Posted on April 7, 2023 by NanaGSmith

Palm Sunday in San Miguel de Allende

Palm Sunday is held 7 days before Easter Sunday. So, this post should have appeared last Sunday, or at least this week Monday… But, I had been really busy recently. Could not process photos. That’s why I am posting it today – the day of another big holiday which is Good Friday.

Today also happened to be a cherished holiday by Orthodox Christianity, which usually falls within the Easter celebration time. This day in Gerogian language is called ხარება, in Russian language it is called – Благовещения. In English it is referred as Annunciation. The day when Mother Mary received good news that she had conceived Jesses Christ.

Back to this post, which I am posting late, but the day of big holiday for Catholic population – Good Friday and Orthodox population – the day of Annunciation.

Thousands and thousands of residents and tourist participated in last Sunday of celebration. This is a day when Jesucristo arrives to Jerusalem on his donkey. As Jesucristo was entering Jerusalem people were greeting him with Palm leaves. Nowadays participants in these day processions carry palm leaves, palm crest which symbolically connects them to the original day of Jesus Christ entering Jerusalem. They walk behind a statue of the Christ sitting on the donkey. Statue is representation of hope, renewal and faith and a blessed future.

All day long there are prayers, songs, dances all around San Miguel de Allende.

Photos below represent this day in San Miguel de Allende. Old and young, kids and teens, all participating walking together, all celebrating. Teen’s choir singing the story of the Christ.

As faithful procession was carrying statue of the Christ, at the same time another group of people enjoying celebration in Centro, where people were just walking, singing and dancing on the streets.

Ken and I, we also participated in this day. I got palm crest, we walked procession, and we even had a glass on wine in little wine bar, just around the corner from the main Cathedral.

As I was sitting at the end of the day and sipping my wine, I thought about this Holy Day and how good it felt to see all these people celebrating with no fear of any evil. Inadvertently, I remember the day, Ken and I went in New York City to see the Christmas Tree on Rockefeller’s Plaza and how scared I was and how uneasy I felt surrounded by masses of people.

In any rate, I am glad it felt so good here. Celebrations continues and I will have more to post later today and/or tomorrow.

For the ones who do not know Orthodox Church celebrates Easter one week late. Easter here in San Miguel is April 9, and in Orthodox Christianity countries – Georgia being one of those Easter is April 16.

Those below are my palm leave crosses standing tall in our apartment.

Answer

The boldest answer

comes from the silence…

Find a minute to hear silence

Amazing answers will appear!

“The greatest sound is silence”

~ Tao Te Ching Lao-tzu Chapter 41

Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound of Silence

“And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence”

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The Night of Altars in San Miguel de Allende

Last Friday of Lent is when the Virgin of Sorrows is honored with beautiful altars in homes and public places. This is a relatively new tradition, when residents of San Miguel de Allende decorating their homes from inside out, creating altars (some works of art). Opening their doors for neighbors and just wanderers to come and pray with them. They also offer some snacks, water, colored ice, ice-cream. Families, kids, teenagers, young and old – all were out and about last night. Attending altars, praying, but more than anything else sampling ice-creams, sugary waters, all around Colonia of San Antonio. It was heartwarming to see community to come together to pray, to talk, to offer.

This altar is next to a mall local store – Frutas, Verduras, Aborotes – where we go to buy our produce. Store is run by young couple. Every time we buy produce, they give something for free. It can be cilantro, few little avocados, cabbage head, once we got even pineapple (piña) for free.

Same store owner had tent put out and was giving away little snacks, water, ice creams.

This is altar next to “aborotes” we go to buy mild, juice, cheese and fruits. The owner of shop is next to the cooler there she had ice. She gave us ice cream too. This is one of the most hard working women I have ever meat.

Those are our neighbors

Lady of Sorrow overlooking our street Orizaba

This is altar next “aborotes” we go to buy mild, juice, cheese and fruits.

Below is old but well written poetic article about this event.

Click here to read

And below is a short video I took last, since many altars are accompanied by music.

Dear readers, all blogs written by me and me only. Spelling mistakes are not due to the lack of education. English is my third language and now I am learning Spanish too. Thus, no judgments please and enjoy blogs.

Symmetry & Proportion in Designing Rooms

Proportion is the relation between elements and a whole.
Symmetry is a vague sense of harmonious and beautiful proportion and balance.

Photos below illustrate how proportion and symmetry can be used in in interior design.
These below are French antique gold platted cherubs:

And this one below is French antique garden iron bench:

From glancing at these two images, one may think that there is no connection between them ; usage, color, application all are different. But the trained eye will notice a balance and symmetry, and see a rhythm like music reflected in these two elements. The photos below of the similar elements lets us see their relationships.

In design it is all about balancing the visual volume of objects. Balance is created not just through shape and size, but also with consideration of color, pattern and texture. The shape and proportions of each piece of furniture and object must be in balance. A room created with proportion and symmetry invites you to be in it, sit down and enjoy the well designed room.

Call or email me for expert advise: 203-858-6727

Hope to hear from you soon!

Nana