Chali Center

February 1 is Imbolc, also known as Candlemas. Imbolc is a cross-quarter day, midway between the Winter Solstice (Yule) and the Spring Equinox (Ostara). At Yule, the days slowly started getting longer, and at Imbolc the lengthening days are finally noticible. Although in many places this is the coldest time of the year, we are moving toward spring. Imbolc is an old Irish word meaning "in the belly" (or Oimelc, meaning "in the milk"). This was the lambing season and the sheep were beginning to lactate in preparation for giving birth. "In the belly" also refers to the womb of Mother Earth, to the land and the soil becoming fertile in preparation for the planting season in the spring. This[..]

The mistletoe is a hemi-parasitic shrub which can be found on the stem of other trees. There are many species of mistletoe and one of them is Viscum Album which is the Latin name for that known as the European mistletoe. I can say that the mistletoe had been the symbol of the Christmas (not the tree), at least in Romania. Our antiquity neighbors, the Celtic people, had thought that mistletoe was created by a lightning over an oak. Since then the mistletoe was considered a plant with magical properties. For its eternal green, it became the symbol of eternal life and, in default of regular root, it was loved as being sent by God. The legends of mistletoe's apparition is known and[..]

Newgrange Constructed around 3200 BC, Newgrange is perhaps the most important prehistoric site in Ireland, and maybe Europe. It outdates Stonehenge in the UK by some 1,000 years! It consists of a megalithic passage tomb, and the mound covers an area of over an acre and is circled by almost 100 kerbstones, which are tastefully adorned with megalithic art. A designated World Heritage site by UNESCO, the site was excavated in 1962. You cannot gain direct access to the tomb, but there is a guided tour from the Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre that is near the village of Donore, County Meath. The Centre will afford you a fine summary of the historical and astronomical background to the site, and[..]

There is an old Celtic tradition which involves the humble snail. Now the snail carries its house on its back and so it is never homeless; but more, the spiral design of the snail shell was always very special to the Celtic people, so it makes perfect sense that any kind of snail makes the perfect house warming present. To be warm, safe, snug and protected inside one's own home is a wonderful idea and the snail symbol, or the more abstract spiral, lends itself to all manner of wonderful house warming gifts. You can make a card very easily by cutting out a spiral and affixing it with glue; any snail motif on a greeting card, or a picture of a snail drawn or cut out from another source[..]

Scary Halloween Party Invitations The best part of the fall season is planning and going to Halloween celebrations. Most of October is celebrated all around the world with spooky events and adrenaline raising parties. In the United States people love celebrating Halloween, one way 60% of people celebrate is by decorating their homes with ghosts, witches, and of course jack-o-lanterns. Also Americans spend more on candy during the Halloween season than any other time of the year besides Christmas time. Many people have parties and will send out scary Halloween party invitations, or have a movie night, but for more unique ideas keep reading. Origins of the Holiday Scary Halloween[..]

Animal tattoos are quite popular among girls and women who want their body to be decorated. Dolphins are one of the best choices if girls want a tattoo. Besides the fact that dolphins look nice with their rounded bodies they are also considered as the most intelligent of animals. They are also cute, very friendly and seemingly playful animals that made them very popular to the human culture. In ancient Greek mythology, it is said that Apollo, the god of sun and light, transformed himself into a dolphin then he brought the Cretans to Delphi where they built him a temple afterwards. Dolphins are a symbol of affection and the love of life - therefore you will mostly find pictures with two[..]

From the earliest times our Celtic and Druid ancestors from Iron Age times and probably before, the countryside in which they lived was the centre of their universe. It was full of meaning and wisdom. The trees were particularly important in the role each should play in their lives. We can once again use this ancient wisdom, along the part the trees played in the seasons of the year, and the time of birth and death in their lunar months. One of the trees that had great powers in their world was the Blackthorn. It was firstly symbolic of its bright white blossom in the early spring. A coming out into the white pure light, shown by the brightness of its flowers appearing out of the[..]

Halloween and Cats When we think of Halloween there are a myriad of images that come to mind. Witches coursing across a full moon on a broomstick; vampires looking for a throaty feast and pumpkins carved with caricatures that either scare or bring a smile to your face. There're Werewolves, ghouls and goblins that lurk in shadows just beyond the light. All topped off with the ancient practice of dressing in costume and painting our faces. So, how did the aristocratic cat become involved in such pagan ritual? I'm sure if you asked her, she would deny any responsibility for a willing association. Cats have been associated with myth since they first came in from the cold to live with people[..]

Creative Halloween costumes are the focus of many mothers who are stretching their imaginations to find clever disguises for their children's trick or treat time or Halloween carnival. The best Halloween costumes might win prizes, or at least get the attention of other partygoers. The best Halloween costumes are sometimes planned for an entire year, and the focus on what one will wear on the big Halloween night is dominant for weeks before Halloween arrives. But, before getting creative with creative Halloween costumes, perhaps a reevaluation of what creative Halloween costumes are portraying and what the best Halloween costumes generally speak of, should be undertaken. As innocent as[..]

The last night of October in every year begins the new hope to celebrating the next scary, noisy, quite horrible, mostly joyful and funniest night which is known as night of Halloween. It is celebrated every year on 31st of October. Mostly of us have thought, might it would be a tradition of America but the reality is different. Mostly people don't know about its origins even don't have interest to know about it, they only want to enjoy holidays and parties, nothing more. Basically, it came from Europe and it has been celebrating for about two and half thousand years in Europe and now in America. Celts were the people who initially started to celebrate Halloween; Celts came from central[..]

Halloween is an evening celebrated by people of all faiths especially children dressed up as ghosts and skeletons. Halloween is a historical celebration held in evening and night of the 31st October every year. When talking about history, a unique tribe of Native American people lived in the vicinity of Tampa Bay in Florida called the Tocobaga Indians. The history of Halloween has a lot of meaning Halloween which has been almost lost as we celebrate our modern version but its roots are still well known making a great story for children before they set off on their mission to frighten and entertain. The Tocobaga Indians were actually a maritime tribe who survived on fish and whatever they[..]

Most of us want to have intriguing tattoo designs. We have different insights of the tattoo we wanted to be inked permanently in our body. You can see that the form of a cross is one of the most popular designs in the world of tattoo. But it also depends on you of how you consider some aspects like religious and cultural interpretation. It can be a Christian cross where Jesus was nailed, a Latin cross with a rosary, a tribal cross which has to be very specific in strokes, a Goth cross and Celtic cross tattoo designs which in ancient history symbolizes Celtic heritage. A cross design can be a representation of expression and belief. The Celtic cross tattoo designs was originally from the[..]

In the holy ground of the churchyards of Ireland, simple stone crosses rest in remembrance of those who have passed. For centuries, these ringed crosses, known as Celtic Crosses, have been used as symbols of faith and hope, along with other crosses, such as High Crosses. A true Celtic Cross will always include a central ring, which is thought to be borrowed from Pagan rituals of yore, representing the Sun. The four points of the Celtic Cross represent the four directions, north, south, east and west. When Celtic Crosses first appeared in Ireland, they were often decorated with Runic symbols, and sometimes with zoomorphic images of animals as well. While they may have been considered[..]

Celtic jewelry is gaining more and more popularity these days, although they have pretty much been a staple in many women's jewelry boxes. Its various designs have their own meanings behind them. They are graceful, sophisticated and timeless. For fashionistas, they are a breath of fresh air from the usual jewelry cuts and pieces they own. History of Celtic jewelry Celtic jewelry pieces are widely available in jewelry stores, but if you prefer authentic ones, you will have to get them from Ireland or Scotland. Celtic people once dominated the population of Western and Mid-Europe. They were warriors, rulers and merchants. To date, descendants of the Celts are found in areas on Scotland and[..]

Finding a tribal Celtic tattoo can be a pain, I know, but getting to the quality artwork and designs online does not have to be had anymore. I will tell you a brief history of this Celt art, about this style and how to bypass the generic crud that is all over the internet. The tribal Celtic tattoo and related artwork is a unique mixture of a few cultures. They all happened to influence one another. Some of the best Celtic tattoos and art are ones that are more than a thousand years old. As a matter of fact, many of the most well respected tattoo artists still believe that are the best looking ones. Whichever Celt artwork you end up getting, you will want to make sure you have a good[..]

The origin of Halloween is fascinating and anyone interested in finding out about the history of Halloween and where this American tradition was founded, will find the information in this article to be eye-opening. Knowing the history of Halloween can help many people decipher what to let their children take part in, and what to keep their children away from. Knowing the origin of Halloween can also help Christians view the adult, youth, and child activities associated with Halloween celebrations under the light of Christ's truths. The history of Halloween has been a mystery for too many years, and the origin of Halloween has confused many. For years now, families have struggled with[..]

The history of the Celtic people goes back thousands of years. They have been long renowned for their beautiful artwork in metal, jewelry and weaponry. They were also known as fierce warriors. All over Ireland you can still find many examples of Celtic artwork and crosses. As time passed, the Celtic; as do all civilizations, evolved. Due to the fact there is little documented history in terms of the written word, much of their tradition was passed down through symbols and knowledge, person to person. Those of Celtic tradition, often choose to display their pride in their heritage by tattooing themselves with the symbols of their ancestors ( such as the Celtic Cross and knots.) The[..]

The Scottish Celtic people are also known as Pict's, the word Pict having its roots in Latin. They lived in Northern Britain at that time and the Romans described them as being covered in pictures of animals and other figures. The Pictish people were so notoriously difficult to conquer that Hadrian, a Roman Emperor of the time, built a stone wall across Britain to keep them out of the South, effectively ceding them the North which we know today as Scotland. Scottish Picts symbols are known for their intricate Knot Work, animals and Spirals just as Irish, British and Welsh Celtic symbols are, but they have a vast array of symbols not seen in other Celtic traditions and which are often[..]

One of the hottest and fastest growing trends in tattoo designs are Celtic tattoos.  They have been around for a long time however more recently they have grown in popularity.  Their bold lines and deeply symbolic themes make for n idea tattoo combination.  They can be done as rather large designs or scaled down to fit in a smaller area.  The bold and strong lines often work very well from a distance.  Typically one will find Celtic crosses and other patterns that feature traditional knotwork.  However, there are other styles out there.  If you are considering a Celtic tattoo you should know all of the different design options that you have. Tree Of Life The tree of life is a[..]

The art of tattooing has been around during Neolithic days. Before, tattoos were only used to mark or identify animals. And as days go by, tattoos become a decorative body modification to humans. Among tattoos, Celtic tattoo designs are the hottest and the fastest growing trends in today's world. Celtic tattoos are applicable in smaller areas and work very well from a distance. Basically, Celtic tattoo designs are made up of twisted turns and knots. These are designs that produce bold patterns and normally done using different shades of colors gray black and white. There are also designs ideally made for women. These include mix of images and some added dimensions. Usually, crosses and[..]

Early Celtic people were famous for their skills and talent in artwork of metal, jewelry, and even weapons. Throughout Ireland, there are many evidence of Celtic artwork and Celtic crosses. The Celtics are also well known for being warriors and regarded as fierce fighters by the Romans. Throughout the years, modern Celtics evolved and established symbols for themselves along the way. They often wear these symbols to let others know that they are of Celtic descent. Despite very little written history that time, the symbols and knowledge have been passed down from generation to generation. Tattooing is one art form that immortalize these symbols to keep the Celtic tradition alive with the[..]

Why are so many people searching for the Celtic tattoo design? Last month, November 2006 over 39,477 people where searching for the popular design. It's a design that not only has a historical significance but it also promotes the fight and will of the Celtic people. If you know history or have seen the movie Brave Heart you will see this kind of fight. Not only is it popular with history but also with its designs. The Celtic tattoo has many different variations along with using unending patters of lines that all lead into each other. Loops and spirals along with animals are usually incorporated into the design at the points or tips of the tattoo. The tiger and the lion are the popular[..]

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to show the woman you love just how much you care about her. Women enjoy the romantic spirit of Valentine's Day, and they look forward to your expressions of love and devotion. If the woman you love is of Irish or Celtic heritage, you can thrill her with a gift of traditional, handcrafted Irish Celtic Jewelry on Valentine's Day. You will find that she treasures your gift, and wears it again and again. Honoring her heritage with the timeless symbols of love and faithfulness that are so prevalent in Celtic art and history will add meaning and depth to your gift. The woman you love will find great sentimental value in an Irish Celtic ring, pendant, or[..]

There is an undeniable aura that surrounds Celtic designs and Druid traditions. Although I have strong family ties to both Ireland and Scotland, you don't need a Celtic heritage to be enticed by the culture. It's been said that as long as you respect Mother Earth and feel an affinity with the Celtic people you too have a Celtic soul. The meanings behind all of the spirals, knots, labyrinths, and crosses have intrigued many people for many centuries. Since you will find all of these symbols in this book, a brief explanation of some of the more popular interpretations are listed below: Celtic Knots: Quite possibly the most recognized of all the Celtic symbols is the knot. The[..]

One of the known butterfly tattoo design that is famous for their emphatic style are the Celtic tattoos. It is made from using beautiful knots and bold lines. And that renders the tattoo surreal beauty. Over the past few years, the demand for Celtic butterfly designs has gone to new heights due to their delicate grace. Getting a tattoo done is to give oneself a specific identity. Butterfly is symbolized as transformation in some cultures. It is with the transformation of an unsightly caterpillar to a delicate and beautiful butterfly. With the Celtics, they find significance in the form of the legend Etain, which is a beautiful fairy maiden. The legend has told that her beauty was[..]

p>The history of the Celtic people goes back for thousands of years. They have always been regarded as fierce warriors and were regarded as a formidable foe by the Romans. All over Ireland, there are many examples Celtic artwork and crosses. The Celtic people were also renowned for their skills in jewelry, metal, and even weapons as well as artwork. Most Celtic tattoo designs come from Ireland of course where the evidence of Celtic history is strongest. Tattooing is seen as keeping Celtic tradition alive with the famous Celtic cross being one of the most popular Celtic designs. People from an Irish, Scottish and Welsh descent find a Celtic tattoo to be an expression of the their Celtic[..]

The pre-Anglo Saxon people in Europe were known as Celts. They lived throughout what is now Great Britain, Ireland, and even France, southern Germany and Spain. Their ancient culture was complex with its own language, earth-based religion, folklore, and music and art. Many modern day descendants of the Celtic people have chosen to recognize their heritage by getting a tattoo in a traditional Celtic design. The most notable feature of Celtic art is the intricate, interwoven lines known as "knots" which look like braided ropes or vines and are often made into symbols like a cross, a star, or a simple geometric design like a circle. Another one of the most common reoccurring themes in[..]

While Celtic tattoos are deep with cultural significance, it is the intricate, elaborate, and fascinating designs of this style that have catapulted this choice into undeniable popularity. Many people are attracted to Celtic designs of tattoos because of the historical patterns that have survived for centuries. Using a collection of interlinking strands, the designs of Celtic designs are mesmerizing and complex. While the designs typically pay homage to the Celtic culture and ancestral line, many individuals choose this theme because it also represents the never-ending cycle of life and death. There is no end to the creativity infused in the detailed pattern of loops, lines, and spirals[..]

When you are about to choose a tribal celtic tattoo, you should definitely know the art design meaning and where to find all of the quality artwork. I will briefly go into both of these aspects for you so you can make an informed decision, as well as know a bit more about this wonderful art. Tribal celtic tattoo artwork is a great mixture of multiple cultures, which all influenced one another into creating what is now called the celtic tattoo design. Some of the best tribal celtic tattoo designs are more than a thousand years old and many top artists consider them to be the best looking ones even to this day. While you will always want to have the tattoo artist of your choosing change[..]

Having a Celtic tattoo seems to have developed into a brand new trend these days. The Celtic tattoo style has always been adored by the majority of us, because of its distinctive imaginative features, and appealing color schemes. These tattoos seemed to have be extremely popular all through these historic times. The Celts were a central European culture throughout the Iron Age, and its culture spread through out the Western world. The Celtic culture having certainly not vanished, even now exist throughout various parts of Europe. It is actually very much alive it forms of its Celtic tattoos, as well as numerous art forms. One simply has to look to the Catholic Church for Celtic Artwork.[..]