It can be argued that until 1529, the monarch only rarely summoned parliament, and it appears that their main function was to grant taxation to fund wars. Parliament had only met four times between 1509 and 1529 for this reason. It is only from 1529 that one can see that Parliament met much more frequently,Continue reading “Were there major changes in the role of Parliament from 1529 to 1588?”
Tag Archives: History
Valentine’s Day: A Brief History
Originally posted on Khambay's Words, Words, Words:
Nowadays Valentine’s Day is associated with love and commercialism. However, the origins of the day are far more interesting, tragic and violent. In ancient Rome, the pagan fertility festival of Lupercalia was celebrated in from the 13th to the 15th of February. The festival itself honoured Lupa,…
Lata Mangeshkar and the Evolution of the Bollywood Song
India entered a period of mourning when it was reported that Indian playback singer Lata Mangeshkar passed on Sunday the 6th of February. A playback singer is a singer whose voice is recorded for use in films – the actor or actress essentially lip-sync the words, so that the singers voice can be dubbed over.Continue reading “Lata Mangeshkar and the Evolution of the Bollywood Song”
Race Relations in American Literature: 1850-2009
Relations between black people and white people has been a relevant and important topic, now more than ever. The issue has been discussed and critiqued in works of American fiction, beginning in the 1850’s with ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin.’ These novels, generally speaking, reflected peoples’ perceptions of race relations at the time of their publication, andContinue reading “Race Relations in American Literature: 1850-2009”
Lohri: A Brief History
As Lohri was last week I bet lots of you have asked this question since: What is the festival really about? Well, like many festivals, Lohri draws on lots of different ideas and customs. The festival always falls on January 13th, which differs from other festivals that have an everchanging date, like Diwali. Lohri isContinue reading “Lohri: A Brief History”
Was the introduction of Jim Crow Laws by state governments the most important reason for the denial of civil and political equality for black Americans?
After Lincoln’s issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862, a period of Reconstruction began in America from 1865, which attempted to integrate black Americans into society. After Lincoln’s assassination, the Reconstruction took a different turn, which gave way to the evolution of Black Codes and eventually Jim Crow Laws primarily within the Deep South. SuchContinue reading “Was the introduction of Jim Crow Laws by state governments the most important reason for the denial of civil and political equality for black Americans?”
Dickens and the classic Victorian Christmas
Originally posted on Khambay's Words, Words, Words:
Dickens and the classic Victorian image of Christmas are inextricably linked, mostly because of ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Published in 1843, the book sold 6000 copies in five days, and became massively popular. First editions today sell for ten to fifteen thousand pounds. Dickens is often credited with…
Was the influence of Thomas Cromwell the main reason for reforms to the English Church from 1529-1540?
The Henrician reformation of the early fifteen hundreds was brought about by a culmination of people and factors. Before this period, Henry VIII struggled to produce an heir and the religious dominance of Rome was greatly felt by England. Factors such as these can be considered as reasons for the reformation, but they appear toContinue reading “Was the influence of Thomas Cromwell the main reason for reforms to the English Church from 1529-1540?”
Diwali: A Brief History
Diwali is the ‘festival of lights,’ and is celebrated by Sikhs, Hindus and Jains. Although the date of the festival changes every year, it usually falls in October or November and lasts for five days. Many celebrate the festival in honour of the goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Vishnu and the goddess of wealth. ItContinue reading “Diwali: A Brief History”
Halloween: A Brief History
Everybody knows that Halloween falls on the 31st of October every year… but not everyone knows how the modern traditions surrounding the spooky day came about. Historians believe that Halloween’s prequel came in the form of the Celtic festival Samhain. During this festival, Celts would light bonfires and wear frightening costumes to ward off spirits.Continue reading “Halloween: A Brief History”
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