What Do You Get When You Google ‘How To Light A Candle In Diwali?… About a Hundred Million Matches!!!!
I hope everyone is enjoying this spate of warm fall weather and it seems like we are going to have a bit more coming our way. The longer the snow stays away the better. Keep it up on the mountains where it belongs for those who wish to go out to enjoy it!
Many festivals and celebrations are tied to the Lunar Moon Phases and this last Sunday November 12th was the start of Diwali a festival celebrated by Hindu, Sikhs all over the world. The history of Diwali is more than 2,500 years old and prepared for for days ahead of the event. The celebration starts on the day of the New Moon, the darkest day of the Lunar Month and that usually falls between mid October and mid November. The end of the harvest season. It is a 5 day celebration of Light Over Darkness, Good over Evil, Knowledge over Ignorance, something the world could use a touch of at this time. Although it occurs over 5 days the Third day is the huge public festival with good food especially sweets, lights, fireworks and flowers and good will to all.
Day 1 Involves home cleaning and decorating which include flowers and the use of sand, rice flower and powdered lime to make patterns on the floor and other surfaces called Rangoli. Flowers like Marigold, Lotus flowers, White Chrysanthemum, Tuberose are used as well as candles to decorate and prepare for gifts. Marigolds figure prominently and symbolize the strength of the sun, the power, strength and light that lives inside us. They are also a symbol of surrendering to God and the fragrance wards off stress and negative thoughts.
Day 2 Is the day of preparation and shopping for special foods and this takes time and thought. Foods to delight to say the least and especially sweets are made for and by family and friends. My mouth waters at the thought.
Day 3 Is the BIG event where Family and Friends gather to celebrate. The festivities include of course all those delicious foods, music, art and dance, lights, candles ,drumming and fireworks to chase out negative shadows. Celebrations are lavish and fulfilled, good for all ages.
Day 4 is dedicated to Husband and Wife and is honoured with gifts between the two and no doubt a day of rest.
Day 5 Celebrates the bonds between Siblings. The love of Brother and Sister.
Happy Gardening!
Samantha Nason
BS Ranch & Greenhouses
250 547 6567
sam1nason@gmail.com
