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Salem, MA: A Visit to the Witch City

 

“Still making history.”

 

From the early settlers to the famous witch trials of 1692 and the influence of literature on the city to being a cultural destination for Halloween, Salem is a place that has a rich and complex history set against the backdrop of a charming New England town. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or fall anywhere in between, Salem offers many highlights for an educational student tour. The city of Salem is home to so many attractions that will thrill and delight anyone who takes some time to slow down and fully embrace such a weird and wonderful city.

Situated on Cape Ann, a stretch of land jutting out into the Atlantic, and a short car or ferry ride north of Boston, Salem, originally called Naumkeag or the Hebrew word for peace, was founded in 1626 by Roger Conant and a group of immigrants. Two years later in 1628, the Massachusetts Bay Company and John Endicott arrived to provide some relief for the weary townsfolk and lay the foundation for the Puritans and Salem as we know it today. In the following years, Salem saw growth and began trading with the West Indies, the first militia muster was established, as well forts, and the Custom House which collected taxes on cargo.

By the time 1668 rolled around, The House of the Seven Gables was built by the wealthy merchant John Turner. Three generations called the mansion home before it was acquired by the Ingersoll family who were relatives of Salem native Nathaniel Hawthorne. The famous Witch House was completed in 1675 and home to Judge Jonathon Corwin. He presided over the Salem Witch Trials and early questioning of the suspected witches even occurred here. Over the following years, Salem saw numerous changes from new buildings to the first armed resistance of the Revolution and an influx of wealth. The fabulous Peabody Essex Museum was founded in 1799 and the city continued to grow due to its proximity to the water and maritime role. While one could spend a great deal of time delving into the city’s rich history, perhaps the best way to experience it is to see it first hand on a student tour. And what better starting point is there than the Witch House itself!

The house has the distinct honor of being the only building in Salem with direct ties to the 1692 Witch Trials. The event that Salem is most well-known for, the Witch Trials happened over a period of three months and saw the deaths of 19 innocent people. 14 women and 5 men were hanged with one man being pressed to death. It was a time of complete hysteria and fear of the unknown as the courts believed in the devil and spectral evidence. The trials ceased only when Governor William Phipps disbanded the court after his own wife was accused of being a witch. Here at the Witch House, students and their teachers will have a chance to see Judge Corwin’s 17th century home and artifacts from this troublesome time. Another must-see attraction on your educational tour is a visit to the House of Seven Gables.

Serving as the inspiration for one of author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s most well-known novels, the House of Seven Gables offers visitors a chance to view one of America’s most historic houses! Built by sea Captain John Turner, the family home was sold in 1782 to Samuel Ingersoll. His daughter was a cousin to Hawthorne whose many visits have served as the inspiration for his classic 1851 novel. You will have the opportunity to view the house with a guide, experience the secret staircase, take in the gorgeous gardens and waterfront view, and even visit Hawthorne’s birth house which was moved to the property. Each of the times I’ve visited Salem, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my visits not only to the House of the Seven Gables but also the phenomenal Peabody Essex Museum!

With its bright, airy, and modern interior, the Peabody Essex Museum gives some of the world’s other museums a run for their money. The collection is home to artifacts from the 1700s to today. Full of wonderful art exhibits, a permanent collection on the city’s maritime history, sculptures, textiles, a true traditional Chinese house called Yin Yu Tang, and so much more! Students and their teachers will enjoy exploring this world-class museum and all that it has to offer. When it comes to making history, Salem is no stranger to it.

With more history and supernatural wanderings than just about anywhere else, Salem is a top-grade city with a plethora of student tour experiences. It’s a stunning waterfront town in the heart of New England serving up beautiful architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, unparalleled shopping, and numerous historical sites and museums. You could easily spend more than one day here! And I hope you do so on you next EA educational student tour. We look forward to welcoming you!

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California Dreaming!

 

From its redwood forests and jagged coastline to movie sets and the sun kissed Napa Valley, California is as varied a place as the locals who call it home. With such a diverse cultural and geographic background, California will always be a popular destination for student tours. Full of vibrancy in both its educational offerings, national parks, and food, California presents an undeniable attraction for students and their teachers. When you travel with EA Tours, you’ll have the opportunity to experience all that makes this state golden! Perhaps your group would like to see the famed Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, the entertainment capital of the world in Los Angles, or learn about the discovery of gold in Sacramento. Whatever the choice, you are sure to have a fantastic time and the City by the Bay is a great starting point!

With its stunning waterfront views, steep hills, and Asian influence, San Francisco is more than just a city. It’s a melting pot of cultures that make up one fantastic place to visit on a student tour. A walk around Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf allow you to have some outdoor fun. Always a bustling area, Fisherman’s Wharf is a waterfront neighborhood that is an absolute must see! Home to numerous shops, restaurants, and museums, Fisherman’s Wharf is where you’ll also find Pier 39. Providing fabulous views of the bay for you to snap a few photos, Pier 39 is where you can begin your journey to Alcatraz or the Golden Gate Bridge. Don’t forget to also pay a visit to the Aquarium of the Bay, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and the Maritime Museum while you’re there. If you start to feel a little peckish, like the seagulls flying overhead, don’t worry as there are no shortage of options.

In this area you’ll find popular offerings such as the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop and famous Boudin’s! Creator of the BEST sourdough French Bread, Boudin’s has the distinct honor of being the oldest bakery in the city. Be sure to try the chowder! And send some my way if you can… As your student tour continues, you’re sure to see the landmark of San Francisco dominating the skyline and often times barely visible through the fog, the Golden Gate Bridge. With its long expanse and easily recognizable design, the Golden Gate Bridge was constructed to make travel easier between San Francisco and Marin County. There are many excellent vantage points to take in its majesty but the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point is perhaps the best! While riding a cable car, seeing Lombard St. (the crookedest street in the world), and the many museums, no educational student tour is complete without a visit to Alcatraz.

Sitting atop a small, rocky island in the middle of the Bay, Alcatraz has quite a storied past. An excellent addition to any educational tour, students and their teachers will hear the backstory of this most famous site. Once a former federal prison, Alcatraz housed some of society’s biggest convicts. Before Al Capone inhabited the prison, it served as a military prison during the Spanish-American and Civil Wars. Over time, the prison saw its lights go out due to operating costs, but that didn’t stop the numerous and oftentimes failed escape attempts. Once you feel you have a good understanding of what makes San Francisco so special, it’s time to make your own escape and board a train down to the city of angels!

Simply put, no student tour to California is complete without a visit to La-La Land. Always a wildly popular destination, Los Angeles is home to some of the state’s most famous museums and attractions. From Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier to the fortresses of movie studios and TV lots to the arts and culture at the Getty Museum or LACMA, Los Angeles has it all! Though it may be a sprawling metropolis, Los Angles sure knows how to put on a show. With its bright lights and big city glamour, Los Angeles shows visitors a varied mix of cultures and diversity in each of its neighborhoods making it perfect for your educational student tour! At EA Tours, we always work closely with our schools to provide the itinerary of their dreams. However, knowing where to start or what to include can be a little overwhelming especially with a big city like LA. The appeal of vintage Hollywood and the silver screen are always a big draw so a visit to downtown is perfect!

There’s no other place that compares to one of Hollywood’s most famous and iconic sites than the TCL Chinese Theatre, originally called Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Straight from Hollywood’s Golden Age and opened in 1927, the TCL Chinese Theatre will leave you feeling as if you’re a movie star yourself. Afterwards, be sure to stroll the equally famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Here, hundreds of movie stars have left their handprints and signatures etched into the sidewalk. From Mickey Mouse, Whoopi Goldberg, and Vin Diesel to Doris Day, Glen Close, and Kathy Bates, there are no shortage of stars. See if you can find one of your favorites! Also, while you’re in the area don’t forget to take a picture of the Hollywood Sign! After you’re done seeing a little movie history why not visit one of the many studios? From Paramount Pictures Studios to Warner Brothers, both offer fun and insightful educational tours for students. I’ve also always enjoyed visiting the excellent world-class museums that LA has to offer.

My personal favorites are the Getty Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The Getty Center is an impressive museum not only architecturally but also because of the splendid collection housed within its walls. Here, students and their teachers will see Renaissance paintings, 20th century photography, Baroque sculptures, significant documents, and so much more! One could wander aimlessly and get lost in thought as you take in these priceless works of art while admiring the view of Los Angeles from atop a mountain. As your museum tour continues, I’m sure it’ll bring you to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art or LACMA for short.

Situated beside the La Brea Tar Pits, LACMA is smack dab in the heart of the museum district. You may recognize it from some of your favorite movies because of the rows of lamp posts out front. Opened in 1965, LACMA has showcased some of the finest art through its diverse exhibitions and permanent installations. From Islamic artifacts to European impressionist paintings and modern art, LACMA continually strives to offer the most rewarding and enriching experiences for all visitors. While I’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of the many offerings California can provide for a student tour, I hope I’ve peaked your interest.

California is a state that’s as big and diverse as the attractions that call it home. With so much to see and do, one could embark on many educational student tours. Whether the big cities call or the plethora of national parks beckon you to explore their wonders, California will always leave you wanting more. I’m sure you’ll find your own reason for why this state’s golden and I hope that will be with us on an EA student tour.

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Washington, DC: The Heartbeat of Our Nation

 

Ah, Washington, D.C….the Capitol of our great nation and the very seat of democracy.

Home to some of our nation’s best historic buildings, world class museums, memorials, monuments, and of course the White House, Washington, D.C. is a place where students and their teachers can embark on the educational tour of a lifetime! Not only will you be able to witness where history was made, but you’ll also be able to experience a city where the very essence of our nation’s values are being preserved as well as built upon for future generations. When you travel with EA Tours to Washington, D.C., you are sure to to have a fantastic time!

From snapping a photo in front of the White House and admiring the Lincoln Memorial to the somberness of Arlington National Cemetery and sheer vastness of the Smithsonian Institute, our nation’s capitol provides so many learning and teachable moments around every corner!

When arriving into Washington, D.C., a visit to the White House is an excellent starting point for a student tour. Home to the President, First Lady, and First Family, the White House is where they live and work. However, the White House is also called the People’s House allowing all Americans to have a sense of inclusion and belonging. Being able to tour the public rooms of this historic house is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! You’ll have the chance to view the public rooms in the East wing which include the Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, the State Dining Room, China Room, and a fantastic view of the White House Rose Garden. Sure to be one of the memory books! After your educational tour, it’s time to tour the National Mall.

Sure to be a highlight, the National Mall abounds with monuments, memorials, and spectacular museums! Here students and their teachers will have a chance to view the famous Lincoln and Jefferson memorials. The Lincoln memorial stands tall over the Reflecting Pool and serves as a everlasting tribute to one of our nation’s greatest leaders. This iconic memorial was built to pay homage to our 16th President. Etched onto the wall is this memorable quote: “In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.” Below this sits a 19 foot tall statute of President Lincoln looking out over the Mall and the country he fought so hard to preserve and unite. It is here you’ll also view Lincoln’s greatest speech and the most famous in U.S. history, the Gettysburg Address.

Nearby, the Jefferson Memorial stands out as it is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. Surrounded by water, the Jefferson Memorial overlooks the Tidal Basin and its stunning cherry blossom trees. Our 3rd President and the author of the Declaration of Independence, the memorial to Thomas Jefferson serves as a reflection of his diverse accomplishments and contributions to society. The walls share his beliefs and ideas on religious freedom and the important emphasis on changing laws to reflect the changing times. Perhaps there are none more impactful than “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Once you’re ready to continue your educational student tour, a visit to the Smithsonian Institution is a must! Comprised of 17 museums, galleries, and even a zoo, the Smithsonian is world- renowned complex. From the National Air and Space Museum to the National Museum of American History, or the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Smithsonian is unparalleled in its reach and scope on various subjects. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! There are so many places and things to see and discover that you could spend your whole student tour wandering their halls. Truly a treasure chest and wealth of information for visitors! After you’ve had your fill of museums, no educational student tour is complete without a visit to our nation’s most hallowed ground, Arlington National Cemetery.

Just a short trip from Washington, D.C., Arlington National Cemetery is a place where all Americans can honor and remember our fallen heroes. Here, students and their teachers will be able to witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, visit the graves of notable figures such as Presidents, Medal of Honor recipients, astronauts, explorers, women, military leaders, and so many more people who represent our great values. You’ll also be able to take in the welcome center, Memorial Arboretum, and various other monuments. Though these grounds are sacred and you may experience different feelings, take comfort in knowing that this land serves as a reflection of our country and the progress we have made.

When you visit Washington, D.C. on a student tour, you are surrounded by culture. You have an incredible chance to see our past, present, and future all working together. This vibrancy is everywhere you look! Let what you learn in your history books jump off the pages and come alive right before your eyes. It will allow you to have a greater understanding and wisdom of our very important history.

Are you ready to explore? Our Capitol is calling you home.

 

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Come and Explore “The Crescent City!”

 

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

 

Lovingly referred to as “The Big Easy,” the city of New Orleans offers an abundance of unique and enjoyable activities for student tour groups. From its storied history and lively music to its delectable cuisine and renowned museums, New Orleans will thrill you with excitement! The city is a wonderful blend of history, food, music, culture, and a little bit of mystery all wrapped up with that Southern charm. It’s just begging to be explored by YOU on your next educational student tour.

With so much to see and do, students and teachers will be stumbling over one fun activity after another. Whether you have 3 days or a full week, an EA student tour is sure to be a jam packed and fun-filled time! One thing that’s sure to not be missed, and a highlight on any educational tour, is a visit to the famed French Quarter.

No visit is complete without stopping by the world- renowned Cafe du Monde for one of their incredibly tasty and somewhat messy (it’s all about the execution) piping hot beignets and chicory cafe au lait. Whether you want to sit back and relax and watch the city come to life in the morning, or prefer to grab a few tables in the evening hours as the hustle and bustle of the city starts to slumber, you’re sure to enjoy every minute. After your indulgence, it’s time to get walking! Just a short jaunt from the Cafe is Jackson Square with the gorgeous St. Louis Cathedral.

Flanked by two of the best museums in the city, The Presbytere and The Cabildo, offer their own history. The Cabildo is where the Louisiana Purchase was signed and is now home to numerous exhibits on Louisiana’s history. The Presbytere offers a fun insight into the history of Mardi Gras. Both are excellent choices! Oh and don’t miss Napoleon’s death mask in the Cabildo! The French Quarter is also home to some of the city’s best restaurants. From Antoine’s and Galatoire’s to Tujague’s and Brennan’s, you’ll have no shortage of places to eat. Be sure to try a muffuletta…you won’t regret it!

The French Quarter is also home to numerous shops. From high end antiques to the quirky, weird, and wonderful, you’re sure to find some treasures to bring home. There are also some pretty fantastic walking tours that take place in and around the French Quarter. Whether you prefer literary, ghost, cemetery, or history, there’s something for every student tour. So why not choose one or two that peak your curiosity! Once you feel you’ve have a good grasp on what makes the French Quarter so charming, it’s time to take in some other New Orleans sites.

The Garden District and uptown New Orleans are home to some of the most magnificent homes. You may even recognize a few from your favorite movies and TV shows. This area was settled mainly by wealthy Americans who were…let’s say… not entirely made welcome in the Vieux Carre, or French Quarter. If you have time jump on one of the St. Charles streetcars for a fun journey on the world’s oldest continually operated streetcar. You’ll venture past mansions, canopy roads, the university, and Audubon Park. One of my personal favorite ares is Magazine Street. Home to block after block of antiques, clothing, home decor, thrift shops, boutiques, and what else other than some more fabulous restaurants! This area is perfect for a fun afternoon stroll as you take in the vibe to this different part of the city. By now, I’m sure you’ll be wanting a little more time or “lagniappe” in the Crescent City.

Meaning an extra or unexpected benefit, this is where if your educational student tour has been planned with more days, you won’t feel as rushed. Perhaps you’d like to experience a swamp tour? There’s nothing quite like seeing an alligator up close among those cypress trees. I suggest going in the morning before it gets too hot! There’s also the spectacular National WWII Museum, Mardi Gras World, historic houses and plantations, art museums, and so much more!

New Orleans is a place of warmth (literally and figuratively), friendly faces, excellent dining, and a history that will speak to you. It’s a place where you can instantly feel at home. A place where they welcome everyone with open arms. Simply put, New Orleans offers hospitality at its finest. You’re sure to leave only wanting to return right back agin.

 

Intrigued?

 

EA Tours is just a quick chat away from helping you start planning a fun-filled itinerary!

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Florida: A Land of History

 

La Florida, or The Land of Flowers, was the name given to this great state by the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon when he landed on our famed shores in the year 1513. It was the first time a European had stepped foot on this part of the New World and he wouldn’t be the last.

 

Throughout the course of history, the state of Florida has seen a rich and varied history. One filled with wars, notable figures, outstanding cuisine, and attractions, both natural and man made, to inspire the greatest of minds.

 

Here at EA Educational Tours, we are continually striving to always provide the best educational tours for our students, teachers, and adults. With the state of international travel in flux due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, why not explore more of our amazing country? And what better place to begin than where the sun is always shining (well…most of the time. We do have some pretty crazy thunderstorms, but give it 5 minutes and they’ll pass)?

 

One of the hallmarks of our business is that you as the travelers have the unique opportunity to entirely custom design the educational tour of your dreams! And here in Florida, you’ll have no shortage of ideas. The hardest place might be where to begin? From the bustling metro of Miami in the Southeast and the natural beauty of the Big Bend in North Central Florida, to the space industry on the Central East Coast and the foundation of our history in St. Augustine in the North East, Florida truly has something for everyone! Cape Canaveral is a great starting off point as its home to the Kennedy Space Center. A thrill fort the young and young at heart!

 

Cape Canaveral’s fame is due to it being the hub for America’s human space program. It was from here that our nation’s astronauts experienced and overcame the challenges of sending someone into orbit. From landing on the moon to numerous shuttle flights to the International Space Station, a visit to Kennedy Space Center allows its visitors to learn and see firsthand some of our nation’s finest work. You can even visit a launch pad! How many people can say they’ve experienced that? All that is possible on an EA student tour!

 

Opened in 1967, Kennedy Space Center is place for all ages. Come and explore the revolutionary history of the Space Shuttle program, view rockets on display in the gardens, take in the numerous exhibits, speak with an astronaut, participate in various simulations, and so much more. You are sure to be blown away by the sheer scale of the U.S. space exploration programs! You can even try freeze dried ice cream! Wondering if you’ll like it? There’s only one way to find out…

 

Venturing on up the coast, our students and teachers always enjoy a visit to America’s oldest continually inhabited city, St. Augustine!

 

Founded in 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles of Spain, St. Augustine is packed with numerous historical sites that are perfect for including on your educational student tours. Castillo de San Marcos is a wonderful place to start. Constructed between 1672 and 1695, the fort stands guard over Matanzas Bay. Here you’ll take in the fort’s unique coquina walls as guides in traditional period costumes share with you its famed history all while cannons boom. From Seminole Indian Chief Osceola being held prisoner to later being occupied by Union soldiers during the Civil War, Castillo de San Marcos offers a glimpse into the past.

 

After a long day exploring the fort, you may feel the rest of St. Augustine calling with its beautiful architecture, delicious restaurants, fabulous shopping, and natural wonders. EA student tours will also visit the city’s old gate, Fountain of Youth, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in the U.S., and the lighthouse if they so please. You’re sure to leave having fallen in love with the city’s old world charm.

 

So while the lure of European cities and the far reaches of the world might be slightly in the distance for the time being, don’t let that wanderlust slip away. There are an overflowing abundance of historic sites to experience, natural wonders to see, and delicious food to devour all with your best friends and teachers. EA Tours will be here to help you plan the domestic tour of your dreams! So get dreaming because we are ready to see our spectacular nation and all that it has to offer safely when you’re ready to travel.

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Day 12: Merry Christmas!

Hello travelers!

From all. of us here at EA Tours, we would like to send our warmest wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Christmas is such a wonderful and exciting time of year. The anticipation that comes with this festive time never goes away as we look forward to celebrating the magic of the season. Wether it’s singing carols, gathering around the Yule log, indulging in delectable treats, or enthusiastically awaiting the arrival of Father Christmas, Christmas is always a joyous time. As Thomas Tusser said in 1573, “At Christmas play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year.”

I think we can all agree that this year was a difficult one for us all.

We saw the world come to a standstill and get turned upside down as everyone was fighting an invisible beast.

We were separated from those we love.

We were all tested and put to our strengths. 

We saw travel be put on hold leaving us wondering when we’d be able to explore again.

Through it all, YOU, our loyal students, teachers, and parents have stayed by our side. We could not be more grateful for you. So THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts! We look towards the new year with a renewed sense of hope for that day when we can board an airplane to a familiar city, take a train journey through the Italian countryside, or hop on a bus to explore exotic destinations. We will travel again, and more than ever we can not wait to welcome you back on an EA educational student tour.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading these posts over the past twelve days as I’ve really enjoyed writing them. My desire was to share with you a little history mixed in with the customs of this festive time. I’d love to know what was your favorite day? Did you learn something new? Is there a new tradition you’d like to start incorporating into your celebrations? Leave a comment down below!

I’d like to leave you with a short poem by an unknown author:

“There’s more, much more, to Christmas than candlelight and cheer; it’s the spirit of sweet friendship that brightens all the year. It’s thoughtfulness and kindness, it’s hope reborn again, for peace, for understanding, and for goodwill to men!”

Whether you say Joyeux Noël, Mele Kalikimaka, Buon Natale, Feliz Navidad, or Merry Christmas, may today be a bright and merry one!

Have a wonderful day,

Kate and the EA Tours family.      

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Day 11: The Story of Father Christmas.

Happy Christmas Eve! Can you believe that Christmas is one day away?

It seems like just yesterday I was starting this special series for you readers. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading and following along with me, but don’t worry because the fun isn’t over yet! Today, I would like to share with you the story behind the man of Father Christmas or Santa Claus…St. Nicholas.

The story begins all the way back in the 4th century…

St. Nicholas was a bishop of Myra who lived in Asia Minor or present day Turkey. When his parents passed away, he inherited a lot of money at a young age. He was a very generous and kind man who had a charitable reputation. He loved helping the poor and presenting gifts to those he saw fit in secret. While there are several tales of St. Nicholas, the most well known story is how the idea for hanging stockings and filling them with presents came to be.

There was once a poor man who had three daughters but not enough money for their dowry’s so they were not able to get married. One evening, Nicholas went to their house where he dropped a bag of gold down the chimney. It fell into a stocking that was left drying above the fireplace. Nicholas came back another night and did the same thing for the second daughter. The poor man was now determined to discover who was behind such thoughtful acts so he decided to stay by the fire until he caught the person in the act. Upon being discovered, Nicholas pleaded with the man to not disclose who he was or what he had done because he was not looking for attention to be brought upon himself. Like all good things they eventually reveal themselves, and when the secret got out everyone who received a secret gift believed it was from Nicholas himself!

Due to his generosity and kind heartedness, Nicholas was hereby declared a saint and became the patron saint of children and sailors.

Many years later, St. Nicholas was exiled from Myra and thrown into prison during the persecution of Christians by Emperor Diocletian. He passed away on December 6 in the year 345 or 352; no-one is sure of the exact year. In 1087, his bones were stolen by Italian merchant sailors from Turkey. They are now kept in the church of his namesake in the Italian port city of Bari. Come every year on December 6th, now known as the Feast of St. Nicholas, sailors from Bari carry his statue from the cathedral down to the waters so he can bless the waters for calm and safe voyages throughout the year. If you’d like to learn more about St. Nicholas, I’d encourage you to check out this informative site at the link here. 

So how did St. Nicholas become the Santa Claus we know and love today?

By the 16th century in Northern Europe, the legend of St. Nichola was becoming unpopular. Who was to deliver the gifts though? The distributing of presents to children at Christmas had to be done by someone! So in the UK, he was given the name Father Christmas or Old Man Christmas who was a character from story plays during the Middle Ages. In France he became known as Pere Noel while Dutch settlers who had arrived in the United States took their old tales of St. Nicholas with them and called him Kris Kringle. Soon Kris Kringle and St Nicholas were joined and became “Sinterklaas” or as we know and say today Santa Claus! Come the 1800s, the story of St. Nicholas was popular once again by writers, poets, and artists.

In 1821, a poem was published in New York called “Old Santeclaus with Much Delight.” It was here that Santa/St Nicholas was described as riding in a sleigh which was being pulled by reindeer. Eight fabulous illustrations were also published alongside the poem in a book called “The Children’s Friend: A New-Year’s Present, to the Little Ones from Five to Twelve.” These are said to be some of the earliest images of Santa Claus. Just a couple years later the famous poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas” was published by Dr. Clement Clarke Moore who said he had written it for his children. Within the poem, we learn more about St. Nicholas and names are given to the reindeer. Do you know them all? There are those who believe the poem was actually written by Henry Livingston Jr., who was a distant relative or Dr. Moore’s wife.

As time has carried on, the traditional UK Father Christmas and the American Santa Claus have slowly become more alike and are now essentially the same. Many believe Santa lives at the North Pole where the days and nights are chilly. In Finland however, they say Santa lives in the northern part of their country called Lapland. Whatever the case, one thing’s for sure is that he travels across the sky with his sleigh and reindeer bringing good cheer and presents for all. 

Today, the story of St. Nicholas, whose origins have become the Santa Claus we know and love, have warmed the hearts of all who hear it. With his gentle heart and kind spirit, let St. Nicholas be a guiding example for us all. On this Christmas Eve, when all is quiet, I hope you take a moment to reflect on the season and all that makes it special.

Until tomorrow,

Kate.      

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Day 10: Keep the Yule Log Burning.

Christmas is a season for joy and togetherness…laughter…good cheer…light when there is darkness…and warmth.

For hundreds of years, people have looked towards light for a sense of comfort. In the northern reaches of Europe, people would burn a yule log to provide a safe and warm atmosphere when the world outside was dim and obscure of light. With Scandinavian origins, the burning of the Yule log was celebrated all throughout Europe and is a midwinter tradition that still survives today!

Carefully selected to last the entirety of the Yule season, a Yule log was in fact a whole tree! One end of the tree was placed into the large open hearth while the rest was left to stick out into the room. As the days passed, a little more of the log was shifted into the burning fire. The first day it’s placed into the fire, people would pay tribute as they believed it to burn away wrongdoings and bad luck that had come upon them during the year. A small piece of the log was kept and carefully stored so that it would last until the following year when it could be relit with the new log connecting past, present, and future. 

Washington Irving in 1820 once wrote while traveling in England “The Yule log is a great log of wood, sometimes the root of a tree, brought into the house with great ceremony…laid in the fireplace, and lighted with the brand of last year’s log. While it lasted there was great drinking, singing, and telling of tales. Sometimes it was accompanied by…candles, but in the cottage the only light was from the ruddy blaze of the great wood fire.”

There are many superstitions that come with a Yule log. In England they used to cover the Yule log with evergreen wreaths and sprinkle grain and cider over it. People in the Balkans would wrap it in silk and offer it wine. While in Scandinavia they would make promises to last all of the next year similar to our New Year’s resolutions today! The Yule log was special to many cultures as the time when it was lit was in the dead of winter. People would wonder if the Sun and Spring with its warm days and bounty of life and vegetation would ever return. To encourage them to come back, people would look to the Yule log for its heat and comforting glow. The burning of the Yule log would also protect the home and its inhabitants from evil spirits. Tales say that leftover wood that’s turned into a plough would help the crops to grow better while the ashes would also make the fields plentiful.

Traditionally, the Yule log is burned from Christmas Eve until the Twelfth Night when the days grew shorter and people believed the sun had stood still. To encourage the sun to keep moving on, it was important to keep the fire burning. Today, “bringing home the yule” takes on a different meaning in the form of a sweet treat. 

In 1870, a French patissier wanted to invent a new dessert that would replace the more traditional fruit cake consumed during the festive season. His creation? The Buche de Noel or Christmas log! Made of a decadent yellow sponge base, rich chocolate filling, and shaped to look like a log, it was then elaborately decorated with a dark brown buttercream, chocolate shavings, small individual meringue mushrooms, and a sprinkling of confectioner’s sugar for snow. Quite a sight to see and oh so delicious! 

If you don’t have room to burn a whole Yule log modern technology has made it easy for us to experience this time-honored tradition. Enter the internet! You can find a streaming video of a Yule log burning here for your viewing pleasure. If you prefer to have some seasonal music as an accompaniment click here.

Yule logs have long been symbols of merriment and a cause for celebration, and in a year like 2020 I think we could all use a little more joy in our lives. So wether you venture out into the woods looking for your own tree or prefer to go the virtual route, remember to keep the yule log burning and you’re sure to have a wonderful New Year!

Until tomorrow,

Kate.          

The EA Tours Guarantee...

Day 9: Traditions of the Season- Christmas Greenery.

When the time comes to deck the halls, there is nothing quite like the Christmas greenery that starts to pop up in various shops throughout towns and big cities. An excellent representation of the festive season, Christmas greenery such as holly, ivy, mistletoe, and poinsettias have long been standing symbols of the holiday period.

Before it was fashionable to decorate a Christmas tree, evergreens were used in pre-Christian times throughout the home to bring the outdoors in and celebrate the Winter Solstice. Not only were they used to represent the new life of the forthcoming Spring but to also fend off evil spirits. Soon after Christianity arrived in Western Europe, greenery was represented with Christian meanings and banned from using it for decorations in the home. The UK and Germany were the primary countries to keep the use of greenery for decorating.

Read on to find the true meaning behind these symbols of Christmas.

Holly

The origin for the use of holly dates back to Pagan times. Deeply rooted in superstition, magic, and folklore, holly was used by the Druids, Celts, and Romans during the winter months. They regarded holly as a magical plant with it’s ability to always remain green even during the harshest of winters. It was a sign that Spring would soon return again. Nowadays, holly, with its prickly leaves and striking red berries, has come to represent the crown of thorns Jesus wore when he was crucified. The berries in turn are the droplets of blood He shed from those thorns. The evergreen stood for there will always be a renewal of life. The tradition of using boughs of holly to decorate with at Christmastime is more popular than ever! From garlands to wreaths and festive centerpieces to bannisters, holly is a versatile plant that will brighten up any room.

Ivy

As it grows, ivy must attach itself to something for support. As humans, it’s symbolic that we remind ourselves to cling to God and loved ones when we need encouragement and support in our lives.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe is a plant that’s able to adapt and grow on various tree such as willow, apple, and oak among others. Traditions tell us that the act of hanging it up in the house dates back to the Druids. While there is little evidence this happened, mistletoe has long been regarded as having mystical powers to ward off evil spirits, bring good luck, an cure illnesses. Perhaps this is why the ancient Druids favored it? There are mentions of mistletoe in Norse mythology as being a sign of love and friendship. When we think of mistletoe today, it’s most likely for the custom of sharing a kiss under it which we can trace back to England. A berry was to be picked from the sprig before a person could be kissed. When all the berries had been removed, there could be no more kissing. Funny how stories change throughout the years huh? Mistletoe remains a popular holiday decoration and can even be incorporated into “kissing boughs.”

Poinsettia

Perhaps the greatest symbol of Christmas though is the poinsettia. The ancient Aztecs in Mexico used the bright green and red leaves to dye cloth and as a form of medicine. Around 1600 AD, Christian missionaries in America gave it the name Noche Buena or “the flower of Christmas Eve.” The name is derived from Joel Roberts Poinsett, a keen botanist and the first US ambassador for Mexico. He was in awe of its beauty when he first saw it, and eventually imported the plant from Mexico in 1828. While accounts vary, poinsettias have long been a symbol of good wishes. One story goes that a young girl wished to take a gift to baby Jesus at Christmastime, but she didn’t have any money. As she was heading to church she decided to pick a handful of weeds from the side of the road as that was all she could find for her offering. Once stepping inside the church, the weeds were magically transformed into a gorgeous red flower. The shape of the poinsettia flower and its leaves are often viewed as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to Jesus.

The use of evergreens in Christmas decorations dates back hundreds of years. From churches to homes, evergreens such as holly, ivy, rosemary, laurel and others have been used in decorations. Their cheerful and pleasing effect has allowed them to symbolize good luck and eternal life since Roman times.

I hope this holiday season you will fill your home with the delightful aroma and sights of the Christmas season in the form of evergreens. Remember in times of hardship, there are always beautiful things that can emerge such as the holly, ivy, and mistletoe.

Until tomorrow,

Kate.   

The EA Tours Guarantee...

Day 8: The Winter Solstice.

Today, December 21, marks the start of winter and the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Otherwise known as the Winter Solstice.

The meaning behind solstice is Latin in origin and is “”sun stand” or “sun stands still” When the sun is at its furthest point from the earth the marking of the winter solstice occurs. People in ancient times were perplexed by this concept and wondered if and how it would ever return. Their solution was to praise and make offering to the gods, in hopes that the sun would return. Out of this the celebrations for winter solstice began. For hundreds of thousands of years, people around the world have built monuments, temples, and other buildings to face and coincide with the rising winter sun. While this time of year saw shortened daylight and was oftentimes gloomy for many, it also signaled the hope for Spring, warmer temperatures, and the promise of new life. It was for this reason that the winter solstice was to be celebrated.

Throughout the world, but particularly in Egypt and Europe, people would construct vast buildings in recognition of this special time of year. The stones were placed so precisely that on this one day, at the exact moment, they would line up with the rising sun as it came over the horizon. The ingenuity, skill, and craftsmanship that these architects took upon themselves is truly astounding. By charting the patterns of the sun, they created something that has stood the test of time. Today, Stonehenge in England, Newgrange in Ireland, and Egypt’s Karnak Temple are but just three of these cherished historical sites where you can witness this phenomenon.

Perhaps the most well-known site for winter solstice celebrations, and a favorite for student tours, is that of the World Heritage Site at Stonehenge in England. Here, massive pillars of stone have been calculated in such a manner that no-one has been able to crack the great archaeological mystery behind their layout. While some believe that Stonehenge was built to correspond with the setting sun, others see it as having nothing to do with the marking of celestial events. One thing is for certain, the popularity and intrigue surrounding this sacred historical site shows no signs of waning. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and in order to comply with social distancing measures, the English Heritage site will be live streaming this years winter solstice. 

Though it may not be as well known as Stonehenge, Newgrange in Ireland is equally as impressive. Older than both Stonehenge by 1,00 years and the Egyptian pyramids by 500 years, Newgrange (Bru na Boinne as it is known in Irish) in the Boyne valley also remains an archaeological mystery. However, numerous scholars, researchers, and experts have agreed that the the mound tomb was constructed for religious purposes. There are several inner chambers as well as a roof-box which perfectly aligns with the Winter Solstice every year. If you’re keen to experience this breathtaking site firsthand, then you’re in luck because each year a lottery is held for a select group of individuals to step inside the chamber and see the light come flooding in. To this day, it remains one of the earliest and greatest architectural feats the world as ever seen.      

On December 21, viewers who are lucky enough to be inside Karnak Temple in Egypt will see for themselves as the sun steadily rises in the entryway. Between the great walls of this stately monument, the sun sets everything aglow as light floods in illuminating the sanctuary of Amun. Then, just as quickly as it appeared, the sun continues on its way. The ancient Egyptians are known to have built many temples in awareness of the celestial events.

As we’re exploring the world differently this year many sites, including Stonehenge and Newgrange, will be live streaming the winter solstice so people can experience it in all corners of the world. You can find links here and here for your viewing pleasure.

Tonight also marks the close alignment of Jupiter and Saturn where they will almost appear as a double planet! Called a conjunction, it will be the closet they have come together in centuries. With it happening around Christmas, it has earned the nickname “Christmas Star.” “You’d have to go all the way back to just before dawn on March 4, 1226, to see a closer alignment between these objects visible in the night sky,” wrote astronomer Patrick Hartigan, a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University in Houston.        

As we admire these historic sites, that have stood as a testament to time, remember that they were a great significance for many cultures. The air of mystery that surrounds them will harken you to always return and discover the secrets within their walls. As we move through the beginning of the end for dark nights and shorter days take hope in knowing that a brighter future is ahead. Look towards the horizon and night sky for guidance and it will show you her beauty. 

Happy Winter Solstice!

Until tomorrow,

Kate.