Lifestyle
FEBRUARY 2020
VALENTINE’S DAY
Things to Look Forward to in the Spring Eloise Thorne | Part 1 English Literature and Theatre Studies
“Various activities, sights and projects accompany the turn of Spring, with changing weather and fresh mindsets making it a pivotal point of the year.” Various activities, sights and projects accompany the turn of Spring, with changing weather and fresh mindsets making it a pivotal point of the year. Spring has significance to many people, whether that be because of religious connotations or simply a chance to take a walk without having to wrap up in thousands of layers. The Spring Equinox is crucial to the season, celebrating the revived life of the Earth that accompanies Spring. For Pagans this is vital to celebrate, and they utilise various avenues to do so. There are particular rituals, such as a man and woman being chosen to take on the roles of Spring God and Goddess, planting seeds symbolically to accompany their courtship. So, whether it is the more consecrated celebrations one looks forward to in Spring, or simply the release of a new music album, there are many treats in store for everyone.
entine’s day alone. But that doesn’t matter to me. I know I am surrounded by people that I adore, and they care about me just as equally. I don’t buy into
“I know I am surrounded by people that I adore, and they care about me just as equally.” the commercial aspect of Valentine’s Day, but I do appreciate the sentimentality that it can
have. And I greatly appreciate the range of reduced chocolates the day after! It is much more important to show people you love them regularly rather than making a rare grand gesture. Love is not exclusive between significant others either. Love is everywhere. Bankrupting yourself for one day is unnecessary when the real gifts that people will treasure are kindness, good memories and you! It is lovely to take time to show your affection, but it can, and should be shown on other days of the year.
There are annual events that are thoroughly enjoyed every year, as well as happenings unique to individual years. St David’s Day is relished by thousands, with the celebration of all things Welsh constituting in parades including daffodils, herds of red dragons and flags of St David himself. This is closely followed by St Patrick’s Day wherein Ireland is celebrated in all its glory, with the national Saint of Ireland also being celebrated.
“As with every year, the benefits of Spring are broad[...]”
Alongside these commemorations of Saints, the religious element of Spring is also important. For Christians, the resurrection of Christ during Easter is as important and the widely celebrated festive period of Christmas. On the other hand, Muslims celebrate Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam and just ahead of the festival of Eid- Al- Fitr. The month of fasting in 2020 falls in Spring as Islamic dates are based on the moon. These religious festivals provide much excitement for their followers, and are just another two of the multitude of reasons people enjoy Spring so much.
As with every year, the benefits of Spring are broad, stretching from the
Spring holds promise and pleasure for all, regardless of background, ethnicity, religion or age.
Furthermore, every year the season brings differing opportunities, with 2020 being no different. For example, in 2020, ‘The Killers’ are releasing their new album, ‘Imploding the Mirage’, and half of ‘Circa Waves’s album, “Sad Happy” is being released in March of 2020.
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
afore mentioned release of new music, to festivals suited to everybody’s taste, whether that be, ‘Camden Rocks’, debuting the best indie rock across various venues in Camden, or the more serene and composed atmosphere of the, ‘Salisbury International Arts Festival’, with comedy, music and storytelling being at the forefront of the lineup.
Internationals at Reading
The best thing I like about living in Reading is that there is diversity in culture where there are different nationalities across the globe. Day by day you get to learn new cultures and hear different languages where there is a diverse selection of things to do What do you not like about Reading?
VEGANUARY? A SUCCESS! Georgina Hutchinson | Part 2 Agricultural Business Management Successfully completing Veganuary is probably not expected from an agricultural student, however, it was an exciting opportunity to explore the diet now adopted by 600,000 people in the UK. Overall veganism encouraged me to eat more veg, yet I felt guilty consuming dairy alternatives that had clocked up over 7,000 food miles to reach my local supermarket, raising questions over my carbon footprint. M&S’s Plant Kitchen triumphed in the vegan ready meals available, yet Honest Burger’s Plant-based burger, left my tastebuds dissatisfied with its sterile flavour. Veganuary may encourage others to eat a more plant-based diet, but for me, it has just supported my view that British and seasonal food produced in a sustainable way is the way I would rather eat.
FEELING CHEESY? Olivia Mill | Secretary and socials
Photo by Olivia Mill
Pasta and cheese, what more could you want from one meal? This Easy Homemade recipe of mac’n’cheese uses 5 easy ingredients and can be done in 20 minutes. Cook your macaroni pasta in boiling water on the hob Make a cheese sauce while your pasta is cooking by melting your margarine in a saucepan and mix in some plain flour, then stir in the milk and sour cream until smooth. Once smooth add the cheese and wait for it to melt
Sara Mattar | Head of Photography What do you like about living in Reading?
15
The fact that internationals do not integrate that much with British students What could be done better? having more events for internationals where there would also be lessons taught about different cultures including food and language as there is not a variety
When the cheese is melted the sauce is ready Drain the pasta and pour the cheese over the pasta in an oven proof dish Grate some cheese on top and put it in the oven for 10 minutes to melt the cheese You’re done!
