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CEFR Level B2-C1
This is not a sponsored post.
I was tired of fighting with the groundhog over who gets to eat the produce of my vegetable garden. I wish the groundhog no harm and don’t begrudge it the need to eat, but I also want to eat what I plant, ideally without any parasites from groundhog droppings. After a few years of the groundhog thanking me for giving it a safe enclosure to eat all the tender plants its great big rodent heart desired, I bought a raised garden bed from Garden-In-Minutes.
Now, this raised bed is three feet tall. The configuration I used makes it 1.5 feet wide and 4 feet long. I’ll let you do the math to figure out how many cubic feet of soil would fill up that thing. The important part is, I’m not rich enough to buy that much soil.
Snake photo below the break
 CEFR Level B1-B2 When I left public library work in 2022, I wasn’t sure what my next profession would be. All I knew is that I had given my heart and soul to doing my best in a role that required me to practice all the skills that are outside my innate talents and limited my opportunities to use the skills that help me to thrive. After ten years, leaving was 100% the right decision for me.
I didn’t know what my next profession would be, but I wasn’t limping into the void with no destination. Where did Saturnalia come from?
In ancient Rome, a day in late December was dedicated to the god Saturn (or Saturnus). On this day, there were religious rites in a temple, followed by a public feast. In this ancient celebration, social norms were abandoned. Strict social dividers were set aside. Gifts were given. Songs were sung. Mischief was encouraged. Drinking was prominent. One can imagine that much harm was done to others in the name of “mischief.” Saturnalia is not exactly connected to the winter solstice, but it is a holiday that happens about the same time. What is a modern Saturnalia? Some people, especially Pagans, still observe Saturnalia. Observance practices depend on the person. Some people may wear colorful clothes, make a feast to share with family or friends, or drink indulgently. Others may observe Saturnalia with what might appear to be Christmas traditions (the practices for the two holidays are closely linked). Decorating with evergreens, feasting, and giving gifts are part of Saturnalia observances. Others may perform purification rites or have rituals specifically to honor Saturn and related gods and goddesses. Saint Lucia’s Day is a December holiday in Scandinavia. It is on December 13. December 13 was the winter solstice in the Julian calendar in use when the holiday started.
St. Lucia’s Day is very important in Scandinavia. Even for those who are not practicing Christians, the holiday is an important cultural event. Who was St. Lucia? St. Lucia was a young Italian woman who lived in the 3rd century. She was a Christian at a time when it was dangerous to belong to that faith. St. Lucia brought food to the poor and to Christians in hiding. When she went to Christians, she traveled at night. This is where the tradition of her wreath of candles comes from. Why does St. Lucia wear a wreath of candles? St. Lucia put the candles in a wreath on her head so that both hands could be free to carry food when she snuck out at night. Remember, this was before electricity. Candles were the flashlight of St. Lucia’s day. Whether or not the wreath of candles was a reality or the story evolved over the years, what everyone agrees on is that St. Lucia was a Christian who brought food to the poor and hungry. Why was the woman Lucia made a saint? In general terms, Christians call anyone who is a practicing Christian a “saint.” More specifically, some Christian traditions, most notably Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians, select specific people known for their piety and, perhaps, miraculous works, to be capital-S Saints. It is uncertain where history ends and legend begins. St. Lucia’s story is that the Roman government tried to execute Lucia when she was a teenager or in her early 20s. At the time, being a Christian was illegal and Lucia would not recant. The penalty was execution. The story is that the Roman soldiers tried multiple ways of executing St. Lucia (or St. Lucy), but nothing worked until a dagger or sword was thrust through her throat. St. Lucia’s commitment to her faith, even in the face of execution, earned her a place among those remembered as Christian martyrs. Eventually, those Christian traditions that have Saints recognized Lucia as a Saint. How is St. Lucia’s Day observed today? As with many national holidays that are of religious origins, St. Lucia’s Day is currently celebrated with a mix of secular and religious practices. In Scandinavia, a procession of girls, and sometimes boys, wearing white robes with red sashes will be led by a girl with a leafy crown and candles on her head. Thankfully, the candles today can be battery-powered. The exact components of the procession will vary depending on the country. There may be boys dressed as elves or gingerbread men. There may be boys carrying stars. There may be a contest or a drawing for who gets to be the girl representing St. Lucia. Whatever the precise traditions of the procession, St. Lucia’s day isn’t complete without food and sweet treats. Saffron buns are traditional. There might be ginger cookies. Other pastries are likely, accompanied by mulled wine and coffee (for the adults) and hot chocolate (for the children). In some families, the oldest daughter dresses in a St. Lucia white robe and serves the family a breakfast of the saffron buns, etc. However St. Lucia’s day is celebrated, candlelight, treats, and singing are integral. What is a nativity set,
Why do we spend, And stress, And decorate, All in the name of Peace on Earth? What is a nativity set That we select Because That’s what one does, All in the name of Make it Yours? What is a nativity set, What do we learn, And teach, And bring to mind, All in the name of It’s My Faith? This is a nativity set: A sign of wealth, A tool, A faithful art, All in the name of Jesus Christ What are Polish szopki?
Polish szopki are nativity sets. These sets tend to be more elaborate than the sets typically found in homes in the United States, but in a different way from how Italian presepe are elaborate. How are szopki different from US nativity sets and Italian presepe? Polish szopki are miniature versions of Krakow, or at least, inspired by architecture in the city. This inclusion of city-specific references makes a szopka colorful and distinctly Polish. Potentially different from a presepe, a szopka might also include figures from Polish lore. Szopki are also singular units, where presepi tend to be displays containing several distinct elements that can be rearranged. Unlike a typical US nativity set that focuses on an imagined historical Bethlehem, a szopka combines modern and historical elements, as well as Polish and Hebrew images. Also different from Italian or US nativity sets or scenes, Polish szopki once were stages for puppet shows. How are szopki similar to US nativity sets and Italian presepe? Like an Italian presepe, a szopka might include politicians and other contemporary figures. Like typical US nativity sets (the kind that comes up first with an internet search), szopki include a Bethlehem scene with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in a manger. How big is a szopka? Szopki can be a few inches to several feet tall - I saw six feet mentioned on multiple websites. Szopki are works of art and, except for a few rules, the design is left up to the creator. What are presepi?
Italian presepi are nativity sets. A single set is a “presepe.” Are presepi a small, local tradition? Presepi are famous around the world. Some travelers go to Italy during December just to see these popular displays of Christ’s birth. Are all presepi religious? Presepi are religious works of art in the sense that they represent the Biblical story of Jesus Christ’s birth. On the other hand, the displays may incorporate non-religious themes. These elaborate nativity displays may be traditional, recreating the Biblical story of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem. They may have lots of attention given to representing a 1st-century Hebrew town. The displays may also be inventive, integrating modern characters or atypical settings. An Italian presepe is often quite elaborate. An internet search for “presepe photos” gives results that show large table-top displays, arrangements that cover multiple hills, and even one underwater. Compared to most home nativity sets found in the United States, presepi are lavish constructions used to celebrate Christmas. This post is about non-animate nativity sets (crèches), not live nativity events.
The first carved nativity set is credited to Arnolfo di Cambio, who lived in the late 1200s. It was carved from marble and includes Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, an ox, a donkey, and three magi/kings. Carved or cast representations of Christ’s birth were popular among Christians and an overall history of the use of nativity sets is hard to find on the free internet. It appears that private, or at-home, nativity sets gained momentum in Italy and from there, spread to other countries. Italy is still famous for its presepi (nativity sets). 1. 1223 is thought to be the date of the first recorded live nativity scene.
St. Francis of Assisi is credited with having a type of living nativity scene while he preached about Jesus’ birth. 2. A nativity set or living nativity is also called a crèche. Crèche is pronounced /kresh/. 3. A nativity scene can be used for teaching and meditation. Some Christians use a nativity set as more than a traditional reminder of the religious reasons for celebrating Christmas. The nativity set can be used as a teaching tool or a focal point during contemplation of Jesus’ birth and life. 4. Details in a nativity set may have symbolic meanings. For some Christians, the color of a piece of clothing, the position of the hands, the age and appearance of the kings, and many other elements of a nativity scene have specific meanings. 5. The first carved nativity scene is credited to Arnolfo di Cambio. This scene was carved from marble. It included Mary, baby Jesus, Joseph, an ox, a donkey, and three magi/kings. 6. Christian traditions from Russia might use a portable puppet theater for a nativity scene. The puppet cast traditionally included Mary, Joseph, an angel, a shepherd, three magi, Herod, Rachel, a soldier, satan, Death, and a sexton. There was also a baby Jesus and, maybe, sheep. Prepare.
Christ is coming. Jesus was born; Christ came. Jesus is with us; Christ will come. We wait. An Advent wreath is symbolic of many spiritual principles.
Because so many different Christian traditions practice Advent, the symbolism will vary. Possible meanings for the Advent wreath include:
If the Advent wreath has a white candle, this is the Christ candle and represents Jesus Christ. The Advent wreath is a symbol of life and light. Christians believe that Jesus brings life to humans and that Jesus is the light of the world. The Advent wreath is also a way to mark time. One candle is lit for each of the four Sundays of Advent. (One candle on the first Sunday, two on the second Sunday, etc.) Each week, the light gets brighter as more candles are lit. This increasing brightness is a reminder that Christ’s coming is getting closer. Advent as practiced by many Christians is a time of preparation for Jesus Christ’s coming. Some Christians remember and prepare for three comings of Jesus.
Advent is a time of waiting, longing, and hope. Advent is a time of increased prayer and reflection. Some Christians recite prayers that they only say during the Advent season. Some Christians might practice a form of fasting during Advent, but the season is no longer considered penitential the way Lent is. In short, the purpose of Advent is to prepare oneself for the coming of Jesus Christ. This post is about the Christian liturgical season of Advent.
1. Not all Christians celebrate Advent. Advent is often associated with the Roman Catholic tradition. Some Protestant traditions, such as Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Anglicans, some Baptists, and some Mennonites also observe Advent. Other Protestant traditions, especially non-denominational and charismatic traditions, do not observe Advent, although individuals within these traditions may privately follow the traditional liturgical calendar. 2. Advent starts four Sundays before Christmas. This means that Advent starts on a different date each year. You have to know when Christmas is, then count backwards four Sundays to find out when Advent starts. Or, you can Google it. 3. Advent is a season of expectation and preparation. Expectation doesn’t necessarily mean celebration. For many Christians, the season of Advent is a time of hope mixed with longing. 4. Advent started between the fourth and sixth centuries. Because the practice is so old, it’s hard to know an exact date. Advent seems to have started sometime in the 300s and become common practice in the 500s. 5. Advent is not an early start to Christmas. Advent is a religious practice that leads up to Christmas. For those who observe Advent, Christmas starts on December 25. 6. Advent calendars don’t match up with the religious practice of Advent. This is because advent calendars go from December 1 to December 24 or 25. Advent goes from four Sundays before Christmas, which may start in November, to December 24. This post is about the Christian liturgical calendar.
Do all Christians follow the liturgical calendar? No. There are many Christian traditions that do not follow a liturgical calendar. These tend to be non-denominational and charismatic traditions, but other Christians, such as some Baptists, also do not use the church-year calendar. Which Christian traditions have a liturgical calendar? Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodists, Presbyterians, and some Baptists follow the traditional liturgical calendar. There are also individual Christians in the U.S. that observe parts or all of the church-year calendar at home, even if the church they attend does not. This post is about the Christian liturgical calendar.
The church calendar divides the 12-month calendar into two large parts. Each part has smaller divisions. What are the two parts of the liturgical calendar? Each tradition may have slight variations on how they divide the church-year calendar. Below is a general overview from Lutheran and Catholic sources. The Festive Half of the church year includes Christmas and Easter. This is the first half of the liturgical calendar. The Non-Festive half of the church year starts after Easter and runs through the end of November. Much of these months is Ordinary Time, or a time without a special church holiday. What are the smaller divisions of the liturgical year? These are the Catholic liturgical seasons. Other Christian traditions follow a similar calendar. Search for “liturgical calendar” or “liturgical year” and you can easily find charts online that will have more precise divisions. December: Advent and Christmas January: Christmas, Epiphany, Ordinary Time February: Ordinary Time March: Lent April-May: Easter, Pentecost June-November: Ordinary Time This post is about the Christian liturgical calendar.
Each season of the church calendar has one or more colors associated with it. These colors are used in vestments, altar cloths, and similar items. What colors are used for the church calendar? The colors listed here are a summary of what Catholics use throughout the church year. The colors and their precise day of use may vary depending on the Christian tradition. Advent: Violet/Purple, Pink Christmas: White, Gold Epiphany: White, Gold Lent: Violet/Purple, Pink Easter: White, Red Pentecost: Red Ordinary Time: Green What do the liturgical colors mean? Green: Hope White, Gold: Purity, Innocence, Glory Red: Fire, Charity, Love Violet/Purple: Penance, Atonement Pink: Rejoicing This post is about the Christian liturgical calendar.
What is the liturgical calendar? The liturgical calendar is part of the Christian religion. It is also called a church-year calendar. The Christian liturgical calendar divides the 12-month calendar year into sections that guide scripture readings, prayers, songs, and other parts of Christian worship and life. Do all liturgical Christians follow the same church-year calendar? There may be some variation in which days are observed or how they are observed. Also, some church traditions that don’t consider themselves liturgical have formed a type of church-year calendar. This church calendar is more often formed by cultural or church events than from a desire to help Christians focus each day on Jesus Christ. These non-liturgical church calendars tend to revolve around things like vacation Bible school, Christmas and Easter (part of the liturgical calendar), the start of school, and church-specific events like dedicating a month to giving to missionaries. 1. The Christian liturgical calendar dates to the 4th century.
Christian holidays were observed long before the 4th century, but by this time, things were becoming standardized, at least within certain regions. 2. The Christian liturgical year is also called the church calendar. This makes sense since the liturgical year guides the celebrations and focus of a church. 3. The Christian liturgical year allows for a range of emotions. Throughout the church year, there are days or weeks dedicated to reflection, remembering, anticipation, commemoration, sorrow, discipline, and celebration. 4. The Christian liturgical calendar commemorates the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Some church traditions also commemorate saints and other people or times that were important in Christian history. 5. The Christian liturgical calendar has changed over the centuries. The overall concept and primary holidays are consistent, but there have been changes throughout the centuries and across Christian traditions. 6. Christianity isn’t the only religion with a liturgical calendar. A liturgical calendar is simply a set series of religious observances throughout the year. Any religion that has specific days dedicated to certain observances can be said to have a liturgical calendar. |
ESL PostsSome Beyond the Beginner videos are from The Variety Page posts that were edited for ESL listeners. Find those Read-Along transcripts here. Hire a WriterDo you need a content writer who writes without using AI? I have experience with shorter posts and longer articles. Learn more here. PhotosAll photo credits go to Jill Hames, unless otherwise noted. Categories
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Jill Hames is a writer, musician, biblical studies teacher, and ESL tutor who finds life too interesting to pick a niche. She has a B.A. in Music and Spanish, a Masters in Library and Information Science, is TEFL.org 168-hour certified to teach English as a second language, and is working towards a Master of Divinity. Jill is a member of Delta Omicron and the International Women's Writing Guild.
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Copyright 2025
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Copyright 2025