AP PHOTOS: Lunar New Year prayers and incense usher in the Year of the Snake
Wisps and clouds of smoke rose into the air at Buddhist and Daoist temples around Asia on Wednesday as people lit incense to pray for good luck in the Year of the Snake.
From Vietnam to Japan, ethnic Chinese flocked to temples across north and Southeast Asia on what was the Lunar New Year, the first day of the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac.
They gave a small donation for a bundle of incense sticks and lit them. Some held them above their heads and bowed several times to the deity in the temple. Then they stuck the sticks into sand or a similar material in often ceremonial vessels outside the main hall, the smoke wafting up and intensifying as more people came and went.
In Thailand, some also held red tea-light-size candles in small glasses, with rows more spread out in front of them, to worship the gods at the temple.
The prayers began late on the eve of the New Year in Hong Kong, where people annually line up at a Taoist temple to try to be the first to put their incense sticks into the stands at 11 p.m.
The earliest to get their incense sticks and prayers in are believed to stand the best chance of having them answered.
Lana Wong, a celebrity who attracts attention every year with her outfits, wore two stuffed toy snakes around her neck as she planted her incense sticks.
'I pray for world peace, jobs for everyone and good health to everyone,' she said.
Similar scenes played out after daylight in the morning at the Lama Temple in Beijing, a historic Tibetan Buddhist institution that draws large crowds on the first day of every lunar year.
'We want to get rid of all the bad things and physical diseases from the past year and embrace the start of the new year,' said Niu Qingshan, who came to the Lama Temple from neighboring Hebei province.
The Lunar New Year is also a time for 'temple fairs' in China, with performances by lion dance troupes and booths selling snacks, toys for children and other traditional and non-traditional items.
A sea of people, bundled up against the winter cold on a bright sunny day, filled Ditan park in Beijing for the fair at what was the Temple of Earth, a royal altar in imperial times.
Elsewhere in the world, processions with colorful dragon figures wove through the air at Lunar New Year events in Moscow and Havana, while people in the Indian city of Kolkata — home to an ethnic Chinese community — gathered in restaurants to celebrate the Year of the Snake.
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Hamilton Spectator
an hour ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Historic Japanese triplexes restored at B.C.'s oldest surviving cannery
Japanese triplexes built in the 1960s at the last intact cannery on B.C.'s north coast have now been restored, preserving a vital piece of the region's multicultural fishing heritage. Built in 1889, the North Pacific Cannery in Port Edward played a key role in driving economic development on British Columbia's coast through salmon canning. It remained in active operation until 1980. Now the North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site and Museum, the site consists of a cluster of wooden buildings, primarily single-storey, arranged along a wooden boardwalk. It includes the main cannery building, management and administrative offices, residences, and employee housing. 'Ethnically-segregated living and work areas divided Chinese, Japanese, Native and white labour,' stated Parks Canada. The set-up was designed to function as a self-sustaining community in an isolated location, generating significant profits for its owners. The main cannery structure, completed in 1895, remains largely unaltered to this day. The Port Edward Historical Society is the current steward of the site. They are a registered charity dedicated to preserving, restoring, interpreting, and expanding the legacy of the North Pacific Cannery. With funding from the Japanese Canadian Legacies initiative, a non-profit organization supported by the Province, the local society received a grant that enabled the restoration of three units in one triplex to their original state. These restored units are now available as short-term rental accommodations. 'The Japanese Canadian Legacy Society was set up by the provincial government [in 2022] because the provincial government finally owned up to the fact that they had a role to play when the Japanese Canadians were interned [in camps] during World War Two. So to make up for that horrible time, they set aside some funding,' said Mona Izumi, North Pacific Cannery Historical Society's president. Additionally, the society transformed a fourth unit in the second triplex into an interpretive exhibit showcasing the history of Japanese Canadians at the cannery. This display features archival recreations of the homes and everyday objects used by past residents, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into their lives. The society organized the grand opening of the triplexes on May 24, drawing a turnout of more than 150 attendees. The afternoon featured a special interactive performance by the Lax Kw'alaams Dancers, guided tours of the site, and a delicious salmon bake and sushi relished by all. Japanese Triplexes A significant number of Japanese Canadians worked at the cannery before the Second Wolrd War. They were fishermen, skilled boat builders, net menders and cannery workers. In 1941, Canada declared war on Japan. After that, 1,200 fishing boats owned by Japanese Canadians were impounded, states the exhibit panels at the triplex. 'All persons of Japanese ancestry were forcibly removed from their homes on the West Coast and moved to internment camps in the interior of B.C. Able-bodied men were sent to work on farms and road crews in communities east of the Rockies,' said the text on the exhibit. Ichitaro Miki was born in Japan and moved to northwest B.C. to join his father and uncles to build boats before the war. 'On February 19, 1942, my parents were forced to evacuate Arrandale [north of Prince Rupert] for the last time. Father [Ichitaro Miki] 's relationship with the First Nation's people was so close. With his departure, he was abandoning years of hard work and everything he had built up was virtually lost. As the catala steamed past familiar landmarks, father took a final glance up Portland Inlet not knowing when he would ever see this land again,' shared Miki's family. In 1945, Japan surrendered after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. All internment camps in B.C. were then closed and bulldozed. Japanese Canadians were made to relocate east of the Rocky Mountains or 'repatriate' to Japan. By 1949, the federal government lifted the restrictions it imposed under the War Measures Act, and Japanese Canadians were finally allowed to return to British Columbia's coast. Following the news, fishing companies in B.C. started actively recruiting these fishermen and tried to attract them with boat rentals and housing. After the war, the Japanese were mainly fishermen, no longer boat builders and cannery workers. Old housing at the cannery withered and fell apart, so the owners constructed new ones for the returning fishermen between 1964 and 1965. Some of the original residents were Robert and Fumiko Nishimura, Katsuki and Misao Kadowaki, and Frank and Yoshiko Yoshida. These families made every effort to make the most of the salmon season. According to the interpretive text, men typically fished while women took on responsibilities both at home and in the cannery. Life was busy, especially during peak season, as they worked hard to preserve enough seafood to last the entire year. They canned sockeye salmon, crab, abalone, and sea urchin, and also dried seaweed. Salmon was often salted and shipped to family members in other parts of Canada. In addition to their work, women also maintained the communal bath, a vital part of daily life and community hygiene. For the first time in the triplexes' record, they are now open to the public. The restored spaces offer an immersive look into daily life in these historic homes. The kitchens display traditional cooking items, while the living rooms are set up with vintage radios, pianos, and traditional Japanese games and snacks. The bedrooms feature old beds and side tables filled with personal items from the era, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia for visitors. Heather Hadland-Dudoward, the historical society's general manager, invites visitors to rent the three new, refurbished units. She says while the exterior maintains the old, rustic look, the interior is equipped with modern furniture, heating and lighting systems. The bathroom, however, includes an antique clawfoot bathtub and a cast-iron sink, both salvaged from the original cannery. Modern amenities such as TVs and Wi-Fi have not yet been added. 'You really get to unplug and just enjoy the environment. It is really neat, and people who like trains will especially love staying here,' said Dudoward. Travellers will wake up to an ultra-tranquil setting, surrounded by lush greenery, a serene river, and the majestic mountains. The only regular source of funding the cannery gets is from the North Coast Regional District, without which operations would not be possible. Young Canada Works provides some additional support for tour guides. However, as Dudoward noted, maintaining the various museum spaces, artifacts, and facilities, along with supporting staff and events, requires an immense amount of ongoing effort. The upkeep of this historic site involves considerable work, from guided tours to daily maintenance and administrative operations. With the addition of new rental units, the society hopes to advance its mission to preserve and enhance the site for years to come. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Time Business News
10 hours ago
- Time Business News
Why Ruby is One of the Most Treasured Gems
Considering historical instances, rubies have enthralled humans as symbols of strength, ardour, and love. The ruby, one of the most prized gems, has a long history and profound culture. amongst treasured stones, it is distinguished via its flaming crimson color and exceptional hardness. Rubies, the primary gemstone for July children, are prized for his or her beauty, uniqueness, and association with bravery and vitality. This gemstone continues to be conventional, whether or not it is utilized in Ruby Jewelry or as a fantastic Ruby Ring. A distinguished position of a few of the July Birthstones is occupied by way of the ruby. referred to as the 'King of gemstones,' rubies have been prized for their wealthy crimson hue, which represents strength, love, and wealth, all through records. In historical cultures, rubies were thought to have shielding homes that might beat back terrible success and offer excellent fortune. wearing a ruby was once taken into consideration to enhance vigor and strength in lots of traditions, making it the appropriate stone for July children. Rubies belong to the equal circle of relatives as sapphires, the mineral corundum. The chromium protected in rubies is what gives the gemstone its bright, flaming crimson coloration. Myanmar (Burma), a good sized provider of top rate rubies for millennia, is home to the fine rubies. Madagascar, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are extra noteworthy resources. one of the most treasured and lengthy-lasting jewels, rubies are shaped through excessive heat and stress. Throughout history, rubies have been valued in lots of cultures. Rubies had been seen as the 'gem of the sun' in historic India, where they were ideal to give fighters energy and protection. Burmese soldiers made themselves indestructible by embedding rubies into their flesh. In medieval Europe, rubies were considered to be a sign of blue blood and had been believed to bestow expertise and fitness upon those who wore them. Rubies had been utilized as money in the Chinese language lifestyle and have been frequently placed below building foundations to offer wealth and precise fortune. The ruby's excessive pink hue has also been related to the heart and blood, in addition solidifying its connection to passion and existence pressure. Rubies are a number of the rarest gemstones, and when they're of gorgeous niceness, their fee regularly surpasses that of diamonds. The maximum precious rubies have a vibrant, pure purple hue that is regularly known as 'pigeon's blood' crimson. By virtue of their rarity and beauty, these rubies fetch tremendous charges within the gemstone market. due to the fact inclusions can alter a ruby's transparency and brightness, readability is likewise an indispensable consideration while assessing its fee. In comparison to different gemstones, rubies are valued not solely on clarity or carat weight however additionally at the depth of their shade. A smaller ruby with a brighter hue may be really worth extra than a bigger stone with a duller hue. As a result, both gemstone enthusiasts and collectors might also gain from buying top notch Ruby Jewelry. Ruby Jewelry has long been a famous choice, and celebrities and individuals of the royal family are regularly spotted wearing these lovely gemstones. by virtue of their rich red shade, rubies are a top notch choice for heirloom jewelry, engagement rings, and statement portions. Ruby Jewelry includes a number of the most famous portions, inclusive of The Burmese Ruby Tiara: some of the fantastic Burmese rubies are used in this notable tiara, that is owned by Queen Elizabeth II. The Graff Ruby: This diamond sold for tens of millions of dollars at public sale, making it one of the most steeply-priced rubies ever. Elizabeth Taylor's Ruby Necklace: Richard Burton gave her this necklace, which exemplifies the beauty and beauty of rubies. The Ruby Ring is one of the most valuable types of Ruby Jewelry. A Ruby Ring represents power, ardour, and love whether worn as an engagement ring, a fashion accessory, or a family historical past. so one can increase the brightness of diamonds, rubies are frequently combined with them to create beautiful designs. Reflect on consideration on the following factors at the same time as selecting a Ruby Ring: Colour: A deep, rich purple with few secondary colors is what you need. Cut: A properly-reduce ruby optimizes its beauty and intensifies its brilliance. Clarity: despite the fact that rubies frequently have a few inclusions, their value rises when those flaws are less apparent. Carat Weight: due to the fact large rubies are extra unusual, their price is lots higher. With a Mohs rating of 9, rubies are the second hardest gemstone after diamonds. However to keep their sturdiness and brilliance, adequate care is imperative. here are a few suggestions for retaining the fine feasible circumstance to your Gemstone Jewelry: Cleaning: To smooth rubies, use a gentle brush and slight soapy water. Steer clean of ultrasonic cleaners and robust chemical compounds. Storage: To keep away from scratches, maintain rubies apart from softer gemstones. Maintenance: To ensure settings stay invulnerable, get your Ruby Ring or jewelry tested and cleaned via a seasoned. By virtue of its shortage, historic significance, and breathtaking beauty, rubies remain one of the most loved gemstones. Rubies are a gorgeous gift that represent love, passion, and protection and are one of the July Birthstones. They are a wonderful option for jewelry that lasts an entire life as a result of their hanging resilience, deep red tone, and associated with energy. Rubies enchant with their traditional beauty whether or not they are worn as a Ruby Ring, necklace, or pair of earrings. Owning a lovely gemstone is solely one thing of the legacy of beauty, ardour, and history that includes making an investment in Ruby Jewelry. This gemstone remains a timeless representation of beauty and energy for July kiddies and anyone who enjoys the attraction of rubies. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Buzz Feed
27 Gardening Must-Haves For Beginners
A pack of the 20 most popular vegetable seeds to basically turn your vegetable beds into your own organic produce market. From beets and cucumbers to cabbage and okra, there are enough seeds to grow plenty of produce year round. A seed and seedling spacer tool that'll show you exactly where to put your seeds. The color-coded square helps you space out seeds just right, so your veggies grow in neat little rows instead of chaotic clumps. Just press into the soil, poke holes with the included dibber, and plant. A galvanized steel planter bed for neatly planting all your veggies and fruits. It has an open bottom, which provides good drainage and keeps weeds away from your soil. Promising review: "This raised bed is very affordable. The bed looks thin and flimsy at first, but once it is set up, it is very sturdy, even though it is very light to carry around empty. I also appreciate that this is a foot tall and not too shallow like some other raised beds being sold. This is an excellent product." —JTGet it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in two sizes). Or a raised garden bed that removes the need for bending or kneeling, preserving your back and knees as you tend to your garden. It's made from Chinese fir, a great wood for outdoor furniture and construction because it doesn't warp out of shape when it gets damp or wet. Promising review: "My granddaughter and I started a garden in this raised bed! It's perfect for me because I don't have to bend down on my knees and high enough for her (she's 4). Now we wait for things to grow so we can eat them!!" —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in three sizes and three finishes). A pair of stainless-steel gardening shears for clipping cuttings and deadheading. Folks say they're lightweight and easy to use, and despite their size, can cut through really thick, tough stems. Or a seven-piece garden tool kit if you're new to gardening and want a one-stop shop for all your needs. This kit has a folding stool so you can sit comfortably while you work, and all the tools you'll need for basic gardening tasks. The seven-piece kit includes a weeding fork, cultivator, weeder, transplanter, trowel, folding stool, and tool review: "When I saw this product, I needed to purchase it for myself. I have been into gardening lately, and spend a lot of time outside. My back always hurts from bending over, or my knees ache. So having this chair low enough to the ground is so convenient! I also love that it comes with the tools and the tool bag attached to the chair. It folds flat for easy storage. I love it! —sheena bostickGet it from Amazon for $35.99. A pack of wildflower seeds to turn a sad patch of dirt into a butterfly-and-hummingbird buffet. You get over 30,000 seeds (!!!) across 23 varieties, so even if half of them ghost you, you'll still end up with a bloom-filled backyard. Seed Needs is a family-owned small business in Michigan that makes seed packets. Promising review: "I bought this package hoping to attract butterflies. It did not disappoint. I have the opposite of a green thumb, and this was super easy. I couldn't tell you the names of any flowers, but we have at least six different types. I overseeded a smaller area, so I will probably make the area larger or only do half the seeds next year. We can go outside at any time and see our beautiful flowers and SO many butterflies! 10/10" —Tesa TaylorGet it from Amazon for $5+ (available in four mixes and two sizes). A bottle of organic Joyful Dirt concentrated plant food and fertilizer for indoor or outdoor plants that you mix into either soil or the plant's water. Within a few weeks, your plants will look noticeably healthier and taller. Joyful Dirt is a small business based in Portland, Oregon making organic, all-purpose plant food since review: "I never write reviews but had to share what a great find this was! I have routinely killed every living plant I've ever brought home. Joyful Dirt has completely changed that. All my plants look full and healthy with little to no effort on my part! I am so amazed that for teacher gifts this year, I am giving terrariums and will include a shaker of Joyful Dirt to go with each. If you have any trouble keeping plants alive, this is the solution." —KB13Get it from Amazon for $19.95. A pair of breathable and absorbent bamboo gloves that keep hands cool in the hot weather. These have a textured rubber coating on the palm and fingers so that you can easily grab things — even thorny plants — without fear of hurting yourself. Or a pair of gardening gloves with extra-long sleeves so you don't have to stress about poison ivy, thorny branches, or mosquito bites while you're out there doing your thing. Bug season is no joke, so it helps to stay covered. These'll also save your arms if you accidentally brush up against something prickly. A pack of Miracle-Gro water-storing crystals for making sure you don't over or underwater your plants. You mix it in with your regular soil, and the crystals swell to absorb water and then release it later. Promising review: "I love these crystals. The heat is here, and this product keeps my plants in containers from drying out so fast and dying. With these moisture control crystals, I can even leave home for a couple of days with no worry." —Peggy RyanGet it from Amazon for $11.42. A pack of reusable Velcro garden ties that'll gently keep your plants in the right spot. Use these to secure stems to stakes, trellises, or cages without damaging anything delicate. They're soft, adjustable, and way easier to manage than twist ties or string. A vertical planter so you can grow herbs, strawberries, or flowers without giving up your whole patio. Just stack the five tiers, fill with soil, and plant up to 20 things in one tidy, compact tower. A weed killer kit that'll handle the hard stuff without making you break a sweat. Just pour the concentrate into the reusable pouch, fill it with water using your hose, attach the sprayer wand, and you're ready to go. The fast-acting formula will get to work on weeds, moss, algae, and even unwanted grass in as little as 20 minutes. Promising review: "My new flowerbed had some Bermuda grass coming up through the weed guard paper, but not anymore. I watched it wilt within 30 minutes of application. I pulled the dead grass the next morning. Other weeds I hit in the flowerbed were much easier to pull than weeds I didn't hit with the weed warrior. It worked better and faster than the other weed killers I have used. Now my flowerbeds can stay grass- and weed-free." –Neeci "This worked as advertised. Love that it's not using harsh chemicals, too. I have kids that love to play outside and wrestle and flip all over the yard, so it's nice knowing they can do so in a safe environment instead of among a ton of chemicals." —Weslee H. Get the kit from Sunday for $37.80. And with summer's heat fast approaching, consider Sunday's Heat Defense Kit. And a weed puller tool for easily removing weeds from your lawn and flowerbeds. It's the bestselling weeding tool on Amazon, and for good reason! The same family-owned small business has been making these since 1913, and 45,000+ reviewers have given the product 5 stars. But also a crack weeder tool to make your pathways, patios, and driveways aesthetically pleasing and easy to walk on. The uniquely shaped tool fits into tight cracks and grabs weeds by the roots for easy removal. A pack of five heavy-duty fabric grow bags so you can grow big plants with ease. These grow bags use a breathable material, which keeps roots and soil oxygenated and cool throughout the year. Great for developing robust, fibrous root systems that stay healthy without needing regular root pruning. Promising review: "So I'm no plant pot-biologist, but these are awesome. They're durable and strong. The handles are stitched on super well. They are also solid enough to hold the soil and plant with no problem while letting enough oxygen to the roots to create a bigger root ball, leading to bigger plants/yields. Best mesh flower pots by far." —Avraham C Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in tan or black and in 10 sizes). A 21" Ryobi self-propelling lawnmower because yard work is way more tolerable when your mower doesn't sound like a helicopter. This one's battery powered-powered (read: quiet), and the charge lasts *forever* — I did both my front and back lawn with juice left over. It's a very worthy investment if you want to maintain a pristine lawn all year long without a lot of effort on your part (self-propelling really is awesome). My house has a lot of lawn: over 3,000 square feet. When we first moved in, I bought a cheap battery-powered mower that could barely handle either the front or the back yard on a single charge. Not ideal. This Ryobi mower is the total opposite. I can mow both the front and back with charge to spare. A "command center" lets you activate turbo mode and lights, and adjust the self-propel speed right from the handle (great for slowing down when you're trying to mow a corner). Turbo mode gives you an extra boost for tough patches, and it comes with a grass catcher bag, though I always keep mine on mulch mode because it's better for the lawn. The handle folds down for easy storage. Bonus: the 40V battery works with over 85 other Ryobi tools, which I love because it means I can expand my collection without collecting a bunch of different batteries. Promising review: "I bought this mower exclusively for my front yard because I love my yard to be neat. Since my yard is on a slope, self-propelled is a must. I was really surprised by the power of the drive and the very even cut. Stores away in my garage and is always ready. Am I happy? Extremely." —Greg D. Get it from The Home Depot for $549. A potting bench so you have a designated spot to keep your gardening tools and supplies. The tabletop can hold up to 220 pounds, and the bottom shelf and cabinet can handle up to 176 pounds. There are also three metal hooks on the right side for hanging items. Promising review: "Great value for the $$ and attractive! Looks great on my back porch area and is a nice place to store all my planting supplies. The metal countertop is a nice touch, as it's easy to wipe down and gives it a bit of a rustic look. I would highly recommend and buy it again!" —Staci Evans Get it from Amazon for $108.59+ (available in three wood finishes). A pack of three rolling plant caddies to make sure you can move your heaviest plants without much effort. Each caddy can hold up to 80 pounds, too, so we're talking about some pretty big plants! A protective sunhat with a mesh net so you can garden without fear of being attacked by bugs. Try as they might, bees, mosquitos, and other insects will be no match against this. A denim apron with leather details designed specifically for gardening. Designed by plantfluencer Hilton Carter, it has leather pockets for holding heavy and sharp tools like shears and a ring for holding a towel or mister/spray bottle. An extra-thick foam kneeling pad so days spent tending to your garden won't result in excruciating knee pain. This mat measures 17.75 inches long x 11.75 inches wide x 1.5 inches review: "I'm not getting any younger. Scrubbing the floor/floorboards behind the toilet, bottom of tub, refrigerator, lower cabinets, gardening on my hands and knees kills me these days. I was skeptical that this wouldn't be thick/sturdy enough to use for all of the aforementioned tasks. Boy, am I glad I was wrong! If you're looking for a great 'kneezy,' this one is it. It's supportive, cushioned, wipes clean, and has a carrying handle. Definitely worth your time and money." —AikoGet it from Walmart for $21.48. Or a pair of knee pads if you need support but are on the move a lot. Never again will you have to cut your time outside short because your knees, hips, or back is throbbing. A set of metal hanging flower pots so you can have fresh flowers or herbs, regardless of whether you have a plot of dirt to grow them in. Each set includes 10 planters, so you can plant different types of flowers, herbs, and other greenery. A pack of four plant supporters, because some plants just need a little extra help staying upright. Bonus points because the metal is powder-coated green, so it'll camouflage really well. And a wall-mounted storage rack to organize everything from hoses to landscaping supplies. Keep your garden tools clean and accessible by hanging up the essentials instead of having them pile up in corners. Promising review: "We just put this up last week in our garage and already love how it looks and functions. We love how you can customize the different hook arrangements to fit your needs easily. Everything is included inside the box with meaty screws to hold up the bracket. We liked it so much we decided to get another set to extend it even more." —Ian Petersen Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in four lengths).
