This is Beirut - Tradition

From Kyoto to the UN: Tea Ambassador Sen Genshitsu Dies at the Age of 102

This is Beirut, 14/08 18:15 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Obituary Sen Genshitsu Tea Gastronomy Tradition Culture

Sen Genshitsu, who was originally destined to serve as a kamikaze pilot but eventually became a grand master of the Japanese tea ceremony, preparing bowls of matcha for royalty and world leaders died on Thursday at the age of 102, Japanese media reported. With the motto "Peace through a bowl of tea," the grand master of the ancient Urasenke ...

In Tripoli, One Man Keeps the Tarbouche Tradition Alive

This is Beirut, 13/08 20:25 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

Clothing Tradition Tarboosh Tripoli Lebanon Culture

Nestled among shops in a bustling market in north Lebanon's Tripoli, Mohammed al-Shaar is at his workshop making traditional tarboosh hats, keeping up a family craft despite dwindling demand. With a thimble on one finger, Shaar, 38, cuts, sews and carefully assembles the pieces of the conical, flat-topped felt hat also known as a fez, attaching a ...

In Heatwave, Romans Turn to Vintage Snow Cones to Stay Cool

This is Beirut, 13/08 18:05 - Reading : 3 minute(s)

Heat Summer Ice Italy Tradition Culture

Forget ice cream, sorbet or even the beloved Italian gelato, when Roman’s swelter in a heatwave, they turn to the traditional "Grattachecca". It may be difficult for non-Italians to pronounce think -"gratta-kekka" - but the Roman-style shaved ice is colorful, cheap and refreshing like no other. In a turn-of-the-century kiosk near the Tiber ...

Eid al-Adha: A Holiday of Faith, Family and Heritage

Yasmin Ghannam, 06/06 11:05 - Reading : 1 minute(s)

Druze Adha Tradition

Eid al-Adha is the most important and cherished celebration for Druze community. In the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, Druze observe fasting, prayer, charity, and visits to shrines and respected sheikhs. It's a time for spiritual reflection and a deep connection to faith. But Eid is also about community – a time for “Mujabara” as ...

Pie and Mash: A British Culinary Icon Fights for Protected Status

This is Beirut, 03/03 12:05 - Reading : 2 minute(s)

UK London Gastronomy Tradition

Pie and mash, an iconic dish of British cuisine, is at the heart of a campaign to secure a protected designation, similar to champagne or parmesan. In a pie and mash shop in East London, the atmosphere is simple: no menu, just one specialty – a beef pie accompanied by a scoop of mashed potatoes, covered with a parsley sauce known as ...

Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus: A Common Origin?

Bélinda Ibrahim, 2024-12-06 16:40 - Reading : 5 minute(s)

Santa Claus Saint Nicholas Tradition Culture Christmas

The legend of Saint Nicholas dates back to the fourth century in Lycia, an area in present-day Turkey. Born in 270 in Patara to a wealthy, devout Christian family, Nicholas inherited a great fortune upon the death of his parents and chose to give it to the poor. Nicholas became the Bishop of Myra at a young age and is believed to have ...

Tradition