Zen Cart News

Gnomes: Legends and Liberation!

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The garden gnome: subject to numerous legends and stories all over the world.� Here we'll take a look at the characteristics of these little men, some of the legends that surround them and the people that fight for liberation of the gnomes!

Family Experiences With Garden Games

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We asked for some feedback on why you play games with your family and were inundated with responses.� Below, are just some of the 'real-life' experiences you have had playing games with your family members.

Ouija Board Origins

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Paranormal tool to communicate with the dead or, a meaningless board to fool the naive?� Whatever your opinion of the Ouija Board there is no denying that they are a source of intrigue and fascination for many people.� But where do these boards come from?� Do they have their roots in ancient spiritual practices or, are they nothing more than a modern toy?

Benefits of Salt Lamps?

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Many holistic therapists advocate the use of salt lamps as ionisers.�� The negative ions are believed to neutralise the electrically charged ions present in the everyday environment.� These believe these negative ions promote many health benefits including: alleviating respiratory problems, stress, skin conditions and joint pain.� However, the majority of the scientific community disregard such claims, supporting their findings through research demonstrating that salt lamps produce no health benefits.� So which side is right?� We'll look at some of the facts, research and anecdotal claims surrounding the debate.

A Whole Lot of Ostrich Facts

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Should you ever appear on Who Wants to be a Millionaire and be faced with a question on ostriches then, I imagine some of these 23 unusual ostrich facts will come in useful!

Peacock Feathers; Wedding Inspiration

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The winter frost is thawing and the days are getting warmer which must mean only one thing�wedding season is fast approaching!

Popularly used at Hindu weddings where peacock feathers are thought to bring luck, the beauty of the feathers sees them being used in weddings with couples from many different faiths. This piece will showcase how many brides-to-be were inspired to use peacock feathers for their 'big' day. Hopefully, it will provide future brides with a bit of inspiration too!

The Legend of Babushka

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Think of a Russian Doll and what image comes to mind?� Think not only of the colours but also the face.� If you instantly thought of the 'grandmother' doll then you would not be alone.� This is the first answer many of our customers give.� This familiarity might also account for the reason why the dolls are also referred to as Babushka dolls.� Some may have guessed the Russian word 'Babushka' literally translates in to 'grandmother' in English but, how many are familiar with the legend of Babushka?

Garden Games and Child Development

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

At the height of summer there are not many things that can beat the feeling of having fun outside with the family.� The barbecue is cooking, you have your friends over and the children are playing their games in the garden.� Sure, the children may be having a great time but there is also a lot of learning happening too.� We have categorised some of the benefits of playing garden games in to cognitive, social and physical aspects.

Russian Doll Square�in China!

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I was looking around the internet this morning looking for some inspiration for an article on Russian dolls.� Searching through Google Russia I hit a dead end.� It was only when I did a search in the UK that I came across the most extraordinary thing!� Images of a beautiful square (Taowa Square) covered with matryoshka buildings and shops within the square selling more matryoshka than most of us have had hot dinners!

Types of Pan Pipes

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As you may have read in our article 'origin of the panpipes' the instrument was being made across many different continents in its own unique way. Below, is a small summary of just some of the pan pipes produced. Each entry has the name and photograph of the instrument, its origins, its unique characteristics and an interesting fact that may surprise you!

Origin of the Pan Pipes

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Let's start this post by saying that tracing the exact origin of the pan pipes is an impossible task. Why is this? Well, as this post will explain it appears that many cultures across the world constructed pan pipes of their own accord. Many did not 'learn' the technique of making them from other cultures as the instrument is a very basic one to make. As you will see, there is much evidence to suggest that various versions of pan pipe were being made across all the different continents.

Different Styles of Russian Dolls

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As something that appeals to a wide range of people, it's only natural there be a wide variety of styles of Russian Dolls to cater for varying tastes.� As well as needing to appeal to a spectrum of different people, the style of Russian Dolls also varies depending upon the personal style of the artist that paints them.� This guarantees that there is a great choice of dolls available in the marketplace for the consumer, each with it's own unique theme.� There are thousands of different painting designs available, however most of them will belong to one of the following themes:

Vacation scams and how to avoid them

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

For the first time on the culture blog we asked you to contribute.�� And, we weren't disappointed with the response!� Going on vacation can be a great chance to meet some interesting people you would never interact with at home.� However, talking to the wrong people can often make you wish you'd stayed at home!� We asked visitors to the culture blog to share their personal experiences of holiday scams and the advice they would give to others so they didn't fall victim to the same fate.� Here are the responses:

71 Must Know Tips on Travelling Safely....

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

After all the hard work we put in at home, taking a holiday is a great chance to take a break from everything.� We can leave any worries at home, throw caution to the wind and concentrate on letting go and enjoying ourselves.� There are many things to take into consideration whilst travelling and this list will give you some tips on things to consider to make your holiday a safer, well organised and highly enjoyable experience.

Creative uses for Ostrich Feathers

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Used creatively for centuries, the ostrich feather has proved itself versatile when used artistically.� This article will explore how ostrich feathers have been used throughout the years.

The History of Kokeshi Dolls

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

How to Play a Bodhran

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For such a simple looking instrument there are numerous techniques that can be adopted when playing a bodhran. Starting with the most simple of playing methods, play can grow more complex when experience has been gained. This article will explain the basic technique that can be used for playing a bodhran.

The Making of Russian Dolls

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Exploring how matryoshka dolls are made; from the carving of the wood to the painting of the dolls.

The Health Benefits of Chinese Baoding Balls

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

For centuries Chinese Baoding balls have been used to promote many health benefits. This article will explore these benefits, the use of Baoding balls in Chinese alternative therapies and, how to use the balls effectively.

Sergiev Posad - Home of the Russian Doll

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Located around 45 miles from Moscow, Sergiev Posad is a beautiful city which is noted for, amongst other things, it's beautiful buildings and as the birthplace of Russian Dolls (also known as Matryoshka).� This article will explore two of the most important buildings in the city and also why the city is considered the toy-making capital of Russia.

History of Russian Dolls

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Exploring the origins of the matryoshka doll.� How the dolls were created and can often give an insight to past times.

History of the Bodhran

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The exact history of the bodhran has never really been uncovered. There are various theories regarding how the instrument came to be, as well as many theories relating to how the instrument has been used throughout its life. This article investigates these different theories and, examines how the bodhran is used today.

An Introduction to the Didgeridoo

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The didgeridoo is considered by many to be the oldest wind instrument in the world.� It is believed to date as far back as 40,000 years although the earliest evidence found dates from around 2,000 years ago from paintings found upon rocks in the Northern Territory, Australia.� What is the story behind this ancient instrument that started its life within small Native Australian communities before going on to find popularity all over the world?

Caring for Ostrich Feathers

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ostrich feathers are very low maintenance and can last many years without the need for cleaning.� However, there comes a time when every feather needs a bit of help to be returned to its former glory and, with this article we will show you how it's done!

The History of the Green Man

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Exploring the orgins of the Green Man and how he has been represented by various cultures.� Examines the forms he takes, how he manifests and also how he is portrayed at the present time.

Origins and History of Singing Bowls

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Exploring the origin of the singing bowl, theories on their initial usage and, their early production methods.

An Introduction to Various African Instruments

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Africa is a vast continent with an immense history and numerous cultures. As such, there are also a great number of different instruments throughout the land. This article will introduce some of the most common ones and their place in African culture.

The Origins and History of the Djembe

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An introduction to the djembe.� Exploring the history of the instrument and it's use in Cultures throughout the world.