Category Archives: culture

Feliz Día de los Muertos!

Feliz Día de los Muertos!

That means Happy Day of the Dead, an important holiday observed in Mexico, Latin America, parts of South America, and the southwest of Europe, happening now.

El Día de los Muertos is actually more than a day, stretching for both November the 1st and the 2nd. This day is of heavy cultural interest to me, but never quite connected to. I think it goes beyond the cool visuals and artistical appeal, but the ancient roots in Mayan, Aztec cultures and ideas of the afterlife mixing with the Catholic beliefs brought on from colonization. There results a sort of a bond in themes through many religions, that death is a part of life and we simply move on. What I childishly enjoy about the Day of the Dead, is that playful and exciting nature of our own spooky imaginations, bringing light to the darkness that may scare us when thinking about death. And there is much life that carries on from these visions of death, and in return we can be visited by spirits if our minds can open up enough.

Here is a little video I would like to share, on the beauty and wonder of this grand tradition.

– Orion T

The picture up top is a weird little unicorn (or Unicorno of the Tokidoki blind box collectibles) toy that sits on my shelf now. this of course, celebrates the traditions and appeal of el Día de los Muertos. I took it off its usual place and brought it with me to work, because I can be pretty weird sometimes.

The spooky and spirited thrillings of Halloween

“It’s as much fun to scare as to be scared.” – Vincent Price.

With much truth in that shining quote, there is more to appreciate in leading up to this day of All Hallow’s Eve. This spookiest day built itself heavily from a Celtic pagan festival, to a preparation on the eve of All Saint’s Day for Catholics, an eventual connecting to All Soul’s Day started by Christian missionaries, then the heavily commercialized push from capitalizing retailers. There is much more history behind every Halloween with it’s many traditions involving wacky costumes, carving pumpkins, and devouring excessive sugary treats.

Halloween is all in good fun, though how much one puts into it is an individual taste. One’s dedication to entertain others through extravagant appearance of one’s self and surrounding to get at least a chuckle, and perhaps a little spooky vibe, says much on how wonderful a beating heart can be. To share in a scare, to delight in disguise, to celebrate a little darkness in each other by making light over much of it, can be healthy for the gloomy days ahead.

So that being said, I hope all have a safe and thrilling Halloween, no matter how we each take part in (or ignore) it.

– Orion T

The picture above was from somewhere near Volunteer Park in Seattle, last Halloween in 2021. In that area was, and probably there again this year, some truly spooktacular displays upon some beautiful vintage houses. I may check that area out again this year, if time and weather allow.

Here is a few pics of that fun night..

Cheering the St. Patrick’s Tradition in Seattle

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone, as I wish you all a most green, fun and delightful time, should you decide to partake in this odd non-holiday tradition of green clovers and happy dancing.

Last Sunday, I celebrated a bit of that grand St. Patrick’s Day spirited tradition.

That joy was from the local annual parade here in Seattle, returning to full spirit with the marching and convoy entertainment to a cheering crowd. I think this may be the first of its kind to a regular cheering crowd since before the pandemic. I was a surprised with the huge public reception!

The event, was for the coming St. Patrick’s day. All hosted by an awesome variety of mostly local Irish culture groups, celebrating different facets of Ireland traditions, music, dance, spirited ideals, and non-profit backed charity.

Overall, a good time. I wish I brought a better camera, but still I took pictures worth sharing. Here below, are my favorite shots for your amusement.

– Orion T

Lion Dancing through the Lunar New Year

Today, marks the last day of the 2022 Lunar New Year festivities as we welcome the Year of the Tiger. I hope many readers caught some part of this longtime 15-day tradition. I almost missed out with schedule complications and untimely weather.

But, I was fortunate to be around the Seattle Center last Sunday, getting some fresh air. I wasn’t very excited about this year’s Super Bowl this year, but did enjoy the halftime special later. This day was the only chance I had for a while to spend extensive time outside, and that’s important to me.

So, I felt rewarded in that time, for I witnessed a glorious gathering for the continued Lunar New Year celebrations with the White Lotus Dragon & Lion Dance group. These are very talented performers in colorful costumes, from Portland, Oregon. They do a variety of dances, musical numbers, sharing of Asian culture rooted from longtime traditions, for entertainment and promotions.

This stylish lion dancing dates back over a 1000 years, rooted in ancient China, backed by related folktales that add mystique to this creature rarely seen by locals. Traditions have remained steady since, with regional variations, promoting Chinese culture around the world now. Unlike Chinese Dragons who need many to animate the creature movement, Chinese Lions only unit persons per unit. Music is added, often introduced with fireworks, and stunts may be performed. To witness these lions in action, is an awesome spectacle.

I enjoyed this colorful display, of which I share further with these pics from my camera.

The White Lotus Dragon & Lion Dance group performs for many events, and remain local to the Pacific Northwest. For more info, visit www.whitelotusliondance.com.

– Orion T