Okay, this is a personal story I want to share; it was actually a dream - a really bad dream or nightmare I just had last night and I am serious.
It was really creepy and I could remember it vividly; or at least until this morning.
Now, I still have the vague flashes of it and I am trying to tell it to the best I could based on my memory.
To the story....
I was actually with this bunch of close friends from my GPTW; okay, I can remember a few of them but I wouldn't mention their names here.
We were travelling to this particular small town or island I think which had a small village. It was rather cold there; coz I remembered most of us were in jackets and we were picking up logs and everything.
Then we met this family who had a hut near ours and we said hi to them.
Somehow me and another 2 guys were not too comfortable with the place and also the weird family and urged the others to cut the trip short while they laughed us off.
Then I couldn't remember what happened but we were out of the hut and when we got back, we couldn't find most of our friends except a few and we noticed they were kinda pale and looking zoned out. In fact, they even had bites on her neck...obviously made by vampires.
The three of us ( the skeptics) ran out of the hut and was trying to get help. We saw the weird couple trying to hunt us down; and we ran and hide. We looked around and wanted to reach out to the townsfolk for help when we realized there weren't a lot of people around and one or two that we saw, look zombie-like as well.
It was really scary and it became worse when we suddenly realize another of my friend was missing and the skies turned dark....and then, poof, my alarm clock woke me up! Thank God!!!
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Origins of the Festival of Lights
In conjunction with the festive occasion, I have actually done an article (main source: Wikipedia) on Deepavali to send out as a communication mail for knowledge sharing in my dept.
Monday, September 10, 2007
7th Month of Lunar Calendar
"Don't go out after dark!"
They will always tell you this whenever this time of the year looms around the corner; the famous 7th Month of the Lunar Calendar - also familiarly known as the "Ghost Month" among the Chinese folks.
Why is this month such an eerie and mysterious month?
It is believed that on the 1st day of the 7th month of the Lunar Calendar (calculations based on the sun and moon), the Gates of Hell will be open and the spirits will be released for a full month to wander among the living on Earth. It is during this time which was believed to be dangerous as some of the restless or evil spirits will seek for revenge and also for someone to substitute their place. At the same time, some are out on the intent to stir trouble and cause havoc as part of their enjoyment.
Thus, this brings the meaning to the saying "All hell breaks loose"
The origins of this festival dates back to the story of a filial piety, Mu Lian who went to the depths of the levels of hell to see his mother who was being severely punished for her deeds during her lifetime. He was torn to see his mother suffering in pain as everything that was fed into her mouth turned to charcoal and she was burnt and whipped each day.
Mu Lian went back to Earth and started chanting prayers for his mother; offering her peace and hoping the prayers could ease her pain from the fire and also at the same time, to rescue his poor mother from the realm of the hungry ghosts.
On the 1st day of the month as in every month, you can see people paying visits to temples and also sticking joss sticks to offer prayers to the deities in the temple and also at the altars along the roads.
Besides the deities, the 7th month is different from the other months in the sense that people also offer prayers and food to the wandering spirits whom they believe are roaming Earth upon their release from the netherworld.
The living people would offer joss sticks, paper money, fruits and food to the spirits, with the belief that this could bring them luck and peace during the month.
At the same time, there were also offerings to the deity Tai Su Yah whom they believe guards and can appease the wandering spirits intent to cause trouble.
As such, you will often see flags everywhere you go during this particular time of the year which will mark the locations of the area which will set up the altar for the deity.
Also, there will be stage shows with live performances such as opera, puppet show and also singing for the spirits.
All these performances and offerings will take place within a course of 3 days at minimum and will travel from one district or area in that month. Each area will specifically pool together their resources to invite the performance troupe and also to set up the worship altar to offer prayers to both the deities and the spirits to ensure no undesired "situations" occurring in that area.
The 14th and 15th of the month mark the climax of the month; or also known as the most dangerous time of the month where they believe the spirits will be at their optimum capability to cause havoc to the living and also the mean spirits will be feasting.
There were 2 versions of the Hungry Ghost Festival; one known as Zhongyuan which marks the day of the forgiveness/pardoning of the spirits while the Yu Lan commemorates the act of filial piety demonstrated by Mu Lian and thus the prayers and offerings to their dead ancestors as well.
During this month as well, you will particularly see more of the colored paper items and also hell money in most of these shops; what you term them in Cantonese as "Chi Chap Pou" (direct translation as Paper Assortment Shop) which basically sells anything you need for the Taoist worship for the deities and also the dead.
At the same time, you will also tend to see stalls by the roadside selling all sorts of cakes and kueh for the offerings.
The colourful cakes will be used for the prayer offerings to the deities and the spirits
Anyway, yesterday marked the last day of the Hungry Ghost Month and typically, according to my grandmother, it will rain on this last day as it symbolises the tears of the spirits as they once again depart from their loved ones and also their freedom (sort of vacation) for the whole one month.
They will always tell you this whenever this time of the year looms around the corner; the famous 7th Month of the Lunar Calendar - also familiarly known as the "Ghost Month" among the Chinese folks.
Why is this month such an eerie and mysterious month?
It is believed that on the 1st day of the 7th month of the Lunar Calendar (calculations based on the sun and moon), the Gates of Hell will be open and the spirits will be released for a full month to wander among the living on Earth. It is during this time which was believed to be dangerous as some of the restless or evil spirits will seek for revenge and also for someone to substitute their place. At the same time, some are out on the intent to stir trouble and cause havoc as part of their enjoyment.
Thus, this brings the meaning to the saying "All hell breaks loose"
The origins of this festival dates back to the story of a filial piety, Mu Lian who went to the depths of the levels of hell to see his mother who was being severely punished for her deeds during her lifetime. He was torn to see his mother suffering in pain as everything that was fed into her mouth turned to charcoal and she was burnt and whipped each day.
Mu Lian went back to Earth and started chanting prayers for his mother; offering her peace and hoping the prayers could ease her pain from the fire and also at the same time, to rescue his poor mother from the realm of the hungry ghosts.
On the 1st day of the month as in every month, you can see people paying visits to temples and also sticking joss sticks to offer prayers to the deities in the temple and also at the altars along the roads.
Besides the deities, the 7th month is different from the other months in the sense that people also offer prayers and food to the wandering spirits whom they believe are roaming Earth upon their release from the netherworld.
The living people would offer joss sticks, paper money, fruits and food to the spirits, with the belief that this could bring them luck and peace during the month.
At the same time, there were also offerings to the deity Tai Su Yah whom they believe guards and can appease the wandering spirits intent to cause trouble.
As such, you will often see flags everywhere you go during this particular time of the year which will mark the locations of the area which will set up the altar for the deity.
Also, there will be stage shows with live performances such as opera, puppet show and also singing for the spirits.
All these performances and offerings will take place within a course of 3 days at minimum and will travel from one district or area in that month. Each area will specifically pool together their resources to invite the performance troupe and also to set up the worship altar to offer prayers to both the deities and the spirits to ensure no undesired "situations" occurring in that area.
The 14th and 15th of the month mark the climax of the month; or also known as the most dangerous time of the month where they believe the spirits will be at their optimum capability to cause havoc to the living and also the mean spirits will be feasting.
There were 2 versions of the Hungry Ghost Festival; one known as Zhongyuan which marks the day of the forgiveness/pardoning of the spirits while the Yu Lan commemorates the act of filial piety demonstrated by Mu Lian and thus the prayers and offerings to their dead ancestors as well.
During this month as well, you will particularly see more of the colored paper items and also hell money in most of these shops; what you term them in Cantonese as "Chi Chap Pou" (direct translation as Paper Assortment Shop) which basically sells anything you need for the Taoist worship for the deities and also the dead.
At the same time, you will also tend to see stalls by the roadside selling all sorts of cakes and kueh for the offerings.
The colourful cakes will be used for the prayer offerings to the deities and the spirits
Anyway, yesterday marked the last day of the Hungry Ghost Month and typically, according to my grandmother, it will rain on this last day as it symbolises the tears of the spirits as they once again depart from their loved ones and also their freedom (sort of vacation) for the whole one month.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Longest Cemetery on Earth
I recently started reading my True Singapore Ghost Stories vol 14 which I have purchased like more than a few months ago and I was in for a shocking discovery when I stumbled upon one of the stories revolving one of the Wonders of the World.
I couldn't believe my eyes and yeah, laugh at my naive mind, I just couldn't believe it and this has led me to numerous researches and readings (yeah, including looking up my own encyclopedias) on this.
The Great Wall of China (aka Wan Li Chang Chen in Chinese which means a Thousand Miles) was a historic structure which stood tall as the defender from Mongolians and invading parties from the province and borders of China; one of the giant powers in Asia or the world.
Established during the reign of the first and notable emperor in the history of China, Qin Shi Huang, this was an amazing structure which remains one of the wonders until this day. The origins of the wall actually started in the Spring, Autumn during the warring periods and was a fort of defense by the 3 states at war; which include Yan, Zhao and Qin. Following the continuous and endless modifications, the wall was finally joined together - hence the birth "Great Wall" today as the brainchild of the mighty Shi Huangti in his efforts to defend the country against the Huns residing in the northern borders of China.
The complexity of the structure and also the drawback in technology back then was not a deterring factor from a solid barrier to shield the country from attacks and this is one of the main reasons this wall earned its place in the World's Wonders' list.In fact, the wall itself took more than centuries to complete and in the process; it has also gone through re-structuring, re-building, and also relocating of the wall which span across several regions; from the boundaries of Korea all the way to the Gobi Desert. In fact, this wall was also the joint combination of several local walls built by the warring states.
The structure of the wall resembled that of a dragon as it winds in a wave of upward and downward shape due to the platform it was built upon; ranging from deserts, pastures, hills, mountains and plateaus and boast of an astounding distance of 6,700 kilometres; which is about 4,163 miles all the way from the East to the West of China.
The wall has gone through numerous remedifications; renovations and extensions across the succeeding dynasties as well until forming most of what it is today in the Ming Dynasty; (source from Webster)
1. 208 BC (Qin Dynasty - the origin)
2. 1st Century BC (Han Dynasty)
3. 1138-1198 (the Five Dynasties and the 10 Kingdoms Period)
4. 1368 (Ming Dynasty)
Stretching all the way across all the warring counties; a total of 100 counties and 9 provinces, the Great Wall starts from the eastern end of the Shanhai Pass, Qinghuangdao in the Hebei province next to Bohai gulf; and traverses through Liaoning, Hebei, Tianjin, Beijing, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, Ningxia;ending at the Jiayu Pass in the Gansu province which was also the opening to welcome the Silk Road travellers.
The glory of the Wall stood; defending the country from harm until the invasion of the Manchus through the same great wall.
The wall fell to the hands of the Manchus who succeeded in entering China after convincing the general guarding the Shanhai pass and hence, the whole troupe of Manchus came into China where they ruled the throne thereafter.
Following the admission of Manchus, the wall lost the original value it was built for - which was to guard against the biggest foe who were the Manchus themselves.
Thus the wall became a legacy and a landmark in the China history.
Besides the history of the purpose and the strength of the wall, the basics of the foundation of the wall was built by human. Yes, with the bare hands of the men back then who knew no day and night and most of whom have perished in the process as well.
The marvellous works of the men despite the limitations in the construction technology back then attributed mainly to the status of the structure (the Wall) being one of the Wonders in the World.
However, this also contributed to one of the tragedies; the loss of the human lives in the process of the building of the wall.
The labour then comprised mainly of convicts, prisoners, political criminals, and slaves who were forced to work on the wall. It was a strenous and tiring process and as history states, the wall building spanned over a period of century and thus, most of the workers perished along the way.
Furthermore, the burden and the exhaustion had also caused most of them to collapse and their remains were buried along the way; beneath the sand and bricks which build up the wall.
Besides this, it was known that most of the men in the workforce were so tired and they could not take it anymore that they attempted escape.
However, any runaways or any attempts to escape will be caught immediately under the watchful eyes of the soldiers guarding the wall. The punishment for some of them will be a live burial; yes, these people attempting to escape will be buried alive with the sand and the ingredients under the wall.
It's pretty scary back then and it is a misery to hear those cries of agony.
With regards to those incidents and the number of deaths; with the length of the wall, it is understandably that the building of the wall had also claimed numerous lives; and this has linked to the Wall's nicknamed as the 'Longest Cemetery on Earth'; a fact to prove that more than the number we ever imagined were buried along with the wall and as part of the building structure.
I came across this featured story in the TSGS whereby a man was possessed by one of the spirits trapped here and he related to the miserable and pitiful spirits who died an unjust death and still begs for freedom.
It is really a pain to discover that a wonder is actually constructed of pain and tears but yet, gazed at in awe by visitors and history enthusiasts today.
This is a realistic depiction of the Chinese saying " Of blood and perspiration"....
Let us just admire and be solemn as to respect the perished souls involved in the labour process of the Wonder of the World and the pride of the people who have contributed not their hands and strength but also their lives for a legacy which stands until this day.
Sources: Travel China Guide, Webster
I couldn't believe my eyes and yeah, laugh at my naive mind, I just couldn't believe it and this has led me to numerous researches and readings (yeah, including looking up my own encyclopedias) on this.
The Great Wall of China (aka Wan Li Chang Chen in Chinese which means a Thousand Miles) was a historic structure which stood tall as the defender from Mongolians and invading parties from the province and borders of China; one of the giant powers in Asia or the world.
Established during the reign of the first and notable emperor in the history of China, Qin Shi Huang, this was an amazing structure which remains one of the wonders until this day. The origins of the wall actually started in the Spring, Autumn during the warring periods and was a fort of defense by the 3 states at war; which include Yan, Zhao and Qin. Following the continuous and endless modifications, the wall was finally joined together - hence the birth "Great Wall" today as the brainchild of the mighty Shi Huangti in his efforts to defend the country against the Huns residing in the northern borders of China.
The complexity of the structure and also the drawback in technology back then was not a deterring factor from a solid barrier to shield the country from attacks and this is one of the main reasons this wall earned its place in the World's Wonders' list.In fact, the wall itself took more than centuries to complete and in the process; it has also gone through re-structuring, re-building, and also relocating of the wall which span across several regions; from the boundaries of Korea all the way to the Gobi Desert. In fact, this wall was also the joint combination of several local walls built by the warring states.
The structure of the wall resembled that of a dragon as it winds in a wave of upward and downward shape due to the platform it was built upon; ranging from deserts, pastures, hills, mountains and plateaus and boast of an astounding distance of 6,700 kilometres; which is about 4,163 miles all the way from the East to the West of China.
The wall has gone through numerous remedifications; renovations and extensions across the succeeding dynasties as well until forming most of what it is today in the Ming Dynasty; (source from Webster)
1. 208 BC (Qin Dynasty - the origin)
2. 1st Century BC (Han Dynasty)
3. 1138-1198 (the Five Dynasties and the 10 Kingdoms Period)
4. 1368 (Ming Dynasty)
Stretching all the way across all the warring counties; a total of 100 counties and 9 provinces, the Great Wall starts from the eastern end of the Shanhai Pass, Qinghuangdao in the Hebei province next to Bohai gulf; and traverses through Liaoning, Hebei, Tianjin, Beijing, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, Ningxia;ending at the Jiayu Pass in the Gansu province which was also the opening to welcome the Silk Road travellers.
The glory of the Wall stood; defending the country from harm until the invasion of the Manchus through the same great wall.
The wall fell to the hands of the Manchus who succeeded in entering China after convincing the general guarding the Shanhai pass and hence, the whole troupe of Manchus came into China where they ruled the throne thereafter.
Following the admission of Manchus, the wall lost the original value it was built for - which was to guard against the biggest foe who were the Manchus themselves.
Thus the wall became a legacy and a landmark in the China history.
Besides the history of the purpose and the strength of the wall, the basics of the foundation of the wall was built by human. Yes, with the bare hands of the men back then who knew no day and night and most of whom have perished in the process as well.
The marvellous works of the men despite the limitations in the construction technology back then attributed mainly to the status of the structure (the Wall) being one of the Wonders in the World.
However, this also contributed to one of the tragedies; the loss of the human lives in the process of the building of the wall.
The labour then comprised mainly of convicts, prisoners, political criminals, and slaves who were forced to work on the wall. It was a strenous and tiring process and as history states, the wall building spanned over a period of century and thus, most of the workers perished along the way.
Furthermore, the burden and the exhaustion had also caused most of them to collapse and their remains were buried along the way; beneath the sand and bricks which build up the wall.
Besides this, it was known that most of the men in the workforce were so tired and they could not take it anymore that they attempted escape.
However, any runaways or any attempts to escape will be caught immediately under the watchful eyes of the soldiers guarding the wall. The punishment for some of them will be a live burial; yes, these people attempting to escape will be buried alive with the sand and the ingredients under the wall.
It's pretty scary back then and it is a misery to hear those cries of agony.
With regards to those incidents and the number of deaths; with the length of the wall, it is understandably that the building of the wall had also claimed numerous lives; and this has linked to the Wall's nicknamed as the 'Longest Cemetery on Earth'; a fact to prove that more than the number we ever imagined were buried along with the wall and as part of the building structure.
I came across this featured story in the TSGS whereby a man was possessed by one of the spirits trapped here and he related to the miserable and pitiful spirits who died an unjust death and still begs for freedom.
It is really a pain to discover that a wonder is actually constructed of pain and tears but yet, gazed at in awe by visitors and history enthusiasts today.
This is a realistic depiction of the Chinese saying " Of blood and perspiration"....
Let us just admire and be solemn as to respect the perished souls involved in the labour process of the Wonder of the World and the pride of the people who have contributed not their hands and strength but also their lives for a legacy which stands until this day.
Sources: Travel China Guide, Webster
Ghost Tree in Malaysia?
I am not sure how many of you have read about this but it seems that Malaysia has her own spot in the paranormal sightings and stories among the other spooks in the world.
An old article in 2006 (September), revealed a pinang tree found in one of the villages in Kepala Batas; located in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia.
The tree; was said to have an unusual shape formed on it and that it resembled a scary-looking face which has been drawing crowds to the exact spot where the tree stood.
The face was located at the base of the frond.
The owner of the tree was amazed but quoted that this was the 2nd time that the 10-year old tree has sprung up with an unusual shape on it; whereby the first time, the shape resembled that of an eye.
Unperturbed, the owner even quoted that the this shape will last for an approximate of 2 weeks in which it will shed naturally.
With the attention garnered from the tree, the villagers have also taken the opportunity to sell off the photos of the face on the tree at the price of RM2 per copy.
At the same time, while most have termed the tree as a "ghost tree", the elderly community in the village have passed some words to the visitors as not to make any comments on the tree.
Here are more links to this:
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/9/12/nation/15401284&sec=nation
I find this really amazing and yet at the same time, I must say it is really baffling as to how this formation could happen. I may have missed out any scientific explanation related to this...
However, there were also numerous claims on the different types of sights they are all viewing and some even quoted that it does not resemble anything and is just a form on the tree.
Well, perhaps some can see it some just can't; just as in philosophy...you see what you want to see or what your mind/perception tells you to see.
Whatever it is, I find this a rather interesting happening in my own country....
I wonder what formation the tree has on it now?
An old article in 2006 (September), revealed a pinang tree found in one of the villages in Kepala Batas; located in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia.
The tree; was said to have an unusual shape formed on it and that it resembled a scary-looking face which has been drawing crowds to the exact spot where the tree stood.
The face was located at the base of the frond.
The owner of the tree was amazed but quoted that this was the 2nd time that the 10-year old tree has sprung up with an unusual shape on it; whereby the first time, the shape resembled that of an eye.
Unperturbed, the owner even quoted that the this shape will last for an approximate of 2 weeks in which it will shed naturally.
With the attention garnered from the tree, the villagers have also taken the opportunity to sell off the photos of the face on the tree at the price of RM2 per copy.
At the same time, while most have termed the tree as a "ghost tree", the elderly community in the village have passed some words to the visitors as not to make any comments on the tree.
Here are more links to this:
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/9/12/nation/15401284&sec=nation
I find this really amazing and yet at the same time, I must say it is really baffling as to how this formation could happen. I may have missed out any scientific explanation related to this...
However, there were also numerous claims on the different types of sights they are all viewing and some even quoted that it does not resemble anything and is just a form on the tree.
Well, perhaps some can see it some just can't; just as in philosophy...you see what you want to see or what your mind/perception tells you to see.
Whatever it is, I find this a rather interesting happening in my own country....
I wonder what formation the tree has on it now?
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Friday the 13th
Today is Friday the 13th, the famous superstition in the Western culture that it is deemed a very unlucky day and that unfortunate events may occur or misfortune may befall anyone.
How did this folklore or story originate?
In Eastern culture, on the contrary, particularly in the Chinese community believe that the number 1 and 3 are good; in fact, the combination is an auspicious number and brings the meaning of livelihood.
I have done some findings through various sources; including Wikipedia to Urban Legends, and I have compiled some of the myths and stories that were linked to how Friday the 13th came about...
It seems that this belief goes all the way back to the time of the Last Supper and also stems from the Christianity roots of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, etc.
At the famous Last Supper, it seems that there were 13 at the table; Jesus and his 12 disciples.
Thirteen gathered in the upper room on the night of the Last Supper. And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.
And on that night itself, Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples...and during dinner, he has famously uttered these words, "Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.' (Mark 14: 17-18).
Jesus answered them, "Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?" He spoke of Judas Iscariot . . for he it was that should betray him. (John 6: 70-71).
Also, Jesus's death and crucifixion falls on a Friday....the Good Friday now becomes an unlucky Friday? Well, it was a mourning day as our Lord died on that day but it is also coined with the origins of the bad luck that comes along with that day, termed as the sixth day of the week.
In fact, this belief was so profound that any child that was born on a Friday is predicted of a bad life; doomed to misfortune. Courting and marriage should also be avoided on this day; at all costs, and one should not consume butter and eggs that were churned and laid on that day. Even moving house or starting a new job (reporting to a new office, etc) should not take place on that day.
And of course, travelling is forbidden as well.....following the fishermen's saying, "A Friday's sail, always fail"
Such strong were these beliefs on the date and day itself that Western folks would not stay in room No.13 or a house numbered 13 (rather 12 1/2) and even hotels and inns will not number their rooms or floors with the number 13. One of the famous examples was the Cavendish Hotel in London which was completed in the year 1966, where there was no 13th floor to be found.
Some people will go to the extent of refusing to go to work on this day for fear of mishap or bad luck to befall them.
Another source; or rather, one of the main sources was the famous story of the Knights of the Templar which originated from the King of France; King Philip IV of France who carried out a mass arrest and forcing charges down those innocent people; causing a public and nationwide humiliation which remains strong in the memories of the county until today. That date was infamously the Friday the 13th; October 13, 1307.
*Knights of the Templar - was the famous legendary order of monks...or warriors in the holy serving who gathered together during the Crusades war; as part of the Christian army to battle against the Islams. They gained their fame and respect through their invasive and undying fighting spirit and were renowned as a strong force and fighter team for more than 200 years.
Such strong was their influence that they were viewed or treated as political threats to kings and the monarchs,popes or government in power by 1300s.
The fall of the Knights of the Templar was caused by the conspiracy kindled by the church-state political struggle.
Back then the King of France was King Philip IV, also popularly known as Philip le Bel, the Beautiful who ruled the kingdom and constantly running into financial problems which led him to resort to all sorts of methods to obtain money for his needs; including swindling and even stealing money and properties. He has also acted on arresting the Jews which in turn return a degradation in his currency, and as a result, everyone suffered for the economy crisis.
The King then later resorted to taxing the church; run by Pope Boniface VIII at that time.
War broke out openly between the roal and the Churhc at that time, whereby the Pope forbade the tax on the church by declaring and signing a dictum.
Subsequently, the King put a halt on Rome's financial supply when he drew the line and closed the borders; banning the export of gold bullion to Rome.
If that's not enough, he decided to disgrace the Church through the arresting of the bishop of Pamiers on the charges of blasphemy, sorcery and fornication.
In retaliation, the pope issue a bull which was in turn burnt in public by the King.
Soon, the King charged the Pope with the same allegations of blasphemy and sorcery and also topping it with another accusation of sodomy.
The war soon got worse when the Pope then compared the French to Dogs and their lack in spirit and strength in soul which soon affected the peasants.
The King reacted and forwarded an army to Anagni, the Pope's residence and placed him under house arrest.
The local neighbours rescued him but the 86 year-old pontiff passed away in a month where he was claimed of being shocked at the rage and others even said he killed himself.
The Pope was then succeeded by another and France's economic problems ensue. When the Queen died in 1305, King Philip took a shot to join the Knights of Templar but was rejected and due to his previous doings, they even blackballed him and denied his intentions as being genuine to join them.
When the grand master of the Knights Templar returned in 1306 in a luxurious show with 60 knights and a baggage train of gold and jewels, the King was raged and desperate due to his own finanical condition, he raised the prices of everything in France by a triple fold in just one single night; revoking a massive riot immediately; in the streets where they want to overthrow and assasinate the King who in turn had to run in disgrace to seek protection from the Knights.
Following his fall, He arranged a state action and sealed orders to every bailiff, deputy and officer in France through a secretive mass mailing on September 14; with the punitive and threathening order that they should only read the mails before the October 12th; which was a Thursday night.
On Friday morning, before the break of dusk at sunset, an estimated of more than 2,000 or even 5,000 Knights Templar were imprisoned; with an exception of 20 who managed to fled the imprisonment. The charges were not stated clearly but they were described as despicable and due to the foul happenings and injustice, the Knights Templar's supporters cursed the day; the Friday the 13th.
An interesting story which again relates to the origin of the Friday the 13th.
But how many more sources are out there to nail this day which is considered so doomed that many will go all the way out to avoid it and even skip the number to avoid mishap?
Most sources point the key origin as biblical; directing the misfortune of this day to the death of Christ on this day and the Last Supper....
Is this really the fact?
Will Friday the 13th in fact bring only tragedy and mishaps?
Is Jesus's death on the cross on a Friday bringing death and misfortune on Fridays?
Is the Last Supper such a condemnation to the people at a dining table where there should not be 13 people at a table?
Hosts go all the way out to ensure that the list of guests should not be 13 and the planning should go in such a way that even with fall outs and absences, the number should not fall to 13 or anyone can replace in desperation to avoid that number at the table.
In fact, there was even a superstition that with 13 people at the table, the first to rise from the table will die first; followed by one each every year.
In relation to the bible, Judas was the first to rise from the table at the Last Supper.
The number 13 is also termed as the devil's dozen and many more surround this unique number.
Isn't it weird how things seem to vary between the East and the West?
If it is really a case of real misfortune, then why do Chinese particular like the No. 13?
People will still be staying in the 13th room despite it being numbered as 12a or 12b, and even if the floor is numbered as any other number, will it change the fact that it is still level 13 when it is counted from the ground level?
You see, it is not the fact that matters; it is the number that is playing these mental games on their minds....where they will run away as soon as they see any occurrence of this number.
Similarly, Chinese hate the number 4 so much that they will do anything to avoid this number on their cars, house, etc....
It's all in the mind.....wonder what will happen one day when East really meets West....willl the number 4 and 13 be unlucky or auspicious?
That being said, just keep your mind free...it's all in the mind...
The mental games are sometimes so powerful that it can create reality and that's where you start the association again.
In short, live life the way you want it....:) Whether it's 13th or not, still, Thank God it's Friday! :D
How did this folklore or story originate?
In Eastern culture, on the contrary, particularly in the Chinese community believe that the number 1 and 3 are good; in fact, the combination is an auspicious number and brings the meaning of livelihood.
I have done some findings through various sources; including Wikipedia to Urban Legends, and I have compiled some of the myths and stories that were linked to how Friday the 13th came about...
It seems that this belief goes all the way back to the time of the Last Supper and also stems from the Christianity roots of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, etc.
At the famous Last Supper, it seems that there were 13 at the table; Jesus and his 12 disciples.
Thirteen gathered in the upper room on the night of the Last Supper. And in the evening he cometh with the twelve.
And on that night itself, Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples...and during dinner, he has famously uttered these words, "Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.' (Mark 14: 17-18).
Jesus answered them, "Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?" He spoke of Judas Iscariot . . for he it was that should betray him. (John 6: 70-71).
Also, Jesus's death and crucifixion falls on a Friday....the Good Friday now becomes an unlucky Friday? Well, it was a mourning day as our Lord died on that day but it is also coined with the origins of the bad luck that comes along with that day, termed as the sixth day of the week.
In fact, this belief was so profound that any child that was born on a Friday is predicted of a bad life; doomed to misfortune. Courting and marriage should also be avoided on this day; at all costs, and one should not consume butter and eggs that were churned and laid on that day. Even moving house or starting a new job (reporting to a new office, etc) should not take place on that day.
And of course, travelling is forbidden as well.....following the fishermen's saying, "A Friday's sail, always fail"
Such strong were these beliefs on the date and day itself that Western folks would not stay in room No.13 or a house numbered 13 (rather 12 1/2) and even hotels and inns will not number their rooms or floors with the number 13. One of the famous examples was the Cavendish Hotel in London which was completed in the year 1966, where there was no 13th floor to be found.
Some people will go to the extent of refusing to go to work on this day for fear of mishap or bad luck to befall them.
Another source; or rather, one of the main sources was the famous story of the Knights of the Templar which originated from the King of France; King Philip IV of France who carried out a mass arrest and forcing charges down those innocent people; causing a public and nationwide humiliation which remains strong in the memories of the county until today. That date was infamously the Friday the 13th; October 13, 1307.
*Knights of the Templar - was the famous legendary order of monks...or warriors in the holy serving who gathered together during the Crusades war; as part of the Christian army to battle against the Islams. They gained their fame and respect through their invasive and undying fighting spirit and were renowned as a strong force and fighter team for more than 200 years.
Such strong was their influence that they were viewed or treated as political threats to kings and the monarchs,popes or government in power by 1300s.
The fall of the Knights of the Templar was caused by the conspiracy kindled by the church-state political struggle.
Back then the King of France was King Philip IV, also popularly known as Philip le Bel, the Beautiful who ruled the kingdom and constantly running into financial problems which led him to resort to all sorts of methods to obtain money for his needs; including swindling and even stealing money and properties. He has also acted on arresting the Jews which in turn return a degradation in his currency, and as a result, everyone suffered for the economy crisis.
The King then later resorted to taxing the church; run by Pope Boniface VIII at that time.
War broke out openly between the roal and the Churhc at that time, whereby the Pope forbade the tax on the church by declaring and signing a dictum.
Subsequently, the King put a halt on Rome's financial supply when he drew the line and closed the borders; banning the export of gold bullion to Rome.
If that's not enough, he decided to disgrace the Church through the arresting of the bishop of Pamiers on the charges of blasphemy, sorcery and fornication.
In retaliation, the pope issue a bull which was in turn burnt in public by the King.
Soon, the King charged the Pope with the same allegations of blasphemy and sorcery and also topping it with another accusation of sodomy.
The war soon got worse when the Pope then compared the French to Dogs and their lack in spirit and strength in soul which soon affected the peasants.
The King reacted and forwarded an army to Anagni, the Pope's residence and placed him under house arrest.
The local neighbours rescued him but the 86 year-old pontiff passed away in a month where he was claimed of being shocked at the rage and others even said he killed himself.
The Pope was then succeeded by another and France's economic problems ensue. When the Queen died in 1305, King Philip took a shot to join the Knights of Templar but was rejected and due to his previous doings, they even blackballed him and denied his intentions as being genuine to join them.
When the grand master of the Knights Templar returned in 1306 in a luxurious show with 60 knights and a baggage train of gold and jewels, the King was raged and desperate due to his own finanical condition, he raised the prices of everything in France by a triple fold in just one single night; revoking a massive riot immediately; in the streets where they want to overthrow and assasinate the King who in turn had to run in disgrace to seek protection from the Knights.
Following his fall, He arranged a state action and sealed orders to every bailiff, deputy and officer in France through a secretive mass mailing on September 14; with the punitive and threathening order that they should only read the mails before the October 12th; which was a Thursday night.
On Friday morning, before the break of dusk at sunset, an estimated of more than 2,000 or even 5,000 Knights Templar were imprisoned; with an exception of 20 who managed to fled the imprisonment. The charges were not stated clearly but they were described as despicable and due to the foul happenings and injustice, the Knights Templar's supporters cursed the day; the Friday the 13th.
An interesting story which again relates to the origin of the Friday the 13th.
But how many more sources are out there to nail this day which is considered so doomed that many will go all the way out to avoid it and even skip the number to avoid mishap?
Most sources point the key origin as biblical; directing the misfortune of this day to the death of Christ on this day and the Last Supper....
Is this really the fact?
Will Friday the 13th in fact bring only tragedy and mishaps?
Is Jesus's death on the cross on a Friday bringing death and misfortune on Fridays?
Is the Last Supper such a condemnation to the people at a dining table where there should not be 13 people at a table?
Hosts go all the way out to ensure that the list of guests should not be 13 and the planning should go in such a way that even with fall outs and absences, the number should not fall to 13 or anyone can replace in desperation to avoid that number at the table.
In fact, there was even a superstition that with 13 people at the table, the first to rise from the table will die first; followed by one each every year.
In relation to the bible, Judas was the first to rise from the table at the Last Supper.
The number 13 is also termed as the devil's dozen and many more surround this unique number.
Isn't it weird how things seem to vary between the East and the West?
If it is really a case of real misfortune, then why do Chinese particular like the No. 13?
People will still be staying in the 13th room despite it being numbered as 12a or 12b, and even if the floor is numbered as any other number, will it change the fact that it is still level 13 when it is counted from the ground level?
You see, it is not the fact that matters; it is the number that is playing these mental games on their minds....where they will run away as soon as they see any occurrence of this number.
Similarly, Chinese hate the number 4 so much that they will do anything to avoid this number on their cars, house, etc....
It's all in the mind.....wonder what will happen one day when East really meets West....willl the number 4 and 13 be unlucky or auspicious?
That being said, just keep your mind free...it's all in the mind...
The mental games are sometimes so powerful that it can create reality and that's where you start the association again.
In short, live life the way you want it....:) Whether it's 13th or not, still, Thank God it's Friday! :D
Monday, July 02, 2007
Alone
The latest Thai horror movie to hit Malaysia which dwells on the horrific truth about Siamese twins besides the facts which we have known on their low survival rates.
This movie depicts the bond of these unique pair of twins in a scary way that even death cannot part them.
Siamese twins are labelled as they are often born attached to each other; not just emotionally but physically as well as they share organs. Some are even more unfortunate to share vital organs such as heart or liver and require major/risky operations to separate them; which can sometimes lead to death or even upon success, does not guarantee a high or long term survival rate.
This movie is about a lady, Pim who appears to have it all, a great life and a good husband until one day, a family affair requires her to fly back to her old home which soon brought back memories of her childhood and a past which came back to haunt her.
I personally have not watched this movie but I have seen the trailer and it truly spooked me out.
I am not writing this post to review about this movie; and similarly about my other posts in this blog, dwells on the supernatural part and also the thoughts behind this.
Does the truth behind this movie that Siamese twins cannot be parted stand?
I will not truly defy the truth of this; as in my personal point of view, the birth of Siamese twins are indeed a unique occurrence and not one to be encountered out of a populated sample of infant births.
Folklores and myths have often linked these rare births to the lack of care during pregnancy and also the disobeying of the elders' advices on the prohibited food/exercise which could lead to deformed/distorted/abnormal births.
Siamese twins are given the term because of their joint at one part of the body; sometimes simple ones like limbs to complicated ones such as the heart and the liver.
The past history has revealed the pessimistic survival rate of these twins either at birth, after, or even after surgery and mortility rates were not encouraging based on the data. Sometimes, one can survive but not the other and in worst case, both may not be able to make it.
Is it the emotional bond?
Is it the physical detachment?
In this movie, Pim was haunted by her past; her twin who was separated at birth and died later after the surgery and now, she is trailing Pim; everywhere she goes....
Spooky....
Do share your views for those who have watched the movie....
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Let it be
When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom
Let it be...............
Let it be, let it be, let it be yeah let it be
There will be an answer, let it be....
When I was young, I never really liked this song much but as I grow older, I grew fond of this song as well. Do you really believe that God really comes to us?
Well, I do....and it is true that everything has an answer to it.
I do believe that God is always there beside me when I am in times of distress.....HE is always there when I have lost faith in myself, and in the world.
HE will always pick me up and tell me everything is going to be okay........
Let it be......
No matter what happens; whether you are a believer or a skeptic, always have that notion that there is always an answer for something that happens.
Of course, as a believer, you will always think that things happen for a reason.
As a skeptic, you can also see it that things are triggered by something :)
Whatever it is, just let it be...and take them in stride:)
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom
Let it be...............
Let it be, let it be, let it be yeah let it be
There will be an answer, let it be....
When I was young, I never really liked this song much but as I grow older, I grew fond of this song as well. Do you really believe that God really comes to us?
Well, I do....and it is true that everything has an answer to it.
I do believe that God is always there beside me when I am in times of distress.....HE is always there when I have lost faith in myself, and in the world.
HE will always pick me up and tell me everything is going to be okay........
Let it be......
No matter what happens; whether you are a believer or a skeptic, always have that notion that there is always an answer for something that happens.
Of course, as a believer, you will always think that things happen for a reason.
As a skeptic, you can also see it that things are triggered by something :)
Whatever it is, just let it be...and take them in stride:)
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
House Haunting
I was back for the Labor Day/Wesak Day weekend and had a great time with my family and friends:)
Anyway, through one of those family banters, I heard this story from my bro; a true story which actually involved his friend; to be exact, his roomie in the university.
This roomie, was staying in this row of houses which face the main road and opposite his house is this Tai Chow food stall.
Okay, let me see.....his house was separated from his granny's house by the middle house.
There is this house between his and his granny's place; now back to some history.
Initially his family wanted to buy two houses in a row; so that they get to stay next to each other. However, it was bought by another person and despite much persuasion, this neighbor just wouldn't sell his place. Thus, they were separated by this particular house in the middle.
They are all Buddhists (or Taiosts); and their neighbour had altars outside and inside the house.
Recently, they heard of some disturbances in the neighbour's house and was surprised that he had removed all the altars and also worshipping paraphernalia.
It seems that the neighbour's family encountered the unknown presence and that everyone in the house actually saw "it"!!!!
They were freaked (like, duhhh)...and they sought the help of a medium.
The medium came and tried his best at the exorcism but then he related something to them; he was unable to cast away the spirit as the spirit is not of Taiosm nor Buddhism.
He advised them to engage a Christian priest as this spirit was actually a Christian.
The family then hurried over to the nearest church/priest and sought for professional help.
The priest managed to exorcised the spirit out of the house; and cleansed the house from unclean presence.
Then as they were escorting him out of the house, he turned to look at the next house (the granny's house) and whispered, this house is also unclean.
The neighbours told my bro's roomie's family and of course, they were shocked.
I don't think they have done anything so far to cast it away (there's a bunch of people staying in his granny's place).
However, I think he himself (the roomie guy) was freaked out by the news as he actually sleeps in the back room upstairs in his own house. His room window overlooks the back alley of the house which looks so dark and sinister.
Don't really blame him; what do you do when you hear about 2 of your neighbour's house (next to yours) are haunted?
Uhhhh...really pity him; heard that he used to go home during weekends quite often; now he seems to be rather freaked to go home.....the poor guy:(
Anyway, through one of those family banters, I heard this story from my bro; a true story which actually involved his friend; to be exact, his roomie in the university.
This roomie, was staying in this row of houses which face the main road and opposite his house is this Tai Chow food stall.
Okay, let me see.....his house was separated from his granny's house by the middle house.
There is this house between his and his granny's place; now back to some history.
Initially his family wanted to buy two houses in a row; so that they get to stay next to each other. However, it was bought by another person and despite much persuasion, this neighbor just wouldn't sell his place. Thus, they were separated by this particular house in the middle.
They are all Buddhists (or Taiosts); and their neighbour had altars outside and inside the house.
Recently, they heard of some disturbances in the neighbour's house and was surprised that he had removed all the altars and also worshipping paraphernalia.
It seems that the neighbour's family encountered the unknown presence and that everyone in the house actually saw "it"!!!!
They were freaked (like, duhhh)...and they sought the help of a medium.
The medium came and tried his best at the exorcism but then he related something to them; he was unable to cast away the spirit as the spirit is not of Taiosm nor Buddhism.
He advised them to engage a Christian priest as this spirit was actually a Christian.
The family then hurried over to the nearest church/priest and sought for professional help.
The priest managed to exorcised the spirit out of the house; and cleansed the house from unclean presence.
Then as they were escorting him out of the house, he turned to look at the next house (the granny's house) and whispered, this house is also unclean.
The neighbours told my bro's roomie's family and of course, they were shocked.
I don't think they have done anything so far to cast it away (there's a bunch of people staying in his granny's place).
However, I think he himself (the roomie guy) was freaked out by the news as he actually sleeps in the back room upstairs in his own house. His room window overlooks the back alley of the house which looks so dark and sinister.
Don't really blame him; what do you do when you hear about 2 of your neighbour's house (next to yours) are haunted?
Uhhhh...really pity him; heard that he used to go home during weekends quite often; now he seems to be rather freaked to go home.....the poor guy:(
Thursday, April 19, 2007
White Noise
Remember the movie which Michael Keaton starred in? The movie of the same title which won varying reviews and thoughts from movie critics?
Well, it was about this concept of the white noise and no, it was not purely fiction as there are some ongoing research about this topic; something that even had its roots dating in history.
Yeah, since the early days, people have resorted to communicating with the dead. They usually try to contact a medium or even shaman to get to the other side; trying to convey their message or even hearing from beyond.
Sometimes, they even involve all those mechanical and electrical devices to achieve the purpose.
Look at the history chart (timeline); there has been various attempts; and no kidding, some were even recorded.
There were those static noises or buzzings heard when they try this out; rather eerie huh?
Well, finally in the 70's, they gave this noises a name; the EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) - which refer to the noises/voices recorded on the tape.
Well, it was about this concept of the white noise and no, it was not purely fiction as there are some ongoing research about this topic; something that even had its roots dating in history.
Yeah, since the early days, people have resorted to communicating with the dead. They usually try to contact a medium or even shaman to get to the other side; trying to convey their message or even hearing from beyond.
Sometimes, they even involve all those mechanical and electrical devices to achieve the purpose.
Look at the history chart (timeline); there has been various attempts; and no kidding, some were even recorded.
There were those static noises or buzzings heard when they try this out; rather eerie huh?
Well, finally in the 70's, they gave this noises a name; the EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) - which refer to the noises/voices recorded on the tape.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
All about dreams
Recently I was asked about the question of dreams and also there was an ongoing conversation with a close friend of mine on dreams as well; which kept this topic as one of my bin items to blog about.
Psychologically, dreams are often interpreted as the imaginations or illusions of the mind and are not desirable for a good night's sleep. During sleep (which is supposed to be the time for the mind to take a rest. When the mind starts to wander off; creating all the illusions and visions of anything, then experts interpret that as some sort of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep; which in turn tells us that your mind did not get the rest it deserved. And usually, this is when your eye lids flutter and also your mind is most wide awake; therefore usually your dreams can be recalled the next day or after waking up.
That is the reason why some of us wake up looking tired and exhausted and feeling frustrated despite tucking themselves into bed every night.
Dreams keep your mind active; it is still running; in processing all those images, etc. Sometimes, even strong emotions can be experienced while in dreams and thus represented in realities. For instance when you are asleep, and all of a sudden you laugh out loud and you are filled with tears upon wake up.
Dreams; vague topic - not biologically proven in its significance and all that can be said relates to the neurology part of the human body. I will not go too much into the science; you can read that in Google or Wikipedia.
I will just share my thoughts on dreams.
Can we remember our dreams?
Well, I guess it really depends on the effects....and also your state of mind. As mentioned earlier, the REM sleep usually indicates the mind at its highest level of wakefulness and usually if you experience all the strong emotions, you can usually remember your dream. Even so, it may not be the full details of your dream:)
Most of the dreams are only there when you sleep and somehow you always wake up remembering nothing from your dream....and can only mumble that you dreamt of something the night before.
Weird huh?
There's also the psychological interpretation of dream; whereby different types of dreams and the images you see relate to your everyday life and also the lack of something or a longing you have in life.
I do know something about dreams' interpretation as well; interesting:)
The previous weeks, I have been having some weird dreams; and I won't exactly call them dreams anymore; more like nightmares!! Haha...nightmares are those that gives you the reality feeling of fear; some to the extreme.
Now I am not sure why I am having those dreams but I guess I can relate to some of my feelings and thoughts earlier.
There's so much more I can think of to talk about dreams but I guess I can only share as much :)
Do let me know of your thoughts and views on dreams as well:D
Psychologically, dreams are often interpreted as the imaginations or illusions of the mind and are not desirable for a good night's sleep. During sleep (which is supposed to be the time for the mind to take a rest. When the mind starts to wander off; creating all the illusions and visions of anything, then experts interpret that as some sort of REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep; which in turn tells us that your mind did not get the rest it deserved. And usually, this is when your eye lids flutter and also your mind is most wide awake; therefore usually your dreams can be recalled the next day or after waking up.
That is the reason why some of us wake up looking tired and exhausted and feeling frustrated despite tucking themselves into bed every night.
Dreams keep your mind active; it is still running; in processing all those images, etc. Sometimes, even strong emotions can be experienced while in dreams and thus represented in realities. For instance when you are asleep, and all of a sudden you laugh out loud and you are filled with tears upon wake up.
Dreams; vague topic - not biologically proven in its significance and all that can be said relates to the neurology part of the human body. I will not go too much into the science; you can read that in Google or Wikipedia.
I will just share my thoughts on dreams.
Can we remember our dreams?
Well, I guess it really depends on the effects....and also your state of mind. As mentioned earlier, the REM sleep usually indicates the mind at its highest level of wakefulness and usually if you experience all the strong emotions, you can usually remember your dream. Even so, it may not be the full details of your dream:)
Most of the dreams are only there when you sleep and somehow you always wake up remembering nothing from your dream....and can only mumble that you dreamt of something the night before.
Weird huh?
There's also the psychological interpretation of dream; whereby different types of dreams and the images you see relate to your everyday life and also the lack of something or a longing you have in life.
I do know something about dreams' interpretation as well; interesting:)
The previous weeks, I have been having some weird dreams; and I won't exactly call them dreams anymore; more like nightmares!! Haha...nightmares are those that gives you the reality feeling of fear; some to the extreme.
Now I am not sure why I am having those dreams but I guess I can relate to some of my feelings and thoughts earlier.
There's so much more I can think of to talk about dreams but I guess I can only share as much :)
Do let me know of your thoughts and views on dreams as well:D
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Above All
Above all powers, above all kings
Above all nature and all created things
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man
You were here before the world began
Above all kingdoms, above all thrones
Above all wonders the world has ever known
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure what you're worth
Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all
Above all nature and all created things
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man
You were here before the world began
Above all kingdoms, above all thrones
Above all wonders the world has ever known
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure what you're worth
Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all
Good Friday today!
Today is Good Friday; the famous Friday where our Lord Jesus Christ will be crucified and die for our sins.
He took it above all to take this unto himself.
And we also realize the TRUE love from our Almighty Father who sent HIS one and ONLY son to suffer and die for our sins.
Today will be a day of abstinence and penance; most of the Christians/Catholics alike will be fasting to observe the death of Jesus Christ and to reflect on our own sins.
It is really a very sad occasion; and I remember when I was very young, Daddy bought me this Children's Bible which was really thick and full of pictures and colors (meant for kids) and I read the whole thing; from the Old to New Testament (well, i LOVED reading since young).
When I came to this part of the crucifixion, I was totally in tears and couldn't stop crying.
It was totally inhuman to me!!
Crown of thorns, nailing on the hands!!! Ugggghhhh....even thinking of it now, gives me the shudders.
I couldn't even bear to watch Passion of Christ for that reason.
It must have been the worst ordeal any normal human being can go through.
Most of you may say that well, he is the Son of God. However, also bear in mind, he was also of flesh and blood and is as human as you and me.
His pains are no less than what we experience.
Imagine when you get a small cut and even you will scream and sometimes, even the tingling when your cuts expose themselves to the air, imagine this!!!
And think, he was even continuously whipped inhumanly without mercy and he was forced to carry this huge cross on his back and even went through the humiliation of being stripped naked in public.
*Tears*
And all that, because he Loved us so much.....he thought of that ABOVE all of his sufferings.
Have a blessed Good Friday everyone, just observe today as a day of solemnity and be mindful of all our sins and repent.
Remember and do not throw away Jesus's effort to redeem us and give us new lives!
God bless you...
He took it above all to take this unto himself.
And we also realize the TRUE love from our Almighty Father who sent HIS one and ONLY son to suffer and die for our sins.
Today will be a day of abstinence and penance; most of the Christians/Catholics alike will be fasting to observe the death of Jesus Christ and to reflect on our own sins.
It is really a very sad occasion; and I remember when I was very young, Daddy bought me this Children's Bible which was really thick and full of pictures and colors (meant for kids) and I read the whole thing; from the Old to New Testament (well, i LOVED reading since young).
When I came to this part of the crucifixion, I was totally in tears and couldn't stop crying.
It was totally inhuman to me!!
Crown of thorns, nailing on the hands!!! Ugggghhhh....even thinking of it now, gives me the shudders.
I couldn't even bear to watch Passion of Christ for that reason.
It must have been the worst ordeal any normal human being can go through.
Most of you may say that well, he is the Son of God. However, also bear in mind, he was also of flesh and blood and is as human as you and me.
His pains are no less than what we experience.
Imagine when you get a small cut and even you will scream and sometimes, even the tingling when your cuts expose themselves to the air, imagine this!!!
And think, he was even continuously whipped inhumanly without mercy and he was forced to carry this huge cross on his back and even went through the humiliation of being stripped naked in public.
*Tears*
And all that, because he Loved us so much.....he thought of that ABOVE all of his sufferings.
Have a blessed Good Friday everyone, just observe today as a day of solemnity and be mindful of all our sins and repent.
Remember and do not throw away Jesus's effort to redeem us and give us new lives!
God bless you...
The Last Supper
_-_The_Last_Supper_(1495-1498).jpg)
The Feast of the Last Supper; or the Passover Night.
This is a painting by the famous painter; Leonardo Da Vinci who took a total of 7 years to complete this piece.
The great artist went to great lengths; searching for the models that fit his imagined and ideal vision of the innocent and pure image of Christ to the image of Judas to portray the apostle who betrayed Jesus.
It took him a great deal and he finally found them; but as I found this interesting story on the painting here
The Passover Night was named where Jesus knew that it will be last night before he passed over to be with His Father (as according to the priest whom I attended mass last night).
Also, it is a celebration of the unity and consecration of the blessed sacrament; the Body and Blood of Christ which he offered at the table.
He also washed the feet of his disciples and encouraged them to do the same to each other; "Love one another as I have loved you"
This act was also re-enacted in the mass every year where the priest will wash 12 selected parishioners' feet.
The priest in this church I attended last night was different in the sense that, besides washing their feet, he even took it to kiss them.
Quote, "When you wash someone's feet, you look at the feet, and not at the face. That case, you are not doing a great job and is unwilling to wash their feet. Also, when you are at service, do it with will and joy and regardless of whose feet are those".
The blessed sacrament was also put up for adoration and silent commemoration until midnight.
Back to the last supper, the above picture depicts Jesus with his 12 apostles and the one that is farthest from Jesus was Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Jesus for ~5 silvers which is the equivalent of $16.96 in today's currency.
Jesus, however, knew his betrayal and mentioned that during the washing of the feet ritual to Simon Peter who refused to let him wash as that he was not worthy of his Lord to do so.
Jesus reasoned that he will know one day what he is doing; and quoted as saying (from the Bible):
"You are clean, though not all of you are"
Jesus mentioned that one of them will betray him; and mentioned that it is better for the man to never be born.
Judas mentioned that, "Rabbi, surely you do not mean me?"
Jesus said, "You have said it"
During Supper, the famous of the blood and body took place where Jesus broke the bread and offered to all his disciples, pronouncing (actually performing the miracle of the transformation of bread) as his Body.
Then doing the same thing, this time to wine (transforming to blood), he once again offered it to his Disciples.
Thereafter, they went to the Mount of Olives.
This is the famous Last Supper/Passover Night captured from what we celebrate or commemorate today as Holy Thursday, which marks the continuity of the Easter Triduum.
God bless all of you!~
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Maundy Thursday
Today is the Feast of the Last supper.....the Holy Thursday or as some call it Maundy Thursday.
There are a lot of versions referring to this day as well; Great Thursday, etc.
In fact, I just found from Wikipedia that at the dusk of today, it will mark the end of the Lent Season...I used to think Lent only ends on Easter; that's why we celebrate.
Anyway, tomorrow, Good Friday will still be a day of penance and observation - so, not considered the end yet.
The famous tradition of this day is actually Christ breaking the bread and offering the wine to his disciples.
Then there is also the practice of the washing of the disciples' feet which is also reenacted in the churches as an observation of the custom every year.
This is conducted by the lay/ministers in the church by washing the feet of the parishioners or the congregation to commemorate this humble act of Jesus as the master towards his disciples.
It is also the night where one of his disciples, Judas betrayed Jesus.
Holy Thursday is also the mark of the beginning of the Easter Triduum; marking the 3 day celebration before Easter; starting with Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.
The caricatures of this event is made famous through various paintings; the most famous was the Da Vinci's Last Supper which created the controversy through Dan Brown's novel about the mysteries behind the painting (some kind of code, etc).
I will be attending the mass tonight as well; for the Holy Thursday; God bless you and let's prepare ourselves for the celebration of the Lord's resurrection.
There are a lot of versions referring to this day as well; Great Thursday, etc.
In fact, I just found from Wikipedia that at the dusk of today, it will mark the end of the Lent Season...I used to think Lent only ends on Easter; that's why we celebrate.
Anyway, tomorrow, Good Friday will still be a day of penance and observation - so, not considered the end yet.
The famous tradition of this day is actually Christ breaking the bread and offering the wine to his disciples.
Then there is also the practice of the washing of the disciples' feet which is also reenacted in the churches as an observation of the custom every year.
This is conducted by the lay/ministers in the church by washing the feet of the parishioners or the congregation to commemorate this humble act of Jesus as the master towards his disciples.
It is also the night where one of his disciples, Judas betrayed Jesus.
Holy Thursday is also the mark of the beginning of the Easter Triduum; marking the 3 day celebration before Easter; starting with Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.
The caricatures of this event is made famous through various paintings; the most famous was the Da Vinci's Last Supper which created the controversy through Dan Brown's novel about the mysteries behind the painting (some kind of code, etc).
I will be attending the mass tonight as well; for the Holy Thursday; God bless you and let's prepare ourselves for the celebration of the Lord's resurrection.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
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