plastic or made of ivory. At the frog end there is a screw to tighten the hair properly.

Music is an organic part of the existence of the Romanian Peasant. Sensitivity to the beauty of sound was transmitted and the shapes and rich ornaments that adorn popular musical instruments created by craftsmen. Masters of musical instruments are often a demonstration of beauty and talent built instruments in terms of expanding the range of interpretative possibilities of popular songs, "pearl itself," as we consider our national composer George Enescu. They kept up the old tools that whistle today, bucium, bagpipes, panflute, etc.. The most widely used instrument is the flute, which is in close touch with livestock, particularly sheep. The sound is obtained by plugging complete or almost completeopening side holes with fingers, thus vibrating the air tube. Bagpipes is made from a goat skin bag called "burduf". In this air is introduced as areservoir through a pipe small, made of shock, metal or bone. On the opposite wallare two flutes pipe communicating with the interior seal. The longest of them fixed a sound that accompanies the entire song dulcimer uniform. During the song, bagpiper tighten underarm bellows that pushes air into the whistleand whistle short holes are handled with the fingers, like a common whistle. The sculpture features bagpipes appear. Its leather bellows has legs made of wood,often carved in the form of geometric shapes or animal head (usually goat). Ancient musical instrument, pan flute is made of slightly curved aggregation of several tubes (about 20) of cane, elder or other trees, with different dimensions.These tubes are closed at the bottom with wax plugs are open on top, where the singer to introduce pan air, thus emitting the sound.

Romanian origin, Bucium is a tool used by shepherds in the mountains (in WesternTulnic called) for different signals. In some regions of the horn and sing înmormânaariand in the past was used to signal foreign invasions. Buciumul is a tube open at both ends, consists of bringing together long staves of fir, ash, lime, hazel or maple, well drained, and there close with wood or metal rings. Instrument accompaniment role, practice gradually disappeared cobza traditional music since the interwar period of the last century. Currently there are only a few traditional singers sing the cobză. They operate as part of folk ensembles. Cobzei body (sounding board) is inflated in size compared with other parts that make up the instrument. He has a pear-shaped, half-sectioned, being built of "staves" of maple wood. Sounding board is made of spruce, to be as elastic vibrations under the gag takeover. The instrument has a short and thick neck, its end is not prăguş. Temple is willing broken nails, the path to the neck. Cimbalom is a Romanian cordofon operated by striking with two rods ("hammer") of wood, which are coated again with a cloth. It was used in the "Old Kingdom"(especially in Wallachia) until the interwar period, after which its use was increasinglyrestricted. Musical diaries mention it as found on Romanian territory since the second half of the eighteenth century (FJ Sulzer), but his presence in these places is much older. Unlike the cembalo "Hungarian" in Romanian, the instrument is of small size (it has a length of 85 inches). The singing, cembalo Romanian interpreter is kept in the abdomen, being hung by the neck with a belt. Bittern is a friction membranofon acted, through strands of hair from a horse's tail. The body of the instrument (the speaker role) is made of a little dilapidated. Heusually has a conical shape. Its staves are held in place by metal hoops.

At one edge of the body (the small diameter) is applied tight skin (usually goat) as a membrane. In its center is fixed hair, which hangs freely at the other end. By rubbing the strands (the model milking) membrane skin is put into vibration. Membrane vibration is controlled partly executed by how it is done by hand rubbing the strands. The instrument produces a sound stuffy. Sound differences of this noise depends on: resonator body size (the churn), membrane size and how this membrane is stretched. If the bittern is handled with skill of performers, he imitates the lowing ofcattle pretty well. Bittern sound is the main tool used by carol in the winter habits of agricultural substrate, related to the New Year. The earliest music was played on various pipes with rhythmical accompaniment later added by a cobza. This style can be still found in Moldavian Carpathian regions of Vrancea and Bucovina and with the Hungarian Csango minority. The Greek historians have recorded that the Dacians played guitars and priests perform songs with and guitars. The bagpipe was popular from medieval times, as it was in most European countries, but became rare in recent times before a 20th century revival. Since its introduction the violin has influenced the music in all regions by becoming the principal melody instrument. Each region has its own combination of instruments, old and new, and its own unique sound. This continues to develop to the present day with the most recent additions being electric keyboards and drum sets.

Castanets The modern castanet comprises a pair of shell-shaped flattened wooden clackers which are held together with a single loop of string or thin leather. The leather is doubled and the thumb is placed through it, and the pair of castanets then hangs freely from the thumb and is manipulated by the fingers and the palms. Accomplished castanet players can make a variety of noises with the castanets, from a flat "click" to a warm roll. Castanets are always played in pairs, and each pair is tuned differently. The higher-pitched pair (known as "hembra," or "female") is traditionally held in the right hand and the lower-pitched pair (known as "macho," or "male") is traditionally held in the left hand.

The guitar is a plucked string instrument consisting of a wooden box, a neck on which is attached the fretboard, an acoustic sound hole in the center and six strings. The fretboard is embedded with metal frets that allow the different notes. This instrument is known as classical or Spanish guitar. There are four types of acoustic guitars: the classical guitar, the Flamenco guitar, the electric guitar and the electro acoustic guitar. The lute is a guitar-like instrument with a deep round back and a teardrop-shaped soundboard. The sound hole is not open, but rather covered with a grille in the form of an intertwining vine or a decorative knot, carved directly out of the wood of the soundboard. There are different varieties such as the Arabic lute, the Chinese or pipe and the Spanish lute which was introduced in Europe from AlAndalus in the Islamic period. The mandolin is a musical instrument with four double strings and a soundboard which can be concave or flat. It is of Italian origin and has been used by many great classical and modern composers both in traditional music as well as in other music styles. Among its variations is the Italian mandolin, folk and bluegrass.

The violin is a bowed string instrument with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It consists of a sounding board of an elegant ergonomic shape. It comprises two upper bouts, two lower bouts, and two concave bouts at the waist, providing clearance for the bow. The back and ribs are typically made of maple. The soundboard has two openings in the middle called F-holes. It is used in classical, folk and modern music. Accordion The Basque country of Spain often incorporated accordions into its music. Accordions were introduced to Basque country from Italy in the 19th century. Accordion playing within Basque music is known as "trikitixa," which means "handsound" in Basque. The style of accordion playing in Basque music involves rapid melodies and staccato triplets. Modern-day Basque music is a blend of trikitixa, tambourine and voice.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/info_8099518_spanish-music-traditional-instruments.html

“Listen the story of this ney.” Ney is a musical instrument that has a unique sound that gives tranquility to people who listen to it and effects human spirituality. Ney is often played to reflect pains and sorrows that are deep inside human soul. The origin of ney is controversy. Some experts believe it has Turkish origin, while some believe its roots are in Middle East Region. Ney is a kind of end-blown flute which is made from bamboo stalks and played by residing the end of the instruments against the teeth of the side of the mouth. The “Ney” is often used to perform slow and emotional folk or classical music. Also it is identified with the regions music of the Islamic Sufism, for which Rumi (Mevlana) is the most-wellknown person. It enables a mediation manner by its sound. Ney is said to create sounds from heaven and resembles also human face. It has 7 holes which refers to the holes in human head. The musicians who play “Ney” are called “Neyzen”. Saz (Turkish Long Neck Lute) The Saz is the grandfather of the Greek Bouzouki. It's originated in Central Asia where Turks lived before their westward migration. Like the guitar in Spain and the bouzouki in Greece, the Saz is the most popular stringed instrument in Turkey. Although similar in shape to the Greek Bouzouki, the construction, size and sound of the Saz is different. You need a baglama saz to be able to play the microtones (Perde) of Arabic music. These instruments have traditional tied frets that are movable, and 3 courses of strings. Baglama is the most commonly used string folk instrument in Turkey. It takes different names according to the regions and according to its size such as Baglama, Divan Sazi, Bozuk, Çögür, Kopuz Irizva, Cura, Tambura, etc.

Cura is the smallest member of the baglama family with the highest pitched sound. The member one size bigger than cura which gives a sound that is one octave lower than cura is the tambura. And the one with the deepest sound is the Divan sazi whose sound is one octave lower compared to tambura. Baglama has three main parts called Tekne, Gögüs and Sap. Tekne part is generally made from mulberry trees as well as from woods of juniper, beech, spruce or walnut. The gögüs part is made from spruce and the sap section from homespun or juniper. Tar Tar is a Turkish folk instrument played with a plectrum (tezene). It is widely used in the Kars region. It is also a commonly used instrument in Azerbaijan, Iran, Uzbekistan and Georgia. Its body is composed of two bowls of different size and is generally made from mulberry trees. The gögüs section is covered with a membrane taken from the heart of water buffaloes or cattle. Sap section is from hard wood and fish line pitches are tied onto it. There are two main groups of strings on tar. Those in the first group are used in playing the tune and consists of three groups of two strings. The other group of strings are called Kök and Zengi and are tuned according to the mode to be used and enhance the tone. Kemence This is a Turkish three-stringed musical instrument that resembles a violin played using a bow. It originated back in 11th century when Seljuk Turks colonized Persia and Anatolia. Kemence is the familiar name for two different musical instruments, one being used in the northern Anatolian fork music, while the other one is used in the Turkish classical music. The Karadeniz Kemencesi is held upright while playing, normally by resting it on the knees of the musician or the player may hold the kemence in front of them while standing and has a very distinct, almost primitive sound.

The Kanun is a stringed folk instrument of Turkey. It is widely used in the Middle Eastern countries for classical music. It is a descendant of the Babylon harp and the Egyptian harp. It is a plucked zither with a trapezoidal narrow sound box. It is played on the lap and has a range of three and a half octaves. It is derived from a Greek word and means law or principle.

Darbuka is commonly known as Goblet Drum because of its goblet shaped body. The term Darbuka is taken from the Arabian word 'darba' (to strike). It is used extensively in middle east and is one of the most significant Turkish traditional instruments. Generally these Goblet Drums are build of metal, wood or clay. When played, the drumhead, which remains attached with glue, produces a crispy sound. The bottom remains open. Tambur, which is also known as the Tanbur or Tambura, is a stringed musical instrument that has a long neck and a wooden body and known in the Turkish music industry. It has a long history that dates back to the times of the Ottoman Empire though the modern version has been traced to be inexistence around 17 century AD. Since then it has continued to form part of the Turkish basic quartet that describes the classical music.

Turkey is one country that has many types of traditional instruments. One of Turkish traditional instruments is Zurna. Zurna is included wind instrument. This instrument has a strong voice, so that is often played in open air, especially for events such as village weddings, folk dances, traditional theater performance and other ceremonial events. Generally, Zurna is played with a drum in a musical group, because it has high intonation and sound level. Zurna seems like a wooden trumpet. It is similar with clarinet and saxaphone that have finger holes and reed. The reed of zurna made of cylindrical bamboo pipe that thinner than little finger. Zurna needs adequate air pressure in to the reed to get voice and high air pressure to get high volume voice.

The Tulum is a bagpipe-like instrument , originating in the Black Sea regions of Anatolia and Bulgaria. With a blow pipe on top and chanters on the bottom, the Tulum looks and sounds much like a modern-day bagpipe. Made from sheep or goat hide, it was commonly treated with nothing more than salt. According to tradition, a shot glass full of Raki, a homemade Turkish brandy of high alcohol content, is poured inside the Tulum after use. Its antiseptic qualities helps prevent the spread of bacteria and even prevents rot.

Cultural Kaleidoscope

Traditional costumes and decorative art

Until the 19th century and in some regions until the beginning of the 20th century, there was an incredible cultural diversity. To go from one province to another was like going from one country to another country. Everything was different, the landscape, the houses, the language, the costumes, the customs, the cooking, the tools, … it was rural France. Nothing much is left of this diversity now. Here are some pictures of the costumes people used to wear in the old days in the area we live in. (Poitou/ Deux-Sèvres). Here is a selection of pictures taken during a visit to the « Musée de la vie rurale de Souvigné » and during an exhibition that was organized in our school.

Before 1789, the French Revolution, clothes in the countryside were pretty much the same everywhere. Laws forbade the peasants to wear the same clothes as the upper-classes. The revolution put an end to all of this. In the XIXth century most clothes were made locally. They were heavy and the choice of colours was limited. Only after the introduction of cotton , in the second part of the XIX th century, did they become lighter. The clothes out of fashion in Paris and other large cities became fashionable in the country. The mannequins on the photos are dressed with clothes people only wore on special occasions.

The wedding dress was white but right after the wedding it was dyed in black and was only worn for special events. Traditional costumes had more or less disappeared by the end of the XIX th century. Paris fashion had imposed its rules to the rest of the country by then. As for the headdresses, they stopped being worn and disappeared during World War I. Women preferred to wear hats.

FOLK COSTUMES

Italian regions have different folk costumes since they represent the cultural heritage of local traditions and flavors, by expressing customs and habits of populations and their willingness to maintain over time such a world of values that cements and unifies. The historical evolution of style and fashion has been fueled by the desire of change: in particular the ruling classes wanted to differentiate themselves from the lower classes who were interested in emulating them. This system of differentiation/uniformity appeared when the middle class, once they had improved their own living conditions and economic opportunities, wanted to imitate the fashions of higher classes. Instead common people experienced just some slight style changes, remaining faithful to their traditional simple and practical attire. In detail, despite the natural social changes of the nineteenth century, poorer classes were able to save the uses and customs by gradually forming the folk heritage that almost all the Italian regions possess. Similarly to clerical and military uniforms, expressions of a status symbol that can not be transformed, even the costume has been preserved intact over time as a sign of belonging to a social class or ethnic group. Exactly this sort of "static" fashion allowed ancient traditions, in which everyone can recognize his own cultural identity, to be saved and protected.

National Costumes in Different Lithuania‘s Regions

Žemaitija (Samogitia) Fancy skirts in Žemaitija were cut wide and densely gathered. Outer skirts were usually patterned with vertical stripes. The stripes were laid out in a distinctive pattern which was unique in Lithuania. Especially colorful skirts were worn in northern Žemaitija. They were woven with red, green, yellow, violet, dark red, white, and black stripes, although red was usually the dominant color. In southern Žemaitija skirts were usually darker and not as bright in color. The large shawls worn on the shoulders deserve special attention. In terms of fabric, they were of two varieties: linen (or cotton) and wool. In cold weather, women in Žemaitija wore matted woolen caftans and shorter coats which, like their bodices, were sewn with high waists. They were decorated with embroidery. Women in Žemaitija wore one to three rows of necklaces. They were often made of amber, which seems to have been more popular in this region than elsewhere in Lithuania. Aukštaitija (Highland) Stylistically, the 19th century costume of Aukštaitija is considered the most archaic. Aukštaitija women wore long linen shirts. These have retained old, quite primitive shape refered to as a tunic with shoulder tabs. Shirts had red ornaments. Sleeves were mostly decorative, sewn with either cuffs or left wide open. Skirts for special occasions were woolen or linen. A linen skirt in Aukštaitija was most often white with a red border. But woolen skirts were considered better, more festive. An authentic woolen skirt from Aukštaitija was most often gathered and four colored. The dominant colors were green and red enriched by adding smaller amounts of yellow and purple. Skirts were wide,

long, and gathered at the waist. For special occasions at least two skirts were worn. Dzūkija (South-East Part) Dzūkija is a region where the land consists mostly of poor soils and forests. Because of the poor standard of living there, traditional clothing was worn in many parts of Dzūkija longer than anywhere else in Lithuania, even into the first decades of the twentieth century. Skirts in Dzūkija were usually patterned with fine checkers. It appears that the oldest color combinations in use there were similar to those in Aukštaitija, red and green combinations were enriched with one or two additional colors. Later, the checkers of skirts become finer and new color combinations of dark red and violet appeared. Girls in Dzūkija decorated their heads with crowns and galloons made of ribbons, sashes, and various refinements. In Dzūkija, women's caftans widened at the bottom and were decorated with black velvet or other dark cloth trim and decorative thread. Women here liked coral necklaces. Men in Dzūkija wore caftans of undyed grey matted woolen cloth. These widened toward the bottom and were decorated with dark trim as well as decorative threads. Long pants were made of the same cloth, from finely checkered grey, brown or dark wool, or of a half-woolen cloth. Suvalkija Suvalkija was the last ethnographic region to form in Lithuania. Clothing in Suvalkija (especially that of women) retained characteristics typical of newcomers from Aukštaitija and Žemaitija. Women’s shirts are usually sewn with white cut-work embroidery (broderie anglaise). There are also examples sewn with red and black crossstitches. Shirts here are distinguishable from those of other regions by their wider, beautifully gathered sleeves and by the decorations’ outstanding precision. Wide, gathered skirts in Suvalkija were vertically striped. They were dominated by one main color that was usually dark and rich (dark red, blue, violet, or

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green). Symmetrically grouped narrow multicolored stripes separated wide areas of the main color. Aprons in Suvalkija were extraordinarily fancy. The oldest examples of these are sewn from white linen cloth and decorated with red patterns. As early as in the late eighteenth century, among these red patterns appeared new plant motifs alongside the old geometric ones. Colorful overlayed aprons replaced the white ones. On a dark background, multicolored lilies, stars, and other patterns were overlayed with wool threads. Men in Suvalkija wore caftans pleated at the back. These caftans were sewn from somewhat light gray or even white matted woolen cloth. Men wore decorative pick-up patterned sashes around their waists. They also wore high boots and hats with straight brims that were decorated with feathers and flowers. Klaipėda region Women’s woolen skirts in the first half of the nineteenth century were striped lengthwise or checkered. Like those of Žemaitija, they were wide and gathered. In the second half of the century, they wove dark skirts, which were usually predominantly black. The skirts had narrow horizontal green, brown, blue, or yellow stripes and were finely pleated. Klaipėda’s oldest aprons were made of white linen and striped vertically or horizontally (and sometimes both). Their patterns were red geometric or geometricized plant motifs woven in with pick-up and overlay techniques. Women in Klaipėda wore leather shoes, leather soleless shoes or clogs, - wide, blunt ends of which were different from the pointed and turned-up ends of Žemaitija. Men in Klaipėda wore dark blue or black caftans and linen shirts cut in a tunic style. Unlike men in other ethnographic regions in Lithuania, they wore not only long trousers, but also short knee-high pants. These shorter pants were indicative of a stronger western European influence. Men wore leather or colorfully embroidered belts. They wore high boots with long trousers and short boots and decorated wool socks - with the short pants. Hats with straight brims were decorated with ribbons or sashes tied across the top of the hats.

Regions of Lithuania

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Symbols in Lithuanian Art We are proud of the patterns and symbols of our national costume. There are five ethnographic regions in Lithuania, which differ in their dialect and traditional country-side clothes. A Cross is a symbol of fire. A cross is wide-spread in Lithuanian wooden carvings and cloth, in their ornamental patterns. monograminis monogram, graikiškas Greek, lotyniškas, Latin, šakotasis branchy, lietuviškas (Jogailos) Lithuanian (Jogailos), Maltos Maltese, popiežiaus Pope, kampuotasis (svastika) angular (swastika), dvigubasis double.

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A Cross symbolises four elements, four parts of the world The oldest and most common symbols of ornament are: a point — the beginning of everything. a triangle — this meant fire, water, man and woman. If the acute angle points up – it means the sky, a mountain, the sign of life. If the acute angle points down – the earth, a female.

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A rhombus is a symbol of activity. It is widely used in Lithuanian woven sashes and has many meanings: the earth, the sun, a day, a wreath and a fire.

A circle is a symbol of the sun, sometimes it may be surrounded by rays. It also means fire, perfection and eternity; faithfulness.

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A Circle is a symbol of life. It also symbolises a circle of family, friends, community relation, constant change between day and night and a cyclic change of seasons.

A Spiral is the sign of energy, vitality, time.

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: In our national art there are a lot of symbols of birds, animals, flowers or trees and other symbols.

A sash followes a person all his/her life..... (Babies were swaddled into sashes, a cradle was hung on sashes, clothes were tied with a sash; even nowadays a sash is presented on an anniversary, a coffin is put into the grave on sashes). A sash is a bridge that joins the past with the present, one generation with the other one. A sash symbolises life.

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THE KUJAWY REGION TRADITIONAL CLOTHES Traditional Kujawy region clothes have features characteristic for nobility. Clothes were made from high quality fabrics (e.g. silk) usually brought from abroad. Besides, sewing clothes was very time consuming because everything was made by hand. You can still see some people wearing them during some celebrations or church holidays. WOMEN On their heads girls wore scarfs and married women lacy bonnets called kapka. Old women disapproved of wearing long hair loose. Unmarried women usually wore their hair in a plait with ribbon and married women preffered a bun. Corset fitted in waist, which edges and lapels were finished with different colour tape. What is interesting married women could wear special blouses instead of corsets. A necklace of beads was a must-have. Sometimes women had a few of them. Women in the Kujawy region wore up to 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 skirts (depending on the season and their financial status). First they put beetroot red skirts. Then came white linen skirt creased at the bottom. Girls wore mainly blue as the next layer while married women preferred dark blue, green, maroon or brown. Next important element was a long and wide apron, usually decorated with beautiful white embroidery. MEN A hat was an important element of men's outfit. It was black and made of felt, with narrow edges and wide bottom, with black band or velvet strip, usually decorated with peacock feather. In summer straw while in winter fur hats were worn. Men wore linen shirts with red ribbon under the collar. Next they put a short, loose jacket with long sleeves and finally a dark blue vest with a woolen strip. Men wore loose blue or striped linen trousers and black leather boots.

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Cap

Bonnet Linen shirt

Beads

Jacket

Linen shirt

Vest Woolen strip

Corset

Skirt Trousers

Apron with embroidery Boots

Boots

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Some examplesof decorative artin Poland.

Kujawy dolls They present the costume of Kujawy that is a blouse made fromlinen, a bodice made from wool , a red skirt, a wide apron, on the headso-called półkorona made from a ribbon of various colours.

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Pictures painted on glass .Saint figures are depicted - Mother of God with a Child. There isa lack of perspective. It is in a simple form. It is a contour paintingmade with a brush or a pencil. After drying another colours areapplied. Tempera or stained-glass paints are used.

Ceramics. In the former time they were used in the kitchen and as a decorative element. At present they are used only as a decorative element. They are made of clay and decorated with oil and stained-glass paints. Floral motives are prevailed. The painted dowry chest. It is made of wood and was used for keeping a dowry of theyoung girl. It was standing in the unique place in the house. The frontside of the chest is divided into three arcade fields richly decorated infloral motives that are similar in all chests. The prevailing colours arevivid, light red and green. At present it is a decorative element of themodern furnishings. The embroidery It is one of the most popular folk handicraft product.Characteristic features of embroidery of the Kujawy region are whitecolour and short stitch. There are a lot of plant-like motives such aschamomiles, cornflowers, sunflowers and roses.The main stitches are stem stitch and raised embroidery.Linen aprons were always decorated in the same way that is theembroidery

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created with the help of a cohesive stitch border runningalong the borders of the apron.

Lace In the late 16th century there was a rapid development in thefield of lace. There was an openwork fabric where combinations ofopen spaces and dense textures formed designs. These forms of lacewere dominant in both fashion and home dĂŠcor during the late 1500s.For enhancing the beauty of collars and cuffs, needle lace wasembroidered with loops and picots. In Poland, lace is still handmadeand it is a pretty form of handicraft.

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Romanian Folk costumes Romanian port is the exteriorization of beauty of the soul and comes to emphasize holiday and joy of meeting with others. It is full of grace and variety, but at the same time, spirituality. Romanian folk costume gives the body a spiritual beauty. It is distinct from other peoples, through his untold wealth and the subtle harmony. On the Romanian people, the popular clothes are like they are written. Popular costume is a combination of local traditions, the geographical location, climate and economic opportunities. It is a badge of recognition, a trademark of ethnic identity, a document with certain historical and artistic value. From birth to death, man in costume accompanied the events of his life, being a bearer of symbols. Like all phenomena of material culture, folk costume is subject to continuous development. Its close connection with social life makes it appear as a phenomenon changing, always adapting to the changed conditions of life. Generally suit, starting with the most simple forms, has been improved and complicated the aesthetic attributes. From generation to generation, holiday clothes and wanted more beautiful, the traditionally are considered obsolete. The evolution of the popular and have been many developments, both in terms of decoration and tailoring line. Old forms, with tradition, have been preserved with newer elements that have not made, however, notable changes. Over time, traditional costume has undergone continuous developments, Shutter complex cases, general or local. Romanian port that has the same general features likeness throughout the country, of course with differences of detail, the changes in shape, cut, or just the use of haircut and ornaments. It is essential trait unity in variety, various costumes are characteristic of regions and geographical areas.

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Main characteristics of Romanian Folk Costumes

The Romanian Folk Costume main characteristics are: Predilection for white; Embroidery in geometric patterns; and Elaborate and highly symbolic headdresses. 

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One main characteristic of the Romanian folk costumes is the predilection for white. Women have white blouses, white skirts, white scarves, even white coats. Aprons and vests are black or colored. Men have white shirts and white pants. All, absolutelly all, without exception, all traditional blouses and shirts have long sleeves. Only in the last 50 years, blouses have short sleeves. Embroidery in geometric patterns. Almost every piece of clothing has some kind of handwork, unusually embroidery in geometric pattern; of course, to a limited extent, flowers (or curved lines) are also present. Elaborate and highly symbolic headdresses. Nowadays, the Romanian folk costumes are generally limited to blouses, skirts, and aprons, perhaps vests for women; Shirts, pants, and sometimes vests or coats for man. The old style of elaborate and highly symbolic headdresses are totally disregarded.

Elements of the Romanian Folk Costumes (Men, Women). Women's Romanian Old Folk Costume usually consists of a white blouse, white skirt and one or two black or colorful aprons. Also some head cover; traditional shoes (opinci) and belt. shirt; white pants, and belt. Also some head cover; traditional shoes (opinci) and belt. For cold weather vests and coats. Men's Romanian Old Folk Costume consists of a a white, large, mid-thigh length shirt; white pants, and belt. Also some head cover; traditional shoes (opinci) and belt. For cold weather vests and coats. Specific characteristics of Romanian FolkCostumes, by Ethnographic Regions.. Regarding Romanian folk costumes, there are 7 ethnographic regions. Six ethnographic regions in romania proper and one outside present-day Romanian borders. Transylvania or Ardeal (Sibiu, Somesul Superior, Hateg, and Muntii Apuseni.) The main characteristic of this region is the fact that women wear two aprons, called zadii, catrinte or oprege; the aprons are narrow, the color is black or black and red.

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West Plains or C창mpiile de vest (C창mpia Muresului, C창mpiile Crisurilor Negru-AlbRepede, and C창mpia Somesului Inferior). The main characteristic of this region is that women wear only one front apron, called zadie or catrinte. The aprons are very wide and very colorful.

Banat (Lunca Timisului, Caras Severin, Mehedinti) The main characteristic of this region is that women wear two aprons, called opreg. One or both aprons have long fringes.

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Wallachia or Tara Rom창neasca (Oltenia and Muntenia). The main characteristic of this region is the fact that women wear two overlapping aprons. The aprons have different sizes and designs. The front, the narrow apron is called zavelca. The back apron is wide, with creases and is called v창lnic. Sometimes in the summer girls wear two "zavelca." In the winter women wear one apron, a heavier versions on the v창lnic, called "pesteman" and "fota creata," wide, pleated, wrapped all around, looking almost like a regular skirt.

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Dunare, the region along the inferior course of River Danube: Baragan, Dobrogea and South Moldova. The main characteristic of this region is the fact that women wear two narrow aprons called pestelca. The aprons are similar in size, but different in design.

Moldova: Moldova, Basarabia, Bukovina. The main characteristic of this region is that women wear only one, wrapped around apron, called "fota."

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Decorative art - about signs sewn In general terms, romanians, hutsuls and ruthenians from Bucovina all dressed in similar clothes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; after all, it's about being practical and finding the best solution according to climate, occupation and materials available. Yet each of these nations had a different vision and character and expressed it through embroidery, which adds the final touch of color, composition and motifs used. So if we zoom in, we are able to recognize their clothes: something that seems like an accomplishment for us today â&#x20AC;&#x201C; something that was so obvious for them long ago.

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The author concludes that this embroidery is specific for Bucovina and it's not to be found soon beyond its north border, where the population is only ruthenian. The character of embroidery also changes beyond the east border. Bucovina embroidery belongs in the same group with romanian and generally, the Balkan style. He goes into fine details, explaining the differences between different ethnic groups – as seen on their blouses, those with intricate embroidery, used only Sundays or for Holly-Days. While sometimes, certain motifs were 'stolen' by girls from other villages or moved to another place with a marriage – he noticed that women are very conservative in terms of using colors. ROMANIAN – predilection for very small, delicate motifs, many time in 1 color only: black or red. The horizontal stripe on the sleeve, which divides the composition, was always made in various shades of yellow, from very pale to orange or even to brown. This stripe is created with only certain geometric designs resulting from a different work technique. So, not easy to explain Bucovina at a glance – imagine such a small area has 5 distinct etnographic zones: Campulung, Suceava, Radauti, Strojinet, Cernauti. The troubled history explains the interesting ethnic mix which created such diversity. Romanians, Ruthenians, Hutsul, Polish, Germans, Jews – all brough their contribution. Despite the fact that all these nations managed to find a formula for living in relative harmony, each of them had been, unfortunately, persecuted more or less aggressive by one political regim or another. In the oldest representations, spiral never appears alone; it takes at least 2: A pair; spirals. People will be observed spiral and snail, and the vortices, but why not call that symbolizes strength so but ram's horns. The bear is more powerful, but people impressed impact energy that occurs in the struggle for supremacy.

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Ram's horns speak of 'alpha male': masculine energy, virility. Hands on your hips (as would be translated in Romanian) is properly feminine sign, which represents the feminine power, force of seduction. In many texts, especially those neutral (carpets) these two signs are adjacent or compound that is completed. Hook of the shepherd is formed from two opposing spirals, but related, to better express Contact: lost found, roundtrip, start-stop, etc ... kind of balance forever. A single spiral, use obviously in Horezu ceramic. But here arises from the natural movement spiral of production equipment and decoration. But people drew spirals long before inventing the wheel potter and although it's hard to carve in stone, struggled always make two. 7 Signs primordial - rhombic A farmer does not care that the earth is round. He sees his piece, from which he lives. And he sees in the eye, distorted perspective. He sees it as a 'ROMB'. Black earth, fertile, promises abundance, satiety, life. When people were sitting and domesticated plants and animals, and have reached surplus of food. They all turned down so as to keep it invented pottery. Mother Goddess, Goddess Earth, the symbol of fertility, was - not only represented as a diamond (head-hips-feet) - and "dressed" with diamonds and hatching (furrows). And women were all dressed as goddesses: the diamond wore skirts on black background, the earth. The rhomb stood in the middle of graphic compositions as the center of interest. It was enriched with concentric diamonds filled with hatching - or horizontal slashes, and were extended sides with straight lines and angles. He came to take the form of a flower - why "flower created". In folk; nothing was random; all have a purpose! GODDESS Bird and Magic Bird Signs primordial alphabet were used by people to express messages to Heaven. Ancient believers worshiped Heaven and Sun only strength. Idols were created by people as messengers, creatures Liaison signs inlaid clay dolls that were to ease and shorten the path to heaven. Depending on the signs worn, they had different tasks: GODDESS-BIRD leading souls to heaven and wear, of course, the symbol column. Also she was and torso protector and tissue. From the sacred cloth, woven in temples, they made clothes women dress ceremonies. Women wore the same clothes as signs and goddesses of clay and each message was unique and non-transferable. The aggressions caused by migratory made to disappear silence, peace, matriarch and goddesses.

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Symbols, however, were kept exactly the garments women: the skirts, belts and scarfs. But especially on the sleeves ii and more precisely: not only cut their large wings reminiscent of outlets; but also compositions symbols sewn certain rules. We have seen them ornamental seamless back or chest; but can not altitute ie without wrinkling and rivers. Or If so, why not a Board; it's just a certain blouse decorated.

Children learned how to recognize a Romanian shirt by rivers from the sleeve. And the same basic reason can take different forms. They understood that it takes patience and concentration to lead the way a model; As you did not cheat or to be more leery than others. They were pleased with the results and demanded another drawing more complicated!

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Decorative signs are used not only to costumes, but also to other products required for home decoration: carpets, rugs, ceramics, furniture, textiles (sheets, tablecloths, pillowcases, towels) etc.

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In Catalonia, where used clothing on days like regional election the "Pubilles" and "hereus" offerings on the feast of the Virgin of Montserrat, etc.

In the Canary Islands it retains the regional costume includes the dress worn by various social classes of the islands in the past, and today are dressed in regional folk celebrations or events.

The national costume of the Balearic Islands is known as "Vestit of pages" (peasant dress), since it comes from the very dress of the peasants of yesteryear. Currently, this is typical of folk costume and dance groups, or used in some regional festivals. Although they may be differences between the suit of each of the islands, they share the general features and have many similarities .. The costumes shown in the photos are the Mallorcan costumes but also used in other islands as regional costumes.

Aragon regional costume - There are two kinds of Aragonese costumes, gala and Labrador. Women shoe low-heeled shoes or sandals as men. Also carries wool or silk shawls. Women often wear their hair in a bun, and men wear a headscarf.

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In the case of Andalusia regional costume, it notes that there are different costumes depending on the province. There is also used throughout the Autonomous Region to attend fairs and is known throughout Spain and even abroad: the tight or Flameca, in the case of women, and short dress for men

This suit is originally from C贸rdoba ... The most characteristic feature of this suit is the famous Cordovan hat. In case of women this outfit is composed of a set of black skirt, white ruffled shirt, red sash around the waist and embroidered jacket with fringes.

The costumes of the Basque Country are varied and very picturesque, there is not one, but there is one more representative muchos.Aunque or more known outside the region, the rest are equally traditional Basque, interesting costumes from the standpoint of historical and cultural.

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The regional costume of Castile and Leon, is not one typical of Castilla and Leon, but that each province has a different suit.

In the villages of Castilla la Mancha there are different real city traditional costumes: The man's suit consists of short and vest jacket, black cloth. Woman costume features A 'doublet' or 'bra' black, satin or velvet and adorned with tips beads.

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Female costume Women of the Huerta de Murcia are dressed with bodice, cuckoos and petticoats as underwear, which are covered with a petticoat or skirt can be of various fabrics and colors, although dominated by scarlet, and also can be decorated with embroidery . Torso, women wear white shirt and a cloak that covers the shoulders, while the skirt is generally covered by the white apron which can also be embroidered. male costume Huertano male costume consists of shirt and zarag端el made of canvas, shorts of Arab origin, placed above the

stockings or socks. Above these garments, normally red sash, which covers the lower back is placed. Likewise, men who dress in costume Murcia should wear an embroidered vest or damask. The typical shoes are shoes that go Esparto tied to the ankle, the esparte単as.

Asturias regional costume - The female costume, consisting of skirt or skirt, often extending to the ankles with ribbons of black velvet at the bottom. Above the skirt, apron .In going top, women wear white shirt, and dengue women's head is usually covered by a handkerchief. The male national costume,, is formed by the pants reaching to the knee, and can be of various colors. At the top, wearing white shirt covered by a vest and waist girdle usually red. In the head, the Asturian carry overburden. In Madrid, there are several clothing used by both locals and Madrid of old, as in the case of chulapos and chulapas in XIX century. Today, it is during the regional festival of San Isidro on 15 May when Madrid / as re-dress this suit and go out dancing chotis, regional dance of this region.

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The national costume of Valencia is very present in their most important festival that is for the day March 19, feast of St. Joseph, week in which the Fallas festival is celebrated. The costume is very attractive woman, ornate embroidery and lace and colorful and accompanied by a numerous elaborate hairstyle and jewelry. In the case of men's suit may choose three options, depending on whom you were engaged once wore.

Galicia They differ in two classes: Women suit: A suit made a long skirt, a black apron as apron, a white shirt and clogs. Male costume: This consists of a white shirt, a black vest above. A girdle round the waist, leggings legs and covering a clogs. Navarra There are different types of costumes this depends on whether a woman is married or single, or if a man is married or single. Married Man And Woman; Man and single woman These costumes are more colorful.

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The costume of Cantabria called mountain is one of the best known because, although each area there own dress, depending on the occupations and weather conditions of the time, mainly the nineteenth century, this is the most widespread throughout region. La Rioja They are different according to the areas and populations, but in all cases reflect the lifestyle and customs of the area. Much of the traditional clothes of this region are closely related to the dances that are danced in it and represent it.

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Traditional Turkish Costumes

İSTANBUL: The womans outfit a traditional oriental dancing costume.the light crepe Scavres and loose pants flow with the mmovement of the dance. The Man’s fur lined coat is red, the color of sovereigns. The man’s jacket is lined with ermine. At the palace,wearing furs follows a specific etiquete. Ermine was worn in the fall followed by squirrel furs, and then sable as it got colder. In the spring,the order was rewersed. He is holding prayer beades. Each string has thirtiy-three beads, and each one is fingered three times for a total of ninety-nine prayers to ALLAH. KIRKLARELİ: This couple is performing a traditional Turkish dance.The scarves are used to addvisual drama.The man is wearing a kebe,a short jacket made of Felft.It a long with the şalvar steyle pants,is designed for ease of movement.The woman is wearing an işlemeli yelek or embroidered vest;she has also hand-embroidered her shirt,headscarf and sash. He long braids indicate that she is not married,as it was the custom for both men and women not to cut their hair until marriage. BURSA: Bursa is famous for its fine textiles, particulary velvet and silk. The sultan and his palace were frequent customers of these meterials. Only young men wore this steyle of short pants;older men always wore their pants below yhe knee. The man is carrying a ceremonial sword and shield, used in dances depicting battles. The woman is wearing a wedding outfit, which can include up to thirty-two separate articles of clothing. In additionto her çakşir trousers,she is wearing a layer of decorative cloth , and an etekçek(little skirt ) or apron . AYDIN: The man’s unusual hat is decorated with oya , small colorful crocheted circles . his high boots are handmade of goat skin leather,and heldtogether with wooden nails. This woman’s jacket is beautifuly embroidered with gold thread. This is called yanar söner which literally means ‘‘it burns and extinguishes,’’ an apt description for how the gold flashes as it catches the light. Her headscarf is attached to a fez and is decorated with a silwer fez top worn on special occasions.

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ANKARA The man’s mostly decorative jacket is called a cepken . it is designed to leave the arms free , and is cut short so the sash or cummerbund shows. He is wearing a double kuşak or sash , which was given as a means of reward from the palace. The woman’s very sheer cotton headscarf was wowen in the Black Sea town of şile .it has been decorated with goald embroidery. She is also wearing an bindallı , along velvet caftan with gold embroidery. This outfit would be among her adamlık or best clothes , suitable for ceremonies and important visitors. KONYA: The Mevlevi religious order of sufi dervishes vas founded in Konya by the mystic Mevlana. The traditional white robe is called a tennure and the hat is a sikke. The skirt is cut full and is slightly weighted at the bottom so as to flare out as the dervishes whril in circles. This ritual dance is symbolic of the planets rotaing around the sun. The raised right hand takes power from the sun , and the lowered left hand gives it to the people SİLİFKE Çalpara or clappers are still used in folk dances al ower turkey to keep rythmeven though wooden spoons are more common today. Slifke is know for is keklik or partridge dance that depcist the flapping of the birds wings. Both this man and woman are wearing sallama , a broad woven only cover their heads after marriage , in a special head – covering ceremony the woman is wearing a yemeni , or hand printed headscarf. GAZİANTEP İt is tradition in Turkish culture to give gold coins oa altın para for specials occasions such as weddings and births. Some women decorate their hats with gold coins symbolize the number of years they have been married , or the number of children they have. This man’s baggy pants are called şalvar :they are designed for easy movement and to keep cool. His bag is to hold tobacco . BİTLİS Women knit their own socks from wool and would wear differnt colors to express their feelings. Black was for mourning , brown conveyed hopelessness, red was for love , and pink and yellow for frivolty. Both the man and woman are wearing a vest called a fermene. İt is open at the front and usualy simply decorated with braiding. The man’s wide – legged pants and tesseled cummerbund are designed for ceromonial dances, not everday life . KARS These unusual costumes are uniqueto the Kars region. They are worn for ceromonial dances . the man’s long jacket is a type of aba. İt is collarles, unlined and without buttons. Abelt is worn to keep is closed. His fur halt called a kalpak. The many bullets and belt buckles decorating his jacket signify he is a high-ranking mem ber of the military. The woman is wearing a fistan or long skirt or dress with paisley motifs.

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ARTVİN The man’s conical hat is called a küllah. The steyle of wrapping the scarf around a man’s hat waried according to his profession and the rank of civil servants. The headgear of the deceased would be shown on their gravestones as vell. Since village woman aren’t always free to speak openly, they often crochet messages onto the edge of their headscarves. For examples, a in-lav has been mean to them. The woman is wearing an üç etek literally meaning three skirts. İt is a skirt cut with one back and two front panels. TRABZON Both men and married women wore jeverly including ear rings necklaces bracelets, ring and other decorative accessories. The silver triangle seen on this man’s costume is designed to hold a page of the koran. The number of buckles hanging from the belt waries depending on his social and ecomonic status, married women would wear gold chanias decorated with ornamental gold coins called beşibirlik. The number of

these gold coins indicated her wealth and status.

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Cultural Kaleidoscope

Cultural Personalities 137

French personalities

Simone de Beauvoir (9 January 1908 – 14 April 1986), She was a French writer, intellectual, philosopher, political activist, feminist and social theorist. Though she did not consider herself a philosopher, she had a significant influence on both feminism and feminist theory.

Niki de Saint Phalle (29 October 1930– 21 May 2002) She was a French sculptor, painter, and filmmaker. She was member of the ''Nouveau Réalistes''. Her «Nanas» made her famous as early as 1964. She introduced the determinant theme of the female life principle to art history.

Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel dite Coco Chanel (19 August 1883 – 10 January 1971) She was a French fashion designer and founder of the chanel brand. Her design aesthetic was realized in jewelry, handbags, and fragrance. Her signature scent, Chanel No. 5, has become an iconic product.

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Victor Hugo ( 26 February 1802 – 22 May 1885) He was a French poet, novelist, and dramatist of the Romantic movement. He is considered one of the greatest and best known French writers. In France, Hugo's literary fame comes first from his poetry. But he was also famous for his novels and his plays. He is the author of « Les Misérables ».

Alexandre Gustave Eiffel (15 December 1832 – 27 December 1923) He was a French civil engineer and architect.He made his name with various bridges for the French railway network. (most famously the Garabit viaduct). He is best known for the world-famous Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris, France.

Jean Monnet (9 November 1888 – 16 March 1979) He was a French political economist and diplomat. He is regarded by many as a chief architect of European unity and one of the founding fathers of the European Union.

Françoise Giroud, (born France Gourdji) (21 sptember 1916 - 19 January 2003) Giroud's work in cinema began with director Marc Allégret as a scriptgirl on his 1932 version of Marcel Pagnol's Fanny. In 1936 she worked with Jean Renoir on the set of La Grande Illusion. She later wrote screenplays, wrote 30 books (both fiction and non-fiction), and worked as a journalist. She was the editor of Elle magazine for seven years. She was one of the founders of the French newsmagazine L'Express. She edited L'Express until 1971, then was its director until 1974. She participated in the French national government. From 1984 to 1988 Giroud was president of Action Internationale contre la Faim. From 1989 to 1991 she was president of a commission to improve cinema-ticket sales. She was a literary critic on Le Journal du Dimanche, and she contributed a weekly column to Le Nouvel Observateur from 1983 until her death. She died at the American Hospital of Paris while being treated for a head wound incurred in a fall.

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ITALIAN personalities Leonardo Da Vinci - Artist, Mathematician, Inventor, Writer (1452–1519) Born on April 15, 1452, in Vinci, Italy, Leonardo da Vinci was concerned with the laws of science and nature, which greatly informed his work as a painter, sculptor, inventor and draftsmen. His ideas and body of work—which includes "Virgin of the Rocks," "The Last Supper," "Leda and the Swan" and "Mona Lisa"— have influenced countless artists and made da Vinci a leading light of the Italian Renaissance.

Da Vinci's most well-known painting, and arguably the most famous painting in the world, the "Mona Lisa," was a privately commissioned work and was completed sometime between 1505 and 1507.

The Last Supper 1498

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Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, born December 22, 1858, started the operatic trend toward realism with his popular works, which are among the most often performed in opera history. But the fame and fortune that came with such successes as La Boheme, Madama Butterfly and Tosca were complicated by an oftentroubled personal life. Puccini died of post-operative shock on November 29, 1924.

Raphael - Painter, Architect (1483â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1520) A leading figure of Italian High Renaissance classicism, Raphael is best known for his "Madonnas," including the Sistine Madonna, and for his large figure compositions in the Palace of the Vatican in Rome.

In Rome from 1509 to 1511, he painted the Stanza della Segnatura ("Room of the Signatura") frescoes located in the Palace of the Vatican. He later painted another fresco cycle for the Vatican, in the Stanza d'Eliodoro ("Room of Heliodorus"). In 1514, Pope Julius II hired Raphael as his chief architect. Around the same time, he completed his last work in his series of the "Madonnas," an oil painting called the Sistine Madonna. Raphael died in Rome on April 6, 1520.

The School of Athens (from the Stanza della Segnatura) 1510-11

St George Fighting The Dragon

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Giuseppe Verdi - Songwriter (c. 1813â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1901)

Giuseppe Verdi was born in Italy in 1813, prior to Italian unification. Verdi produced many successful operas, including La Traviata, Falstaff and Aida, and became known for his skill in creating melody and his profound use of theatrical effect. Additionally, his rejection of the traditional Italian opera for integrated scenes and unified acts earned him fame. Verdi died on January 27, 1901, in Milan, Italy. Composing over 25 operas throughout his career, Verdi continues to be regarded today as one of the greatest composers in history. Furthermore, his works have reportedly been performed more than any other performer's worldwide.

Antonio Vivaldi - Priest, Educator, Composer (1678â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1741) Born on March 4, 1678, in Venice, Italy, Antonio Vivaldi was ordained as a priest though he instead chose to follow his passion for music. A prolific composer who created hundreds of works, he became renowned for his concertos in Baroque style, becoming a highly influential innovator in form and pattern. He was also known for his operas, including Argippo and Bajazet. He died on July 28, 1741.

Franco Zeffirelli - was born on February 12, 1923, in Florence, Italy. After World War II ended, he moved to Rome and became an actor and stage director, eventually transitioning into stage design. He worked on opera and stage productions from the 1950s through the early 2000s. Zeffirelli is also known for Shakespeare film adaptations, including The Taming of the Shrew and Romeo and Juliet.

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LITHUANIAN personalities

Mikalojus was a Lithuanian painter, composer and writer. He was born in 1875. Čiurlionis contributed to symbolism and art nouveau and was representative of the fin de siècle epoch. He has been considered one of the pioneers of abstract art in Europe. During his short life he composed about 400 pieces of music and created about 300 paintings, as well as many literary works and poems. The majority of his paintings are housed in the M. K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum in Kaunas, Lithuania. His works have had a profound influence on modern Lithuanian culture. The asteroid 2420 Čiurlionis is named after him. He died in 1911. ANGELS (PARADISE)

Kristijonas Donelaitis was born in 1714.Parents was free peasants. Kristijonas studied in Karaliaučiaus university , Teology. He Studied French, Latin, Greek,Hebrew languages. Kristijonas built widows shelter, renovated rectory. The most famous Donelaitis poem “Years” was written in 1765–1775 m. Poem was published by Liudviks Rėza after death of Donelaitis. “Years” are translated in 12 languages: German, English, Swedish, Czech, Hungarian, Latvian, Russian, Byelorussian, Polish, Georgian, Ukrainian, Armenian. He died in 1780.

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Maironis (Jonas Mačiulis) (1862-1932) – Lithuanian poet and priest of 19-20th centuries. He wrote some famous Lithuanian poems like „Trakų pilis“ (Trakai castle), “Lietuva brangi“ (Dear Lithuania). Most important his works are selection of poesy “Pavasario balsai” (Sounds of Spring), one historical drama trilogy, 6 poems, 2 librettos, many critiques of Lithuanian literature and history, translations.

Vytautas Landsbergis (1932) – Lithuanian politician, public figure, historian of art, culture and music. 30 books – some about art, analyzing Čiurlionis, others analyzing Lithuanian and foreign politics. The famous politician is an honoured protagonist of restitution of Lithuanian independence, awarded with many national and international peace and freedom prizes. Since 2004 he works as a Europarliamentarian.

Martynas Mažvydas (1510-1563) – Lithuanian writer of 16th century, author of first Lithuanian book “Katekizmas” (Catechism) and 5 other first Lithuanian books that were prepared and printed in Konigsberg (Karaliaučius in Lith.) Appointed as a protestant parson in Ragainė, Mažvydas prosecuted literary works, translated documents, prepared a prayer book “Parafrazės” (Paraphrase).

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Polish personalities

Adam Bernard Mickiewicz (poet) Adam Bernard Mickiewicz was born on December 24th, 1798 in Zaosie or Nowogr贸dek and died on November 26th, 1855 in Constantinopol. He is Polish poet, political activist and journalist. He was one of the greatest poets of Polish Romanticism and was mainly known as the author of ballads, novels, poetry and drama. In the years 18071815 he attended a district school in the Dominican Nowogr贸dek. In 1812 there were two important events in his life: on May 16th his father died and later Napoleon's troops passed Novogr贸dek marching to Russia. In 1815 Mickiewicz went to study in Vilnius. He studied humanities at the Imperial University of Vilnius. He undertook studies at the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences and at the same time attended lectures at the Department of Moral and Political Sciences and Literature and Liberal Arts. Severe financial situation of his family after the death of his father led him to become involved in the education at the University of Seminary Teachers which later guaranteed him employment in the tsarist schools. In 1819 he graduated from it with a master's degree. In 1819 he began working as a teacher in Kaunas where he lived until 1823. In 1823 he was arrested and imprisoned in the Basilian monastery in Vilnius (from the autumn 1823 to March 1824) and then convicted for taking part in the secret youth organizations.

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Frederic Francis Chopin (composer) Frederic Francis Chopin lived in the years 1810-1849. He was the most famous Polish composer and pianist of the Romantic era who mainly wrote for the solo piano. He was born in Ĺťelazowa Wola which is 46 kilometres far from Warsaw in Mazowsze. He gained and has maintained renown all over the world as one of the leading musicians of his era whose â&#x20AC;&#x153;poetic geniusâ&#x20AC;? was based on a professional technique that was unique in his generation. When he was six years old, he started to play the piano. When he was 7, he created his first works. As a child prodigy he completed his musical education and composed many of his works in Warsaw before leaving Poland at the age of 20 less than a month before the outbreak of the November 1830 Uprising. At the age of 21 he settled in Paris. Thereafter, during the last 18 years of his life, he gave only 30 public performances preferring more intimate atmosphere of the salon. He supported himself by selling his compositions and teaching the piano. In 1835 he was granted French citizenship. Chopin invented the concept of instrumental ballade. His major piano works also include sonatas, mazurkas, waltzes, nocturnes, polonaises, etudes, impromptus, scherzos and preludes. Some of them were published only after his death. Many contain elements of both Polish folk music and of the classical tradition of J. S. Bach, Mozart and Schubert - the music of all he admired. His innovations in style, musical form and harmony and his association of music with nationalism influenced the late Romantic period. In his last years, he was financially supported by his admirer Jane Stirling who also arranged for him a trip to Scotland in 1848. Through most of his life, Chopin suffered from the poor health. He died in Paris in 1849, probably of tuberculosis. Both in his native Poland and abroad, Chopin's music, his status as one of music's earliest superstars, his association with political insurrection, his love life and his early death have made him, in the public consciousness, a leading symbol of the Romantic era. His works are still popular and he has been the subject of numerous films and biographies of varying degrees of historical accuracy. All of Chopin's compositions include the piano. Most are for solo piano, although he also wrote two piano concerts, a few chamber pieces and some songs to Polish lyrics. His keyboard style is highly individual and often technically demanding. His own performances were noted for their nuance and sensitivity.

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Jan Kasprowicz (poet) Jan Kasprowicz was born on December 12th, 1860 in the village of Szymborze near Inowrocław in Kujawy region in the poor peasant family. From 1870 he went to the Prussian secondary schools in Inowrocław, Poznań, Opole and Raciborz, and in 1884 he recieved a diploma in the St. Mary Magdalene Junior High School in Poznań. He studied philosophy and literature at the German Universities of Leipzig and Wroclaw. In 1885 Kasprowicz began publishing regularly his poems and patriotic combat articles. In 1886 he married Theodosia Szymańska but after a few months he left his wife. In January, 1893 he married Jadwiga Gąsowska. Kasprowicz had two daughters with her called Janine and Anna. After a few years Jadwiga left him. He loved the Tatras and he often returned there. Kasprowicz loved Italy, too. In 1911 he married a young Russian woman called Mary Bunin. During the First World War he lived in Poronin and then for a long period of time in Lviv where he did a lot of scientific work. Because of bad health he left Lviv and moved to Poronin in 1923. Later he bought a house in the hamlet of Harenda where he had close and heartfelt relationships with the highlanders. Kasprowicz was translating a lot into German, French, Italian, Norwegian, Belgian, Dutch, Czech, Indian, Greek and Latin.

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Romanian personalities

Constantin Brancusi â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Romanian sculptor and painter, he was a central figure of the modern movement. Born on February 19 1876, in Hobitza, Romania in a family of peasants. He inherited his familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural gift of wood carving (a tradition in Romania). He studied sculpture at the School of Arts and Crafts in Craiova and the National School of Fine Arts in Bucharest. In 1903 he left for France (by foot), stopping by in each major city, eager to discover the world and explore the arts. A few of his major works include: Endless Column, Mademoiselle Pogany, the Sleeping Muse, the Kiss, Bird in Space, Gate of the Kiss.

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George Enescu – Romanian violinist, pianist, conductor and one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. Born on August 9 1881 in Botosani, Moldavia, he was the only surviving child out of 8 children. Due to the family tragedy, his parents devoted all their efforts to his upbringing; he began playing the violin at the age of 4. From the age of 5-6 years old, he tries his first test composition. Enescu is sent to study at the Vienna Conservatory; he makes his debut as a violinist at the age of 12, a fact much publicized by Viennese press. He continues his studies at Conservatoire de Paris. He creates his most pouplar compositions, such as the two Romanian Rhapsodies, Op. 11 suite no. 1 for orchestra, op. 9 his first Symphony in E flat, op. 13 Seven songs on poems by Clément Marot, op. 15.

Mihai Eminescu – journalist, poet, novelist. Considered the most influential Romanian poet, he was one of the last great Romantics. Born on January 15 1859, in Botosani, Moldavia. Mihai spends his childhood in Ipotesti, a village where his parents had a small estate. He made his literary debut at 16. He went on tours with theatrical companies. Eminescu studied philosophy in Vienna and Berlin. Back in Romania, he worked in education and joined literary circle Junimea (“Youth”). The most important works of his last period are “A Dacian’s Prayer,” “Ode in the Ancient Meter,” and the “Epistles.”

Ion Luca Caragiale – Romanian poet, playwright, short story writer, theater manager and journalist. Born on February 13 1852 in Dambovita, southern Romania, in a family of actors and playwrights. He grew up in Ploiesti and developed interest in poetry and an acting from an early age. In mid 1970’s, he writes his most important plays: A Stormy Night, Mr. Leonida, Carnival Stories, A Lost Letter. The plays are centered in satirical way around the urban life and people of his time; he highlights social conflicts and political corruptions. In 1888, Caragiale becomes director of the Bucharest National Theatre.

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One of the founders of the Romanian painting was Nicolae Grigorescu (1838-1907). Nicolae Grigorescu was born on May 15, 1838 and died on July 21, 1907. He was born in a village in Romania and died in Campina, Romania. Nicolae Grigorescu is known as a famous painter. In 1843, when his father died, the family moved to Bucuresti, Romania. Nicolae Grigorescu created a lot of icons for the church of Baicoi. Grigorescu went to study in Paris, France, where he met other painters and some of them influenced his art. Having studied at École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, he had contact with Pierre-Auguste Renoir, after which he left Paris to join the Barbizon school, where he adopted the „en plein art” way of painting. Several of his works were

featured, among others, at the Universal Exhibitions in Paris. In 1877 he was called to accompany the Romanian Army as a “frontline painter” in the Romanian War of Independence.

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Maria Tanase is an icon of the Romanian traditional music. Today, 25th September, it is a century since her birth (25 September 1913 – 22 June 1963). Maria Tanase was a beloved singer during her life being called “The Magic Bird” of the Romanian traditional song. Her deep voice with a perfect diction and her fascinating presence made her famous both in her country, and internationally.

Sergiu Celibidache Conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic from 194552 and then lifetime conductor of the Munich Philharmonic (1979-96), Sergiu Celibidache is the greatest Romanian conductor and one of the world all time greats. One of those rare characters difficult to work with (obsessive perfectionist), but funny at the same time, his concerts were not only about music, but an experience. Pianist Eileen Joyce said that Celibidache was the greatest conductor she ever worked with, and “the only one who got inside my soul.”

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Spanish personalities

Alfonso X 'the Wise' was one of the most important monarchs of medieval Christian Spain. Son of Fernando III 'El Santo' (unifier of the kingdoms of Castile and Leon), his reign ran from 1252 until his death in 1284. In this Castilian monarch are two aspects: its contribution to the formation of culture and contemporary European legislation and its implementation thereof determined in our land. He laid the foundations of the current society Murcia and was the Spanish monarch with closer links to Murcia. His relationship with the region began in 1243, when the then Prince Alfonso led the Castilian armies in their occupation of the Muslim kingdom of Murcia.

Isaac Peral y Caballero (Cartagena, June 1, 1851 - Berlin, May 22, 1895) Isaac Peral y Caballero was a great sailor and a great inventor. Formed in San Fernando (Cรกdiz), he participated in dozens of military action embarked by the world and developed their knowledge and teaching in various areas such as Geography, Mathematics and Physics. However, almost all findings are linked in some way to the domain of electricity, which is the basis of modern operating the submarine Peral. When he retired from the Navy, Isaac founded in Madrid a company from which he patented several inventions and performed the laying of the first power stations in the country. Despite the fame he achieved in Spain and in the world in 1888, year of the launching of the submarine, soon his name was forgotten most unfair, because of the many intrigues and jealousies surrounding his momentous invention. Over time, however, surveys continued in many parts of the world and Spain also recovered thanks to the interest of Cartagena, his hometown, where his remains were taken in 1911, 16 years after his death. Also there rests, since 1929, the famous submarine.

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Miguel Espinosa is considered one of the greatest writers of the twentieth century Murcia. Little known to the general public, but recognized by critics and academics. Many of his works were published years after being written; some even posthumously. His work provides a fertile heterodoxy that makes it difficult to classify, giving the reader a unique, original and full of linguistic findings style. Hence Miguel Espinosa is considered a major writer, being related to bygone authors of the stature of the writer Baltasar Gracian Baroque or Renaissance François Rabelais. It is made known to the general public following the publication, in 1974, which is considered his best and most important work, school Mandarins, which won the City of Barcelona Prize, a novel with laFea bourgeoisie has I returned to be published in 2006 by prestigious publishing nationwide, showing signs of increasing literary and consideration of the late writer of Caravaca.

Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was born in Alcalá de Henares, Spain September 19, 1547. One of Spain's most famous writers, Miguel de Cervantes created one of the world's greatest literary masterpieces, Don Quixote, in the early 1600s. In Esquivias (Province of Toledo), on 12 December 1584, he married the much younger Catalina de Salazar y Palacios (Toledo, Esquivias –, 31 October 1626), daughter of Fernando de Salazar y Vozmediano and Catalina de Palacios. Her uncle Alonso de Quesada y Salazar is said to have inspired the character of Don Quixote.He died on April 23, 1616 in Madrid. Pablo Ruiz Picasso (Málaga 1881 - Mougins 1973) He is a very important painter who spent most of his adult life in France. As one of the greatest and most influential artists of the 20th century, he is known for co-founding the Cubist movement, the invention of constructed sculpture, the co-invention of collage, and for the wide variety of styles that he helped develop and explore. Among his most famous works are the proto-Cubist Les Demoiselles

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d'Avignon (1907), and Guernica (1937), a portrayal of the Bombing of Guernica by the German and Italian airforces at the behest of the Spanish nationalist government during the Spanish Civil War. Guernica, 1937 by Pablo Picasso

Salvador Dalí - (May 11, 1904 – January 23, 1989) was a prominent Spanish surrealist painter born in Figueres, Catalonia, Spain. Dalí was a skilled draftsman, best known for the striking and bizarre images in his surrealist work. His painterly skills are often attributed to the influence of Renaissance masters. His best-known work, The Persistence of Memory, was completed in August 1931. Dalí's expansive artistic repertoire included film, sculpture, and photography, in collaboration with a range of artists in a variety of media.

The Persistence of Memory (1931)

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turkish personalities Ara Güler, was born in Beyoğlu-İstanbul. Both his mother and father was Armenian but he defines himself as “I am neither from Armenia nor from anywhere else, I am a World citizen.” In young days, Güler was influenced by cinema and started to get drama lessons from Muhsin Ertuğrul the founder of modern Turkish theater. However, later on, his ambition to cinema led him to photography and he started to work as the head of photographic department in “Hayat” magazine. In 1961, Photography Annual which was published in UK, defined Ara Güler as one of the best 7 photographers of the World. His photos were used in several important publications. He took photos of many celebrities such as Salvador Dali, Picasso, Winston Churchill and Bertrand Russell. Ara Güler said that “Photojournalism is not just taking the photo of a famous person. I always look for the life; I took and keep taking the photo of the life, the experience, the manners, the custom and the emotions.. Sometimes the life sometimes the misery.” Ara Güler who pressed the shutter release million times, captured many visual images of the time so that he witnessed the history in a way. He describes his bond with the objects and people that he took the photo as this: “I took who I shall and every people left a trace upon me” Most of Ara Güler’s phptographs are displayed at various exhibitions throughout the World. He only used “Leica” brand camera for his photos, but he told that “Camera is just an instument, the mind takes the image, if you think it will lead to a conclusion then you press the button” to emphasize the vanity of the machine. According to Güler, photography is not an art but a photpgrapher must be an artist since it shall comprise the perspective, culture, education and perception of an artist.

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Nasreddin Hodja , is a famous , Turkish cultural person who is known with is wisdom , sense of humor , funny stories and episodes . The stories of Nasreddin Hodja make people laugh and think at the same time . you can take lessons from his stories about doily life . Konya , AkĹ&#x;hir the city in Central Anatolian Region o Turkey , is famous for Nasreddin Hodja . His white beard , his cap , his donkey are the most well-known characteristics of Narseddin Hodja . He has an important role in Turkish culture and literature . Turkish children grow up , cheer up and learn with the stories of Nasreddin Hodja . LET'S HAVE FUN One day , Nasreddin Hodja arrows a cauldron from his neighbour . When returning it , he thanks the neighbour and puts a small cauldron in it . the neighbour wonders what the smaller cauldron is about . Hodja tells the neighbour that his big cauldron give birth to a smaller on , so the neighbour is glad . After a long while , Hodja asks his neighbour to lend his couldron again . the neighbour willingly agrees to give it . However , this time there is no word of either Hodja or the cauldron ever after a long time . Finally , the neighbour decides to broach the subjest one day . '' - Hodja , what's happened to my cauldron ? '' '' - My dear neighbour , it's been ages since then and your cauldron has died . It was wondering how to break the bad news . '' Hodja says sadly . Furious at this , the neighbour asks : '' - What on earth are you saying ? Would a cauldron die ? It's not alive ; How could it die ? '' Hodja quips ; '' - You believed that it gave bith , so why can't ou accept that is dead ? ''

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NAZIM HİKMET (RAN) “BLUE EYED HERO”

Nazım Hikmet is one of most well known Turkish poets who is also a patriot, a socialist, a novelist but most of all, a man who loved his country a lot but suffered most of his life long exile. The art of Nazım Hikmet is fascinating since his words are so strong and sharp, even that they were forbidden through some years. His value was definite but unfortunately his real value was understood and shown after his death. Nazım Hikmet was born in Selanik in 1902. His mother was an artist and his grandfather was also a poet. He wrote his first poem at the age of 17. He attended the Turkish navel academy but later he left the military and went on his education in Moscow due to the environment in İstanbul after First World War. He came back to Turkey in 1924 to join the Turkish Independence War however he was arrested for his leftist, communist ideas and works. Although his being a Romantic Communist, his works put him into trouble and even into prison. But his arrestment didn’t stop him to write his poems, instead it made his poems more improved, mature and wellknown. After being held in prison for almost 28 years, he was called for Military Service at the age of 48! He found out the murder plans about him at the same time so he had to escape from his beloved country. “Human Landscapes” was his masterpiece and his poems are inspiring, sometimes didactic but mostly sincere and wholehearted. He died of heart attack in Moscow in 3 June 1963 The year “2002”, was accepted as the year of Nazım Hikmet by UNESCO.

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Conclusions

Europe is proud of its cultural diversity, linguistically present in literature, theater, cinema, radio and television, dance, art, architecture and crafts, to name a few. Europe is characterized compared with other international economic areas through features namely: first multicultural Europe is a territory characterized by similarities and differences but its peoples "resembles a much greater extent than are distinguished." Europeanization is a complex and difficult, long lasting, it is the foundation euro emergence and development management. The fact that all national cultures of Europe are descended - although not exclusively - from the same original sources, largely explains the cultural unity of Europe over time. In other words, it is remarkable that European nation not defined neither by race nor by language or customs, but the goals and ideals. Europe is proud of its cultural diversity. Linguistic diversity opens doors to other cultures and is a cultural and democratic basic element that underpin the European Union. Learning at least two foreign languages to all its citizens is a long-term goal of the Union. If we follow the traditions and costumes, dances and folk songs, decorative art of the seven participating countries, we can see the amazing similarities are the result of overlapping, habits due to population migration due to historical events that have marked each country. Small differences related to roots nations of faith and religion. The European Cultural Kaleidoscope we wanted to give young people the opportunity to make contact with their own traditions, discover the beauty and richness of folklore, to learn about the differences and similarities of traditions and customs of the countries participating in the project; I wanted to introduce young people in a beautiful world of song, dance, traditional events specific to each country, helping them to discover the folklore and the important role it plays in people's lives. The main objectives of the project were discovering traditions, folk customs and folklore displays, establishing a cultural dialogue between students, awareness of national citizenship and the role of European citizen in charge of building Europe, from direct involvement in the future. 158

Young people today are concerned about modern technology, not in contact with what defines their origin, tradition and folklore of each nation. We have identified a series of questions that, most often, young generation shrugged, unsure how to approach this topic: - What defines our origin? - How many know about the traditions and national folklore? - What is the national identity? But the EU? - What similarities and differences can be identified between the two traditions popoare- Romania and Bulgaria? - How transmit cultural heritage to future generations? - In what way can we capitalize on popular customs and traditions? - How to establish dialogue between generations? But between different nations community space? E-K Press project was a way for young people reflected on the national and European identity, cultural dialogue established between generations and nations, aimed at preserving the traditions and customs. Project activities were diverse: workshops, games and knowing relationship, reflection and self-assessment sessions, visits to cultural-historical sights and rustic place in the partner countries. They held workshops with the theme "popular customs and traditions": presentation of traditional costumes and folk dances specific to each country, young people learning dance steps with partner countries, the mini-shows were interpreted carols, traditional songs. To stimulate the creativity of the young participants, it was organized painting workshops, creating a belt of friendship in Lithuania using traditional motifs inspired by the decorative arts reasons. At the end of the activities, young people have collected the necessary materials to achieve the final product - European Cultural Kelidoscopul, received certificates of participation, improved their English skills and learned vocabulary words in partner countries; they shared their experience with family, friends and colleagues and will use the knowledge acquired in their work in other projects and school and extracurricular activities. 159

The indirect beneficiaries of exchange among students and teachers come from communities where the project was implemented. The impact in these communities was done through MASSMEDIEI and by Ignition directly between participants and community members through the application of questionnaires. The end product is used by both the direct beneficiaries of the project, and by the indirect, through multiplication, as a tool to promote youth activities, cultural diversity and the Youth in Action program, a model of good practice among young generations. Partner institutions will continue also in future collaborative relationships, it proved to be increasingly beneficial to all teams of students, aiming to apply for other projects through community programs. The theme of this project and the achievements of the young participants represent a starting point for other projects meant to stimulate intercultural dialogue, acceptance and understanding diversity and promoting cultural values of the European community.

A kaleidoscope A kaleidoscope is a fascinating object. It is a tube containing mirrors, at the end of which are pieces of coloured glass. Each piece of glass is different with its own shape and colour. When someone looks through the tube and turns it, they see a moving picture, but the basic shapes and colours from which the picture is made remain the same. This book is the result of a cultural research conducted by students and teachers during the two-year project. The project gave us the tube of the kaleidoscope through which we closely investigated aspects of the culture of the seven partner countries. So we have found characteristics of each country in terms of folklore, traditions, cuisine, decorative art and personalities who contributed to the development of European culture.

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Aspects of the project activities Romania

(Nov. 2013)

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Lithuania

(March, 2014)

162

Poland

(June, 2014)

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Turkey

(October, 2014)

164

Spain

(March 2015)

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Summary

Traditions ………………………………………………………………… 9- 32 Christmas traditions ………………………………………………. ……33- 51 New Year traditions ……………………………………………………. 52- 53 Easter traditions…………………………………………………………..54- 70 Traditional instruments ……………………………………………….....71- 91 Traditional costumes and decorative art ……………………………..92-136 Cultural personalities ………………………………………………….137-157 Conclusions……………………………………………………………..158- 160 Aspects of the project activities……………………………………….161-166

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