Holi

Holi is a Hindu holiday that falls on the day after the full moon in March each year. It marks the end of winter in India. Holi is sometimes called the Festival of Color, because on Holi everyone in India throws paint at each other! 

To prepare, folks buy gulal, which are powdered paints in rich colors of pink, magenta, red, yellow and green. Three days before Holi families get together to sprinkle a little of the gulal powders on each other, to share love and blessings. 

On the day of Holi the whole country goes wild with people laughing and running in the streets; they smear each other with powder, drench each other with buckets of paint, and spray paint with long pistons (like super-soakers). They also fill water balloons with paint! People often show respect for elders by sprinkling dry powder on their feet. 

By the end of the day everyone is covered with color- old people, children, men, women, rich and poor. Holi creates a feeling of equality in a country with strong disparity.

Agenda Today:1. Make Malpua:

Malpua is a very addictive treat from North India especially prepared during the Holi festival. It's a like a fried donut with a slightly spicy flavor. 

We like to start these before the celebration so they are ready to fry and eat (with hot tea) while we are warming up. 

Ingredients: 

• 1-1/2 c. coarsely ground whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp. fennel seeds
• 10 crushed peppercorns
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder.
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 3/4-c. water
• 1/4-c. yogurt
• oil for frying

Yield: 12 pancakes- 

1- Combine the flour, fennel seeds, peppercorns, and baking powder.

2- Dissolve sugar in water. Add yogurt and mix into the flour mixture to form a thick batter. Set aside for 45 minutes.



3- Heat 1" of oil in a frying pan on medium heat. Pour a spoonful of the batter into oil, spread into a thin round shape, and fry until golden brown.


4- Drain on paper. Serve hot.

2. Have a paint throwing celebration:
March in my area can be rainy and cold, but we almost always manage to celebrate Holi with paint throwing- It's just so much fun! Here's how I organize things: 

• Everyone wears clothes they don’t care about, and brings a change. I stack large old towels by the backdoor. Most of us choose to go barefoot.
• I pour out small cups of powdered tempera paints, and each person chooses one color.
• I gather empty spray bottles, and a large bucket of warm water and we each find a bottle that sprays to our satisfaction.
• We gather in a circle outside in my backyard, around the bucket of water. I put a good quantity of red food coloring into it, and we fill our spray bottles. 
• We set the ground rules: No spraying in the face. Let us know if you don’t want others to put paint in your hair. The back porch is a safety zone. Have fun and make sure everyone else is having fun! 

We begin with a ritual sprinkling of dry powder- one at a time we dip a finger in our powder and smear it on each person, to honor our friendship. 






Then we begin to spray and throw the colored water and dry powder at each other! It’s a blast!

Afterwards, I bring a dishtub of warm water outside and everyone cleans their feet, strips off the top layer of wet clothing, and then goes inside to dry off and change.

Full Egg Moon

Tonight is the full moon, my monthly time for action and release: Today I look again at the “seeds of intention” I planted 2 weeks ago at the new moon and decide on my next steps to take; I take those steps; then I release my expectations in order to clear space for new ideas and new intentions.

This full moon is called the Egg Moon, because this is the month when birds begin to lay eggs again. The egg is a powerful symbol: It is hope, new beginnings, and completeness. My vague ideas take a solid shape, enclosed in a perfect shell, and I have created a whole new beautiful thing!

Agenda for today:
1. Altar:
It's time to discern what to add to my altar for March and April. (For my thoughts on altars see About Altars). I generally keep it simple and choose only things that speak to me and feed me, and reveal what I believe in. I ask, what quality of Spirit do I want to invoke? 

A couple days ago, on the equinox, I cleared the altar and put out-

• a flower print cloth for spring 
• an egg for hope, new beginnings, and completeness
• hyacinth for playfulness
• daffodil for happiness and friendship

And then on Palm Sunday I added-

• crosses to remind myself to die and be reborn every day

Today I add-

• an orange candle for joy and creativity.
• A reminder to Lighten Up!

2. Journal:
Review the intentions I set 2 weeks ago, at the new moon. Do these goals all still seem vital? What are my next steps?
What do I want to create in my life?

Write about what brings me joy, contentment, serenity, satisfaction, and harmony.
How can I invite more of this into my life? 
How can I develop my creative and playful qualities?

3. Lake Meditation: 

Settle into meditation, and form a vision in your head of a serene, clear lake, off in the distance. The lake represents true joy, yielding and gentle, but resting on firmness, truth, and strength within the heart. 

As you walk (in your mind) to the lake, pick up three stones for three things you want to create in your life. 

Now sit by the lake; listen to the birds, and watch the sun sparkle on the surface. Let the peace and contentment enter your soul. 

Pick up the first stone, and toss it into the lake. Watch the circles widen and settle again, then look down to the bottom and see what appears. Repeat for each stone, then sit with these images for a few minutes to make them clear.

4. Practice at my theme:
My theme this month is joy: contentment, pleasant feelings, serenity, satisfaction, and harmony within and without. It’s this childlike quality of joy that supports my spontaneous, innovative, creative spirit. Also, my joyous mood is infectious and brings success with relationships.
My intentions:

• Be mindful of the wonder that surrounds me.
• Enjoy time in the garden.
• Allow time for spontaneity.
• Play with painting new subject matter.
• Make fun and happy things with my hands.
• Visit and invite friends over.

5. Take Action:
Spring is filled with a riot of color and activity. It’s a quick-flowing time- the start of something new. In the winter I dreamed dreams and made plans. Now is the time to get into action- to do the work of creating my vision here on the earth.

The time of the full moon is used for attracting energy, and so today I invite the energy of creativity, joy, and growth. I ask Spirit to hold me in a loving stream of Light so that I can be free to break out of my shell and grow larger and better.

Nowruz

Nowruz is the Persian New Year, which begins on March 19 this year, at the Spring Equinox, and is celebrated in Iran for two weeks. The word Nowruz means New Day in Persian. It’s an ancient Persian belief that creation of the world took place on the first day of spring.

Agenda today:
1. Prepare the sabzeh: 

Two weeks ago I planted some seeds in a shallow bowl, called the sabzeh in Iran, a symbol of new life. Lentils or wheat are traditional; I planted a mixture of wheat and rye grain that I had in the cupboard for a cover crop.

This week the sprouts are tall enough to make a good show. To prepare them for the table, we wrap them up with a red ribbon. 

2. Dye a few eggs: 

Yep, colored eggs are a traditional part of Nowruz. The favorite colors are red, green and yellow, but all colors are used. 

3. Make Shir Berenj (Persian Milk & Rice Pudding):
In Farsi, shir means milk and berenj means rice. This pudding is one of the 7 symbolic foods on the Nowruz table, symbolic of taste and health.

Ingredients:

• 1/2-c. rice
• 1-1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/8-c. sugar
• 1/8-c. rose water
• Cinnamon

Yield: Serves 2- 1- Rinse rice with cool water and soak, preferably overnight, or at least two hours before cooking.

2- Drain the rice and place in a pot with 1/2-c. water on medium-low heat. Bring to a gentle boil, lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Then gradually add milk, stirring frequently to avoid getting a crusty bottom.

3- Once milk is absorbed by all the rice grains, about 40 minutes, add sugar and rose water. Stir well and cook for another 15-20 minutes. Make sure you are cooking on the lowest heat until it thickens.

4- When the pudding is well-cooked transfer it into bowls. Garnish with cinnamon or jam.

4. Make Koloocheh Cookies:

Koloocheh is a Persian cookie with a rich date and walnut filling, baked for special occasions. 



Ingredients:

• 3-1/2 c. flour
• 1/8 tsp. each baking soda and powder
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 2/3 c. unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1/2 c. water,
• 1/4 c. rosewater
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 2 c. pitted dates
• 1 c. walnuts
• 2 Tbsp. tahini
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cumin; whisk together. Make a well, and add unsalted butter and vegetable oil; mix well with your hands. 

2. Add water, rosewater, and honey. Continue to knead for 5 minutes, then cover with plastic and rest 20 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, make the filling: Combine pitted dates, walnuts, tahini, and cinnamon, and blend in a blender to make a paste. 

4. Oil and flour a pan. Preheat oven to 350° F. 

5. Divide the dough into 8 parts. Pat each ball of dough into a flat disk and put a scoop of filling in the center. 

Fold the edges over and pat it closed. 

6. Press each cookie flat with a plate or a cookie stamp,






and poke a few holes with a chop stick.

7. Place on the pan, brush with oil, and bake 25-30 minutes. 

5. Set up a haft sin:

A few days before Noruz every household spreads a tablecloth on the carpet or table called the Sofreh-e Haft Sin, or Cloth of Seven Dishes. 

Traditionally the cloth is white, but we use an appliqued cloth that my art class students have been making. We were inspired by Persian embroidered suzani, and we work on it a little each year.

After we spread the suzani out on the table, we have a hunt to find the symbolic items to put on the haft sin table- including seven bowls filled with seven symbolic foods, each beginning with the Persian letter sheen.

• Sharab- wine, for happiness
• Shakar- sugar, for sweetness
• Shir- milk, for nourishment
• Shireh- fruit syrup (usually grape), for vigor
• Shahd- honey, for productive teamwork
• Shirini- candy, more sweetness
• Shir berenj- rice pudding, for health

Other symbols of spring are also placed on the table; each family has its own traditions, but the common items are: 

• Sabzeh sprouts, for new life
• A mirror to reflect the images of creation 
• A candle for each child, to represent wisdom and happiness 
• A Holy Book or book of poetry
• Spring flowers 
• Colored eggs, for fruitfulness 
• Coins, for prosperity 
• Rose water for healing 
• Cookies for a sweet life 

6. Nowruz Ceremony:

Family and friends gather to wait for the Nowruz ceremony, which traditionally happens at the exact moment of the equinox. Everyone greets each other with "Nowruz Mubarak!" - Happy New Day! 

Next the oldest person holds up a mirror and each person looks into the mirror and smiles. The mirror is for reflecting a person's past, and reminding a person to reflect on future goals and pledges. In Zoroastrian theology, the soul receives a reflection of a person's thoughts, words and deeds.

Spring Equinox

Spring Equinox occurs tonight at 9:30 p.m. PDT. The word equinox comes from the Latin words aequus (equal) and nox (night). This is a moment of balance- the sun rises exactly in the east, and sets exactly in the west, and we experience twelve hours each of light and dark. From this moment on, we gain more light each day, until the summer solstice.

A gray spring day in my home town.

Agenda Today:
1. Journal:
Center, and consider the balance in my life.
How can I balance my personal needs with my commitments to the outside world? 
How well do I balance my physical, mental, and spiritual needs?

Think also of the balance in the world; meditate upon what this half of the year will bring, dark and light, and how best I can take right action in the world.

2. Start Spring Cleaning: 
For the past three months I have been keeping the house basically clean, and doing a few extra cleaning projects when I have the time. In January I cleaned mold and mildew. In February I did some clearing of clutter. 

Now it's spring, my traditional time to clean deeply. As I begin this process, I consider the symbolism of the cluttered and dirty areas of my home: 

• If my desk is messy, is my thinking very orderly? 
• Does ancient food on the kitchen shelves connect to undernourishment of my spirit? 
• Do dirty windows block my view of the celebration of life?
• Do cluttered closets point to activities in my life that need reorganizing or recycling?

Today I will make a plan, and schedule one cleaning focus each day. Each day I will put on some fun, lively music, set a timer for two hours, open the windows and doors, and let the sweet green aroma of spring enter our home. I will work for my allotted time each day, and then stop.

• Today- Clear out the cabinets and closets: What things have I not used in months or years? What can I donate or toss?
• Monday-Clean the woodwork: Scrub around doorknobs, clean the outside of cabinets.
• Tuesday- Paperwork: Sort and discard about half of my stored paper.
• Wednesday- Clean the windows: Clean inside and out and wash the curtains.  
• Thursday- Clean the floors: Move and clean under furniture; vacuum and mop. 
• Friday- Clear surfaces: Put away all the winter decorations and knick-knacks, and make room for spring.
• Saturday- Decorate for spring: Once the house is clean I can put out green and yellow cloths and candles, and a big vase of spring flowers, and set out my nests, birds, and bunnies.

After a thorough cleaning, we will feel the fragrance of springtime throughout the house, and I will also get the cobwebs out of my head! What a perfect way to celebrate the season- my house, my family and I myself deserve this kind of loving attention. 

3. Spring Altar:
Today I will clear my altar, and discern what to put on it for spring. (For my thoughts on altars see About Altars). I generally keep it simple and choose only things that speak to me and feed me, and reveal what I believe in. 
I ask, what quality of Spirit do I want to invoke? 

Today I add-

• a flower print cloth for spring
• an egg for hope, new beginnings, and completeness
• hyacinth for playfulness
• daffodil for happiness and friendship

4. Plant my straw doll:

Each fall I make a corn or straw doll. This year I made this simple straw doll on the autumn equinox, and she has been sitting on my altar ever since.

The custom in Europe was to make a straw figure out of the last sheaf of wheat that was harvested, so the spirit of the grain had a place to live through the winter. Then it was planted again in the spring... so today I will plant my doll, along with some spinach starts.

5. Equinox Prayer: 
Tonight before bed I will light candles, at the exact time of the equinox (9:30 p.m. in the Pacific Northwest), and say this prayer as I point to the 7 directions: 

In this moment of perfect balance between day and night,
I seek to be grounded in the center of my being.

I am:

• (East) inspired by the crystal clarity of Air.
• (South) enlightened by the transforming power of Fire.
• (West) renewed by the healing powers of Water.
• (North) nurtured by the powers of Earth.
• (Downward) supported by the stabilizing energy of below.
• (Upward) guided by the Spirit above.
• (Within) balanced in the axis of my being.

World Day of Prayer

The World Day of Prayer takes place every year on the first Friday in March. It was formed after the devastation of World War I, when women were convinced that world peace was tied to world mission. Each year, Christian women from all over the world join together to plan and organize events, and suggest a theme and focus for prayer and prayerful action. 

This year the theme was set by the women of Cuba, who call us to consider the words “Receive children, receive me.”  They explain that the church is a community that witnesses the signs of God’s realm. Children are welcomed. As we take part in educating, caring and loving children as Jesus did, we create community that resembles the face of God’s realm. 

"Let us join in efforts to follow Jesus’ teachings, and not merely correct ideas about children and people who have no power in society, but also correct the behavior of adults toward these marginalized groups."


Agenda today: 
1. Study up on Child Rights issues: 
The women of Cuba have listed a number of social justice issues and concerns that are significant for them, with suggested actions. You can see the entire Action Guide here.

The one I will focus on is Child Rights. I did some research at the Child Rights International Network web site, and it's pretty depressing. 

One report on "access to justice for children" rates the US tied for 52nd with Uganda... really?

That means that we can't trust our legal system to protect our children's human rights.

The report states: "The US does not have a comprehensive set of federal laws or any uniform statutory framework for child rights; rather, provisions on children’s rights are scattered across several state laws. Minors can only initiate action in state civil court through a parent or guardian ad litem. Challenges to children’s constitutional violations are brought in the same way as any other case - through a representative, in either state or federal courts. The Supreme Court can strike down any law or action that is incompatible with the Federal Constitution, including its rights provisions."

2. Journal:

Think creatively about children's issues- 

What small steps can I take to advocate for change in the world?

What steps can I take myself to change habits?

3. Learn about Cuba:
WPD has a whole page about Cuba's history and cultural diversity here. 

Tonight I plan to eat Cuban pork, black beans, and rice.

4. Prayer: 
Great Spirit, open me to feel compassion for those in need. Help me find ways to fight for equality and work towards equity in my own use of resources.