[tuliptree76]

Good morning, everyone!

Here are the holidays we will be celebrating today and tomorrow.

January 25:
Full Moon Day
Tu B'Shvat
Robert Burns Day

January 26:
Australia Day
Backwards Day
Compliment Day
Republic Day (India)

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

Born in Alloway, Ayrshire, in 1759 to William Burness, a poor tenant farmer, and Agnes Broun, Robert Burns was the eldest of seven. He spent his youth working his father's farm, but in spite of his poverty he was extremely well read - at the insistence of his father, who employed a tutor for Robert and younger brother Gilbert. At 15 Robert was the principal worker on the farm and this prompted him to start writing in an attempt to find "some kind of counterpoise for his circumstances." It was at this tender age that Burns penned his first verse, "My Handsome Nell", which was an ode to the other subjects that dominated his life, namely scotch and women.

MORE...

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

The 15th day of the month of Shvat marks the beginning of the "new year" for trees.

Tu B'Shvat is the new year for the purpose of calculating the age of trees for tithing. The Torah states that fruit from trees which were grown in the land of Israel may not be eaten during the first three years; the fourth year's fruit is for G-d, and after that, the fruit can be eaten. Each tree is considered to have aged one year as of Tu B'Shvat, no matter when in the year it was planted.

It is customary to plant trees and partake of the fruits of the land of Israel to mark the occasion.

This year (5765 / 2004-2005) Tu B'Shvat falls on January 25, 2005.

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

Much more in-depth spiritual explanation for Tu B'shevat here.

[JustAmy]

Good morning, Tulip.

I hope all is going well with your classes this semester.

Sorry that I missed today's celebrations. I should be here a little more tomorrow, tho I have a week of laundry that I need to take care of soon.