The History of Chocolate Goes Back As Far As 1500BC

The known history of chocolate goes back as far as 1500BC, when the Olmec Indians were the first civilization to grow cocoa beans as a domestic crop. The Olmec were a Pre-Columbian civilization living in the tropical lowlands of south-central Mexico, near the modern-day city of Veracruz.

Mayan and Aztec civilizations were the next to discover the value of the cacao bean, the natural source of what we know as chocolate. The Aztecs made a potent medicinal drink called xocoatl, or "bitter water", out of ground cacao beans and other spices.

So impressed were the Mayans with cacao's taste (and its ability to promote energy), that cacao was frequently used in sacred rituals. They even celebrated an annual harvest festival that was devoted entirely to honoring the "cacao god."

The original bitter chocolate drink favored by these people was very different from the smooth, sweet chocolate bars we enjoy today, yet the source of both remains the same: the humble cacao bean.

Around 600AD, the Mayans migrated into northern regions of Mexico and established the earliest known cocoa plantations in the Yucatan. In the 16th century, Mayan nobles visited Prince Philip of Spain, and brought gift jars of cocoa, introducing it to western civilization for the first time. It took nearly a century after that for the drink to spread across the rest of Europe.

History of Chocolate -- The Use of Chocolate Spreads to All Classes

The first chocolate house was opened in London in 1657. At that time, chocolate was considered a beverage strictly for the upper class. Solid chocolate was introduced in the form of chocolate rolls and cakes, served in chocolate emporiums.

By the early 18th century, the price of cocoa beans had dropped enough to be enjoyed by people of all classes. In the latter part of the century, Dr. Joseph Fry of Bristol, England, invented a steam engine for grinding cocoa beans that led to the manufacturing of chocolate on a large scale.

Chocolate was introduced to the United States in 1765, when Irish chocolate-maker John Hanan imported cocoa beans from the West Indies to Massachusetts, to refine them with the help of American Dr. James Baker. The pair soon built America's first chocolate mill and by 1780, were making the now-famous Baker's chocolate.

Innovations in the History of Chocolate

Other innovations that occurred in the 19th century include the invention of the cocoa press by Conrad Van Houten. This helped cut prices and improve the quality of chocolate by squeezing out some of the cocoa butter and giving it a smoother consistency.

Van Houten was the first to add alkaline salts to powdered cocoa to make it mix better with water. His alkalizing process became known as "Dutching."

In 1847, Joseph Fry & Son discovered a way to mix some of the cocoa butter back into the "dutched" chocolate, and added sugar, creating a paste that could be molded. The result was the first modern chocolate bar.

Fry & Son, along with the Cadbury Brothers, displayed chocolates for eating at an exhibition in Bingley Hall, Birmingham, England in 1849.

Prince Albert's Exposition in London in 1851 was the first time that the public was introduced to bonbons, chocolate creams, and caramels.

John Cadbury was the first to mass-market boxes of chocolate candies. In 1861, his son, Richard Cadbury, created the first known heart-shaped candy box for Valentine's Day.

In 1879, Daniel Peter and Henri Nestlé joined together to form the Nestle Company. Also in that year, Rodolphe Lindt of Berne, Switzerland, produced a more smooth and creamy chocolate that melted on the tongue by invented the "conching" machine.

In 1926, Belgian chocolatier, Joseph Draps started the Godiva Company to compete with Hershey's and Nestle's American market.

Today, the chocolate industry is an ever-growing, $50 billion dollar-a-year worldwide business. This industry is spread across five continents, and is dominated by a small number of sellers. U.S. companies such as Mars and Hershey's alone generate $13 billion a year in chocolate sales and account for two thirds of all U.S. manufacturers. Europe accounts for 45% of the world's chocolate revenue.

A Brief History of Halloween

As the holidays approach, the thought came, it would be interesting to see research not only on the Halloween part of history, but more to understand why we like to decorate with pumpkins, witches, bats and all kinds of ornaments for a lot of fun. It takes little imagination to see how many of the pagan belief, our Halloween party. This is the kick-off all our winter holiday, marks the changing of the seasons and for many people one of the funniestHolidays. Use your imagination, and it is easy to see how the pagan harvest festival of Samhain, gives today's celebration of Halloween. So after a little 'history.

Samhain is the ancient Irish, meaning "Summer's End", and it was a Celtic harvest festival of ancient pagans. The ancient Celts did not keep written records, so what is known about this festival is taken from the contemporary (then) accountsGreek and Roman writers and then finds the stories of medieval Irish, Welsh and archeology. There are a lot more on this story, but this is only an overview of Samhain at the end was our Halloween.

Samhain (sah-win) was the end of the harvest, and was also the end of the "lighter side" and the beginning of the "dark side" of the campaign. This was the moment to take stock and delivered ready for winter. This was also the time that the oldCelts thought that was the world of the living and the dead easy to go through the dead could be disastrous for the wreckage alive. Bonfires were built so that people and animals can walk between the fires are cleaned around. Cattle were slaughtered and the bones thrown into the fire. Probably the bonfire will attract insects, which in turn attract bats. Can you see where this goes? Bats and blood and fire (light)!

It was also common for a disguise and with a byeForm, thinking that the ghosts were a crazy different spirit. Still others do what we have now, but to disguise a fool, but not for spirits and deceive our friends!

Over the centuries, the feast of Samhain became a Christian holiday All Saints Day and Halloween at the end.

More symbolism is adopted, the carving of pumpkins and put them outside our homes. This was originally to be made with turnip to commemorate the souls in purgatory and ward off evilSpirits. We all agree that much easier to carve pumpkins, are larger and have the seeds to eat.

There were also small, round cakes that were made, called soul cakes. They were for the poor, the door moves and offer prayers for the dead in rollover on the cake. It is believed that this might be the origin of our trick or treating.

Of course we all know the Trick or Treat. Historically, the trick was to be an empty threat to make a little 'bareTheir property, unless a treatment is given. The trick may also be a performance of a song in history, or something in the same line to get treatment.

It would be easy to get, but you can see how all these old practices have been adopted in modern society, to become a very enjoyable evening. This is the end of my story of Moll Halloween.

Dear readers, thank you for your attention and have a wonderful Halloween holiday.

A central Vital important day in the history of mankind

A few days have been increasingly important in the history of mankind. This is to make a huge debt. How accurate and true? Can be justified?

I'm on the description we get from a doctor on the day of Pentecost, seven weeks after the place Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. The doctor has the correct diagnosis?

If the book of Acts is a central book in the New Testament, then Acts, Chapter 2 as a central point to consider. This is aOr link key that can open many doors.

Without a clear understanding of Pentecost - what actually happened and what were the consequences - most of the rest of the New Testament may remain a mystery. This too is amazing to make a statement!

It 'was the most significant events of the day of Pentecost that the Church of Jesus Christ birthed and empowered the disciples, which are fertile evangelism significant. We need to know the facts, and have our faith based on the facts,and not emotions or stories.

We read of these disciples of Jesus, who had much, but not enough. The first chapter of this record deal with Dr. Luke. They are all waiting patiently in obedience to Jesus, and scripture study. They believe that Jesus rose from the dead and very much alive, after witnessing the ascent back to his father.

You are faithful, praying together, eager and ready to do God's will

Seven weeks after Jesus had been raised bythe dead are 120 students in the Temple of Jerusalem. How was Shavuot, the Jewish harvest festival, thousands would be available - perhaps 75,000 people.

The disciples are waiting for something to happen, but do not know exactly what, and have no idea when.

We read of a sound, like a gust of wind that fills the whole house, the house of God, where they sit. What appears to be tongues of fire andrests on the tip of each student. All are filled with the Holy Spirit and began to praise God in languages that have never learned. This has nothing to do with the brain or the mind or the wisdom of man.

These students are a mixed group - tax collectors, political hotheads, fishermen, wives, mothers, widows - who was saved from sin, but belong to Jesus Christ. They were called by Jesus, chosen by Jesus, and now all anointed with the HolySpirit.

Jerusalem was full of worshipers from all over. The nations are listed, and other believers to hear the disciples of Jesus Christ, praise God in this way cool and refreshing. They were so full that it overflowed the mouth of God.

That's where we are when we overflow in love, or when we are angry. Note that there is a word "feelings". There are no "emotion" stemming from these 120 students. The public, however, reacted very differently.God was near, but they are too narrow for some. This observation was surprised and perplexed. They started to laugh and make fun of the disciples of Jesus himself rebuked them were drunk with wine. There is always someone who tries to explain to all be removed!

Public reaction shows a range of feelings, emotions and excitement, but no one moves among the disciples. When Jesus baptizes in the Holy Spirit, you are not doing something stupid orabsurd.

Mocked and ridiculed, is rarely easy to bear, but Peter stood up with the other leaders stood arguing in the midst of ridicule, and Peter answers and explain what happened.

Jesus had spoken of the wind, and on that day in the temple, have certainly heard the noise and other sounds heard others. Even non-believers know that something is happening. We can not say if the wind is and where it takes us.

Who wouldhave given birth and led the church in this way, but God? You never know where the wind of God lead you. The wind carried Nicodemus in Pontius Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus The wind brought 120 to the farthest corners of the world, and the wind continues to do what the power people and the courage to face the fiercest enemies.

How brilliant medical career was ruined because the wind was blowing, and God took a disciple of Jesus, to a certain tribe inAfrica for financial trivial? How many neighbors have a horrible situation because you cried and prayed maintained or survive? Maybe you never know - but the wind blew.

The wind of God blows again. Not only understand, experience the vital importance of the day of Pentecost, but personally.

Sandy Shaw

History of Bhangra

Bhangra Punjabi folk dance which is a massively worldwide. Historically, Bhangra of Punjab was celebrated during the harvest festival of Baisakhi. In essence, a Punjabi folk dance, Bhangra extended style of the music used for integration with the original dance. Originally its range was limited to Punjab. But over time it has gained immense fame and outside Punjab. Bhangra is a style of dance world-famousSong.

From its origin at the time, Bhangra has evolved steadily. Considered as a dance and a musical style that has made truly international Bhangra. the world music scene has changed. Forms of music has a new look. This is the time of the merger. The most popular Bhangra songs are elements of hip-hop, rap, and various other enveloped in their Western form. Bhangra is a very expressive form of music as if it uses small number ofNotes. Bhangra songs have a lyrical nature, is very melodious.

One of the most interesting thing is, his Bhangra dance includes not only unique but a large number of sub-genres as well. Most markets are kinds of Bhangra Dhamal, Jhumar, Daankara, Ludd, Giddha, Jully, Gatka, Saami and Kikli. All these sub genres follow different formats and dancing together combine to form a kaleidoscope of Bhangra original form. The musical instruments used in the manufacture BhangraBhangra Rhythm of very energetic and engaging. Bhangra main instruments are used, Sarangi, Dafla, Tumba or Ektar, dholak, Chimpta, Dhol and damaru.

Bhangra worldwide popularity can be credited to expatriates living in the United Kingdom. Bhangra given them a reason to indulge in the music of their homeland to celebrate the birth. His reputation is such that we can afford to call a subculture, which represents the songs, dances and lifestyles.

Thanksgiving history and origin

One of the biggest and hottest parties of the United States, Thanksgiving has its history and the way back home over the centuries. There are several instances in the history of thanksgiving observances, which bring all the resemblance to the modern celebration of Thanksgiving but now generally accepted and widespread that the American Thanksgiving has its origin in 1621, when the pilgrims and the English settlers and Native Americans celebrated the feast for three daysPlymouth, Massachusetts. But contrary to popular belief, pilgrims have never had the first Thanksgiving. Celebrate good harvest is a fact, long before the Pilgrims or settlers. However, it is true that these pilgrims Thanksgiving (more accurate to say a party, instead of "thanks") in the first year for their survival in America

After observing this Pilgrim's Thanksgiving in 1621, began the tradition of Thanksgiving transaction After a good harvest. People usually celebrate Thanksgiving until the harvest in the fall of Brand and happy the rich in return. However, there is a long tradition of celebrating the harvest in history. You may be interested to know that even the ancient Greeks and Romans had their respective music, parades and celebrations such as harvest festivals celebrated Thanksgiving today. The people of China had its harvest> Party with the families together at parties "moon cakes" (yellow cake round). This was to celebrate the full moon and, in fact, even as they celebrate the Chinese Moon Festival with a lot of hype and hoopla! Then there's the harvest festival of the Jews. The Jewish feast of the harvest, Sukkot is celebrated for eight days and a chance to catch up with family feasts and annual premium forever grateful. The British Isles hasharvest festival known as Lammas, which marks the beginning of the harvest season.

Well, what history and origin, in particular Thanksgiving today reserved a day in most parts of North America, to show gratitude to God and be thankful. Festivities and celebrations are a regular trend of Thanksgiving in North America. In the U.S., Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November each year. But in Canada, the harvest timeEnds a bit 'first year. Therefore, in Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. The Canadians have a three day long weekend of Thanksgiving and the holiday is not clear how hyped here in the U.S.. Canadians are also not enough time for a comfortable return. Have a family reunion for the Christmas holidays.

Thanksgiving has serious religious tone to the Roman Catholic Quebec, which requested the action ofGrace. Thanksgiving has a long tradition in Europe, is related to harvest festivals that were there one.

So you see, Harvest celebrates old enough. And so the act of thanksgiving - the Almighty for all the good things he gave us! And all these harvest festivals, despite cultural differences, are common in modern American spirit of Thanksgiving.