Halloween is a European export that went with the emigrants and came back bigger, bolder and brasher like so much else form the USA. The Irish traditionally carved turnips but when they got to the US they discovered pumpkins. As ever, it's become a commercial thing to fill a vacuum. France and Belgium, being strongly Catholic,both traditionally do the grave cleaning and decorating for Toussaint but in Belgium, since WW2, there are have been so many Americans there for NATO, SHAPE, WTO and the EU lobbysists and embassies along with the international schools and shops and festivities as well as their TV on cable for all that Halloween has infiltrated more deeply.
The UK has no alternative national festivity so has succumbed to the commercial drive, as with Xmas and St Valentine. You can resist.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Back in the 60s, 70s, 80s there were quite a few USAF air bases in East Anglia, and many of the servicemen, particularly the officers, preferred to live with their families out in the villages rather than 'on base' and their children attended local village schools.
Prior to that there had been very little organised celebration of Hallowe'en in the area other than a few of us hollowing out mangolds and sugar beet for candle lamps, and running around in old sheets - it was very frowned on by the many Baptist churchgoers who lived in the area - however the American children enjoyed introducing the British children and their teachers to their own traditions from the US and the popularity of the event grew very quickly.
Last edited: 03 November 2016 13:56:37
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I agree RB, do like Ore and he is a good dancer but, didn't think he moved his hips that much either. I was convinced the judges would say so too. The last two weeks he hasn't danced as well. Hopefully he'll get to come back next week.
Unfortunately, salsa on Strictly is all show and very little proper salsa which is all about armography and tying and untying knots. If it's fast, it's hard to do hip gyrations even tho the basic foot rhythm hardly varies, unlike the ballroom and Latin dances. I like Ore tho and hope he does better next week.
Danny's jive was very good and Louise's TA exceptionally good. I loved the Viennese waltzes, especially Daisy's. Clever choreography. Can't warm to Claudia either SGL, or her partner.
Loved Nathalie's dress but I'll be happy with Laura's from last week so no need to share.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Posts
Ed has given the show lots of extra publicity in papers etc , good for the viewing figures , do wonder how long he has got ?
Halloween is a European export that went with the emigrants and came back bigger, bolder and brasher like so much else form the USA. The Irish traditionally carved turnips but when they got to the US they discovered pumpkins. As ever, it's become a commercial thing to fill a vacuum. France and Belgium, being strongly Catholic,both traditionally do the grave cleaning and decorating for Toussaint but in Belgium, since WW2, there are have been so many Americans there for NATO, SHAPE, WTO and the EU lobbysists and embassies along with the international schools and shops and festivities as well as their TV on cable for all that Halloween has infiltrated more deeply.
The UK has no alternative national festivity so has succumbed to the commercial drive, as with Xmas and St Valentine. You can resist.
Back in the 60s, 70s, 80s there were quite a few USAF air bases in East Anglia, and many of the servicemen, particularly the officers, preferred to live with their families out in the villages rather than 'on base' and their children attended local village schools.
Prior to that there had been very little organised celebration of Hallowe'en in the area other than a few of us hollowing out mangolds and sugar beet for candle lamps, and running around in old sheets - it was very frowned on by the many Baptist churchgoers who lived in the area - however the American children enjoyed introducing the British children and their teachers to their own traditions from the US and the popularity of the event grew very quickly.
Last edited: 03 November 2016 13:56:37
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Let's hope Daisy isn't in the dance off again this week!
Would imagine it's Edds turn to go.
RB We've got one more Poldark!
Danny and Louise were my favourites tonight. Judge Rinder is getting better each week. ORi still one of my favourites too.
Claudia was good but seemed to be running sometimes to keep up with AJ. Not sure why but can't warm to her.
Daisy was good too, hope she's not in the dance off again.
Hope Edd goes this week.
I agree RB, do like Ore and he is a good dancer but, didn't think he moved his hips that much either. I was convinced the judges would say so too. The last two weeks he hasn't danced as well. Hopefully he'll get to come back next week.
ooh can we share the dress RB its very pretty
Unfortunately, salsa on Strictly is all show and very little proper salsa which is all about armography and tying and untying knots. If it's fast, it's hard to do hip gyrations even tho the basic foot rhythm hardly varies, unlike the ballroom and Latin dances. I like Ore tho and hope he does better next week.
Danny's jive was very good and Louise's TA exceptionally good. I loved the Viennese waltzes, especially Daisy's. Clever choreography. Can't warm to Claudia either SGL, or her partner.
Loved Nathalie's dress but I'll be happy with Laura's from last week so no need to share.
Obelixx, might want to share that one too lol
Third series being made RB
Phewwwwwwww!!!!!!
Ooh yes RB, forgot Obs was handy with the needle. Perhaps she can whip us up a dress each too