Murder by Death

World Peace Day

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on the 21st of September (oops). The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

The theme for 2017 was “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All.”  

“In times of insecurity, communities that look different become convenient scapegoats,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. “We must resist cynical efforts to divide communities and portray neighbours as ‘the other’. Discrimination diminishes us all. It prevents people — and societies — from achieving their full potential.” He added, “Together, let us stand up against bigotry and for human rights. Together, let us build bridges. Together, let us transform fear into hope.”

Book themes for World Peace Day: Read a book by or about a Nobel Peace Prize winner, or about a protagonist (fictional or nonfictional) who has a reputation as a peacemaker.

Tasks for World Peace Day: Cook something involving olives or olive oil. Share the results and/or recipe with us. –OR– Tell us: If you had wings (like a dove), where would you want to fly?

Pancha Ganapati

A modern 5 day Hindu festival celebrated from December 21 through 25 in honor of Ganesha. The festival was created in 1985 as a Hindu alternative to December holidays like Christmas.

Each of the five days of Pancha Ganapati are devoted to a special spiritual discipline, or, sadhana. A large picture or statue of Ganesha is placed in the main living room, and sometimes decorated with lights, tinsel and colorful ornaments. Each morning the children decorate Ganesha in a different color starting with golden yellow followed by royal blue, ruby red, emerald green and finally brilliant orange.

Each day a tray of sweets, fruits and incense is offered to Ganesha; chants, songs and bhajanas are sung in his praise. Afterward, the abundant, diverse sweets are shared by the family. Each day gifts are given to the children, who place them before Ganesha to open only on the fifth day..

December 21 (golden yellow)

The first day of Pancha Ganapati is devoted to harmony among immediate family members. The family gets together to air and atone for misdeeds, insults or injuries they may have caused. They then talk about each other’s good qualities and resolve to be a better example of kindness to others in the days ahead.  Gifts are then exchanged and placed unopened before Ganesha. 

December 22 (royal blue)

Harmony among neighbors, relatives and close friends and the giving of heartfelt gifts. The sadhana of the day is to offer apologies and clear up any misunderstandings that exist. Relatives and friends in far-off places are written to or called, forgiveness is sought, apologies made and tensions released. Gifts received are placed unopened before Ganesha.

December 23 (ruby red)

Harmony among business associates, the merchant and the public at large. This is the day for presenting gifts to fellow workers and customers and to honor employers and employees with gifts and appreciation. All debts and disputes are settled. Gifts received are placed unopened before Ganesha.

December 24 (emerald green)

Day four is for the joy and harmony that comes from music, art, drama and the dance. Family, relatives and friends gather for satsang to share and enjoy their artistic gifts. More gifts are placed before Ganesha.

December 25 (brilliant orange)

The final day celebrates the love and harmony within all three worlds. On this day Ganesha’s blessings fill the home and the hearts of everyone within it, inspiring them anew for the coming year.  Gifts are opened.

Book themes for Pancha Ganapati: Read anything involving a need for forgiveness in the story line; a story about redemption –OR– Read a book whose cover has one of the 5 colors of the holiday: red, blue, green, orange, or yellow –OR– Read a book involving elephants.

Tasks for Pancha Ganapati: Post about your 5 favourite books this year and why you appreciated them so much. –OR– Take a shelfie / stack picture of the above-mentioned 5 favorite books.  (Feel free to combine these tasks into 1!)