In Chinese opera, the colour of every mask has a meaning. It describes the character's role, fate, emotional state and personality. In this way the public can better understand the character and his/her part in the story.
Guy Fawkes
The word guy originally meant an ugly, repulsive person referring to the infamous Guy Fawkes. The straw effigies of Guy Fawkes were also known as guys. Over time the word guy began to be used to refer to a man (maybe as a half-meant insult) and is a word in common use today.
Halloween Traditions
Many of today's Halloween traditions are associated with America, however Halloween actually has its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain (Sah-ween), when the Celts (the ancient inhabitants of Great Britain) marked the end of harvest season and the beginning of winter, and remembered their loved ones who had passed away. It was believed to be a night when witches, ghosts and spirits roamed the earth and people tried to appease them with offerings of food and sweets.
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela is known by many names. The name given to him at birth was Rolihlahla, but some call him by his clan name Madiba, while others call him Tata, meaning "Father" because he is often described as the "Father of the Nation". The name Nelson was actually given to him by his teacher. Back in those days it was a custom among Africans for the teacher to give each student a British name on the first day of school. This was probably due to the British influence on education in South Africa at the time.
Olympic Gold Medals
Did you know that Olympic Gold Medals are not really made of gold? The last gold medals actually made of solid gold were given out during the 1912 Olympic Games. Today, the gold medals are 93% silver, six percent copper and about one percent gold.
Santa Run
How many Santas do you see?! Every year in early December, London's Battersea Park hosts the festive Santa Run, a 6km fun run in which all participants pay an entry fee and dress up as Father Christmas to raise money for the charity Disability Snowsport UK. This national charity helps people with disabilities.
