The View from a Drawbridge

Tag: tradition

  • Independence

    It’s Independence Day here in the United States, and everyone seems to amp up their patriotism on this holiday. I tend to look at the day a little differently. Yes, it’s the day that we declared our independence from England, and rightfully so. Otherwise we’d be a lot more uptight and talk funny. (Joke, British…

  • A Christmas Thought

    I am having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this year, which has placed undue stress on my blogger’s heart. Fortunately, I am quite lucky to be surrounded by unique people with very creative minds. Not only is this Christmas tradition fun and entertaining, but it’s a financial God send for those of…

  • Sworn Virgins in Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo

    In the isolated areas of Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo, the gender roles have traditionally been extremely restrictive for women. They could not inherit, own land, vote, work outside of the home, choose their own spouses, smoke, drink, wear pants or watches, sing or dance, interact with men, or own businesses. They weren’t even supposed to…

  • Lagniappe

    For those of you who have never been to New Orleans, allow me to introduce you to the world’s most delightful custom: Lagniappe. This word came to the English language via the Louisiana French by way of the Spanish Creoles from the Quechua word yapay. Whew! The fact that it managed to survive so many…