http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/food/wine/history-of-the-quaich-the-scottish-drinking-cup.html http://www.articletrader.com/food/wine/history-of-the-quaich-the-scottish-drinking-cup.html Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500
They are wide and shallow in shape with two or three ‘lug’ handles and were traditionally made of wood or wood with silver banding. It is believed that the predecessor of the Quaich was the humble scallop shell which was the perfect size for holding a wee dram! From the seventeenth century the Quaich was generally made of silver or pewter and decorated with Celtic symbols. The centre of the bowl was normally decorated with a silver coin or a coat of arms. Some were made with a glass base so that the drinker could keep an eye on his companions.

The Quaich was traditionally used for drinking whisky or brandy but some larger examples have been found (one and a half pints) which were obviously used for drinking ale.

Nowadays the Quaich is often given to couples when they wed so they can share from the same cup which symbolizes their shared love and trust. The Quaich has also become a popular gift at christening ceremonies. A wooden Quaich was sometimes used as a baptismal font and has become synonymous with Christenings in Scotland as well as to celebrate births and drink to the health of the bairn.


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The author owns www.borngifted.co.uk where you can purchase a Christening Quaich.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/a-wedding-anniversary-guide-history-themes-gifts-and-etiquette.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/a-wedding-anniversary-guide-history-themes-gifts-and-etiquette.html Thu, 31 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Prior to 1937 only the first and major milestone anniversaries had materials associated with them. In 1937 the American National Retail Jewellery Association issued a more comprehensive list of representative materials for all the traditional wedding anniversaries for each year up to the 15th Anniversary and then every fifth year after that up to the 60th. This list has been continually updated by various commercial companies over recent years and today celebrants can choose between the traditional list as well as a contemporary list of anniversary themes (which provides alternative modern-day suggestions such as electrical appliances!)

Traditionally, gifts exchanged or given in the early years of marriage were practical household items to aid the couple in starting a new home together (an extension of the wedding gift). Luxury gifts tend to be given in the later years when the couple has already acquired things they need. The more cynical-minded might see the increase in gift value over time as an incentive to stay married!

The following section outlines the main wedding anniversaries, associated themes and provides some useful gift suggestions.

1st Wedding Anniversary - Paper
Traditionally the theme is paper which is supposed to symbolize the strength obtained from the interlocking fibres. The modern take on this is a clock for reasons to do with timeless, eternal love. The precious metals/gemstones associated with the first wedding anniversary are gold jewellery, pearls or peridot. The associated colour is gold or yellow and the relevant flower is the orange blossom or pansy.

Gift ideas include a photo album, commemorative newspaper, wedding day chart, personalised poem, share certificate, movie/concert ticket, photograph by a professional photographer, subscription to a favourite magazine; have a star named after a loved one or a clock.

2nd wedding anniversary - Cotton
Traditionally cotton gifts are given because cotton has always been associated with prosperity and durability. The modern gift theme is china. The relevant gemstone is Garnet, and the associated colour is red. If you are going to give flowers then the go for Cosmos (which means modesty).

Gift ideas relevant to the cotton theme include a (personalised) bathrobe, towel or tee shirt, and for china how about a (personalised) trinket box, mug or anniversary plate.

3rd Wedding Anniversary - Leather
Traditionally leather gifts are given based on the durability of this material being analogous to the durability of your marriage! The contemporary theme is crystal or glass (not so durable!)
If you are going to give your partner jewellery then opt for pearl or jade. The relevant colour theme is white or green, and associated flower is the Fuchsia (which means taste).

Gift ideas for the third wedding anniversary include leather wallet, handbag or briefcase, leather bound book, engraved vase, perfume bottle, wine or champagne glasses, engraved glass tokens or perhaps an engraved decanter.

4th Wedding Anniversary – Fruit/Flowers
Traditionally fruit or flowers are meant to symbolize a blossoming and fruitful relationship. Less romantic modern, albeit practical thinking, suggests giving electrical appliances!

The relevant gemstone is Blue Topaz with the colour theme is blue or green. If you’re planning to give flowers then the suggested bloom is the geranium (which incidentally means folly or stupidity!)
Some gift suggestions for a fourth wedding anniversary are cut flowers, a basket of fruit, and engraved glass flower token, rose bush, or shares in Apple Corp.

5th Wedding Anniversary - Wood
Traditionally the theme of the fifth wedding anniversary is wood which symbolizes a strong and long lasting marriage. The modern gift theme is silverware. The relevant gemstone is sapphire and the appropriate colour theme is blue, pink and turquoise. The flower you are supposed to give is the daisy which represents innocence and love.

Suggested gift ideas include planting a tree, a personalised jigsaw, personalised wine box, wooden commemorative plaque, photo personalised coasters or placemats

10th Wedding Anniversary – Tin/Aluminium
Traditional materials are tin or aluminium symbolizing the flexibility and malleability of a good relationship. The contemporary theme and gemstone is diamond. The relevant colour is silver or blue and the appropriate flower is the daffodil (trumpet-shaped daffodils represent joy, cheerfulness, and happiness).
Gift ideas include – personalised number plate, engraved brushed aluminium frame or a personalised teddy in a tin.

15th Wedding Anniversary - Crystal
Traditional gift material is crystal and the contemporary theme is watches. The relevant gemstone is ruby. Gift ideas include engraved crystal tankards, champagne flute and wine glasses. Appropriate colour theme is ruby red. If flowers are to be given Roses are the appropriate choice.

20th Wedding Anniversary - China
The traditional theme is china and the modern theme is platinum with the gemstone being emerald. Recommended gift ideas include personalised anniversary plate, personalised trinket box or dinner service. Relevant colour theme is emerald green or white and flowers are Lillies.

25th Wedding Anniversary - Silver
Silver gifts are given to celebrate this important milestone wedding anniversary. The appropriate flower is the Iris. Suggestions for gifts include a silver anniversary candle, engraved silver picture frame or silver plated champagne flutes.

30th Wedding Anniversary – Pearl
The traditional material associated with this one is pearls and the relevant flower is the Sweet Pea with a green colour scheme. Ideal gifts include a pearl necklace or engraved mother of pearl trinket box.

40th Wedding Anniversary – Ruby
Ruby is the theme for this wedding anniversary and the appropriate flower is the nasturtium. Gift ideas include ruby jewellery or a bottle of port.

50th Wedding Anniversary - Gold
One of the big ones! Gold is the order of the day and the relevant flower is violet. Gift ideas include any gold jewellery or perhaps a gold hearts wedding anniversary album.

60th Wedding Anniversary - Diamond
Now it starts to get really expensive – Diamonds! This is the first of two diamond anniversaries, the other being 75 years.

75th Wedding Anniversary
The 75th anniversary is the original traditional diamond anniversary with the 60th being added when Queen Victoria celebrated her Diamond Jubilee on her 60th anniversary of accession to the throne in 1897.

Anniversary Celebration Etiquette
In the early years (say less than 15) the anniversary celebrations normally only involve the couple themselves, and often include an overnight trip or ‘second honeymoon’. However, in the later years, any children they might have may decide to organize the anniversary celebration for their parents. For milestone anniversaries a party is usually the order of the day. It is not recommended to throw a surprise party for a couple on their anniversary, because not all couples will appreciate the gesture; it is always better to discuss any plans with the couple prior to the event, especially as they may already have plans of their own.

Invitations to an anniversary party should be sent out at least four weeks in advance of the celebration. An invitation does not imply the need for a gift. Indeed many couples are uncomfortable about receiving gifts and often request that no gifts are given by the guests at their anniversary, perhaps they feel they don’t really need anything or they may not want their guests to feel obliged. It is important that you try and respect their choice, but if you insist on giving a gift, it is advisable to do so after the event so as not to embarrass the hosts or the other guests who did not bring a gift.

Generally it is not deemed good etiquette to ask for a monetary gift although asking for a small contribution towards a commemorative gift such as a tree or sundial is a nice way of getting around this.

If traditional gifts are given it is normal for the couple to open them later rather than during the celebration, although again this is down to personal choice. Personalised gifts make great anniversary gift ideas as the personal touch makes the present much more meaningful. If a personalised gift is to be given it is often more usual to include the number of years married plus the couples’ names rather than the date of marriage.

The seating of guests at an anniversary party is really down to personal taste although traditionally the oldest son sits beside his mother and the eldest daughter beside her father with the best man or maid of honor from the couple's wedding day and with their respective spouses also seated at the main table.

Typically a short speech of some type is expected even at a very informal affair. Often one of the children says a few complimentary words about their parents and this is followed by a response by one or both members of the couple in order to thanks the organizers etc.

Above all, any wedding anniversary celebration is a celebration of a couple’s love for one another and can be as large or small, formal or informal and private or shared as you want it to be.


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The author owns www.nameagift.co.uk which is a website that specializes in Personalised gifts including personalised Anniversary gifts

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/christenings-gifts-etiquette-and-history-explained.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/parenting/christenings-gifts-etiquette-and-history-explained.html Wed, 06 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Religious Ceremonies:
A Christening is the child’s first initiation into the religious faith. At a Catholic Christening, the parents make their declarations, the baby is baptized with holy water, and a lit candle representing Jesus as the light of the world, is given to the parents and Godparents. The priest may ask the parents to attend preparation classes to fully understand the significance of a baptism. Catholic Christenings are often held as a separate service for one or more child, without hymns and lasts approximately 30 minutes.

In a Church of England Christening, the Christening takes place within the main Sunday church service and the baby is taken to the font, sprinkled with holy water, and the Godparents and parents promise God they will bring the child up in the Christian faith.
If you decide to go for a Christening, you need to speak to the vicar at your local church. They will explain the service, and may ask questions concerning your own faith, and that of the godparents. You will then be able to book a date.

Secular (Non-Religious) Ceremonies:
There are a range of non-religious celebrations to choose from including a Baby-Naming Ceremony, Welcoming or Thanksgiving. These options are free of any commitment to the Christian faith. A British Humanist Association ceremony can take place anywhere you like. A trained, licensed celebrant will help you to create a unique and personal occasion. They can provide templates for ceremonies that you can adapt for your own situation, and they can suggest readings, poetry or music. You can include contributions from family/friends, and finish it all off with a tea or buffet. These ceremonies last on average 20 minutes.

Christenings are generally held within the first year of a baby's life, although some parents wait until the child is a little older.
Generally, photography is welcome during all types of ceremonies but it may be worth checking with the person presiding first as the congregation or gathering is likely to be invited to photograph the child, family and Godparents at specific points during the ceremony. Of course there can also be photographs before and after.
The child will usually be dressed in a special Christening outfit/gown or family heirloom garment. Women would be expected to dress smartly - hats are not necessary, and for men, suits or smart shirt and trousers. Ties are often not a necessity, particularly for summer ceremonies though if you are the father or Godfather, you would be expected to dress in a suit.

Usually following the ceremony a buffet or tea is held at the parent’s house. The child will be shown off to all the family and friends, and Christening gifts are generally presented to the child. After the buffet, the official cake may be cut, and at this point, some people choose to plant a tree or dedicate a plant which will grow with the child.

Role of the Godparents:
There are usually three Godparents - two the same sex as the child. The role of the Godparent comes from the days when converts to the early Christian church were usually adults whose parents were not Christians. The Godparents role was to provide a Christian mentor to help them through life. People also link the role of the Godparent with that of becoming 'legal guardian' should the child ever be orphaned. However, this would need to be written into a will with the permission of the Godparents themselves. Non-religious participants usually engage a 'mentor' who will watch over the child and steer them through life with help, care and advice. Generally Godparents are chosen for their own Christian beliefs but also because they are very close friends of the parents, or family members. Godparents or guardians should be people who are going to be around to offer support for the child if needed.

Christening Gifts:
Many people prefer a traditional gift idea for a Christening such as pewter, silver or china; these are great gifts for the child to treasure. Another nice idea is to provide a photo album or keepsake box to store precious memories of the child’s special day. For religious ceremonies it is common for a silver cross and chain or a bible to be presented to the child. Personalised gifts also make very nice ideas for this occasion, for example a framed name print, or a personalised Christening plate or mug, or perhaps an engraved tankard or cufflinks for a boy.


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About the author:
James Wilson owns Born Gifted which is a website that specializes in unique Christening gifts and in particular personalised Christening gifts


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>