02/23/2008 03:22 PM

The Symbolism of the Egg

As Easter approaches, it’s natural to think a little about eggs! In days gone by the egg, due to its shape, was a symbol of the earth. Thanks to its obvious association with the beginning of life, it has also been the basis of many ancient creation stories. It has been a symbol [...]

12/29/2007 10:48 PM

Symbolic Foods Eaten Around the World for New Years

In many parts of the world, the foods eaten on New Years Eve and New Years Day have important symbolic meanings. These symbols seem to fall into several major categories. The first class symbolizes financial prosperity. This type of food is round like coins. Often, the dish will be round beans, like lentils, [...]

12/19/2007 08:44 PM

Can Someone Help Jog a Memory of a Song Sung in Greek School ?

Frances wrote: I think it was some kind of political song the 2nd graders sang. It is from many years ago and the song went something like this (very loosely phonetic)... Eme na zakou tharo zoe ros po i Pia no ti zulia proi ollo proko pi My Greek is pretty horrible, and I remember even then as [...]

01/06/2007 08:35 PM

How to Find Sheet Music, Tunes and MP3’s on Mama Lisa’s World

In addition to this blog, I also host Mama Lisa’s World. Mama Lisa’s World is a large collection of children’s songs and rhymes from countries all around the globe. Matt, a music teacher from Rhode Island, wrote a question to me, the other day, about Mama Lisa’s World: Hey Mama, I love the concept of your site. [...]

03/15/2006 09:25 AM

Please Send An Endearing Term for Grandma and Grandpa in Your Language

Kathy wrote me… Dear Mamalisa, I was delighted to find your website and will be using it in the future. I am researching translations for the word “grandma” in various languages. I am most interested in the familiar, sweet terms children might call this individual. I am aware that in some cultures this would [...]