History of Aromatherapy - China 2700 BC - East India 2000 BC - The Bible

China - 2700 BC - For the ancient Chinese there was little distinction between healing treatments for the mind and the body. Substances that nourished and promoted healing for the mind were also used for treating the body. The Chinese considered perfumes as medicine. The ancient herbal traditions practiced today, including acupuncture, began with the publication of The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine by Huang Ti. This ancient text primarily deals with the causes and treatment of disease.

Ayurveda East India - 2000 BC - Terra cotta distillation devices and perfume containers were found in the ancient Indus Valley (what is now primarily located in the countries of India and Pakistan) dating back to 3000 BC. The use of plant aromatics in the Indian culture was vast. Aromatic plants and oils were used in every aspect of their lives, including beauty treatments, perfumery, medicinal practices, cleansing and ritual bathing, and religious ceremonies.

In the ancient Indian tantric practices there were elaborate rituals of anointing the body with oils to seduce and arouse the passions. The Vedas, the most ancient sacred texts known, contained formulas for aromatics. The Rig Veda contained instructions for the uses of over 700 plants, including spikenard, myrrh, sandalwood, ginger, cinnamon, and coriander. The human was seen as part of nature and the preparation of medicinal plants was considered a sacred practice. Ayurvedic medicine is one of the oldest forms of medicine practiced continuously since ancient times.

The Bible - Considered as, or more valuable than gold, plant aromatics were rare and highly prized in the ancient world. The Bible makes numerous references to the use of aromatic oils in both the New and Old Testaments. The ancient Hebrews valued plant aromatics for medicinal, perfume, and sacred religious practices. In the Bible Moses received an anointing oil formula for consecrating men into the priesthood which was practiced for generations. The formula included myrrh, cinnamon, frankincense, and olive oil. Mary Magdalene anointed her Master Jesus' feet with the rare and expensive Spikenard oil. The Phoenician merchants introduced aromatics from the Orient to the West, and helped establish large trading routes for plant aromatics.

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KG Stiles is a certified aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, Oregon, USA. She has utilized essential oils in her professional practice for more than 30 years. She is the Director of PurePlant Essentials Organic Aromatherapy and a specialist in formulating aromatic blends for healthy living. KG can create the perfect synergy blend for you! More Info? Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, Ashland, OR (541) 941-7315. Mahalo!

Journey of Raksha Bandhan From History to Recent Times

All the festivals celebrated in India have got their roots in history and relate to some historical events or people. Before we get ourselves busy in preparing for Raksha Bandhan 2010 it is time we take a look into the history behind its origin and what are the traditions attached to it. Three different references of Raksha Bandhan are found in history and in all of them it is observed that rakhi has helped strengthen the bond of love between a brother and sister.

Three historic references related to Raksha Bandhan are as below:

- The first incident dates back to 300 BC when King Alexander attacked India and was defeated by king Peru in the first attack. Before the second war took place between the two, wife of King Alexander sent rakhi to King Peru who accepted it and promised to look after her happiness. As expected in the second war king Peru kept to his promise.

- Another historical incident related to Raksha Bandhan took place in 15th century when Rani Karnawatee of Chittor sent rakhi to Mughal emperor Humayun after she was widowed by invader, sultan of Gujarat. Here again Humayun accepted the rakhi and rushed to Chittor to protect his sister from the invaders.

- The latest historical event related to Raksha Bandhan took place in 1905 when British Empire decided to divide Bengal in small parts depending on the caste of the people. In protest Kaviguru Rabindra Nath Tagore turned to Rakshabandhan to unite Hindus and Muslims in Bengal.

Raksha Bandhan is a big festival for India and is celebrated with great faith and devotion. It is known by different names like Avani Avittam / Upakramam, Kajari Purnima, Narial Purnima, Pavitropana etc in different states of India, celebrations also vary as per the names. Sisters plan for the festival by buying special rakhis and preparing pooja thalis. Brothers on the other hand plan for the festival by buying special gifts for their sisters. On the big day sister visits brother's house and ties rakhi on his wrist, in return brother gives her a gift and promises to be by her side in all phases of life.

In recent times though the importance of the festival remains unchanged there is one thing that has changed and that is the way it is celebrated. Brothers and sisters are scattered in different parts of the world and this sometimes makes it impossible for them to celebrate the festival together. Internet turns out to be a big boon for such brothers and sisters living apart and still wish to celebrate the festival. Sisters use various sites to send rakhis to their brothers and brothers use internet to send special rakhi gifts to their sisters. This ensures that they celebrate the festival thinking of each other though they are miles apart.

This Raksha Bandhan make sure that you make the festival special by sending your brothers special rakhis through internet. Brothers in return can send online rakhi gifts to their sisters.
Happy Raksha Bandhan 2010!

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Diwali Celebration - History Behind the Diwali Celebration

In Southern India, people celebrate Deepawali in their own way. They believe that it is the victory of Lord Krishna against the demon, Narkasura. On the day of Naraka Chaturdashi, people celebrate the destruction of the demon Narakasura as it is believed to be the 14th day on which the demon was killed. Lord Krishna killed the demon Narkasura, as he was causing great unhappiness amongst the people of the world. Narkasura was believed to be a demon of grime, covered in musk. He used to kidnap young beautiful women and forced them to live with him. The 16,000 women were kept in captivity by the demon king. Hearing their cries, Lord Vishnu, came in the form of Lord Krishna for their rescue. Firstly, Lord Krishna had to fight with a five-headed monster who guarded the demon's home. After that, Lord Krishna destructed Narkasura and the women were freed from the oppressive tyranny of the demon and all heaved a sigh of relief. With a view to removing any stigma on them, especially societal dignity, Sri Krishna gave all of them the status of his wives. After the slaying of Narakasura Sri Krishna bathed himself with oil spreading all over his body, in the early morning of Chaturdashi. Mother Earth requested Sri Krishna that the day be celebrated as one of jubilation as she is believed to be Narakasura. Sri Krishna accepted and since then the tradition has been continued. Mother Earth reconciled herself to the loss of her son. She set an example for the others of how one has to forget one's personal joys and sorrows for the sake of the welfare of the world.

In western India, it is celebrated in the honour of the King Bali who was immensely popular with his subjects for his generosity. However, king Bali had become arrogant and conceited. His generosity was put to test by Lord Vishnu who appeared in the disguise of a dwarf and asked him for a piece of land equal to his three steps. When Bali granted his wish, Lord Vishnu took the form of a super giant person, and with his two steps covered Bali's entire kingdom. With his third step he pushed Bali to the under land. Since then, his people celebrated his arrival on this day.

In West Bengal, it is celebrated in honour of Goddess Durga. For Bengalis, worship Goddess Kali, yet another form of Goddess Durga. Kali is the Goddess who takes away darkness. She cuts down all impurities and purifies her devotees with the sincerity of her love.

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Why Diwali is Celebrated in Nothern India - History Behind the Celebration of Deepawali

Diwali is the festival of lights. It is the celebration of victory over vice. It is celebrated by Indians all over the world. Nowadays, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and even Buddhists celebrate this festival happily and enthusiastically. Diwali is an important, most popular and eagerly awaited festival. It is celebrated in different parts of India differently with a different point of view. There is a history behind the celebration of Deepawali.

In the Northern side of India people celebrate Diwali in their own customs and traditions. People believe that it is the day of return of Lord Ram to his kingdom Ayodhya after fourteen years in exile from the forests from the war against tyrant Ravana. Queen Seeta was abducted by the king of Lanka, Ravana. So, Ram's father, Dashrath, advised him to go to the wild forests to get back the queen. Lord went to the forests with his only brother, Laxman. Finally, Lord Hanuman found Seeta in the kingdom of Ravana. He then went to inform Lord Ram. Then they all reached Lanka with the army of monkies and bears and invaded Lanka. Ravana's brother also joined with them. Ravana defeated. After the victory, Ram returned to Ayodhya. This rejoiced people and welcomed by lighting rows of oil clay lamps.

Today in India, people on the day of Deepawali, remembers the victory honored to Lord Ram. On this day, people wake up early in the morning and wear good clothes. Children and all the elders burst the crackers. It looks very beautiful to see crackers bursting everywhere. They also offer sweets to each other. In the north of India; Hindu merchants open their new books and pray to Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth, for a joyful and prosperous new year.
Many Years ago, in the village of Gokul, people prayed to the God Indra and wished to send the rains, which can make their crops, grow. But Krishna convinced people to worship the mountain Govardhan, as the land around it was fertile. This did not please Indra. He sent thunder and lightening and torrential rain down on the village. People cried for the help to Krishna. Krishna lifted the top of the mountain with his finger and it saved the villagers. On this day of Diwali, Hindus offer food to God by thanking God.

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Dasara History, Dusara Gifts, Dussehra Gifts to India

Vijayadasami (a.k.a Dussehra, Dasara) is a festival celebrated all over India. The festival falls on the tenth day of the bright half (waxing moon) of the Hindu month of Aswiyuja. The festivities last 10 days and Dasara marks the culmination of the festival. It is also referred to as Navaratri. Basically, the legend, as it is in the case of most of the festivals, comprises the victory of Good over Evil. It is also regarded as an auspicious occasion to start new ventures in any field.

The festival of Navaratri comes to a close with Vijayadasami. It is in celebration of the victory of Goddess Durga, also known as Mahishasura Mardini, who defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This event is believed to have taken place close to today's Mysore in the state of Karnataka.

However, in Northern India, the same 10-day festival is in celebration of the victory of Lord Rama, prince of Ayodhya over Ravana, the king of Lanka. Ravana abducted Sita, wife of Rama and held her captive in Lanka. Lord Rama, with the help of Hanuman, Sugreeva, the monkey king of Kishkindha, builds a bridge over the sea and travels to Lanka and kills Ravana in the ensuing battle and takes Sita back with him.

There is another legend associated with this festival. It is in the Mahabharata. Having lost the dice game, Pandavas were banished by the Kauravas for 12 years. They lived in forest during that period. There was the stipulation that they had to remain incognito during that period and in case they were found, they had to spend another 12 years in the forests. At that time, in order not to get exposed, they had to lay aside their divine and powerful weapons. They concealed their weapons in a 'shami' tree close to the place of their residence. At the end of every year, they came to the 'shami' tree and found their weaponry intact, worshipped the tree and Goddess Durga, the presiding deity.

The Kauravas were making every attempt to trace Pandavas so that they could be sent away to the forests once again. By the time Kauravas found them, it was past the stipulated time and Pandavas went to the 'shami' tree, collected their weapons and went straight to the battle field to fight the Kauravas. The day these events take place is dasami (tenth day) and as the Pandavas were victorious, it was also referred to as Vijayadasami. The word 'Vijaya' in Sanskrit means victory. It is for this reason that people exchange leaves from the shami tree and hug each other on the day of Vijayadasami.

On Vijayadasami day, people worship their weapons as it is supposed to be the most auspicious day to do so. Machines, motors and tools that people use to carry out their respective trades and occupations are worshipped as they provide livelihood and bring prosperity to people and society. Vehicles are decorated colorfully on that day and people wear new clothes and exchange greetings. It is also the time to exchange gifts. Companies and businesses declare bonus to their employees during Dasara.

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