Category: Christmas Time

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Influences in Twelfth Night

William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is a beloved play, filled with humorous misunderstandings, clever wordplay, and intricate character relationships. While it’s typically studied through a Western lens, many connections to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures are worth exploring.

One of the most interesting ways Twelfth Night bears traces of Middle Eastern influence is through the setting of Illyria. Scholars believe that Illyria is meant to represent a region in the Balkans, modern-day Croatia and Montenegro. However, several details in the play suggest a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern touch – for example, the mention of a beautiful “olive copse” (Act 2, Scene 5) and the name of the ship that Viola is traveling on, which is called the “Taurus” (Act 1, Scene 2).

Another aspect of Twelfth Night that highlights Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences is the food mentioned throughout the play. The feast scenes, in particular, are filled with dishes that would be familiar to anyone who has dined in these regions. For example, we see references to “stewed plums” (Act 1, Scene 3), “quinces” (Act 1, Scene 3), and “flagon of wine” (Act 2, Scene 3), all of which would be typical of Mediterranean cuisine.

Divine References in Twelfth Night

One of the most exciting ways Twelfth Night reflects Mediterranean culture is through the many references to the god Bacchus, who was associated with wine, fertility, and revelry. Bacchus is mentioned several times in the play, and his drinking habits are frequently alluded to – for example, when Maria suggests that Sir Toby Belch is “a kind of puritan” because he doesn’t drink as much as he used to (Act 2, Scene 3).

Another intriguing divine reference in Twelfth Night is the cold springs mentioned in the play. Scholars believe these springs may reference the cult of Cybele, a goddess worshipped in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Cybele was associated with fertility and was often depicted as emerging from a pool of water – which may explain why the cold springs are so significant in Twelfth Night.

Conclusion

While Twelfth Night is typically taught and interpreted through a Western cultural lens, many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences are worth exploring. From the setting of Illyria to the food and drink mentioned throughout the play to the divine references of Bacchus and the cold springs, Twelfth Night reveals a rich and complex cultural tapestry that extends far beyond the traditional Western canon.

A Christmas tree is a holiday tradition that has been around for centuries. People decorate their homes with Christmas trees to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to bring joy to the whole family. These days, artificial Christmas trees have become very popular because they can be used year after year, they don’t require much maintenance and they never die. Here are some tips on how to choose the best spot for your new artificial Christmas tree:

In Front of a Window

This is a wonderful place to put your artificial Christmas tree because it will light up the room as you gaze out the window at it. This can also be a great way to make sure that everyone knows exactly where your tree is located.

Placing your artificial Christmas tree in front of a window will allow it to receive natural sunlight throughout the day. Natural sunlight is necessary for keeping your artificial tree looking healthy and vibrant all year long. If you don’t have any windows in your home that get direct sunlight during daytime hours, try placing your artificial tree near an indoor window where it can receive indirect light from outside through sheer curtains or blinds.

Use Your Artificial Tree as Part of Your Home Decorating Scheme

If you want to use multiple types of decorations around your home during the holidays, consider using your artificial tree as part of your overall decorating scheme and place it next to other items such as wreaths, garlands or candles.

In front of a mirror

If you have a large mirror in your living room or dining room, placing an artificial Christmas tree in front of it will help reflect the light so that it fills up the entire room even more.

Near your fireplace mantel

Because fireplaces usually come with mantels, placing an artificial Christmas tree directly above them will make them stand out even more and make them even more impressive than they already are.

On top of shelves or cabinets

If there’s no other place to put your artificial Christmas tree, then putting it on top of shelves or cabinets is always an option — just make sure that there’s enough space between each shelf so that you don’t have to worry about people bumping into them while walking by.

In a corner

A corner is usually an unused space in any room — which makes it perfect for an artificial tree stand! If there’s no room near a window, placing an artificial tree in a corner will make it easier to decorate with lights and ornaments without taking up too much space (or getting in the way).

Behind a sofa or chair

This is an easy way to add holiday cheer without taking up too much space — especially if you don’t want to block another window with lights or decorations! Just be sure that your sofa or chair doesn’t block anyone’s view of the TV or fireplace when they walk by.

Christmas is the best time of the year as you can bring out your tree and decorate your place to set the mood for the festive season. However, maybe your slim artificial Christmas tree has seen its days, and it is time to invest in a new one.

What should you look at when buying a new artificial tree? Here are some tips for finding a Christmas tree that suits your needs. Of course, the best thing is you can keep that tree out and dress it up year-round for any holiday.

1. Narrow or Full?

No matter what artificial tree you buy, whether slim, narrow, or full, you find them in different sizes and heights. Consider the space you have available. If you have limited space, a slim artificial Christmas tree can fit into tight spots without looking cramped. Therefore, measure the area before buying your tree and check the height up to the ceiling.

2. Getting the Right Size

Most faux trees mimic the evergreen color and shape of real trees. All you need to do is match your decorations with what is around the house. The artificial Christmas tree comes in different shapes and colors. Some are huge, while others are fluffy, and then you have thinner or straight ones.

3. Pre Decorated

You can find slim artificial Christmas trees pre-decorated with lights attached; some even come with arrangements ready to use. Still, you will not be able to remove it as the decorations are fixed to the tree.

Before settling on a pre-decorated tree, ensure you will be happy with the theme. Also, while a pre-lit tree makes decorating easier, you may want to swap the lights throughout the year for different holidays.

A great option is a flocked tree that looks covered in snow. Then, you can easily cover it up for Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

4. The Branch Type

You have the choice of two branch types hinged or hooked. The hinged branches are a permanent fixture, while the hooked ones you can remove. Yet, the hinged branches are high-quality, making it easier to take your tree down. Neither will you lose any limbs as it is attached.

5. The Materials

When looking at the needles, your artificial tree can be made of Polyethylene (PE) or PVS. Both have benefits, and it all depends on your needs. For example, PVC colors do not fade and will remain green, and it is fire-resistant.

The same applies to PE, but the PVC needles are wired to the branches, making it look more like a fake. On the other hand, the PE needles are formed in the tree and look more authentic. Another important thing is the attached tips.

The higher the number of tips on the tree, the better the Christmas tree you get. Hence, the number indicates how many branch tips are on that tree and how fuller it will look.

6. The Stand

The stand might not seem significant, but the quality is as it can make a difference in the lifespan of the tree. You do not want the frame making your tree fall over after it is decorated. Hence, choose a metallic stand and center pole as it is durable to last a long time. It makes the tree stand studier. If the tree does not have a stand included, look for another one with the feature.

One of the big colors of Christmas is red. Many people love the color red for any time, they wear it, they love decorating in it, and the like. So it makes sense that for your 15 foot artificial Christmas trees that you embrace the red! For those who are embracing red, then we have a few tips that is going to make this work great!

Why 15 Foot Artificial Christmas Trees are Taking over the Holidays

1. Consider going with various different shades of red. This does not mean that you have to use the pink variation of red. But, you can opt for bright reds, burgundy, maroon, etc. With the various shades it is going to create a more rich look with your 15 foot artificial Christmas trees.

2. Pay attention to the textures. Textures can make all the difference when you are decorating in just various shades of red and not using any other color. You will find that the textures help the lights to play off the ornaments differently, which changes the look of your 15 foot artificial Christmas trees.

3. Go with the different shapes that you can find. Don’t just focus on red bulb ornaments. Consider getting garland in these colors, or even getting flowers that you can add to the tree in the red color.

4. Let the topper be red as well if you really want to embrace this red color. You will find that with 15 foot artificial Christmas trees you may not need a topper, but you can always use this if you want to.

Overall, the color red is such a dramatic color that is really associated with Christmas. So, it makes sense to use this throughout your 15 foot artificial Christmas trees. Remember, you can always opt to put a neutral color if you want to break up the red a bit!

Choosing the Perfect Songs to Set the Mood for Your Tree Decorating

Many people view decorating their 10 foot artificial Christmas trees as a chore. And when you look at it in this way, you are going to find that your heart is just not into it. And when your heart is not into decorating, you will find that this can affect the overall appeal of the tree once you are done. With this being said, here is a list of songs and movies that you can listen to and watch that are sure to get you into the spirit and help you approach decorating your 10 foot artificial Christmas trees with happiness and even eagerness!

Some songs to listen to include:

– Jingle Bells
– We Wish You A Merry Christmas
– O Holy Night
– Away In A Manager
– Joy To The World

Some movies that you will want to watch before you decorate your 10 foot artificial Christmas trees include:

– National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
– Christmas with the Kranks
– Miracle on 34^th Street
– The Grinch

And there are tons more! Remember, every year most channels are going to have Christmas specials that are going to be running, and some start as soon as Halloween rolls around! You will find that by watching a few Christmas movies that can put you into the mood to not only decorate your 10 foot artificial Christmas trees but to figure out a new theme that you want to tackle.

And listening to the Christmas tunes while you decorate, can keep you energized throughout the entire decorating process, which is always good to have on hand! Don’t forget, while decorating your 10 foot artificial Christmas trees have some sweet treats or even hot chocolate to drink so that you can keep the energy up!