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Nursing In Ireland – An Indian Nurse’s Experience

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Q&A – Ireland

Where are you from? I’m from India (Chennai).

Can you give us a snapshot of your nursing career thus far? I gained my nursing degree from Dr. MGR medical university India in 2011, started to work as a staff nurse in MMM hospital Chennai and moved to Riyadh King Faisal hospital and research centre in 2014 and worked there till 2019 September in coronary care unit. Currently, I’m working in BlackRock clinic, Dublin in cardiac department.

When did you travel to Ireland? I came to Ireland on 4th October 2019.

When and why did you decide it was time to take your nursing career abroad? I thought to have some changes in my personal life, to develop my professional knowledge, to increase my financial stability and to make a new life style changes. I took my OET exam and started my Ireland processing from January 2019.

Why did you choose Ireland as your destination? I choose Ireland because it is a quiet country and also there is lot of opportunities for nurses especially in the workplace to built our nursing career with the support of  hospital management.

What was the registration process like? You’re undertaking adaptation to complete your registration – what is that like? The registration process has various steps like completing the overseas application pack, forms to be filled by the relevant authorities like nursing college, past and current working experience  and the nursing license , assessment  of our application from the NMBI and issuing the decision letter. The registration process is quiet hard but less procedures and frustrating compared to other European countries.

How long have you been in Ireland? And how are you settling in? Are there a lot of differences between your home country and Ireland? What are you doing in order to adapt to your new environment? I’m in Ireland for the past 6 months, I had my aptitude and OSCE exam, had my hospital orientation and ward orientation in my  first month. I completed my probationary period and well settled in my work.

There are lot of differences from my home country. The hospitals are well developed with new equipment, increased quality of care and well supportive management and colleagues.

What is your social life like? What do you do on your days off? We do have friends gathering occasionally especially on public holidays and birthday parties and also going out for shopping and dinner.

What part of your new life have you found the most surprising? I found the climatic changes are the most surprising in Ireland as there is four different climate everyday.

What are the positives of living in Ireland? Very good salary, easy to work and the kind-hearted people. The Irish people are so social and they like to talk more about us and more interested to know about our country and culture.

What is your most memorable moment so far? My memorable moment so far is the first Christmas celebration in Ireland with my new colleagues and Irish friends.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced and how have you manage them? The most challenging part is the OSCE  exam but we can achieve this with our hardworking and prayers.

You’re currently working for the Blackrock Clinic – How did the hospital help with the transition from your old life to your new life? BlackRock clinic is one of the best hospital in Dublin. The hospital management and the supervisors are so friendly and supportive which helped me a lot to adapt and manage the new life changes.

How are you finding nursing in another country in general? What differences are there & how are you adapting to the differences? Nursing is a challenging career and the nursing care is same in all the country but the people’s approach to the nurses are different in some countries but here I feel much respected and homely atmosphere so adapting to this is more easy.

How are you finding your department in particular? What support is there and what are you colleagues like? I had some difficulties in the beginning  to learn the routines work but the management and the colleagues are more supportive and helpful. The managers are so flexible and approachable, we are allowed to request duties and leaves are permitted as we wish.

What career opportunities or professional development have you found there? There are lot of speciality courses available here and we can choose from our own interest. And also the we are encouraged to attend continuous nursing education programmes in different hospitals.

How are you finding the cost of living in Dublin – is it very different to home? Yes, the cost is living in Ireland is much much expensive than home country especially the rent in Dublin is very much high. But the lifestyle, salary and working experience is much better than the home. So I feel more safe and satisfied here.

What were your goals before travelling to Ireland? Are you achieving what you set out to do or have these changed? My goals are to meet new people, see new places, career passion, personal satisfaction, financial stability and family support. I hope these things will happen in the coming days.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of travelling to Ireland? I would like to tell them that the registration process will be quiet slow but you can land within a year once you started your NMBI process. Prepare very well for the RCSI exams because it is quiet challenging for someone with minimum experience but everyone can go through this with great hard-work.

What is your overall opinion to date? I feel so happy and I’m very much thankful to Cathee and the overall CCM Recruitment team for helping and supporting me to achieve my goal. I’m also very much delighted to live and work in Ireland.

Nursing Overview – Ireland Registration Break Down Part 1

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Step 1 – Applying for the Overseas Application Pack

So you’ve decided that you want to take your nursing career to Ireland! Congratulations! The first thing you need to do is apply for nursing registration. This can take a minimum of 6 months so we recommend you start this sooner rather than later. Step 1 is applying for the Overseas Registration Pack.

We’ve gone over eligibility criteria and English language requirements previously so we won’t repeat it here. If you missed it you can check our Irish Nursing Registration Overview here.

What Application Group do you belong to?

Group 1 & 2  – refer to Nurses who qualified within the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA). If you fall into Group 1 or 2 please visit the NMBI website.

Group 3 – refers to those who qualified outside of the EU or EEA. Most Australian and New Zealand applicants will fall under this group, so we will be focusing on this.

Once you’ve determined you’re in Group 3 you’ll need to download the Overseas Registration Application Request Form which can be found on the NMBI website website here.

 

The NMBI application form

The form is broken down into 5 sections.

Section A is a basic privacy form you’ll need to complete while

Section B requires you to fill out basic personal contact details and select the Division you wish to be registered in. We recommend you put our Dublin office address as your postal address to save yourself time with International postage. Any correspondence can be scanned and emailed to you by our Dublin office. We’ll give you our Dublin office details when you are at this stage.

Section C is where you are asked to Provide evidence of your English Language Skills

Section D & E is where you provide payment details for the Application Pack Fee

Section B

What are the Registration Divisions of the NMBI?

The NMBI has ten divisions eg: General/Children’s/Psychiatric/Intellectual Disability & so on. The division you are registered under is a reflection of how your undergraduate university course was structured, rather than your practical nursing experience or speciality. Because of the way universities courses in Australia and New Zealand are structured, the majority of applicants will fall under the General Division or Midwifery Division.

If you have completed your training as a general nurse/midwife (as is the case in Australia and New Zealand) but then have subsequently gone on to gain considerable practical experience in a secondary field eg Paediatrics, Mental Health, Public Health,  you will still NOT be considered for a division other than General/Midwifery. This is because of how Australian and New Zealand undergraduate degrees are structured.

If you wish to apply for a different division eg Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Public Health, you will need to submit further evidence that you have completed an appropriate education and training program in this field. NMBI will then consider your application as a General Nurse/Midwife first and then subsequently assess your application in the secondary division.

If you specialise in Paediatrics, Mental Health, Public Health or any other alternate, it is important to note you may not meet the requirements of the NMBI to be registered in your secondary division. You may still be able to work in the speciality, under the General Nurse division, however this will be at the discretion of your potential employer at the time you apply. Meeting these requirements is applicant dependent and ultimately up to the registration board.

For further information on this you can visit https://www.nmbi.ie/Registration/the-Register-and-Divisions

So I’ve selected my division – now what?

 Section C

Provide evidence of your English Language Skills.

You can do this through 3 Pathways.

  • Pathway 1 – Trained in English in an NMBI recognised country – Most Australian and New Zealand applicants tend to fall under this pathway. 

You’ll need to provide evidence that your qualification was completed in an NMBI recognised country. These countries include – Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA  and the UK. You will need to provide a letter or email (with the universities letterhead/logo) stating:

  • The location of the training institute
  • The name of the training program
  • Dates of attendance
  • Confirmation the training was taught in English

Pathway 2 – Registered and Practice in English

You’ll need to provide evidence that for the last 3 out of 5 years, you have practised in an NMBI Recognised English speaking country. You’ll need to provide a letter or email from your employer (with their letterhead/logo) stating:

  • The location of employment
  • Dates of employment
  • Confirmation that practice is primarily conducted in English

If either of the above pathways are taken you will not need to sit an English exam.

Pathway 3 – Submission of IELTS or OET Results 

If pathway 1 or 2 cannot be done you will need to sit the International English Language Test System (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (OET). For more information on this pathway visit the website.

 Section D & E

Application Pack Fee – This is a non-refundable €350 fee that is paid to the registration board. You’ll need to complete the payment details in order to receive your application pack and commence registration.

One you have completed the form, it will be posted to NMBI in Dublin. It will take 1-2 weeks to receive the Application Pack (Step 2) and you can move straight through to Step 3 of the Registration Process.

Next week we’ll be diving into completing the application pack so stay tuned!

Nursing Overview – Cost of Living Ireland

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Cost of living is a major factor in the decision making process when relocating overseas. If your goal for overseas nursing is solely financial and you endeavour to save for a mortgage or similar, then you may be better suited to looking for jobs in the Middle East. However, if you are wanting a relocation experience that is focused on professional development, travel and the overall experience of living abroad then Ireland is a fantastic option.

Ireland is considered one of the more expensive countries to live in within Europe. Having said that, the wage you receive in Ireland is sufficient for you to live on a comfortable budget (similar to Aus/NZ) and still be able to achieve your goals and travel around Europe. The cost of living in Ireland is similar to living in Auckland or Sydney. As with all countries, the further out of the city you go, the cheaper your cost of living becomes especially in terms of housing.

Below is a basic breakdown of some of the common costs of living. For more information on accommodation costs specifically, please visit our accommodation blog. The below is a guide only and we have listed a few websites to help you conduct further research so you can assess your individual needs.

  • Please note subject to exchange rates of 21/4/2020 please

Food 

Grocery prices vary depending on which supermarket you choose to shop at. Aldi is widely used in Ireland and offers quality goods at lower prices. Irish stores such as Tesco & Dunnes are slightly more costly but have regular specials.

1 Litre milk€1.09$1.86AUD$1.95NZD
12 large eggs€3.47$5.49AUD$6.23NZD
1kg Tomatoes€2.34$4.00AUD$4.20NZD
1kg potatoes€1.06$1.81AUD$1.90NZD
500g boneless chicken€4.76$8.15AUD$8.55NZD
1kg apples€2.11$3.61AUD$3.79NZD
Bread€1.49$2.55AUD$2.67NZD

Housing

Housing will be one of your biggest expenses in Ireland. Similar to Auckland and Sydney, the closer you are to the main city, the higher rental prices will be. For Dublin in particular it is a good idea to look at shared accommodation to bring down rental costs. Most places in Dublin come fully furnished. The below is a guide only. For a more detailed breakdown of housing please visit out Accommodation blog.

Dublin
Rent for 85m2 furnished accommodation (expensive area)€548/wk$938AUD/wk$985NZD/wk
Rent for 85m2 furnished accommodation (middle class area)€404/wk$691AUD/wk$726NZD/wk
Rent for 45m2 furnished studio (expensive area)€387/wk$662AUD/wk$695NZD/wk
Rent for 45m2 furnished studio (middle class area)€273/wk$467AUD/wk$490NZD/wk
 Cork
Rent for 85m2 furnished accommodation (expensive area)€296/wk$507AUD/wk$532NZD/wk
Rent for 85m2 furnished accommodation (middle class area)€230/wk$394AUD/wk$413NZD/wk
Rent for 45m2 furnished studio (expensive area)€258/wk$441AUD/wk$463NZD/wk
Rent for 45m2 furnished studio (middle class area)€201/wk$344AUD/wk$361NZD/wk

Utilities

Given the location of Ireland and the sessions you will need to take into account heating during winter time. The below is a guide only, please visit one of our resources below for further information.

Dublin
1 month for 2 people in an 85m2 flat€145$248AUD$260NZD
1 month for 1 person in a 45ms studio€101$173AUD$181NZD
Cork
1 month for 2 people in an 85m2 flat€157$268AUD$282NZD
1 month for 1 person in a 45ms studio€105$179AUD$188NZD

 Internet

Unlimited Broadband packages€20-30/month$34-51AUD/month$35-53NZD/month

 Transport

Petrol€1.4/L$2.30 AUD/L$2.50 NZD/L
Taxi basic tariff€16$27AUD$28 NZD
Public Bus tickets Per Zone (Dublin)€1.5$2.50 AUD$2.60 NZD
Adult Monthly Train Ticket (Dublin)€145

 

$248 AUD$260 NZD

Entertainment

Dinner at a neighbourhood pub€20$34AUD$35NZD
Movie tickets€10 – 12$17 – 20AUD$17 – 21NZD
Best available theatre tickets€60$102AUD$107NZD
Gym membership€44/month$75AUD$79NZD

Further resources

https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/country/ireland

https://internationalliving.com/countries/ireland/cost-of-living-in-ireland/

https://relocatingtoireland.com/irish-essentials/grocery-shopping-in-ireland/

https://moving2ireland.com/living/

https://www.irishrail.ie/rail-fares-and-tickets/fares-info/dart-and-short-hop-zone#farescalculator

https://www.dublinpublictransport.ie/tickets

Fight against Covid-19 Researchers believe BCG Vaccine promising

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Currently there is no known treatment for the coronavirus that emerged in China late last year which has since spread across the planet. The present time-frame for the creation and approval of a vaccine is 12 to 18 months. Researchers from China published the genetic sequence of the virus in Mid-January in the hopes of finding a vaccine/cure, researchers across the globe began working in earnest to find effective drugs. Research has split into three different avenues of approach – some are looking at the effects of existing drugs as a treatment, others are experimenting to recycle common drugs for use, while others are using cutting-edge technology to devise new types of vaccines. https://www.thejournal.ie/coronavirus-vaccine-2-5062925-Apr2020/

As the healthcare workers around the world continue their fight against Covid – 19 compelling evidence is emerging that the BCG Vaccine might helpprotect against Covid-19. Studies are beginning to show countries with vaccination programmes that include BCG have fewer cases. The evidence suggests that it may provide protection against Covid- 19 and significantly reduce death rates. https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/coronavirus-more-striking-evidence-bcg-vaccine-might-protect-against-covid-19-1.4222110

In 1908 French scientists began developing the tuberculosis vaccine “Bacillus Calmette-Guerin” (BCG), the first human trials began in 1921. The BCG is named after the two bacteriologists involved: Albert Calmette and Camille Guerin. Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria attacking the lungs, while infection is a result of by being in close contact with an infected person when they sneeze or cough. TB was especially common after World War II and is highly infectious. It infects 10 million people every year with 1.5 million people dying from it, according to WHO, in spite of it being a preventable and curable disease. https://www.euronews.com/2020/04/06/has-the-key-to-a-coronoavirus-vaccine-been-staring-us-in-the-face-for-a-century

In a study comprised of 178 countries conducted by an Irish Medical Consultant and epidemiologists at the University of Texas in Houston evidence shows countries with vaccination programmes have lower coronavirus cases by a factor 10, compared to countries where BCG programmes are no longer active. This lower case numbers translates “into a death rate up-to 20 times less, according to urologist Paul Hegarty of the Mater Hospital, Dublin. “ https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/coronavirus-more-striking-evidence-bcg-vaccine-might-protect-against-covid-19-1.4222110

The study is expected to be published shortly by PLOS journal, and is largely a statistical one with cautions because of the possibility of confounding factors. Research suggests “Over the 15 days, incidence of Covid-19 was 38 per million in countries with BCG vaccination whereas the incidence of Covid-19 was 358 per million in the absence of such a programme. The death rate was 4.28 per million in countries with BCG programmes and 40 per million in countries without such a programme,” he added.” https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/coronavirus-more-striking-evidence-bcg-vaccine-might-protect-against-covid-19-1.4222110

So what do scientist know about the TB vaccine, what are they trying to figure and its place in the fight against Covid- 19

HOW CAN A TB VACCINE HELP WITH OTHER INFECTIONS?

The BCG vaccine generates an adaptive immune response, i.e. the body develops a defence against a specific microorganism/pathogen after exposure to it. Most vaccines create an adaptive immune response to a single pathogen. The BCG vaccine however may also boost the natural immune system which is the first-line defence against infection and disease.

WHAT SCIENTISTS DO NOT KNOW

They don’t have data yet on the effect of BCG vaccination has on the virus. Since the BCG vaccine has many varieties with different capabilities they also need to identify the type of BCG vaccine that would be most effective in boosting the natural immune system.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-tbvaccine-explaine/explainer-how-an-old-tuberculosis-vaccine-might-help-fight-the-new-coronavirus-idUKKBN21K36K

Living on the Coast of the Red Sea

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Whether it’s moving intercity, interstate or overseas – what’s the first thing we do? Research the location! This is what you need to know about the sunshine-filled coastal city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The Facts

Population: 4 million people

Location: Coast of the Red Sea

Size: Second largest city in Saudi Arabia

Motto: “Jeddah Ghair” – Jeddah is different

Known as the most open city in Saudi

The Beach and Diving

There’s a reason Jeddah is known as the most open city in the Kingdom. Everyone knows that those who live on the beach live a very relaxed life and that’s exactly what Jeddah promotes: relaxation! There’s a number of beaches you can hit on your days off or take a day trip out to the red sea to do some snorkelling, diving, fishing or swimming!

 

Entertainment

Jeddah has always been quite modern for its time. In the 1970s and 80s there was a big push to bring art into all public areas of Jeddah making the city one of the largest open-air galleries in the world. It’s home to the world’s tallest fountain and most recently they’ve hosted a variety of events including concerts by Mariah Carey and Sean Paul.

Historic Jeddah

You can’t live in Jeddah and not visit the UNESCO listed heritage site of Al Balad which dates back to the 7th Century AD. Wander down narrow alleyways, meet the friendly locals, smell the vibrant spices and hauntingly beautiful calls to prayer.

Food & Dining

Jeddah has always been a port for trade and as such is a very multicultural city. The cuisine reflects this – you’ll be able to find anything from Eastern, Western, African you name it! Being a coastal city it is of course famous for its seafood! A lot of these beautiful restaurants are located right long the Corniche by the waterfront so you can enjoy those cooing sea breezes while you watch that Western sunset.

The Climate

It’s a coastal city so think tropical Queensland. Summers are steamy hitting 43 degrees while winters remain warm at 15-28 degrees. All the more reason to hit the beach and do some diving!  

 

If you are interested in working in Jeddah, we have Information & Interview sessions coming up in June

Email info@ccmrecruitment.com.au OR Click here to register

AUS Freephone: 1800 818 844

NZ Freephone: 0800 700 839

The Ultimate Guide To Nursing and Allied Health Jobs Overseas – Join Our Open Days- See Where You Can Go?

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CCM are back on the road again with our FREE Information Sessions! We will be hosting open days throughout Ireland and the UK throughout May & June 2019.

Midwifery, Neonatal, Paediatric and Adult Nurses – Registered Nurses (All specialities), Educators & Managers, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech & Language Therapists & More! All Nursing & Allied Health Professionals are welcome.

Has the thought of sampling the exotic delights of Saudi Arabia, Dubai/Abu Dhabi, jumping across the pond to the UK or living the American Dream crossed your mind. Ready for a change or a chance to see the world while enhancing and developing your career in some of the most prestigious hospitals around the globe, then this information evening is for YOU!

Where do you place?

 For over 30 years CCM Recruitment International has been helping nurses launch their international careers. Find out how you can nurse in:

 

America (Brand New Opportunity!!) – UK – Ireland – Dubai/Abu Dhabi – Saudi Arabia – Qatar

Events will be held this May & June on the evenings of:

  • Belfast 5th June. Click here to reserve your spot.
  • London 10th June. Click here to reserve your spot.
  • Manchester 11th June. Click here to reserve your spot.
  • Edinburgh 12th June. Click here to reserve your spot.
  • Newcastle- 13th June. Click here to reserve your spot.
  • Galway 30th May. Click here to reserve your spot.
  • Dublin 28th May. Click here to reserve your spot.
  • Dublin 18th June. Click here to reserve your spot.
  • Cork 29th May. Click here to reserve your spot.
  • Limerick 6th June. Click here to reserve your spot.

The beauty of CCM Recruitment is that all our recruiters have lived and worked overseas as nurses and know exactly what it’s like to be in your shoes. We’ll be talking about:

The Application Process

Overseas Registration and Licensing

Hospitals and Relocation Packages

Visas, Sponsorship & Accommodation

What you can expect when living and nursing overseas

Do your research and make an informed decision about where you want to take your career.  Come meet us and ask us about our own experiences.  We’ll tell you what it’s really like to live and work overseas – the highs, the lows and everything in between!

Register Today and Book Your Free Place Today

Fun Facts About Easter!

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While the exact origins of the word Easter name are unknown, some sources claim the word Easter is derived from Eostre, a Germanic goddess of spring and fertility. http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-easter. Her symbols were the hare and egg and she was celebrated around the spring equinox. As Christianity spread throughout Europe, missionaries merged the festival of Eostre and the celebration of Jesus’s resurrection, as they did with many other pagan festivals and traditions…so Easter was born.

The idea of the Easter Bunny can be traced back to Germany and Oschter Haws. Oschter Haws was a rabbit who would lay a nest of coloured eggs for good children on the night before Easter. In the 1700’s German emigrants brought the legend to America, as well as Oshter Haws pastries, the origin of the chocolate rabbit. As the legend and popularity of Oshter Haws spread, he soon became the Easter Bunny. http://www.irishwhiskeymuseum.ie/news/origins-easter-bunny/

In 1847, chocolate maker and inventor Joseph Fry discovered he could create a chocolate paste that was mouldable by mixing cocoa powder, sugar and melted cocoa butter. http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/easter-treats-the-history-behind-your-chocolate-eggs-1.2584588. Fry would go on to make the first chocolate Easter Egg in the UK in 1873. https://www.lovefood.com/news/56494/the-history-of-easter-eggs 

Did You Know?

  1. The tallest chocolate Easter egg ever was made in Italy in 2011. At 10.39 metres in height and 7,200 kg in weight, it was taller than a giraffe and heavier than an elephant! https://www.uselessdaily.com/news/50-amazing-facts-about-easter-list/#ixzz5lRI9vm8E
  2. In America, over 90 million chocolate Easter bunnies are made each year!! http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-easter
  3. Decorated ostrich eggs, estimated to be up to 5,000 years old, were found in the tombs of ancient Sumerians and Egyptians http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/easter-treats-the-history-behind-your-chocolate-eggs-1.2584588
  4. Easter is the second best-selling candy holiday in America, after Halloween http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/easter-symbols
  5. The Fabergé eggs are likely the most famous decorative eggs, made in 1885 to 1917 by the Russian jeweller Peter Carl Fabergé for Russian Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II. They commissioned roughly 50 eggs in that time, with 43 still surviving. http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/easter-treats-the-history-behind-your-chocolate-eggs-1.2584588

Thanksgiving- Did You Know?

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Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in the United States. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast. That feast is today acknowledged as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies.

In September 1620, a small ship the “Mayflower” left Plymouth, England, with 102 passengers. The first winter most of the colonists remained on board the ship.  They suffered from exposure, scurvy and outbreaks of contagious disease. Only half of the original passengers and crew lived to see their first New England spring. In March, the survivors moved ashore. They were visited by an Abenaki Indian who greeted them in English. Several days later, he returned with another Native American, Squanto, who was a member of the Pawtuxet tribe. Squanto had been kidnapped by an English sea captain and sold into slavery. He escaped and returned to his homeland. Squanto taught the Pilgrims, who had been weakened by malnutrition and illness, how to survive. He also helped them forge an alliance with the Wampanoag, a local tribe.

In November 1621, to celebrate the Pilgrims’ first successful corn harvest Governor William Bradford organised a feast. He invited a group of the colony’s Native American allies, including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit.  The festival lasted for three days.

In 1827, Sarah Josepha Hale a noted magazine editor and writer launched a campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday.  For 36 years she published editorials and sent letters to governors, senators, presidents and other politicians.  It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.

For some scholars, whether the feast at Plymouth actually constituted the first Thanksgiving in the United States is in doubt. Other ceremonies of “thanks” performed by European settlers in North America have been recorded. They predate the Pilgrims’ celebration. Historians have also noted that Native Americans had a rich tradition of commemorating the fall harvest with feasting and celebration long before Europeans arrived.( https://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving)

 Did you know?

  1. Lobster, seal and swans were on the Pilgrims’ menu
  2. In 1789 George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation by the national government of the United States.
  3. In 1817, New York became the first of several states to officially adopt an annual Thanksgiving holiday.
  4. Sarah Josepha Hale who campaigned for Thanksgiving to be a national holiday is most well-known for the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb”
  5. New York City’s Thanksgiving Day parade is the largest and most famous, attracting some 2 to 3 million spectators along its 2.5-mile route. It’s been presented by Macy’s department store since 1924.
  6. In 1939, Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday up a week in an attempt to encourage retail sales during the Great Depression. Roosevelt’s plan was known as “Franksgiving”. It was met with fierce opposition, and in 1941 the president reluctantly signed a bill making Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November.

 

Did you know? 8 Amazing Halloween Facts

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The roots of Halloween’s dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts lived 2,000 years ago in Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France. They celebrated their new year on November 1st. It marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the winter.

They believed on the eve of the New Year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred.  So, on October 31, they celebrated Samhain, the night when ghosts and spirits returned to earth. The returned spirits would cause trouble and damage crops.  The belief was the presence of the spirits made it easier for the Druids to make predictions about the future.

To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires. People gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. During the celebration, costumes were worn, usually made up of animal heads and skins. After the celebration, the hearth fires they had extinguished earlier were re-lit. They were re-lit from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.

In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a day to honour all saints and martyrs. It’s commonly known as All Saints’ Day and incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into the event characterised by child-friendly activities like trick-or-treating. http://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween

Some fun facts about Halloween:

  1. The jack-o’-lantern is from Irish folklore. According to folklore, Stingy Jack was having a drink with the Devil. Jack convinced him to turn himself into a coin so he could for pay for the drinks. When the Devil turned into a coin Jack put him into his pocket. In his pocket was a silver cross, which kept the Devil from transforming back. Stuck, the Devil made a deal. In return for his freedom the Devil promised not to bother Jack for a year and if he died, he would never claim Jack’s soul. Jack tricked the Devil again a year later.  As Jack walked home the Devil come to him, Jack agreed to go with him but only if the Devil would pick a piece of fruit off a tree. As the Devil climbed the tree, Jack carved a cross into the bark, trapping the Devil in the branches. In return, for his freedom, he would leave Jack alone for 10 years. When Jack finally died, he arrived at the gates of heaven but God wouldn’t let him enter. Jack went down to hell, but the Devil had promised never to claim his soul.  Instead he sent Jack off to roam Earth with only a burning coal for light. He put the coal into a turnip as a lantern, and Stingy Jack became “Jack of the Lantern” or “Jack o’ Lantern.” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/24/halloween-weird-facts_n_5948456.html
  2. The first Jack O’Lanterns were actually made from turnips, beets and potatoes. The Irish carved scary faces into them to scare away Stingy Jack or any other spirits of the night. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/24/halloween-weird-facts_n_5948456.html
  3. Halloween is the second highest grossing commercial holiday after Christmas in America.
  4. An intense and persistent fear of Halloween is called Samhnainophobia
  5. Black and orange are typically associated with Halloween. Orange is a symbol of strength and endurance and, along with brown and gold, stands for the harvest and autumn. Black is typically a symbol of death and darkness and acts as a reminder that Halloween once was a festival that marked the boundaries between life and death.
  6. Halloween has variously been called All Hallows’ Eve, Witches Night, Lamswool, Snap-Apple Night, Samhain, and Summer’s End.
  7. During the pre-Halloween celebration of Samhain, bonfires were lit to ensure the sun would return after the long, hard winter. Often Druid priests would throw the bones of cattle into the flames and, hence, “bone fire” became “bonfire.”
  8. Dressing up as ghouls and other spooks originated from the ancient Celtic tradition of townspeople disguising themselves as demons and spirits. They believed that disguising themselves this way would allow them to escape the notice of the real spirits wandering the streets during Samhain.
    http://facts.randomhistory.com/halloween-facts.html

Easter & Easter Eggs- Did you know?

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While the exact origins of the word Easter name are unknown, some sources claim the word Easter is derived from Eostre, a Germanic goddess of spring and fertility. http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-easter. Eostre’s, symbols were the hare and egg and she was celebrated around the spring equinox. As Christianity spread throughout Europe, missionaries merged the festival of Eostre and the celebration of Jesus’s resurrection, as they did with many other pagan festivals and traditions…and so Easter was born.

The image of the rabbit was changed into Oschter Haws by the Germans. Oschter Haws was a rabbit who would lay a nest of coloured eggs for good children on the night before Easter. In the 1700s German emigrants to American brought the legend with them, they are also responsible for the chocolate rabbit as they would make Oshter Haws pastries. As the legend and popularity of Oshter Haws spread, he soon became the Easter Bunny.

http://www.irishwhiskeymuseum.ie/news/origins-easter-bunny/

The Fabergé eggs are likely the most famous decorative eggs, made in 1885 to 1917 by the Russian jeweller Peter Carl Fabergé for Russian Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II. The Eggs were  given as Easter gifts. Roughly 50 eggs were commissioned in that time, with 43 still surviving. An additional two Faberge eggs were planned for Easter 1918 but delivery was prevented by the Russian Revolution.

In 1847, chocolate maker and inventor Joseph Fry discovered he could create a chocolate paste that was mould-able by mixing cocoa powder, sugar and melted cocoa butter. http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/easter-treats-the-history-behind-your-chocolate-eggs-1.2584588  Fry produced the UK’s first chocolate Easter egg in 1873. http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/easter-2017-why-eggs-celebrate-6997696?service=responsive

 

Did You Know?

  1. Over 90 million chocolate Easter bunnies are made each year, in America alone!! http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-easter
  2. Decorated ostrich eggs, estimated to be up to 5,000 years old, were found in the tombs of ancient Sumerians and Egyptians http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/easter-treats-the-history-behind-your-chocolate-eggs-1.2584588
  3. Easter is the second best-selling candy holiday in America, after Halloween http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/easter-symbols