German Christmas Ornaments

What are all those things that you see for sale at the Christmas market? In todays article, youll get to know more about German Christmas ornaments and what they mean. Erzgebirge Decorations Although Christmas is a magical spectacle anywhere in Germany, one of its most famous Christmas regions is the Erzgebirge (the ore mountains) located in Saxony close to the Czech border. Most of the decorations in this article were invented in this region, so that the name now stands for the best and most beautiful Christmas decorations available in Germany.    Decorations for Advent In Germany, the season leading up to Christmas starts with erster Advent (1st Advent Sunday). This is the fourth Sunday before Christmas and is welcomed with the wonderful song Wir sagen euch an den lieben Advent. Adventskranz The Adventskranz (advent wreath) consists of an evergreen wreath and four candles. Every Sunday in advent, a new candle is lit and the wreath marks the passage of time and approach of Christmas in this way. Adventskalender German households rarely miss out on their chance to bring in an Adventskalender (advent calendar). Most of us know these products as commercial, chocolate-filled cardboard boxes, but in Germany its also customary for parents or couples to surprise each other with gebastelte (home-crafted) calendars made up of a small surprise for every single day. If you want to get involved with a slice of German christmas, Adventskalender basteln is a wonderful start. Note that a real German advent calendar will not include a compartment for 25 December, because the main event of Christmas in Germany is celebrated on Christmas eve (Heiligabend). This is when the presents are exchanged, relegating 1. Weihnachtstag (Christmas Day) to a lower level of significance. The beginning of advent also marks the right time to start the Christmas countdown. Its time to dig out the following ornaments: Schwibbbà ¶gen The Schwibbbogen is a traditional candle arch to be displayed in a homes window at Christmas time. The design is always round, indicating that it is a Bogen (bow). The word Schwib- originates from the German verb schweben (to float), because the candles are arranged to float on top of the bow.   Weihnachtspyramide (Christmas Pyramid)   This Erzgebirge design is one of my Christmas decoration favourites. The traditional Christmas pyramid uses Physics to create magic. The bottom of the pyramid features candleholders arranged in a circular pattern, and at the top you can find a wind-operated fan. As the candles heat up the air, it rises to the fan and starts to move its little wings. The result is a gentle spinning motion, creating a sense of calm and magic in any room. The Christmas pyramid was allegedly conceived by poorer households who could not afford Christmas trees. Today it is an integral part of German Christmas anywhere. Rà ¤uchermann (Smoker) These incense burners are extremely popular everywhere in Germany. Traditionally designed as wooden dolls that resemble a pipe smoker, many Christmas markets now sell a huge range of smokers that represent hobbies and professions. According to ore mountain lore, the creation of the smoker goes back to the 19th century when a crafty tree trunk convinced a poor lumberjack to free the figurine within.      Nussknacker (Nutcrackers)   Traditional German Nussknacker walk the line between Christmas magic and kitsch beautifully. Originally a household staple for colder days when nuts were a staple in the local winter diet. This guide to the nutcracker  goes into more detail about where the design originated.   A Magical Christmas I hope you have enjoyed this small window into the world of a German christmas. For those who really cannot get enough and want to experience all these decorations in action, the German Christmas Museum  offers an immersive Christmas experience all year round. But at this time of year, look no further than your next Christmas market and enjoy seeing everything while enjoying a mulled wine.

Agenda Setting Theory And Social Media s Influence

Agenda Setting Theory Social Media’s Influence Alicia Murray Kennesaw State University Abstract The creators of the agenda setting theory, Dr. Maxwell McCombs and Donald Shaw, say that Watergate is the most faultless example of how the agenda setting theory can heavily influence the mass media. The Watergate issue caught fire after months on the front page of The Washington Post because McCombs and Shaw believe that the â€Å"mass media have the ability to transfer the salience of items on their news agenda to the public agenda.† They aren’t suggesting that broadcast and print personnel make a deliberate attempt to influence listener, viewer or reader opinion on the issues. Agenda setting is one of the fundamental mass media functions. Through exercising this function, mass media are forced to simultaneously satisfy certain material and value requirements. From the definition of mass media, it is clear that the media are predominantly materially oriented, while the society expects from them responsibility and contributing to the community. (Lozovina, 2013, p. 30) Literature Review The Application of Social Network Analysis in Agenda Setting Research This article goes into detail about how social media is applied in agenda setting research. It states that the approach of social network analysis makes it possible for researchers to map out the relationships between objects and traits in the media agenda and the public agenda. Social media is used as aShow MoreRelatedAgenda Setting Theory And Social Media1317 Words   |  6 Pages2015 Agenda-Setting Theory and Social Media The agenda-setting theory states that the media influences what people choose to think about. The theory emerged from communication studies and focuses on mass media and setting the public agenda. 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The agenda setting model can guide the public opinion and mass communication about some social or political issues. Different with media effects model, the media effects more like to telling people how to think, however, the agenda setting model is successful in telling people what to think about. In a general way, agenda setting theory was constructed in the environment of t raditional mass media, and the purpose is to study traditional mass media. About the visual agenda settingRead MoreThe Agenda Setting Theory On The Public Agenda1076 Words   |  5 Pageshistory of the agenda-setting theory goes back over 50 years to when it was introduced in a 1972 edition of Public Opinion Quarterly by Drs. Maxwell McCombs and Donald Shaw. It was first developed as a means of studying the 1968 American presidential election as it relates to the most important issues determined by the news media and the most important issues determined by the 100 residents of Chapel Hill, North Carolina (McCombs Shaw, 1972). Still relevant today, the agenda setting theory explains theRead MoreMass Media Influence On People s Ideas About Society936 Words   |  4 PagesJamilah Alfadhli ENG 110-01 November 13, 2015 Mass Media Influence in Shaping People’s Ideas about Society The most important goal for mass media is to make high revenues. To make this goal real and earn that money mass media maker or producer put effective working plans. These effective plans could be in all different kinds of any mass media. There are several effects of made mass media planning before it broadcasting a message to improve it economic. These effects are; effects of advertisingRead MoreMedia Simply Reflects and Reinforces Existing Social Values Essay1004 Words   |  5 PagesMedia Simply Reflects and Reinforces Existing Social Values There is a notion held by many people that the media has the power to affect our beliefs, attitudes, values and behaviours either directly or indirectly. Many sociologists believe that the media could be extremely powerful and influential because of their technology, economics, and because of the sheer scale of operations. There has been a tremendous amount of research done into the possible short and longRead MoreThe Campaign, A Good And Positive Light1193 Words   |  5 Pages How do we build trust with the audience? One way that we can do this would be consistency. The station needs to consistently present messages for their audience across multiple platforms. This means having a presence on different forms of social-media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat among others. 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The Paradigms this essay will consist of are called the ‘New EffectsRead MoreEffect And Relationship Between Agenda Setting And News Framing Essay1301 Words   |  6 Pages This study examined the effects and relationship between agenda setting and news framing having significate weight within newspaper articles on portraying Australian political issues. The media content analysis is based on findings from news articles within the Courier Mail over a period of four weeks using journalistic, communication and theoretical explanations. The main question is the effects and relationship between agenda setting and news framing within newspaper articles. The study seemedRead MoreEssay on Effects of Mass Media on Society1650 Words   |  7 Pagesinfluenced by mass media. Although traditional television watching and newspaper reading are no longer as popular as before, people spend more time in front of computers listening to music and radios, reading news and information, interacting with other people in social network and watching television programmes and films. The developing technology of mobile phone allows people to do almost everything they can do with the computer. Nowaday, people are living in a world ‘saturated by media sounds and images

The Proof Is In The Award free essay sample

The day started out like any other day last year. It was the end of October and we had finished soccer practice, and were to have a team meeting. After talking about our next game, and what to do to win it, coach had another announcement. The voting on All-League was in. There had been four girls chosen from our team. My name was the first one to be read. I was overcome with excitement and tried to hold back my emotions, but a large smile made its way across my face. I was so excited I didnt even hear the other names. I was so proud; I had finally proven that I was a good soccer player. The joy I received was that people (other than my parents) believed I was good enough for this award. I was finally awakened to reality when I heard my name mentioned again. We will write a custom essay sample on The Proof Is In The Award or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This time I almost felt like crying because I had achieved something that only happened in dreams: I was an All-State player. I, of all people, was chosen by all the girls soccer coaches as good enough to be ranked with the best players in Connecti-cut. I could hardly hold back my emotions. A bigger smile was now shining on my face. Through the day I waited to wake up from this wonderful dream! I was so glad I didnt have to. My dream had finally become a reality. If that wasnt enough, a dinner for the All-State players and their families was held. I remember the day like it was yesterday. I wore a brown jumper, with a long-sleeve off-white shirt and off-white tights. My parents, sister, grandmother and I drove to the Aqua Turf (a very nice restaurant), where the dinner was held. We met my aunt and cousin, whom we had invited. I was also proud to have the Wesleyan Varsity Soccer coach sitting at my table. As people arrived, I recognized more faces from newspaper articles. I still couldnt believe that I had been invited too. After the dinner, each class was called up to receive their awards. Soon enough class M was called and we were all lined up in alphabetical order, ready to receive our certificates and medals. As each name was read, I could feel my pulse quicken. Soon I would have my moment of fame, when everyones eyes would look at me. Leanne Duncan, Mercy rang in my ears. As I walked up the steps onto the stage, it seemed to take forever to reach the middle. Once there, I shook hands with all the council members, was given my certificate, and a medal was hung around my neck a medal I had been waiting for my whole life, with All-State 1995 on it. As I walked down the steps, I could hear the clapping. I was proud all these people were clapping for me, acknowledging my accomplishment. When every girl in class M had received their medals, we had our picture taken. I never had a bigg er smile on my face than I did that day.

Professional Help on Sociology Case Study

INTRODUCTION Sociology is the study on the individuals experiences of life and the environment surrounding him. The affect of the society, organization, and groups on the individual is examined in Sociology (Denike, 2007). The case study of Gatimu has been discussed in the particular study that has been a motivated worker from North Sudan and came to Australia but facing different problems and trying to cope with them. The case has some relevant sociological issues that will be discussed and debated. The idea behind analyzing this is to highlight the sociological concepts and understanding the perspectives in light to the case study. The consideration of health and illness has been made while discussing the sociological concepts. FUNCTIONALISM Parsons (1951) propounded the concept of Functionalism in which the research was made on the social and strategic system was relevant for the society at large. The concept of functionalism believes that there are some basic needs of the human being that should be met. In case of the functionalist approach to health the analyses is made between the society at large and the person who is sick. The society role is to keep the sick person under check and therefore the onus is on the society to save itself (Peacocke, 1992). There are responsibilities on the ill patient to treat himself, get the assistance of the medical professional and try and gain the status in the society. The functionalist view takes into account the errors and the disparities that are prevalent in the society (Myers, 2009). The case study shows that there has been an issue with Gatimu where he has been called Blackie and has been troubled by the co-workers in his place of work. Functionalism also states that the society and individualistic needs are to be catered by the Government. This holds true in the particular case, where Gatimu suffers from lower back pain and met with an accident from machinery for which he received worker compensation. However, the issues like racism, and unequal treatment due to a inclination towards a particular sex, like being a Gay, approach of functionalism ignores the diversity faced by the person even when he is of same community (Goldman, 1993). Meanwhile, fault of Gatimu is that he starts concentrating on the work when he is abused of his limping leg, or his culture. Same has been the carelessness on the lower back pain that he is suffering. It is better to take the advice of the medical professional on the issue. Keep the pain going will aggravate it further and this s hould be checked. MARXISM The second view is given by Marx (1883) and is known as Marxist perspective. This concept identifies the conflicts in between the societies. The idea of this concept is that without struggling between the social classes it is difficult to achieve success. The theory is of the view that the conflict forms the basis of the society on which it is build. As per the concept there are two classes of people, one is the Bourgeoisie class and another one is Proletariat. Bourgeoisie are the powerful group of people having access to finances, while Proletariatare people that are poor and generally workers class. In case of health the Marxist approach believes that it is the problem of the individual rather than of the society. For example: Gatimu has been a worker and a Proletariat if Marxist theory is taken into perspective. The powerful groups although not on a financial basis but more on basis of the culture keep troubling him. Similar is the case with the family that he fears revealing his sexual orientation. He feels that revealing the same will bring him in trouble as the family values will get hurt that are strictly against the Homosexuality (Nussbaum, 2009). It should be understood that Gatimu should discuss about the problem with the Doctor, who will be able to help him gain confidence and become more linked to the work. INTERACTIONISM Interactionist approach on health puts the onus on the individual to analyze how healthy or ill he is. A Interactionist approach considers the complexities that are witnessed between individuals and their families and work groups. The individual view of health is build on the basis of the environment he lives in (Robinson, C Spivey, 2007). A healthy person has reasons to believe about his health and vice versa. For diagnosing the individual about his health requires that he interacts with the person who is a professional. He can help the ill person understand his image in the society (Preckel Brull, 2010). The Interactionist approach has been criticized on the manner it deals with health. There is more emphasis on the relationship of the patient with the society rather than taking the causes of health and treating the same. In case of Gatimu, it is critical to understand the relationships between him and his parents. The relationships with the society are also a matter of concern h ere as he has been getting the bashing and remarks on a constant basis. There are generally two kinds of approaches that are used in for the treatment of illness and health disorders. These approaches are known as Bio-Medical and Socio Medical approaches. BIO MEDICAL APPROACH This model focuses on the abnormalities and the problems in the body. This includes the factors that are biological in nature. The person is tested for getting the medical answers to the problems he faces and based on that the treatment is prescribed. The scientifically proven methods are used for the purpose of addressing the illness. SOCIO MEDICAL MODEL This model takes into account environmental factors that have the capability to impact the health of the person. Factor in relation to the individual relationships, diet, and inequalities are taken into account. The people like Gatimu that face this situation are likely to face short life expectancy and ill health over a prolonged period of time. APPROACH FOR THE CASE STUDY A different approach to the case study has been formalized. This approach tries and tackles the problem of Gatimu in a four step manner. The patient in the particular case has been brutalized and man handled therefore adopting any particular approach would not bring solution. Firstly, it is important to understand the cause of the problem. This includes investigation of who has done wrong, why have he done the same, and the extent of damage (Giddens, 2005). The next logical step is to investigate the factors like risks and protective factors for the individual. Risk factors will help in identifying the potential threat on the individual and the reasons of the occurrence of the threat, while protective measures will ensure that the health and well being of the person is safeguarded. Preventive programme designing is the next logical step of the process (Griswold, 2004). This involves analysis of the data and the measures that safeguards the person. These programmes are then evaluated on a regular basis to avoid threats. Adopting and putting this approach into practise is then done, to ensure that the same problems are mitigated in the society. In case of Gatimu, it is necessary that the hate mongers should be indentified and brought under the law. This will ensure that the society will be learning a lesson from the mistakes of the abusers. In the meantime, treating the illness is the next thing that should be done. His family should be made to understand about the sexual orientation. It is important for the health care worker to understand t he ways in which the treatment should be streamlined, because each step is important for the benefit of the person and the society at large. CONCLUSION The approach adopted for the study takes into account the factor likes illness and society loopholes all together. This is a sound approach as blaming the patient for his sexual orientation or the treatment he is facing is not the solution. People like Gatimu, who are self motivated for work, should be aided with right medical advices and treatments. Meanwhile, society drawbacks should not be taken for granted as this problem can occur with anybody anytime. REFERENCES Denike, M 2007, Religion, Rights and Relationships: The Dream of Relational Equality,Hypatia,volume 22 (1): 71-91. Giddens, A 2005, Sociology, Cambridge: Polity Press, 4th Goldman, A 1993,Readings in Philosophy and Cognitive Science, Cambridge: MIT. Griswold, W 2004, Cultures and Societies in a Changing World, Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press. Myers, D G 2009, Social psychology, New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 10th ed. Nussbaum, M 2009, A right to marry? Same sex marriage and Constitutional Law, Dissent,volume 56 (3): 43-55. Peacocke, C 1992, A Study of Concepts, Cambridge: MIT. Preckel, F and Brull, M 2010, The benefits of being a big fish in a big pond: Contra stand assimilation effects on academic self-concept, Learning and Individual Differences, 20(5). Robinson, C Spivey, S 2007, The politics of Masculinity and the Ex-Gay movement, Gender and Society, Volume 21 (5): 650-675. Swartz, D 1997, Culture Power: The Sociology of Pierre Bourdieu, Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.