Sempronia Hobgood

The fight for justice is global, but today we’re going to look at it through the lens of Women’s Day in Russia. Throughout history, all over the world, we as humans (and most especially women) have stood up for what we believe in. The struggle for equity, equality, and recognition is a constant uphill battle and one we still fight to this day. In this article we’ll look at one of the most iconic protests in history. We want to show you how we came together for the greater good, starting in Russia, one of International Women’s Day’s birthplaces

Women’s Day has grown over the last century, but sadly, not as much as you would think. Many countries that heavily celebrate it, are countries affiliated with the Russian regime, including the Warsaw Pact Countries, Afghanistan, and some parts of South America. Recently, the #MeToo movement of the 2000’s inspired a new generation and put them at the forefront of this holiday all over the world. 

Celebrating Women’s Day in Russia & How It’s ChangingRead More »

The whole of 2020 hasn’t been what anyone expected. As we slide into fall, we’re still feeling the impact of COVID 19 around the world and wondering: will things go back to normal? While no one quite has the answers to when that will happen, there has been a beautiful outpouring of ideas to make this new normal more fun. Halloween is no exception. Halloween lovers worldwide have cried out that they will not let Halloween go, and the spooky celebrations must continue. But how? This largely depends on where you are in the world and how recovered your area is from COVID 19. Below you’ll find our Halloween Tips for navigating the spookiest holiday this year, with a lot more treats and a few less tricks. Let’s be honest; the spook factor has already been off the charts this year!

7 Halloween Tips for 2020Read More »

As summer ends,, the months ahead are made majestic not just by the changing of the seasons, but also by the dizzying holiday array stretched out before us. From now until March, it feels like we’re slipping from one holiday to the next, and it’s easy to get lost! Thankfully, we’ve got tons of great information to get you buzzed about the next holiday. Now, we want you to be excited about Rosh Hashanah in Israel. If you had to try that name a few times, I don’t blame you. It coats the tongue like honey and leaves you wondering if there’s magic in the words. So what is Rosh Hashanah? How do people celebrate Rosh Hashanah in Israel? Why should you take notice?

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A Look at Rosh Hashanah In IsraelRead More »

Soon, Muslims around the world Muslims will be celebrating Ramadan. This year, 20202, it falls from sundown April 23rd until the evening of May 23rd. Many people who don’t celebrate it recognize this month-long holiday as a month of fasting. But Ramadan is so much more than that, it is a sacred month to Muslims with a long and rich history of celebrations, many unique to their regions.  …

Unwrapping Islam’s Biggest Holiday – A Look Inside Celebrating RamadanRead More »

Okay Valentine’s Day is on its way, and if you’re like me you’re really only just starting to notice. So it’s too late to book the most popular places, and you probably don’t want to even look at flights to Paris right now. Don’t stress, you’re going to get through this. We’re going to get through this. For all the pressure Valentine’s Day brings us, it also brings endless opportunity and ideas to make a magical moment for you and the one you love.  Follow these tips for Valentine’s Day survival and you’re going to make it through any romantic moment, just fine.

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Your Valentine’s Day Survival GuideRead More »

I don’t know about you, but Autumn is my favorite time of the year. The time where the leaves change colors, the weather cools down, and the tops are put on the swimming pool for the season. It’s a time of beauty and to celebrate the end of another fun summer with family and friends. In the United States it brings about the new school year for children and teachers, and Pumpkin Spice takes over everything around us. But how do people celebrate beloved autumn traditions around the world?  Where can you attend a Regatta, watching traditional boat races with all of your friends and family? Where can you get a pint of beer and a Bavarian pretzel to share with your loved one? And where might you fill your belly with a garlic heavy meal to ward off evil spirits on St. Andrews Day? 

With so many autumn holidays and traditions to choose from, it was hard to narrow down all of the fun things I wanted to share with you. Here are my top five traditions I’ve added to my own bucket list and I’m sure you will love them too.  Follow me around the world as we celebrate the changing of the leaves, the changing of the seasons, and Fall Traditions sure to bring a smile to your face. 

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Beloved Autumn Traditions Around the WorldRead More »

Deepavali, otherwise known as Diwali, is a five day festival of lights, love and celebration. Coinciding with the Hindu New Year, Diwali in India is celebrated by millions of Jain, Sikh, and Hindu people. It is a time of new beginnings, and the triumph of good versus evil and light versus darkness. Millions of people around the world participate in the festivities of Diwali through fireworks, prayer and celebrational events every autumn. For the current year, Diwali falls between Sunday October 27th and Thursday October 31st, 2019. The date does change every year as it follows the Lunar calendar instead of the Gregorian Calendar. Each day holds its own individual meaning, with the third day being the most import of them all.  

There are many different meanings and reasons for the Indian holiday. Some people celebrate Diwali as it honors Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. They pray for a good and prosperous year for themselves and their loved ones. For Hindus, Diwali is a celebration honoring the return of deities Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after a fourteen year exile. For others, it’s a celebration of the day Mother Goddess Durga destroyed and eradicated the Demon called Mahisha, a buffalo demon who could shape-shift into different forms. 

In the countries that celebrate Diwali, festivals are held where people congregate to light up the streets and enjoy food, and the New Year, but for those that live outside of the area, it can be difficult to know what to do. Fear not my reader friends, I have a list of things you can do from anywhere to help welcome the Hindu New Year and celebrate a prosperous 2020. 

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Celebrating Diwali in IndiaRead More »

Our favorite season is here, and it ushers in a stunning array of international summer festivals! This most popular time for traveling offers endless opportunities for celebration. Honestly, no matter where you’re spending your summer vacation this year, you have plenty of exciting festivals to attend. Whether it’s the arts, culture, music, sports, food or wine you’re into, there is a festival that gathers like-minded people from around the globe to celebrate the things you enjoy the most. From the bizarre Burning Man to messy La Tomatina, here are a few international summer festivals for your bucket list.

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Unique Summer Festivals Around The WorldRead More »

A country deeply rooted in history, there are many long-held and important gift giving traditions in Japan that significantly differ from Western culture. While in other parts of the world, people give gifts without expectations, gift giving in Japan is an endless gratitude cycle. There’s a lot of emphasis placed on the act of giving rather than the gift itself. For the Japanese, gifts are not just a way of showing appreciation, but also a sign of respect, generosity, and friendliness between people. Gift exchange is common through during common celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations or housewarmings. There are also many other occasions when people expect to give and receive small gifts.

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A Quick Guide To Gift Giving Traditions in JapanRead More »