February 14 is Valentine’s Day when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts.  Valentine’s Day traditions have also expanded over time to not only giving gifts to one’s lovers but also to one’s relatives, family, or friends. While the intention of expressing one’s affection on Valentine's Day is the same around the world, different traditions in different countries make the gifts and expressions unique. 

Denmark’s Valentine tradition can be defined into two things: white flowers and guessing games. On Valentine’s Day, people exchange white flowers called “snowdrops” with each other. Sending their crushes so called “joke letters” is also another tradition for Danish people on Valentine’s Day. The recipient has to guess the sender of the letter, which is usually signed only with dots. When the recipient guesses the sender correctly, the sender owes the recipient a chocolate Easter egg later in the spring.

Germany’s Valentine's tradition is related to pigs; although one could think of receiving a chocolate pig for Valentine’s Day as an insult, Germans do not think the same way. In Germany, actually, pigs represent luck and lust. For Germans, it is traditional to exchange pig-themed gifts with one’s loves. In addition, Germans also celebrate the holiday by giving one’s loves big, heart-shaped ginger cookies usually with messages written on them.

In Ghana, February 14 is National Chocolate Day. Various events are held around the country to promote their top agricultural export, the cocoa bean.

In Estonia, February 14 is called “Sobrapaev,” which means “Friendship Day.” Instead of a day for lovers to show and express their affections towards each other, it is a day to celebrate all kinds of friendships. 

In Taiwan, girls are expected to receive flowers from their admirers. However, the color and number of flowers contains different messages. Red roses, for example, have the secret message “you’re my one and only.” Ninety-nine roses mean “I will love you forever,” and one hundred and eight roses mean “Will you marry me?”

Valentine’s Day was initially meant to express and celebrate affections between lovers, but it has gradually expanded into celebrating and expressing all kinds of feelings and emotions to all kinds of different relationships. People around the world celebrate the holiday with different traditions, but they still have the same intent: to express one’s affection toward their loved ones.

When I asked her whether she likes working at EC, Mrs. Lannom answered that she loves EC. She described that “this has been such a change for me coming from a much smaller school; however, it has been amazing.” 

One interesting fact about Mrs. Lannom is that she is a college cheerleading national champion. She said that she has a total of ten college national championship rings: two as an athlete and seven as a college coach. 

I was so surprised to have such a talented person as the head cheerleading coach at our school, and I am looking forward to the positive impact Mrs. Lannom will bring to our school’s cheerleading team. I am also excited to see Mrs. Lannom at our school, working as a special education teacher for math and science. I hope Mrs. Lannom enjoys her new workplace, East Coweta High School, and positively interacts with students here at EC.  

Thanksgiving Day, a cherished tradition in the United States, is a time for families and friends to come together and give thanks for the blessings in their lives. Celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November, Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it holds a profound historical significance. Stemming from the first feast shared by the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians in 1621, Thanksgiving embodies the spirit of gratitude and unity that defines the American culture.

Historical Significance:

The origins of Thanksgiving can be traced back to the early colonial period when the Pilgrims, seeking refuge and religious freedom, sailed across the treacherous Atlantic on the Mayflower. After surviving a devastating winter, they formed a bond with the Wampanoag Indians, who taught them essential survival skills and helped them cultivate the land. To express their gratitude for a bountiful harvest, the Pilgrims and Native Americans joined together in a three-day feast, celebrating their newfound friendship and cooperation. This event serves as a crucial reminder of the harmony that can exist between different cultures and the importance of gratitude in fostering unity.

Symbolism and Traditions:

Thanksgiving is steeped in symbolism and traditions that have stood the test of time. The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving celebration is the Thanksgiving turkey, a symbol of abundance and prosperity. Roasted to perfection and served alongside traditional dishes such as cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, the turkey is a culinary representation of gratitude for the year's harvest. Additionally, the act of gathering around the table to share a meal symbolizes the importance of family and community bonds, fostering a sense of togetherness during this special occasion.

The Spirit of Gratitude:

At its core, Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and gratitude. It offers us an opportunity to take a step back from our daily lives and acknowledge the blessings we often take for granted. From the simple pleasures of a warm home and a nourishing meal to the love and support of our loved ones, Thanksgiving reminds us of the importance of expressing gratitude. Whether through prayers, heartfelt conversations, or sharing thoughtful sentiments, giving thanks allows us to recognize the positive aspects of our lives and cultivate a sense of contentment within ourselves.

Modern Celebrations:

While the historical significance of Thanksgiving remains intact, modern celebrations have evolved over time. It is now customary for families to watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade, a televised event featuring larger-than-life floats, marching bands, and performances by renowned artists. Another popular tradition is the annual football game, where families gather around the television to cheer for their favorite teams. Additionally, many people extend their gratitude beyond their immediate circles by volunteering at food drives, homeless shelters, or other community events, embodying the true spirit of Thanksgiving through acts of charity.

Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it is a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives and express gratitude for the abundance we enjoy. From its historical roots to modern-day celebrations, Thanksgiving brings people together, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for the things that truly matter. Let us embrace this treasured tradition with open hearts and minds, as we come together as a nation to give thanks for the blessings we have received and to share in the spirit of generosity and goodwill.

When I asked Mr. Prince whether he likes his new position, he said that he likes it a lot. He said, “One of my favorite things about this new position is helping students find those stories and areas of interest and talking with them about what they are reading.” However, he also said that his new position is very different from previous years and is a challenge for him. He said, “This is my twenty-first year in education with the first twenty all being in the classroom. This is a new challenge for me and a new way to spend my day.” 

Mr. Prince concluded his interview by saying that he believes reading is incredibly important. He enjoys reading and thinks reading can positively impact students in ways they do not even know. During AP US History class last year, he introduced us to different historical books and often emphasized to us that reading is important. I am excited to see how our media center will change and impact students under our new media specialist.