Valentine’s Day

The 14th day of February is famously known as Valentine’s Day, a contemporary holiday designated as a day to celebrate love and romance. It is a time when lovers could express their affection through bouquet of roses, sweet chocolaty confections and well-written love notes.  All the symbols of love contain vestiges from ancient pre-Roman rituals to the customs of Victorian England.

The History of Valentine’s Day

Lupercalia

The earliest account of a festival that took place around this date was an ancient Roman festival called Lupercalia that last from February 13 to 15, and culminate on the 15th. It is an ancient festival under the superintendence of Luperci priests that worship a deity who protects herds from wolves and the legendary she-wolf who nursed Romulus and Remus, mythical founders of Rome.

Lupercalia was a very ancient festival, possibly subsumed another ancient pre-Roman pastoral annual celebration called Februa, observed in the city of Rome held on the same date, February 15, to avert evil spirits and purify the city, releasing health and fertility. This earlier spring related ritual mayhap an earlier-origin of spring cleansing tradition, that have the same idea of purification or purging, which also gave the month its name, February or Februarius. The festival was also associated with the god Faunus, bestower of fruitfulness on fields and flocks.

There have been insidious remarks about this ancient Pagan festival slyly suggestive it’s all about barbaric custom in comparison to other contemporary religious rituals. As during this celebration priests, not men as some asserted, would sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification. They would then strip the goat’s hide into strips, not into thongs or whip, again as claimed by some, if it was a thongs or whip would it be similar one used by penitent Christians for self-flagellation- as the practice of mortification of the flesh. The dip the strips of hide into the sacrificial blood and milk, then and ran around a boundary, gently slapping, not striking, both women and crop fields with the goat hide, for fruitfulness – fertility for women and good harvest for crops.  In Plutarch’s description of Lupercalia, he cited that many women purposely get in the way present their hands to be struck, believing that the pregnant will have a good delivery and the barren to pregnancy [2].

The festival also included a ritual that had a bit more relevance to love and marriage, a matchmaking lottery, according to legend, all the single women in the city would place their names in a big urn in which single men each drew or choose a name and paired as a couple would then be together for the duration of Lupercalia or longer if it is a good match. In another legend, the duration would be for a year. These matches often end in marriage and eventually offspring, just like the wishful ideas of love and romance.

St. Valentine’s Day

Lupercalia survived the initial rise of Christianity and but was outlawed, as it was deemed pagan and unchristian. In 494 CE, the Catholic Christian church under Pope Gelasius I appropriated the form of rite as the Feast of Purification. Another narrative indicates it was in 496 CE, that the same pope declared February 14 to be St. Valentine’s Day and replaced Lupercalia. The declaration was to honor Saint Valentine’s martyrdom.

There are several Christian martyrs named Valentine, or Valentinus, that the Catholic Church acknowledged to be the canonized priest whom the holiday was named. Here are different accounts recognized by the Roman Catholic Church:

According to legend about 270 BCE under Emperor Claudius II Gothicus, a priest signed a letter “from your Valentine” to his jailer’s daughter, whom he had befriended and healed from blindness. A further account suggested that Valentine may have been killed attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman Prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. Similar to the account above, the imprisoned and death-sentenced Valentine signed a letter addressed to his jailer’s daughter, whom he fell in-love, in which sending the first “valentine” greetings…”From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.

Another story suggested on a different crime, in which the priest tried to convert Roman Emperor Claudius II, who had him executed in a rather gruesome way, beaten, stoned and then beaded. Then, there is the account of a different occupational title, that rather being a priest, St. Valentine of Terni was a bishop, but some believed these two men were the same person.

The most common legend states that in 269 CE the Roman Empire, under Emperor Claudius II, was experiencing massive turmoil at the time. Dubbed the ‘Crisis of the Third Century’ by scholars, this period saw the empire divide into three competing states, with the threat of invasion all around. With the Roman Empire hanging by a thread, Claudius needed all the brazen war power he could get. Claudius made the unpopular decision to ban marriage among young people, believing that unmarried soldiers fought better than married soldiers. St. Valentine defied the emperor‘s orders and secretly married couples, as he believed marriage to be a God-given sacrament. A different version was he secretly married couples to spare the husband from war. Whatever the real reason maybe, Valentine was eventually found out and imprisoned. While in prison, he had been passing notes, hence some claimed it may have come about the passing of Valentine notes or love notes.

Some believe St. Valentine to have been either executed or interred on February 14, which probably around 270 CE. Although the truth behind the Valentine legend is murky and tainted with embellishments, the stories emphasize to make him appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and most importantly romantic figure. It is for this reason that most believe his commemoration day is associated with love. With that padded reputation he would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Valentine’s Day

Similar to Saturnalia that has been “Christianize” into Christmas; an all powerful religious authority did the same to an ancient pagan Roman feast of Lupercalia This annual spring celebration observed purification rituals to bring bounty of fruitfulness and fertility. And it was not until much later, however, that the day became definitively associated with love. As centuries later romantic authors like Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare helped seal the deal with references to the day in their works.

As in 14th century, St. Valentine’s Day came to be celebrated as a day of romance. Many pointed out that Geoffrey Chaucer who wrote a poem “The Parliament of Fowls,” to celebration of the engagement of Richard II of England and Anne of Bohemia, in 1382. This was the first time Valentine’s Day was connected with romantic love. The poem refers to St. Valentine’s Day as the day when birds choose their mates, although there is some dispute that Chaucer was actually referring to May 2, the saint’s day in the liturgical calendar of Valentine of Genoa. It was a common believed in the middle age France and England that February 14 was the beginning of bird’s mating season, which added the idea that the mid-February is a day for romance.

William Shakespeare also helped romanticize Valentine’s Day mentioning it in Ophelia’s lament in Hamlet. The oldest known valentine still in existence was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine Valois

In the 15th century, lovers had been sending to each other formal message or valentines, as well as, and handmade cards appeared. By the 17th century, printed cards were mass produced for Valentine’s day. In 1840s Esther A. Howland, the mother of Valentines,” began selling the first commercial valentines in the US. In 1913, Hall Brothers started printing out Valentine’s Day cards.

Final Thoughts

Ergo this is how we came about celebrating the 45th day of the Gregorian calendar, as the day of romantic love. In which the end-game and the common denominator had been the propagation of human species, close to the original purpose of the observation of similar ancient customs. Such multitude of traditions, festival and celebration, verify we are the one who designate meanings in our lives, and not the other way around. Therefore should not be limited by the outdated and unreasoned dictums but move forward with clear understanding.

As always enjoy Valentine’s Day or Lupercalia or Februa!

References

1. The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. (2013). Encyclopedia Britannica. [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com

2. Plutarch. (1517). Plutarch’s Lives (Vol XII). Retrieved From http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Lives/Caesar*.html#61

Basic Nail Care

In recent years, fingernails have been a great canvass of creative expression. It had evolved from a simple nail polish to a full nail art industry. Long before nail art have been an extension of individuality, nails have been a reflection of overall health. For that reason, it is important to take care of them. To appreciate nail care, let’s go over the basic parts of nails and its functions.

Anatomy and Physiology of Nails

Fingernails and toenails are made of strong protective protein called alpha-keratin, this is also known as nail plates, and it is just a portion of the whole nail structure. The structures that define and produce the nail (nail plate) includes the nail matrix, nail bed, nail fold and margins. 

The nail plate is composed of keratinized, squamous cells that loosely attached to the nail matrix (germinal matrix) but strongly attached to the nail bed (sterile matrix). It is a strong flexible material made of several layers of dead, compressed cells. The shape is determined by the form of the underlying bone.

The nail matrix (germinal matrix) is the tissue upon which the nail plate rests and the part that extends beneath the nail root, situated in the nail sinus. The nail matrix contains nerves, lymph and blood vessels. It is the main site of nail production about 90%, while the nail bed (sterile matrix) is the secondary site of nail production. It is the skin tightly adherent under the nail plate and contains vascular connective tissue enveloping the bone of the finger, called periosteum. It is attached by tiny longitudinal grooves known as the matrix crest, when as a person age, the nail plate grows thinner and the ridges become evident.

The lunula, is a half-moon shape white arc, is the visible part of the nail matrix, colour is due to the presence of nail cell nuclei. Cuticle is the tissue distal to the eponychium in contact with the nail. Eponychium is a small band of skin proximal to the nail that cover the nail fold. The cuticle and eponychium form a protective seal. The paronychium is the soft tissue border around the nail. And the hyponychium is the junction of the nail bed and nail plate,that has a mechanical barrier through keratin plug, which has immunological barrier in the form of lymphocytes and leukocytes.

           

Functions

A healthy fingernail protects the fingertip. It contributes to tactile sensation by acting as a counter force to the fingertip pad. Moreover, it also aids in peripheral thermoregulation through glomus bodies in the nail bed and matrix.

Nail Growth

The keratinization starts with new cells near the periosteum, which duplicate and enlarge, then migrate towards the nail plate. Upon meeting resistance at establish nail plate, the, the cell flatten, and elongate, then integrate into the existing nail plate, eventually the cell losses it nuclei. AS older cells become compressed it became translucent, making the pink colour of the capillaries (small blood vessels) below the nail plate visible. Nearly 90% of the nail plate is produced by the nail matrix, as a result a natural convex curvature of the nail plate from proximal to distal.

Nail growth is estimated at 3-4 mm per month. A complete nail plate growth takes approximately 6 months. There are certain factors that affect the rate of nail growth, like longer digits, warm climate, between age 4 to 30 years old, and nail biting.

Basic Nail Care

1. Keep nails short, clean and dry by cutting them every week or two with a sharp nail clipper to prevent risk of trauma, damage and injury. It is hygienic and safe to have a personal nail clippers, one for hands and another specialise clipper for toenails. Always disinfect clippers before and after use with 60-95% Isopropyl alcohol. 

2. In cutting fingernails, cut it in the shape of the tip of finger, somewhat straight across but a little round at the sides, the round shape equally distributes pressure around the surface thus makes the nail stronger. If nail file (emery board) is use to smooth the ends of nails, make sure that the file is new and not dull; gently rub the nail file along the end of the nail to remove rough edges and shape it.

While in cutting toenails, cut it straight across to prevent ingrown toenail. If toenails are thick and difficult to cut, it would help to soak feet in warm salt water, with ratio of 1 teaspoon of salt per a pint of water, for 5 to 10 minutes.

Do not cut or push back the cuticles to avoid damage infection. If cuticles are dry, rough and irritating, do not cut or push it back, moisturize with lotion to soften it.

3. Do not abuse your nails. Do not bite your nails or pick skin around your nails to prevent pain, irritation, wound and infection. Minimize the use of nail-polish remover to twice a month to prevent brittle nails. Avoid acrylic nails as much as possible. Do not pry or poke at things (things that are stronger than nails) with your nails or use it as a tool, example as a lever, to prevent damage and injury.

4. Observe simple preventative measure from injury or infection. Wear shoes that fit properly and not too tight. Change your sock every day. Wear flip-flops in public showers and at the pool to decrease the risk of infections like fungal infections. Avoid unsanitary foot spas to prevent infections.

5.  Keep a healthy balanced diet rich in protein to keep nails strong. If there is any observable with concerning nails like discolouration, swelling, or pain always seek professional help, see a dermatologist.

These are basic health tips for keeping nails healthy. Is there a health issues you want to talk about? Please share your thoughts, do post your comment, enquiry, reaction, suggestion, and/or correction. And do not forget to follow this blog for more interesting information and ideas. Thank you!

As always take care, stay healthy, keep it simple, be real and enjoy!

References

1. Kinkead, E.B., Sehbai, D.S. & Tunney, C.J. (Eds.). (1972). Modern Century Illustrated Encyclopedia (Vols.). Australia: McGraw-hill Far Eastern Publishers

2. Braun-Falco, O., Plewig, G., Wolff, H.H., & BurgDorf, W.H.C. (1996). Dermatology (Second Edition). Italy: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

3. American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Tips for healthy nails. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/nail-care/healthy-nails

Cooking Oil Part IV: Types of Vegetable Oils

This is the fourth part of the cooking oil series, in which a continuation of the second and third part of the series presenting the different types of vegetable oil. It also enumerate its culinary uses based on it characteristics and storage options. 

Types of Vegetable Oils

 

Corn Oil

Most corn oils are refined, extracted from germ of corn or maize thru expeller-pressed, then undergo a solvent-extraction using chemical compound like hexane or isohexane, and further refining to neutralize fatty acids, remove color and deodorize.  Refined corn oil has a neutral flavor. It is all right to store it in a cool and dark cabinet, but there is no problem in refrigerating it either.

It is frequently use in commercial kitchens as frying oil, other than it’s inexpensive price, it has a neutral flavor and high smoke point of 450-450 degrees Fahrenheit, flashpoint of 617 degrees Fahrenheit and fire point of 670 degrees Fahrenheit.

Corn oil has variety of industrial uses such as in manufacturing of biodiesel, soap, salve, paints and inks, rust proofing, textiles, insecticides and pharmaceutical products.

Sesame Oil

This edible vegetable oil is obtained from pressed ripe sesame seeds, refined ones are followed with chemical solvent extraction, neutralization and bleaching. It comes in a variety of colors from light to deep reddish yellow depending on the seed's color and milling method.

The unrefined, cold pressed sesame oil has a moderate smoke point of 350 degrees Fahrenheit and it tastes great in vinaigrettes, dressings and marinades, while toasted sesame oil brings some bold nutty flavor to stir fries dishes and Asian dips. Semi-refined sesame oil has a high smoke point of 410-450 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for most cooking purpose. Store it in a amber-colored bottle in a cool shelf, cabinet or cupboard, but it can benefit from refrigeration and limited exposure to light and high temperatures to minimize nutrient loss rough oxidation and rancidity.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil, also known as grape oil, is a byproduct of winemaking, where excess grape seeds are pressed and oil is obtained. This light, the lighter the better, green colored and neutral in flavor are greatly appreciated in culinary world for its moderately high smoke point of 420 degrees Fahrenheit  and most especially as doesn’t overpower other ingredient.

Given that supply is limited just like extra virgin olive oil but slightly less expensive but still expensive, it is saved for vinaigrettes, salad dressing and mayonnaise. It is also use as a base for oil infusion so herbs and spices. It is widely used in baked goods, pancakes and waffles, especially raisin pancakes. Speaking of raisins, it is sprayed on raisins to help retain their flavor. 

Just like extra virgin olive oil, buy oil that is packaged in a dark colored glass bottle. And store it in a cool and dark location, like refrigerator or cellar.

Grapeseed oil is a great source of essential fatty acids and Vitamin C and ideal for emancipated individual to help gain healthy weight. It has been used in hair and skin products, so be careful in buying and make sure it is culinary grade.

Olive Oil

This edible oil and its varieties will be feature on the Fifth Part of Cooking Oil Series.

…to be continued

There are lot of different types of cooking oil, as well as, vast variety of vegetable oils, that fact alone would make anyone curious about the significant differences and similarities of oils and proper applications in different kinds of cooking methods. There is a library of information on vegetable oils and it took 3 parts of this series to impart a fraction. This cooking oil series have not even discussed cooking oils fat content which that alone warrant it own series to be examine to avoid premature conclusion and misleading health trends.

What do you think about the different types of vegetable oils? Is there particular topic you would like to know about vegetable oils? Please share your thoughts and post comments, reactions, inquiries, suggestions and corrections below. And do not forget to follow to inspire and help this blog create better content. Thank you!

As always enjoy learning!

References

1. Kinkead, E.B., Sehbai, D.S. & Tunney, C.J. (Eds.). (1972). Modern Century Illustrated Encyclopedia (Vols. 9, 16, 23). Australia: McGraw-hill Far Eastern Publishers

2. The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. (2013). Encyclopedia Britannica. [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/science/fatty-acid

3. Gunstone, F.D. (Ed.). (2011). Vegetable Oils in Food Technology: Composition, Properties and Uses (Second Edition). United Kingdom: Blackwell Publishing Ltd. 

Simple Way to Clean Floors

Floors, floorings, and floor coverings are interchangeable terms concerning the walking surface. In construction, floor would include the supporting part which is the subfloor, the permanent cover of the walking surface, while the floor coverings refer to temporary or loose-laid materials like carpet and rugs, and resilient linoleum and vinyl flooring. For this household hints article, it is about the common walking surface and how to clean and disinfect, and mainly, how to keep it clean.

There are different types of floor covering and floorings from linoleum, vinyl, wood, ceramic, limestone, stone, cement, terrazzo, marble, granite and various chemical floor coating. They differ is durability, stability, cost, comfort, insulation and cleaning effort.  Different areas of a house require different type of flooring, example for kitchens flooring, durability and cleaning effort are the top requirement, and for bathrooms durability and moisture resistant. Other requirement would based on the climate, the traffic in that area, the occupants example are there any children, elderly, people with special needs and/or pets?

Steps in Cleaning and Disinfecting Floors

Starting with the most inexpensive, simple and easy to clean, would be linoleum and vinyl flooring. There are no special equipment needed like a bulky floor polisher or steamer. In cleaning and disinfecting this type of flooring, a broom, dustpan, floor mop, a floor mop bucket, detergent and disinfectant.

1. Cleaning. Clear the area with furniture, floor coverings and traffic. Sweep the floor from one corner to the center of the room and collect the dust and debris. If the floor is dusty and dirty, wet mop the floor with water and detergent until dirt particles and stains are satisfactorily remove. Re-mop to rinse the floor from detergent.

2. Disinfecting. Disinfect with a mixture of 30 ml of 5.25%-6.15% sodium hypochlorite or household bleach with 2 liters of water or other disinfectant. Mop the 1:100 bleach dilution and let it dry.  

Note: If using disinfectant and detergent always follow manufacturers’ instructions for proper and safe use, like recommended dilution, material-compatibility, and storage.

Keeping Floors Clean

Cleaning and disinfecting are quite easy but keeping it clean is challenging and directly proportional to the number and kinds of occupants in a house. Unique and adaptable measures could be applied that would suit the occupants lifestyle, example a mudroom to change outdoor footwear to indoor footwear like flip-flop or slippers, a no shoes policy in the nursery, regular cleaning and disinfecting schedule, keeping pets clean, and/or allowing pets in selected areas.

It is impossible to eliminate interaction with pathogens, as there are other ways that germs can be transmitted, like human-to-human contact, but other risk factors, like surface-to-human transmission, can be interrupted. Cleaning and disinfecting activities reduce disease causing microorganisms and decrease microbial load. A good standard hygiene could reduce infections and illness in a home.

Is this article useful? Please feel free to share your thoughts and leave comments, questions, suggestions and/or corrections below. And do not forget to follow such support would greatly help this blog create better content. Thank you!

As always keep it clean and simple. Enjoy!

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Last Updated February 2017.). Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008.  Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/