Project 2: Research

SpringTime in Japan

Overview:

Spring in Japan last from March to May during the year. Known for the time of the cherry blossoms, spring is one of the best times to visit the country. During this time flights to Japan can range from $867, to about $1200 depending when someone is trying to visit. It is very lively during this time with good weather, various activities, and the local people returning to school and work. The average weather during this time is about 65 Degrees, making it perfect for traveling and exploring the area. Cherry blossoms begin blossoming during March, and Sakura is located all over Japan from parks to roadside. They first begin to bloom in the south and work northward. In May the Sakura fully blooms, covering the area in cherry blossoms as they fall from the tree for all to see.

Events:

The Kanamara Festival- This festival is held from 11am to 4pm on the first Sunday of April located at Kawasaki's Kanayama Shrine. The main purpose of the festival is a prayer for fertility, and overall good marital relationships. The shrine itself was created in the Edo period which was 1603-1868. The shrine was dedicated to Kanayama Hiko no Kami and Kanayama Hime no Kami, a couple who are the divine of sexuality. During this time Kawasaki was a lodging area that was connected onto the main road in Japan. Prositutes who worked here visited the shrine to pray to not contract a STD. Today people still do the same, those with or without an STI, to pray for good fortune. This has now become a giant array of a parade, with people now calling it the "Penis Festival" More than 30,000 people each year come out to this event. Various people with all different backgrounds come together and celebrate without being discriminated based on issues going on in their lives. During the festival people are able to visit the shrine, or visit portable shrines that carry sacred objects that move during the festival. They are shaped as penis's and are carried around by those who host the festival.

Sanja Matsuri Festival- Just like Kanamara, Sanja is another religious festival held during May in Tokyo. It translates to "Three Shine Festival", and refers to three men who founded the Buddhist temple Senso-Ji, located in Tokyo. It is considered to be one of the biggest festivals in Tokyo and springtime in general. The weekend event attracts more than 2 million people every year. It is known to be a very wild and energetic festival. Many crowds of people dance, play instruments, and have a good time. Three very expensive portable shrines are carried around the festival and depict the three founders of the temple. They cost about $400k all together. The festival usually starts Thursday, though a weekend event, with head priests inviting the spirits of the three men to be "inside" the portable shrine for the festival. When the main attraction starts Friday, many streets are blocked off for the event. People are in costumes, and dance throughout the parade, getting viewers excited. Throughout Saturday and Sunday these festivities continue, along with other major events. Saturday has shrines carried around to various parts of Tokyo for all to see. They are then brought to priest who bless the shrines. On the final day Sunday, the giant shrines of the three men are brought out and paraded around. Along with the overall festival, people are able to visit the many shops along the way of the 19 blocks that are shut down for the parade. Many food is offered as well during the festival for people to try.

Food:

Some food that is very popular during Springtime are as follows. Japan is loaded with many foods that only come around seasonly.

1. Bamboo Shoots- A type of wild vegetable that can be boiled to make tempura. Very famous spring food that is very versatile with many other dishes such as rice.

2. Strawberries- Various types available during this time, even white ones. A favorite pass time is to locally pick strawberries.

3. Sakura Mochi- Although many people come to see cherry blossoms they are also a great dessert treat. They can be used to make a pink rice cake, and wrapped with the cherry tree leaves.

Summer in India

Overview:

Summer ranged from April to June and is also referred to Pre-Monsoon season. India get relatively hot during summer, with some regions getting to about 104 Degrees. Flights around in May average around 800$ per person. With the weather ranging drastically different in North and South India, summertime is one of the best times to go and visit the giant country. During this time in India many people go to looks at the breathtaking scenery India has to offer. From mountain ranges to hilltops, India is the place to be to see unforgettable nature. National parks are also a big attraction during this time. Here you can see many exotic animals India has to offer such as tigers, rhinos, elephants, red pandas, and etc. One notable landscape is Himachal Pradesh, which is the foothills of the Himalayas. There are a series of valleys that people can explore and take in the view. Within Himachal Pradesh is the capitol named Shimla. Other than the beautiful nature that surrounds it, Shimla is also notable for its colonial style buildings. It also has a very nice church that has stained glass windows.

Events:

Moatsu Festival- Celebrated in May, this festival is located in the state of Nagaland. After a long period of harvesting crops and other manual labors the tribe Ao Naga in the state take the first three days of May to take time to relax and celebrate. It is to bring happiness and clear peoples minds of the harsh season. Its also seen to implore the blessings of God. Considered a harvest festival, it is a time of singing, dancing, and nothing but happiness. Chuchuyimlang village is the heart of the festival and people from all over Nagaland gather here to celebrate. Here the village and people prepare by decorating the area and buy new clothes. Rice Beer is a big sponsor of the celebration and is made in massive quantities. A big feast is also prepared for those who attend. The people give gifts, sing, and dance for the entire three days. Another notable part of the festival is a giant fire in which everyone gathers, in their new clothing, and eat and drink. It is a time to cleanse themselves and to be relaxed physically and mentally for the year to come.

Gangaur Festival- After the festival of Holi, the Gangaur festival takes place. From March 21st, to April 8th, people gather to respect the Lord Shiva, and goddess Parvati. Out of the various festivals of the state of Rajasthan this one is seen as one of the most important ones for the people of India. The idea of the festival is the celebrate the marriage of Shiva and Parvati and to showcase love and marriage. During this time young boys and girls are able to talk to eachother and interact. Women who are newly married fast the entire 18 days while unmarried women only eat one meal a day. Since the festival is mainly for women, they also have various other rituals. Throughout the festival women pray for a husband of their choice to marry. Unmarried women also have a day in the festival where they carry clay pots on their heads and sings traditional songs, hoping to find a husband. Though this is a time of coming together and interactions, it is also a big time for men and women to get married. They are able to find those they wish to marry and interact before they do.

Food: During the summer months people from India usually eat lighter when compared to the winter times. Many dishes are made with various fruits, most notably mangos.

1. Ras no Fajeto- A famous summer food made from in seasoned mango pulp. It is added with rice as a side.

2. Haat Kadi- A special dish that comes around in the summertime by areas in the coast. Using a broth of mango pulp, mustard seeds, and coconut milk, this mixture is used with rice, or can even be drank.

3. Curd

Autumn in Canada

Overview:

Fall in Canada is pretty much the same as it is in the U.S. The weather starts to cool down and become more comfortable. The leaves start to change into a beautiful array of reds, oranges, and yellows all over the country. Many people go to the country during this time to see these color changes that happen in a wide array due to all the trees in Canada. Fall ranges from September to November and the weather is around 60 Degrees. As mentioned before one of the main sights to see during this time is whats called the "Fall Foliage". Along with stunning scenery such as mountains and falls Canada is a beautiful country and a nice place to visit when the weather is cooler. One of the most beautiful places to see is the Rocky Mountains of Alberta. With the dry weather during this time, and most of the tourism gone, people are able to take in the scenery and see the changing of color of leaves. Hiking is also another attraction that hits its peak during this time and can be peaceful and nice sightseeing.

Events:

Jasper Dark Sky Festival- Located in Jasper National Park in Alberta, this dark sky preserve has become a beautiful sight to see and has brought many people around to see for themselves. A dark sky preserve is an area that has no light pollution, meaning people are able to gaze at mostly all the stars in the sky with ease. From October 13-22nd people gather to this very dark spot in the national park to be able to gaze at the stars. The natural structure of the terrain, mountains located all throughout the park block out any artificial light. People who live in the area have also helped out to decrease the light pollution in the area and preserve this wonder. Now the second largest preserve in the world, people come from all over to celebrate this enormous preservation. Along with the stars viewers get glimpses of northern lights that fill up the sky. During the event people are able to gaze with telescopes, and given free lessons on how to take photos. There is also an orchestra that plays music during the festival, named Symphony under the stars adding to the calming nature of it.

Oktoberfest- Other than the festival located in Germany, the one located in Ontario is the biggest in the world. It is an annual 9 day festival in the cities Kitchener and Waterloo. Compared to the previous festival this one is more lively and filled with drinking and partying. Coming around every October, this festival brings in around 700k people. Drinking and partying take the center stage, however there are other events that take place during this week. One such event is the thanksgiving parade, which is for Canadian Thanksgiving which is held the second Monday of October. This is the biggest parade for Thanksgiving and is seen country wide by all who celebrate it. The Oktoberfest festival itself is composed of drinking beer, live bands, floats, a 5k run, a barrel race, and a big concert called Rocktoberfest.

Food: Fall brings in various fruits such as pumpkins and apples, bringing comfort to these dishes. It is also Thanksgiving time which brings hefty meals.

1. Cranapple Relish

2. Burnished Squash Wedges

3. Pumkin Pie

Winter in Switzerland

Overview:

Switzerland can be best described as a winter wonderland. From its amazing mountains to small towns, everything covered in snow gives everything a nice look to the country. Winter lasts from December to March. Because of the climates harsh snowstorms weather will go as low as 35 Degrees in the daytime. Though not many travel is made during the winter, with flights being about $450, it is still a novel to see the country with snow piled up on the mountains. Because of the snow, it is a big attraction for skiing. A very popular town called Zermatt is a tourist hub due to owning Matterhorn, a famous peak in the Alps mountains. It is very difficult and many come to try and conquer it. Other than skiing, Switzerland is filled with breathtaking views and home to some of the most hospitable people you will meet. One of these said views is Oberalp Pass. The Furka-Oberalp railway will take you right over this reservation, and give you great views of the alps along the way.

Events:

Silvesterchlausen- A rooted winter tradition that is celebrated in a few towns. The festival dates back to pagan times and has survived the years to this day. The two part festival is on New Years eve, and old New years eve (January 13th). During this festival a group of men, some wearing "beautiful" masks with women dresses, and others wearing "Ugly" demon masks and coats. They arrive to the town center early in the morning and gather for a moment of silence. Once this is done they put on their masks and go door to door ringing bells. The demons have giant bells that weight up to 66 pounds while the one's in women dresses have little bells tied on their waist. They sing traditional yodels from the area and wait for the residence to open the door. Once they do they wish the people a happy new year by handshake. They do this to every home, store, and etc. At night festivities begin where everyone gathers on the streets.

Tschäggättä- A carnival held in Lötschental Valley with a very odd twist to it. Dating as the oldest Swiss carnival, dating the first accounts in the 19th century, Tschäggättä starts off with masked figures running through the streets of the town from Candlemas and Shrove Tuesday in February. They show up unexpected and are always random, at times showing up alone or in groups. They chase those they see and throw soot at the people. The masks themselves are handmade locally with carvers making them out of pine and then painted to look as scary as possible. The rest of the costume is made of goat fur. Anyone can participate and an award is given out to the best creature. Once the Saturday before Ash Wednesday comes along, there is a big carnival filled with rides, and food.

Food: Its no secret that Swiss people love cheese, and they will have it with any meal. These are traditional Christmas meals.

1. Amaretti- Winter cookies that are like macaroons. They are almond flavored and usually made by the Italian speaking natives of Switzerland.

2. Basler Läckerli- Over 700 years in the making, these spice cookies are made with honey, almonds, and Kirsch.

3. Grittibänz- Also known as "Christmas bread man" this egg and milk dough is shaped like a person and is made with raisins and some are put as eyes.