This week’s edition by: David

Ok guys, it’s another week and another Speedo. I’m back from a weekend of nervousness and politeness (more on that later) and currently dying of a cold. So if you see me in the corridor, looking kind of pale, don’t laugh…

Quite a busy week for Callan events, and some others coming up which you might be interested in. Read on for more information…

Also, welcome back to all those who have stayed away, been skiing or otherwise during the winter break…

NEWS AND REVIEWS

Last week saw three clubs, all with different levels of success. First up was Film Club with Chris, which had a huge turnout – I believe the best ever! Six students came to watch Final Destination 3, which apparently was so frightening that two students left in shock and with white hair! Ok, well that last part was made up, but it could have happened… Also taking place last week was Pool Club and Travel Club, but nobody attended either club. Come on guys! Gosia went to Kraków, so I don’t think she was complaining!

Up and coming is conversation time, with Sean’s Advanced Convo on Thursday 8th, 7.30pm. This is for those of you who are Stage 9 or above and want something a bit more challenging that those crazy Callan questions! For those of you who are not quite Stage 9, why not join Caroline and Hugh at the Totu Café on Wednesday 28th, 7.30pm for Intermediate Convo. You can talk about anything you want, and not have to worry too much about forming “perfect Callan answers…” Finally this week we have Climbing Club, so if you want a physical workout its on Friday 2nd March. Meet at the school at 7.20pm. As with all clubs, remember to sign up with the secretaries.

I am also informed by Marcin that there are no less than five potential Music Clubs this month, details will be released later, and we also have Caroline’s lecture soon. A Belgian talking about chocolate? Strange… :p

WEDDINGS AROUND THE WORLD

Ok. At the weekend I went to a Polish wedding for the first time. It was a fascinating and eye-opening experience, being the only guy in attendance not Polish, and was not very good for my stomach or diet. But great anyway. So here we will look at some different wedding traditions around the world.

POLAND – Apparently if a bride can drink wine from her glass and not spill any, it’s considered lucky. Is this true? Let me know. And feel free to share any other aspects of a Polish wedding you want us to know about. We’d appreciate the information in advance!

MOROCCO - On her wedding day, it is a Moroccan wedding custom for the bride to have a ceremonial purification milk bath before a ritual henna painting (Beberiska) of her hands and feet. Originally, this purification and painting was the wedding ceremony in Arab lands some 200 years ago. Modern Morrocan brides continue this tradition by annointing the palm of guests with a unique smear, called the henna. Before she is dressed in her wedding dress, another woman arranges her hair, applies her make-up and puts on her jewelry. The bride also wears an elaborate headpiece with a veil.

JAPAN – While the bride and groom exchange their wedding vows, their families face each other, instead of the couple getting married. Central to the traditional Japanese marriage ceremony is the ritual of drinking nine cups of sake, after which newlyweds are considered united. Families and guests also drink sake, to symbolize the bonding of the couple as well as of the two families. The father of the groom, and of the bride, then introduce their respective family members.

VENEZUELA - During a traditional wedding ceremony in Venezuela, the families of the bride and groom will exchange 13 gold coins, to symbolize prosperity and good fortune. The coins are known as arras. These may also be exchanged between the couple themselves. In Venezuela, it is traditional for newlyweds to sneak away from their own wedding reception without saying good-bye. This is considered to bring good luck to the union.

NEW ZEALAND - Maori weddings will include a ceremonial welcome to the bride and groom, known as a Powhiri, and a traditional warrior challenge. The wedding ceremony will be conducted by a tribal elder and the couple will be blessed in the Maori language. Wedding rings made of carved bone or greenstone are also popular amongst those wishing to include the ancient culture of the Maori people in their wedding. Traditional Maori 'infinity loops' have a spiritual meaning of never-ending love.

SEE YOU ALL NEXT TIME!