**Summary: Spiritual and Cultural Importance of Cats in Ancient Egypt**

- **Spiritual Significance:**
In ancient Egypt, cats held a unique spiritual and symbolic position in society.

They were regarded as sacred animals, closely connected with the gods and the afterlife.

The goddess Bastet, for example, was depicted as a lioness or as a woman with a cat’s head, and she symbolized home, fertility, and protection.

Cats were believed to possess spiritual powers, acting as guardians against evil spirits and carriers of good fortune.

- **Role in Society:**
Egyptians deeply respected and cared for their cats, making them valued family members.

Cats not only protected food supplies by controlling pests but also were believed to bring blessings and were often associated with personal and household well-being.

Killing a cat, accidentally or intentionally, was considered a grave crime, even punishable by death in some historical periods.

- **Afterlife and Mourning:**
Cats were given elaborate burials similar to those of humans, including mummification, indicating their elevated status.

When a family cat died, the household would enter a period of mourning.

One distinctive ritual was the shaving of their eyebrows, a physical sign of grief and respect for the lost pet.

Egyptians would not resume normal activities until their eyebrows had grown back, signifying deep loss and spiritual connection to their feline companions.

- **Cultural Impact:**
Egyptian art, literature, and everyday life reflected the reverence for cats.

Numerous temples and statues celebrated feline form and characteristics, and cats appeared in religious texts and household artifacts.

The high value placed on cats persisted throughout pharaonic history, influencing how later societies viewed felines.

**Conclusion:**
Cats were esteemed in ancient Egypt for both practical roles and, more importantly, for their deep spiritual significance.

**Summary: Spiritual and Cultural Importance of Cats in Ancient Egypt**

- **Spiritual Significance:**
In ancient Egypt, cats held a unique spiritual and symbolic position in society.

Title:

Content: Home » Celebrating our fellow felines

Celebrating our fellow felines

by admin

Every August 8, animal lovers around the world come together to celebrate International Cat Day, a day dedicated to honoring and recognizing the presence and special role that cats have in our lives, this holiday has become an opportunity to highlight the importance of caring for and respecting our feline friends, as well as to raise awareness of the need to protect and preserve their well-being.

The role of the Cat in the History of Culture

Cats have played a significant role in various cultures and historical moments. From ancient Egypt, where they were considered symbols of divinity and associated with the goddess Bastet, to medieval Europe, where they were considered guardians of homes and farms due to their ability to keep rodent populations in check, cats have been around. present in human life in different ways.

In the Middle Ages, however, cats also faced hard times when they were linked with superstition and witchcraft, leading to persecution and slaughter. Fortunately, over time, the relationship between humans and cats has evolved towards a more harmonious and beneficial coexistence for both parties.

Education and care of cats

Photo: Pet City

Training a cat requires patience, understanding and knowledge. Here are some key tips to ensure your cat thrives happy and healthy.

Provide a suitable environment, make sure your home is safe and comfortable for your cat. Provide places for him to rest and hide, as well as toys and environmental enrichment to stimulate his mind.

Food and hydration, offers a balanced diet appropriate to the needs of your cat. It often provides fresh, clean water.

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Litter box, keep a clean and accessible litter box so your cat can eliminate. Clean the box regularly to avoid health problems and bad smells.

Health problems and bad odors. Socialization and Play Interact and play with your cat daily to keep him physically and mentally active. Play with toys and interaction with other animals can be beneficial

Veterinary Care Schedule regular visits to the vet to make sure your cat is up to date on vaccinations and health checks. This is essential to prevent and detect any medical problem in time.

Hygiene, brush your cat’s coat to keep it clean and reduce the formation of hairballs. Also, take care of their oral health by brushing their teeth or providing dental treats.

Respect and love, each cat has its own personality and needs. He respects his space and his quiet times, and show him love and affection according to his preferences.

fun facts about cats

Courtesy Week The sense of smell, although we don’t talk so much about their sense of smell as about their vision and hearing, cats have a highly developed sense of smell. They use their nose to explore and recognize the world around them. They are amazing, they are excellent jumpers and can jump up to six times their length in a single jump. This is partly due to the unique structure of their hind legs, which gives them great power and flexibility. Mysterious purr, cats are believed to purr not only when they are happy, but also when they are sick or injured. Purring could have healing properties and help in the regeneration of bones and tissues. Cats in space, the first cat to travel to space was named Felicette, also known as ‘Felix’. She was launched by the French Space Agency in 1963 and returned safely. Tail Communication Cats use their tails to communicate. A pricked tail usually indicates confidence and happiness, while a wagging tail could mean the cat is excited or agitated. Born hunters, domestic cats retain their hunting instincts. They can hunt insects, mice and other small animals, which is also a form of exercise and mental stimulation. Exceptional night vision, cats have cells in their eyes called rods, which allow them to see in low light conditions. Their night vision is up to six times better than that of humans.

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They were regarded as sacred animals, closely connected with the gods and the afterlife.

Title:

Content: VATICAN CITY — Many’s the pet lover who chooses to be called “Mom” or “Dad” instead of master, or whose bumper sticker boasts of “four-footed grandchildren.” But when Pope Francis recently denounced the “selfishness” of choosing to care for an animal instead of adopting a child, animal lovers bridled, criticizing the pope’s “insensitive” comments on their choice to shower their love on other species.

“Many couples do not have children because they do not want to, or they have just one because they do not want any more, but they have two dogs, two cats. … Yes, dogs and cats take the place of children,” the pope said.

Among those who were puzzled by Francis’ remarks was the Rev. Sarah Bowen, an animal chaplain at the Compassion Consortium, an interfaith and interspecies religious organization based on “reviving lost connections between animals, humans and the earth.”

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“I’m not sure that Pope Francis realized some of the implications of his statement at the time,” Bowen told Religion News Service. She said his comments go beyond cats and dogs to questions of bearing children in an overpopulated world and living full lives without children.

That, not Francis’ appeal to adopt, is what Bowen believes struck a nerve for people. The pope’s statement implied “that people who don’t have children and don’t experience fatherhood or motherhood don’t experience the fullness of life,” she said.

“The pope’s comments have a far-reaching impact for Catholics, as well as people who are curious about what the pope says who may not be part of the Catholic Church now but are interested in what does this mean for us culturally,” said Bowen, who estimates that some 57% of homes in the world include cats or dogs.

As a clergyperson for Compassion Consortium, Bowen holds monthly online services in which she prays for animals who have lost their habitat or face extinction, and often prays and meditates with animals, who are always welcome onscreen. Recently, a special guest speaker, Bree the rooster, was the inspiration for a reflection on the impact of intensive farming on animals and the environment.

Part of Bowen’s ministry also addresses the pain and grief that follow the loss of an animal companion, at the heart of her new book, “Sacred Sendoffs.”

Bowen prefers the use of the term “animal companions,” rather than pets. She said she shares her home in the greater New York City area with three: her human husband, Shawn, and two felines. A “Christian preacher’s kid” raised in a house full of cats, she looks to the Bible for guidance about how to interact with animals. She cites Psalm 104 — “In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures” — and Psalm 104 — “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”

But she said that she has taken inspiration from the pope’s own remarks on nature and the environment. “Because all creatures are connected, each must be cherished with love and respect, for all of us as living creatures are dependent on one another,” wrote Francis in his 2015 “green” encyclical, “Laudato Si’.”

The document is inspired by the pope’s namesake, Francis of Assisi, a saint known for his relationship with animals and who is often depicted surrounded by squirrels, donkeys, wolves and all manner of birds.

The animal chaplain saw the pope’s recent remarks as “a step backward” from his previous advocacy for the world’s diverse inhabitants and “typical of the tension that all humans feel about the entanglement between human and other-than-human needs and lives.”

Many popes have shown an affinity for their own animals, from Pope Pius II’s love for his dog in the 15th century to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s proclivity for cats. At a general audience in May 1969, St. Paul VI said that even animals yearn “anxiously for the glorious manifestation of the children of God,” while St. John Paul II went as far as to state that animals too have a “vital whiff or breath that they have received from God.”

Bowen is convinced that animals have a lot to teach humans about spirituality. Any cat owner can relate to seeing feline friends in an “utterly blissed out” state, she said. That complete relaxation is not unlike prayer, she said.

“There is very much the capacity for a lot of different types of species to be spiritual,” Bowen said, citing MRI studies that the same activity of the human brain observed during prayer, chanting or meditation is present in some animals.

Primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall has highlighted the deep emotional lives of chimpanzees and gorillas, affirming Bowen’s belief that animals too “have experiences of awe and wonder and what we humans would call spirituality.”

Francis could benefit from this evidence, Bowen said, and from studies that show that children raised in homes with animals have increased empathy, not to mention other studies that show that animals may relieve depression and anxiety while improving cardiovascular health and dementia. “I think he would be very interested to learn about these connections, and I would be curious how he responds to that within Catholic doctrine,” she said.

Whether or not these scientific data influence the pope’s views, Bowen said that his words didn’t properly represent Christian teaching. Francis seemed to imply, she said, that “love is a limited supply.”

In Bowen’s eyes, there is more than enough love to share with children, other people’s children and even pets.

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The goddess Bastet, for example, was depicted as a lioness or as a woman with a cat’s head, and she symbolized home, fertility, and protection.

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HT Picks; New Reads

ByHT Team
Oct 07, 2023 09:24 AM IST

This week’s list of interesting reads includes a book on the North Sentinelese tribe of the Andaman Islands, a collection of 12 accounts of rescued child slaves, and a volume on the cat in our written and oral literatures

A story of the Andamans

A journey to the coast of North Sentinel Island, home to a tribe believed to be the most isolated human community on earth. The Sentinelese people want to be left alone and will shoot deadly arrows at anyone who tries to come ashore. As the web of modernity draws ever closer, the island represents the last chapter in the Age of Discovery — the final holdout in a completely connected world.

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In November 2018, a zealous American missionary was killed while attempting to visit an island he called “Satan’s last stronghold,” a small patch of land known as North Sentinel in the Andaman Islands, a remote archipelago in the Indian Ocean. News of the tragedy fascinated people around the world. Most were unaware such a place still existed in our time: an island unmolested by the advances of modern technology.

20 years before the American missionary’s ill-fated visit, a young American historian and journalist named Adam Goodheart also travelled to the waters off North Sentinel. During his time in the Andaman Islands he witnessed another isolated tribe emerge into modernity for the first time.

Now, Goodheart — a best selling historian — has returned to the Andamans. The Last Island is a work of history as well as travel, a journey in time as well as place. It tells the stories of others drawn to North Sentinel’s mystery through the centuries, from imperial adventurers to an eccentric Victorian photographer to modern-day anthropologists. It narrates the tragic stories of other Andaman tribes’ encounters with the outside world. And it shows how the web of modernity is drawing ever closer to the island’s shores.

The Last Island is a beautifully written meditation on the end of the Age of Discovery at the start of a new millennium. It is a book that will fascinate any reader interested in the limits — and dangers — of our modern, global society and its emphasis on ceaseless, unbroken connection.*

Stories of children rescued from slavery

The work of rescuing children from slavery is not for the faint of heart, as the 12 gut-wrenching accounts in this book will show. Harder still is to give them their life back, after they’ve been kidnapped, trafficked, sold, abused and made to work in horrific conditions, often for as long as they can remember.

Pradeep was offered up for human sacrifice by his family, thought to be a bad omen; Devli was a third-generation slave in a stone quarry in Haryana, who had never seen a banana before her rescue; Ashraf, a domestic child labourer at a senior civil servant’s house, was starved and scalded as punishment; Sahiba was trafficked from Assam to be someone’s wife against her will; Kalu was abducted and made to weave carpets all day long, his injuries cauterized with phosphorus scraped off matchsticks; Bhavna was trapped in a circus, sexually abused for years by her owners; Rakesh was worked in the fields all year round like cattle, and spent the nights locked up with them in the stable; Sabo was born to labourers at a brick kiln, and never knew life outside it; and Manan lived his childhood mining mica in the forests of Jharkhand, barely given time to even mourn his friend who got buried when the mine caved in.

Kailash Satyarthi’s own life and mission were entwined with the journeys of these children. Having lived through unspeakable trauma, they had lost faith in humanity. But behind their reticence, behind their scraggy limbs and calloused hands and feet, hope still endured. This book tells the story of their shared struggle for justice and dignity — from the raid and rescue operations of Satyarthi’s Bachpan Bachao Andolan, to international campaigns for child rights. It is a testament both to the courage of the human spirit and to the power of compassion.*

The meow meow uprising

The Indian Cat: Stories, Paintings, Poetry, and Proverbs is a most unusual book. In it, renowned art historian BN Goswamy illustrates all the varied ways in which cats have made themselves a home in our art, literature, and speech, as well as in our hearts. In the Jataka Tales, cats turn up as characters whose clever tricks or pretensions are generally foiled by the Bodhisattva. In Vaishnava bhakti, when a devotee approaches God in utter surrender they follow marjara-nyaya — the act of a kitten who passively submits to its mother as it is picked up by the scruff of its neck. The Hadith speaks of the Prophet who once chose to cut off the sleeve of his robe when he had to stand up and go pray rather than disturb his pet cat, Muezza, who was sleeping on it. In the Mahabharata, Duryodhana repeatedly charges the noble Yudhishthira with observing the marjara-vrata, “cat-like observance”, denoting hypocrisy. Great poets like Mir and Ghalib are known to have loved their cats to distraction, the poet Jibanananda Das saw himself in a cat that went here and there, always following the sun, and Vikram Seth saw the cat as being full of mischief and cleverness but no evil. All in all, on a daily basis, as everyone knows, the feline in India is often addressed with affection.

The Indian Cat first presents a delightful picture of the cat in our written and oral literatures. This is followed by a catalogue of paintings, each showcasing a different aspect of the place accorded to cats in our society. Then there is a selection of poetry about the cat, much of which is translated from a wide swathe of languages including Urdu, Hindi, Persian, and Bengali. The final section presents proverbs, sayings, and idioms on the animal. An enchanting and gorgeously designed book, The Indian Cat will appeal to a wide array of readers.*

*All copy from book flap.

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Cats were believed to possess spiritual powers, acting as guardians against evil spirits and carriers of good fortune.

- **Role in Society:**
Egyptians deeply respected and cared for their cats, making them valued family members.

Title:

Content:
Tuesday August 08, 2023

Do this to make your kitties happy on International Cat Day

To have happy International Cat Day, you need to have a happy cat and here's how you can make your them happy

By Web Desk
August 08, 2023

Cats are one of the most preferred pets across the globe and there is no denying that fact, given their cute yet whimsical traits and the fact that there is a whole day — August 8 — designated to celebrate cats around the world.

Indeed, International Cat Day exists and is celebrated worldwide, honouring all cats and kittens who teach us to cherish little moments in life and the art of finding happiness in the most ordinary things.

From the ancient Egyptians' adoration of these enigmatic creatures to viral internet videos, cats have held a special place in human history and hearts.

Take the time to reflect on ways to make your little furry friend happy on this special day with the help of the following list of ways suggested by a vet, according to the Animal Hospital of Richboro in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Apparently, health is happiness

You need to prioritise your little furry friend's health if you want them to stay happier and you can do that by providing them with good food and opportunities to get some fresh air.

However, while many cats like outdoor activities, like leaving pawprints on windshields and refusing to come when called, it will be both safer and healthier to stay in.

One of the things that positively affect a cat's health and mood is a clean litterbox. Try asking your vet for tips on caring for your feline friend and it is always better to learn more about cats.

Moreover, remember to regularly visit the vet to make sure your furry baby is in top health.

Keep them entertained with toys or yourself

As they have a natural instinct to pounce or jump on things as they are hunters by nature and it is one of the many things that makes them happy.

Find plenty of fun and easy-to-play toys that your cats can push under the couch or jump at instead of jumping at you. Additionally, toys that also allow you to play with your feline friend are a great way to enhance your bond with them.

Although toys are great, you are by far your cat's favourite form of entertainment and must take a few minutes a day to play with your furry buddy.

Comfy beds and luxuries

The love for comfy beds and luxuries is one of the few things that cats have in common with humans.

Cats are definitely drowsy little furballs so give them a selection of cosy sleeping accommodations for their 32 daily naps.

In addition, providing simple luxuries such as small touches that help them stay content, offering them a comfy window seat to watch birds and squirrels, scratching posts, cat furniture, and regular grooming sessions can help you win feline overlords' hearts.

Things To Investigate

Some of the most viral cat videos that have generated a craze among netizens are the ones where cats are busy investigating something to satisfy their curiosity. While it is an activity that cats love, it amuses their pet parents as well.

If you want to feel happy with your kitten or cat give them things that make them curious which is almost everything. However, it would be better to give them things like cardboard boxes, newspaper tunnels, pet tents, and paper bags.

Attention

All things aside, the best way to make your furry friend happy is by giving them your attention because you are the person they feel the most safe with.

Talk to them and it does not matter if they do not understand you. You paying attention to your pet and throwing a few cuddles in it will ultimately enhance their mood, especially on International Cat Day!

Cats not only protected food supplies by controlling pests but also were believed to bring blessings and were often associated with personal and household well-being.

Killing a cat, accidentally or intentionally, was considered a grave crime, even punishable by death in some historical periods.

Title:

Content: How Black Cats Became a Symbol of Bad Luck

Famous cat daddy Jackson Galaxy looks into the galvanizing history of black cats, particularly how they became enduring symbols of bad luck and superstition.

It’s true – black cats have been truly vilified throughout our history, from mythology to being burned at the stake as witches to… well every superstition you can think of.

Galaxy recounts how these beautiful cats got such a bad rap. The famous “Halloween Cat” pose, their association with witchcraft, and how the particularly zealous Pope Gregory IV eradicated Europe of all cats.

I gotta say if you gotta blame the demonization the official demonization of cats and especially black cats in the world starting in Europe it would be Pope Gregory IX. Thanks Pope Gregory IX, because in 1233 …he basically called out witches as worshiping a devil that was this shadowy half-man half cat I mean that basically made cats “cattis non-gratis”, especially in Europe.

Sadly, the bubonic plague spread freely across Europe as there were no cats to keep the rat population down.

By the 1300s it’s theorized anyway, that cat numbers were depleted so badly … that allowed the Bubonic Plague to just flourish. …The the more this went on the worse the rap was that black cats had on them.

The demonization got worse with the Salem witch trials and the propagation of superstition throughout history.

There is worshiping and there is vilifying and burning at the stake and all stops in between and that’s what the black cat has represented through time. …The Halloween cat and how badly misinterpreted that body position is. It is a surviving damning vision of the black cat especially when we associate during Halloween a witch and a black cat …These are vestiges of discrimination and wholesale slaughter of an innocent animal.

That being said, black cats are wonderful, sweet animals who, sadly, have a harder time getting adopted.

We gotta spread the word you guys black cats are good luck black cats are righteous … spread the word adopt a black cat today. Foster a black cat today.

- **Afterlife and Mourning:**
Cats were given elaborate burials similar to those of humans, including mummification, indicating their elevated status.

When a family cat died, the household would enter a period of mourning.

Title:

Content: Entertainment

The tragic life of Louis Wain: Victorian painter who popularized cats

He was the cat’s meow.

One hundred years ago, Louis Wain transformed the humble feline from vermin-catching critter to beloved beast with his whimsical drawings of anthropomorphized cats. His cute kittens and cigar-chomping tabbies — sometimes done in black ink, sometimes in electric neons — threw snowballs at one another, played poker and drank brandy, and made all sorts of mischief. They appeared in books, magazines, newspapers and postcards all over Victorian England.

Now, a new movie, “The Electrical Life of Louis Wain,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch, in select theaters now and streaming on Amazon Prime Video Friday, tells his story.

“He made the cat his own,” the science-fiction writer H.G. Wells once said. “He invented a cat style, a cat society, a whole cat world. British cats that do not look and live like Louis Wain cats are ashamed of themselves.”

Despite his wild popularity, Wain died in 1939 at the age of 79 nearly penniless and in a psychiatric hospital. By the mid-20th century, he was nearly all but forgotten.

“He was a kind of tragic hero in some ways,” David Luck, an archivist at the Bethlem Museum of the Mind, located in England’s Bethlem Royal Hospital, where Wain stayed for a time, told The Post. The museum has a new exhibition of his work opening Dec. 4, “Animal Therapy: The Cats of Louis Wain.”

“He was somebody who tried his best to live the life that he wanted to live and to create the work he wanted to create, and it took a real toll on him,” Luck said.

Born in 1860, Wain, shy and sensitive, was the eldest child of an English textile-trader father and French mother. When his father died in 1880, the 20-year-old Wain suddenly had to provide for his mother and five younger sisters.

A skilled draftsman — he sketched rapidly with a pencil in each hand — he began selling his nature and animal sketches to London newspapers.

When he was 23, he fell in love with his sisters’ governess, the feline-loving Emily Marie Richardson, and the two wed (courting much scandal, due to the bride’s inferior social standing) in 1884. Shortly after, Richardson was diagnosed with breast cancer, and Wain drew pictures of her kitten, Peter, to cheer her up.

“Peter was her constant companion,” Wain wrote in his diary. “His was the genius which gilded many a sorrowful hour and lightened many a burden.”

Richardson urged Wain to sell his charming cat drawings, and in 1886, the Illustrated London News commissioned a kitten-themed spread for its Christmas edition. It caused a sensation: Soon, Wain was dashing off cat drawings for books, newspapers, magazines, postcards and more.

Wain’s art hit at the right time.

“The Victorians were particularly keen on dogs, as they seemed to embody their values of loyalty, fidelity and trust,” said Jane Hamlett, professor at Royal Holloway, University of London. Whereas cats — often associated with witches and spinsters — “were seen as sly and sometimes viewed with suspicion.”

“The question of whether Wain helped to popularize the cat as a pet is also a bit of a chicken-or-the-egg problem,” historian Stephanie Howard-Smith told The Post. “The cat’s star was on the rise in Victorian Britain — the first cat show was held in London in 1871 … In 1872, the dog food manufacturer James Spratt filed a patent to manufacture cat biscuits. [Cats began to] appear in popular pet memoirs … and in family photographs.”

Yet despite such success, Wain struggled. His wife died in 1887. He channeled his grief into his art — which grew more colorful, more detailed, more surreal and abstract — but he never copyrighted his work and didn’t earn a penny off the numerous reproductions of his illustrations. He became increasingly paranoid and erratic, and in 1924, his family certified him insane.

A year later, a bookseller discovered him scribbling away in the pauper ward of the psychiatric hospital Springfield. Scandalized, the acquaintance started the Louis Wain Fund to help raise money to move the artist from dire Springfield to the more comfortable Bethlem (the word “bedlam” is derived from its nickname). Notable figures like H.G. Wells and even King George V drummed up support from fans.

Yet Wain’s last days weren’t tragic: Luck said that he had frequent visitors, and that the hospitals he stayed at provided him with art materials and even cats. He continued to make and sell commercial illustrations, which his sisters would pick up on their visits, in addition to painting his more experimental psychedelic cats.

In the past 10 years, his work has been rediscovered by London dealers, and his collectors include the musician Nick Cave and the artist Tracey Emin.

“His work is hallucinatory, paradisiacal, childlike, intense, kind, warm, ecstatic,” the artist David Tibet told The Post when asked about Wain’s appeal. “He saw cats in a way that no other artist had done before, or has since, and lived utterly in what he described as ‘Catland, sometimes called Pussydom’ — the perfect Paradise of Purrs, where cats go to play forever, in gorgeous colors.”

One distinctive ritual was the shaving of their eyebrows, a physical sign of grief and respect for the lost pet.

Egyptians would not resume normal activities until their eyebrows had grown back, signifying deep loss and spiritual connection to their feline companions.

- **Cultural Impact:**
Egyptian art, literature, and everyday life reflected the reverence for cats.

Numerous temples and statues celebrated feline form and characteristics, and cats appeared in religious texts and household artifacts.

The high value placed on cats persisted throughout pharaonic history, influencing how later societies viewed felines.

**Conclusion:**
Cats were esteemed in ancient Egypt for both practical roles and, more importantly, for their deep spiritual significance.


Here are key nuggets summarizing the trends, benefits, and perceptions of both traditional and non-traditional yoga approaches, based on the extracts provided:

**1.

Flexibility, Personalization, and Cross-Training Support**
- Platforms like Peloton Yoga exemplify modern approaches, offering live, on-demand classes for all levels.

This level of flexibility enables users to tailor their sessions by interest, experience, mood, or targeted body parts (arms, core, glutes), showing cross-training potential for athletes.

- Classes such as "Yoga Flow," "Yoga Basics," and "Yoga Anywhere" serve varying schedules and environments, supporting accessibility and client autonomy.

Physical and Mental Health Benefits**
- Across offerings, the core benefits of yoga remain: stress reduction, tension relief, injury recovery, improved bodily awareness, and enhanced connection to surroundings.

- Specialized classes are available for recovery after intense workouts, reinforcing yoga's integration into holistic athletic regimens.

Quality Instruction and Community**
- Success stories highlight the impact of committed instructors and personalized guidance, such as correcting form issues or accommodating previous injuries, making yoga accessible and effective for a wider demographic—including those intimidated by traditional fitness settings.

- Studios like Adapted Yoga and Pilates emphasize creating fun, safe, inclusive experiences, which broadens appeal, especially among beginners or “scared to try” individuals.

Economic and Cultural Growth**
- The global adoption of yoga has contributed not only to individual wellness but also to local and international economic growth, as seen with the increasing number of boutique studios and practitioners aiming to expand yoga’s reach.

Their persistence is often sustained by the fun, social atmosphere and their ability to introduce yoga benefits in accessible, playful ways.

Reputation and Endurance of Novelty vs.

Here are key nuggets summarizing the trends, benefits, and perceptions of both traditional and non-traditional yoga approaches, based on the extracts provided:

**1.

Title:

Content: Peloton Yoga: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Yoga Classes on Peloton

Peloton is a well-known fitness company that offers a variety of workout options, including cycling, running, strength training, and yoga. Peloton yoga is popular among fitness enthusiasts who want to improve their flexibility, balance, and strength. Peloton yoga classes are led by world-class instructors offering various teaching styles and training backgrounds to cater to different needs and preferences.

Peloton yoga is available both live and on-demand, making it easy for users to fit yoga into their busy schedules. The Peloton app offers a variety of yoga classes, including vinyasa, power yoga, restorative yoga, and yoga conditioning. Users can choose courses based on their experience level, mood, music style, and fitness goals.

Peloton yoga is more than just a workout; it is a way to connect with oneself and find inner peace. Peloton yoga focuses on diving deep into specific poses, body parts, or even moods. Regarding the recovery element of Peloton yoga, consider it a rest day. Peloton yoga helps users to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, making it a great addition to any fitness routine.

What is Peloton Yoga?

Peloton Yoga is an on-demand yoga program offered by Peloton. It is designed to help users improve their flexibility, strength, and mindfulness through various yoga classes. Peloton Yoga has a range of classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced, and offers live and on-demand classes.

The program is rooted in five elements of the practice: foundation, power, focus, recovery, and unity. Each element allows members to curate their practice to match their interests, experience, and ability. Peloton yoga focuses on diving deep into specific poses, body parts, or even moods. Regarding the recovery element of Peloton yoga, think: rest day. As the name suggests, it is designed to help users recover from intense workouts and reduce stress levels.

Peloton Yoga offers a variety of classes, including Vinyasa, Hatha, and Yin yoga. Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic style of yoga that links breath with movement. Hatha yoga is a slower-paced practice that focuses on holding poses for longer periods. Yin yoga is a restorative practice that involves holding poses for several minutes to release tension and increase flexibility.

Peloton Yoga also has a range of expert instructors who guide users through their practice. The instructors are experienced and certified yoga professionals who offer personalized instruction and modifications for all levels.

Benefits of Peloton Yoga

Physical Benefits

Peloton Yoga is a great way to improve your overall physical health. The practice can help you build strength, increase flexibility, and improve your balance. Additionally, it can help you manage your weight by burning calories and reducing stress levels. Here are some of the physical benefits of Peloton Yoga:

  • Builds strength in the muscles
  • Increases flexibility and range of motion
  • Improves balance and stability
  • Burns calories and promotes weight loss
  • Reduces stress and tension in the body

Mental Benefits

In addition to the physical benefits, Peloton Yoga can positively impact your mental health. The practice can help you reduce stress, improve your mood, and increase your overall well-being. Here are some of the mental benefits of Peloton Yoga:

  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Improves mood and promotes feelings of happiness
  • Increases mindfulness and self-awareness
  • Boosts overall sense of well-being
  • Improves sleep quality and duration

Social Benefits

Peloton Yoga is also a great way to connect with others and build community. The practice can help you meet new people, make friends, and develop a support system. Additionally, it can help you feel more connected to your body and your surroundings. Here are some of the social benefits of Peloton Yoga:

  • Connects you with like-minded individuals
  • Offers a sense of community and support
  • Provides opportunities for personal growth and development
  • Encourages a sense of connection to your body and surroundings

Peloton Yoga Classes

Types of Classes

Peloton offers various yoga classes catering to different levels and preferences. The classes are grouped into three categories that fall under the area of “foundation”: Yoga Flow, Yoga Basics, and Yoga Anywhere. Yoga Flow classes are designed for intermediate and advanced yogis who want to challenge themselves with dynamic sequences. Yoga Basics classes are ideal for beginners or anyone who wants to improve their alignment, breathing, and mindfulness. Yoga, Anywhere classes, are perfect for those who want to practice yoga on the go or in limited space.

Instructors

Peloton has a team of world-class yoga instructors bringing unique styles and expertise to each class. Some popular Peloton yoga instructors include Kristin McGee, Aditi Shah, and Denis Morton. Each instructor’s bio on the Peloton website provides information about their background, certifications, and teaching philosophy. Members can choose their favorite instructors and follow their classes for a consistent yoga experience.

Class Formats

Peloton offers several class formats that combine yoga with other disciplines such as strength, cardio, and meditation. Some popular designs include Yoga Bootcamp, Yoga Flow + Meditation, and Yoga + Stretching. Yoga Bootcamp is a high-intensity workout that combines yoga poses with strength and cardio exercises. Yoga Flow + Meditation is a calming practice focusing on breathwork and mindfulness. Yoga + Stretching is a gentle class that helps to release tension and improve flexibility. Overall, Peloton yoga classes provide a comprehensive and personalized yoga experience for members of all levels. With various class types, expert instructors, and innovative formats, Peloton easily incorporates yoga into your fitness routine.

Peloton Yoga Equipment

When it comes to practicing yoga on Peloton, there are a few essential pieces of equipment that you will need. The right clothing and a yoga mat are the two main items you will need to get started. It is vital to wear comfortable and breathable clothing that allows for a full range of motion. A high-quality yoga mat will provide the necessary grip and cushioning to support your practice. Peloton offers its own branded yoga mat, but other options are available on the market.

In addition to the basics, there are a few optional pieces of equipment that you should consider. Yoga blocks, a yoga bolster, and a yoga strap, can all be helpful tools to enhance your practice. Yoga blocks provide extra support and stability during certain poses, while a yoga bolster can be used for seated and standing postures. A yoga strap can help you deepen your stretches and improve your flexibility.

While not essential, you should consider adding a few non-essential items to your practice. An eye pillow can be used during savasana to help you relax and unwind. Liquid chalk can also be helpful if your hands get sweaty during your practice, providing extra grip on your mat.

Overall, the equipment you need for Peloton yoga is relatively minimal. Investing in high-quality basics such as a yoga mat and comfortable clothing is a good place to start, and you can add additional pieces as you progress in your practice.

Peloton Yoga Membership

Peloton offers a variety of membership options for those who want to practice yoga. All memberships come with access to the Peloton App, live and on-demand classes, personalized class recommendations, and training programs.

The Peloton Yoga Membership is perfect for those who want to focus exclusively on yoga. This membership provides access to various yoga classes, programs, and instructors. With the Peloton Yoga Membership, you can choose from beginner, intermediate, or advanced classes and classes that focus on specific areas like flexibility, strength, and balance. In addition to the yoga classes, the Peloton Yoga Membership also includes access to Peloton’s yoga instructors.

The instructors are experienced and knowledgeable, and they provide guidance and support to help you get the most out of your practice. You can choose to follow a specific instructor or try out different instructors to find the one that works best for you. If you need more time to be ready to commit to a Peloton Yoga Membership, you can also access yoga classes through the Peloton App Membership.

This membership provides access to Peloton’s classes, including yoga, cycling, running, and strength training. You can take yoga classes as part of your overall fitness routine or focus exclusively on yoga when you want to. Overall, Peloton’s yoga memberships are a great way to practice yoga from your home. With a wide range of classes, programs, and instructors, you can find a practice that works for you.

Conclusion

Peloton Yoga is a great option for those looking to practice yoga from their home. With various classes to choose from, including different difficulty levels and lengths, there is something for everyone. Peloton Yoga also offers classes that focus on specific body areas, such as arms, core, and glutes, making it an excellent option for cross-training.

The five elements of Peloton Yoga – foundation, power, focus, recovery, and unity – provide a framework for members to curate their practice to match their interests, experience, and ability. The instructors are knowledgeable and skilled, giving clear instructions and modifications for different levels.

In general, Peloton Yoga classes are good for enhancing recovery, improving athleticism, and increasing performance. They offer restful workouts and meditation for healing and focus, while providing challenging courses for those looking to improve their strength and flexibility. Overall, Peloton Yoga is a great option for those looking to practice yoga in a convenient and customizable way.

Flexibility, Personalization, and Cross-Training Support**
- Platforms like Peloton Yoga exemplify modern approaches, offering live, on-demand classes for all levels.

This level of flexibility enables users to tailor their sessions by interest, experience, mood, or targeted body parts (arms, core, glutes), showing cross-training potential for athletes.

- Classes such as "Yoga Flow," "Yoga Basics," and "Yoga Anywhere" serve varying schedules and environments, supporting accessibility and client autonomy.

Title:

Content: Alexandra Wells leading IMAGE TECH for Dancers. Photo by David Gonsier, Courtesy Wells

5 Somatic Techniques Founded By Dancers

Although somatic disciplines share a common set of values—internal sensing, increased ease, embodied anatomy, efficient action—the path to achieving all of that can vary wildly. How can you find the method that best speaks to you? It may be useful to look at some less familiar yet potent somatic gems founded by dancers and deeply tied to performance practices.

Noyes Rhythm

The founder: Florence Fleming Noyes was a prominent member of the free-dance movement of the early 20th century. She looked to patterns in nature, from the unfurling of a leaf to cloud formation, to better understand the work of the body. Noyes also emphasized deep rest, slowing down and outdoor improvisation to achieve "sentiency," her idea of aliveness.

What class involves: Noyes Rhythm includes a technique class to learn the "mathematics of the body," and a recreation class, which is a guided improvisation inspired by nature. Both take place outdoors most summers at Shepherd's Nine in Portland, Connecticut, the home of the work since 1919.

"Noyes is both somatics and dance—not somatics separated from or applied to dance," says Meg Brooker, a Noyes Rhythm teacher. "The use of music and work with ensemble awareness distinguish us from other somatic practices."

Is it for you? This is ideal for those who want to connect the inside with the outside, along with a chance to dance freely after somatic explorations.

Shin Somatics

The founder: Sondra Fraleigh, professor of dance emeritus at SUNY Brockport, is certified in Feldenkrais and craniosacral therapy, and also brings extensive study of myofascial release, effective communication, butoh, yoga and Zen meditation to the somatic table of riches she has created.

What class involves: Shin Somatics offers a range of practices, such as intuitive dance, somatic yoga and Shin restore bodywork. Workshop themes include "Dancing Down the Bones" (focusing on experiential anatomy) and "Land to Water Yoga."

"Body and mind unity guides our work," says Fraleigh. "The curriculum works in a spiral, and topics return with more enrichment each time."

Is it for you? Shin Somatics works well for those who want variety and agency. "The practice has just enough structure to provide a score for somatic exploration, while creating space to bring your own experience," says Denise Purvis, who is pursuing a doctorate in dance focused on Shin Somatics at Texas Woman's University.

Kinetic Awareness

The founder: Choreographer and filmmaker Elaine Summers, a founding member of the Judson Dance Theater, was a proponent of deep listening to the body and a student of somatic legend Carola Speads.

What class involves: Students might start out focusing on one part of the body, exploring all of its potential in a free-movement section. Kinetic Awareness is sometimes known as "the ball work," because a class might include balls of varying sizes. "The balls are not just used as props, but as tactile and sensory aids," says master teacher Jill Green. "We press into the ball, and think of the ball as part of our body."

Is it for you? Kinetic Awareness is for those wanting a subtle, gentle and informative practice, respecting the intrinsic intelligence of the body. "The concept of letting my body stretch itself created a deep connection to myself as a performer," says Johanna Meyer, who brings Kinetic Awareness concepts into her popular Pilates for dancers class at Movement Research.

IMAGE TECH for Dancers

The Founder: During her time teaching at Juilliard, Alexandra Wells created IMAGE TECH for Dancers. Her ballet class directly followed somatics, and she noticed that students weren't carrying the information from their work with Irene Dowd and Alexander Technique into their vertical, weight-bearing classes, like ballet. Now senior director of training at Gibney, Wells continues to develop her practice, which is one of the few somatic methods that takes place in the vertical plane.

What class involves: The practice uses images and tactile prompts to inititate energetic directions, prompting muscle groups to activate, stabilizing the skeletal structure, and providing space for greater mobility. The aim is to connect the dots while standing. Wells borrows images from dance and somatic leaders, such as Victor Quijada's "nutella arms," Dowd's "visceral sphere" and Artemis Gordon's "marching ants."

Is it for you? IMAGE TECH can be used as a pre-class tune-up. "The combination of direction and images helps me engage properly," says Leslie Andrea Williams of the Martha Graham Dance Company. "I understand how my body works and feel the support I need in my back."

Topf Technique/Dynamic Anatomy

The Founder: Nancy Topf's seminal work with her colleagues helped lead to the development of Anatomical Release Technique. After intense study with Barbara Clark, Topf developed her own method.

What class involves: "Visualization changes the direction of our thoughts and leads toward an awareness of our center," wrote Topf in The Anatomy of Center. Before and after taking a close look at the anatomical focus of the day, such as the psoas muscle or diaphragm, the class offers time to explore. Topf's work is equal parts poetic and precise as students work toward internalizing anatomical knowledge.

Is it for you? This is a great class for performers who want to better understand anatomy and move from that information.

Latest Posts

Photo by Ema Peter, Courtesy University of Southern California, Glorya Kaufman School of Dance

More Than Just a Studio

There's a special connection between dancers and the studios where they spend countless hours—even years—developing their craft. That's why colleges that want to attract and nurture the very best talent invest in the very best resources—like top-quality flooring from a trusted manufacturer like Harlequin—to inspire and support their students both mentally and physically.

Check out these college dance studios—and their sweeping views, eye-catching design, and industry-leading Harlequin floors—that are soon to become a home away from home to the class of 2025.

GO DEEPER SHOW LESS

Physical and Mental Health Benefits**
- Across offerings, the core benefits of yoga remain: stress reduction, tension relief, injury recovery, improved bodily awareness, and enhanced connection to surroundings.

- Specialized classes are available for recovery after intense workouts, reinforcing yoga's integration into holistic athletic regimens.

Quality Instruction and Community**
- Success stories highlight the impact of committed instructors and personalized guidance, such as correcting form issues or accommodating previous injuries, making yoga accessible and effective for a wider demographic—including those intimidated by traditional fitness settings.

- Studios like Adapted Yoga and Pilates emphasize creating fun, safe, inclusive experiences, which broadens appeal, especially among beginners or “scared to try” individuals.

Title:

Content: Recommended NZ | Guide to Money | Gimme: Competitions - Giveaways

Yogi apprentices 'heal hurting bodies through movement and breath'

Contributor:
Fuseworks Media

Working with people as they find their ‘aha’ moments is what keeps Rebecca Harford coming into work every day.

Rebecca and her husband Jeremy are the co-owners of Adapted Yoga and Pilates, a unique Christchurch-based studio with a mission to help everyone find a practice that’s safe, fun and enriching.

Right now, Rebecca is supporting a number of her staff through the Skills Active Exercise Professional apprenticeship, https://www.skillsactive.org.nz/our-qualifications/exercise/apprenticeship-new-zealand-apprenticeship-exercise-professional-level-4/. But teaching and learning have always been passions for her.

Rebecca first came to yoga during her university years. She was pretty sure yoga was frivolous, so her instinct was to learn more about it to confirm her suspicions.

"I had been playing rugby, and was also right into weightlifting and powerlifting. So yoga was quite a different way of looking at the world," Rebecca says. As it turned out, she disproved her theory, and discovered the beginning of a lifelong passion for yoga, which grew to encompass Pilates as well.

Once she finished her degree in physical education, Rebecca left for a stint working on cruise ships, and for three years she taught as many as 28 yoga and Pilates classes a week - a very solid grounding for her teaching career.

After returning to New Zealand, she ended up in a role with ACC, and it was there, working with ACC clients, that the seeds were planted that would eventually lead to the creation of Adapted Yoga and Pilates. The studio welcomes everyone through its doors, including those with disabilities or conditions, so that they can get the life-changing benefits of moving their bodies and using their breath.

"There are so many broken people that need exercise and wellbeing, and there is just not a huge amount of support for them out there. I got frustrated with that [at ACC] and I wanted to do more to help people.

"The difference between us and some other studios is that we are truly open to anybody. Our teachers are able to create a challenging class for people that need challenge, and a safe class for those who need more support. And our ethos is always ‘first do no harm.’"

Rebecca says yoga and Pilates can help everyone, no matter their limitations, and it’s inspiring to see it happen.

"I just love seeing people get their ‘aha’ moment. So even the really simple stuff like how to breathe deeply. Or how to activate their core. Those really basic things that they can take into everyday life, and which will make life better."

These things may be basic or simple, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy for everyone, she adds.

"Even just how to get the right muscles working [can be challenging]. Especially for people that were too scared to try. There are so many women, in particular, that aren’t happy with their bodies or they are in pain or they are anxious.

"In my job I get to see those people change, and think ‘Hey, this is actually something I can do, and I can do it well, no matter how broken I might be.’ It’s really special seeing things click for people."

Broadening horizons through learning on the job

Rebecca is enjoying supporting her teaching staff as they complete their Skills Active apprenticeships. She gets together with the apprentices for regular practical and theory sessions, and is always available for questions, advice and encouragement.

"There is a lot of work involved but it’s worth it. It’s been a really interesting experience and I’ve learned quite a lot as a mentor to my team.

"You need to have an environment where people are okay to make mistakes and ask questions. And I think it’s helpful to have more than one person on hand to ask, because we all learn differently and present information in different ways."

Rebecca is also a registered Skills Active assessor, and assesses the parts of the programme that are within her assessment scope.

She notes that many yoga and Pilates teachers haven’t gone through what others in the wider exercise industry would see as the foundations of being a fitness professional.

"The training that they’ve done doesn’t usually come with the same level of focus on anatomy and physiology, or the cultural awareness side of things. So it’s great to be able to give them that foundational base, and to fill in any gaps that might have happened between their teacher training and going forward."

It also helps to broaden their horizons as exercise professionals, Rebecca adds.

"They can start to have conversations with allied health professionals and personal trainers about their shared clients. And it gives them an opportunity to work more broadly in the various roles that the industry can offer.

"It’s just awesome to see people who were already good teachers, gaining more confidence in their knowledge and abilities. And it helps them to give even more to their students."

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Economic and Cultural Growth**
- The global adoption of yoga has contributed not only to individual wellness but also to local and international economic growth, as seen with the increasing number of boutique studios and practitioners aiming to expand yoga’s reach.

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Content: Tuesday, Aug 09, 2022
Outlook for Brands

The Inspiring Tale Of An Emerging Yoga Practitioner And Fitness Enthusiast Manish

Manish apart from being a fitness freak is also a Yoga Practitioner who aims to connect more and more people with the ancient Indian practice of Yoga to help them lead a healthy life.

The world, with the outbreak of the Covid-19 Pandemic, has realised the importance of being fit and leading a healthy lifestyle. The last two years have been a tough phase for people across the globe as they were confined to their homes due to lockdown and other restrictions in place. With Gyms and fitness centers shut, people had no options other than Yoga to keep themselves in shape. Yoga, an ancient Indian tradition that is now practiced across the globe, is not just good for a healthy mind and body but also beneficial for a robust economy. Unlike the previous time, Yoga is emerging as a new career option among the youth and people have started taking the ancient practice seriously. According to a report, the Yoga Industry was valued at $87,926 million in 2017 and is projected to reach a whopping $15,811 million by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 11.7 percent from 2018 to 2025. This has resulted in youth taking up the profession of Yoga Practitioner as their career choice. One such notable person who is a fitness enthusiast and an emerging Yoga Practitioner is Manish.

Manish apart from being a fitness freak is also a Yoga Practitioner who aims to connect more and more people with the ancient Indian practice of Yoga to help them lead a healthy life. Manish, since his childhood days, was very much into fitness as he used to admire bodybuilders and models. Taking his passion seriously, he started working towards the goal of attaining a healthy & fit body and he enrolled himself into Gym in 2013. Following a strict diet, sweating rigorously in Gyms for hours, and meditating helped him achieve the body that he desired. Having done his Bachelors in Management in 2016 from the prestigious Lovely Professional University (LPU), he is pursuing his Masters in Yoga from Uttarakhand Sanskrit University, following his passion with utmost sincerity.

The young fitness freak entered the realm of professional fitness in 2017 and has done a lot of extensive fitness studies. It is often said that “Hard Work never goes in vain” and the same was in the case of Manish. He was honoured with the prestigious title of ‘Perfect Body’ for the Year 2020-21 at the biggest male pageant of India - Rubaru Mr. India, culminated in Goa on April 8, 2021. Since then, he never had to look back and is slowly becoming an emerging name in the realm of fitness. Manish, with his sheer determination, hard work, and passion has carved a niche around himself and is currently working as a freelancer and Yoga Practitioner. As of now, Manish has successfully mentored numerous young students and has made numerous people connect with the ancient practice of Yoga.

Talking more about his journey and the importance of Yoga, Manish stated, “I always had a passion for fitness since my young days, I sincerely believe that a healthy mind is incomplete with a healthy body and catering to the same, I decided to pursue my career in the realm of Fitness and Yoga. Unlike the general perception, a fit body is not just about hitting the Gym and sweating for hours but it is also about getting proper sleep, following a balanced diet, meditating and practicing Yoga. With the United Nations (UN) officially recognizing June 21 as International Yoga Day, it is indeed a great victory for India where the practice of Yoga originated. I am glad that more and more people have started to realise the importance of Yoga and it is indeed a positive sign that youth today are pursuing their career as a Yoga Practitioner.”

With an aim to open a multidisciplinary fitness and Yoga brand, Manish is working toward making the world a healthier and happier place. Through his franchise that he envisions opening up both in India and abroad, he not only aims to connect more people with Yoga but to also provide a credible platform for Yoga Practitioners to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves.

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Their persistence is often sustained by the fun, social atmosphere and their ability to introduce yoga benefits in accessible, playful ways.

Reputation and Endurance of Novelty vs.


- The Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Marbles, were removed from the Parthenon in Athens by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century and have been in the British Museum ever since.

While they have been physically located in Britain for over 200 years, culturally and historically they remain Greek.

- The ongoing dispute centers on whether the marbles should remain in the British Museum or be returned to Greece.

Greece contends that the marbles are an essential part of their heritage and identity, while the British Museum maintains they were acquired legally and are preserved and accessible to a global audience in London.

- The controversy highlights the broader ethical question in archaeology: how to respect the cultures and origins of artifacts while also sharing them with the world.

- Preservation and respect are recurring themes in archaeologists’ discourse, as seen in the calls to respect and map sites in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, or document Native American stone constructions in New England.

These perspectives reinforce modern approaches that emphasize the cultural context and the importance of community involvement.

- There is increasing acknowledgment that public engagement, transparency, and collaboration with local communities are vital for the future of archaeology and for resolving cultural property disputes like that of the Elgin Marbles.

- Although there has yet to be a formal resolution, recent years have seen growing international support for the marbles’ return to Greece, as well as dialogues between UK and Greek officials.

The debate exemplifies the tension between preservation in established institutions and respect for cultural heritage and origin.

- Ultimately, the Elgin Marbles dispute serves as a case study for archaeologists to consider the ethical responsibilities of their work, emphasizing the importance of both discovery and respect for the cultures from which these relics originate.

- The Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Marbles, were removed from the Parthenon in Athens by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century and have been in the British Museum ever since.

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Content:
Send Them Home

The Elgin Marbles, actually the Parthenon Marbles, have been Greek for over two thousand years and still are in every way except location. They were taken, realistically stolen, by Lord Elgin in the early 1800s and most people believe should be returned but that is actually illegal under British Museum Act 1963 and offers to ‘lend’ them are insulting.

One of the most obvious concerns that many museums have is that they would be emptied of items that were acquired, a weasel word for stolen, during times when the attitudes were different. Different attitudes do not condone theft.

Let’s return the thefts of the past to their rightful owners and put the past attitudes in the rubbish bin of time.

Dennis Fitzgerald,
Melbourne, Australia

Related Articles

While they have been physically located in Britain for over 200 years, culturally and historically they remain Greek.

- The ongoing dispute centers on whether the marbles should remain in the British Museum or be returned to Greece.

Title:

Content: News, Views and More

Could Snapchat have a solution to the Elgin Marbles dispute? | Science and technology news

The developers of the popular app that most people associate with wearing silly filters specialize in culture and art, offering museum visitors new ways to experience history in some of the world's most famous museums and galleries.

From Tom Acres, technology reporter

Saturday 2 December 2023, 2:50am, UK

Rishi Sunak is known for loving technology. So could it offer him a way out of his unpleasant diplomatic dispute with Greece over the Elgin Marbles?

Augmented Reality (AR) is exciting Snap think it could.

The developers of the app that most people associate with wearing silly filters specialize in culture and art, offering visitors new ways to experience history in some of the world's most famous museums and galleries.

Snaps AR has been used to reinvent exhibitions Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, Miami's trendy Art Basel fair, London's Design Museum and most recently the legendary Louvre in Paris.

The museum's Egyptian Antiquities Department now offers 3D reconstructions of long-lost works of art and other historical monuments, viewable via QR codes or the Snapchat camera on mobile phones.

If it's good enough for the Louvre, could it be good enough for the British Museum and enable the return of the Elgin Marbles? Greece?

Read more:
What are the Elgin Marbles and why are they in the British Museum?

What is the Elgin Marbles dispute about?

History in your hands

“We started conversations,” jokes Donatien Bozon, head of Snap’s AR studio in Paris.

Its 14-person team was founded last year with a mission to bring AR to arts, culture and education and prove that Snapchat's technology can go far beyond giving your friends virtual dog-ears.

Cultural institutions expressed interest in tapping into the app's 750 million user audience and offering new experiences to regular visitors – all without requiring additional physical space.

“We felt confident that we could leverage not just the front camera of the phone,” he says, pointing to Snapchat’s common use case as a selfie-driven messaging app, “but also the back camera.”

“You can expand the world,” he adds. “And it opens up so many possibilities.”

Also in the Louvre is a digital twin of the 222-ton granite Luxor Obelisks. Built during the reign of Ramses II for the Egyptian Luxor Temple, one was later moved to the Place de la Concorde in Paris.

However, a spot in the Louvre's courtyard was originally considered. And so, in its own attempt to rewrite history, the museum worked with Snap to “remove the constraints of physics” and have one installed virtually.

Point your phone's camera at the spot where it might have been standing and this is how it appears.

Picture:
A Luxor obelisk stands in the Louvre and uses augmented reality technology. Image: Snap

Where tradition meets technology

Not that AR could ever really replace the original.

“It’s in the name,” says Bozon. “It enhances the experience, not replaces it.”

Probably not a truly satisfactory solution to the Elgin-Marbles dispute.

But the British Museum has dabbled in AR. Aimed primarily at children, it allows guests using Samsung tablets to take AR-controlled tours of the Roman Empire and Parthenon.

The British Library has also used the technology for your own exhibitionsas some of the world's oldest institutions are proud of their traditions and try to keep up with the times.

Qi Pan, director of computer vision at Snap, says AR allows them to “do things that weren’t possible before.”

Its London team is responsible for how the company's technology actually works, both on phones and in a hypothetical future where millions of us walk around wearing futuristic glasses.

“Nowadays, a lot of AR happens on mobile devices, where we are limited by the view of a small rectangle,” he says.

“With AR glasses you can see it directly in the world around you.”

Unfortunately, as this is a limited version of the story, this content is not available.

Open the full version

Accessible artwork

Despite previous attempts with such lenses from people like Google And Snap yourself Pan is confident that AR is on the cusp of a “hardware paradigm shift” as it has failed to achieve mainstream breakthrough.

Apple's upcoming mixed reality headset might prove him right, although at a price of £2,800 probably not.

The appeal of AR artworks, for now, lies in their accessibility — not just to users who only need a phone to experience them, but also to the creators behind what they see.

By teaching himself how to create AR art at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, British artist Doddz managed to earn a six-figure salary after struggling at school.

Traditionalists may cry foul, but his success seems to be evidence of a new interpretation of artwork that people can view and take with them wherever they go.

Bozon says, “Ten years ago, you wouldn’t have bet that being a YouTuber was a real job.”

“In ten years, building in AR will be a real job for thousands of people.”

Let's hope the series of marbles is over by then.

Greece contends that the marbles are an essential part of their heritage and identity, while the British Museum maintains they were acquired legally and are preserved and accessible to a global audience in London.

- The controversy highlights the broader ethical question in archaeology: how to respect the cultures and origins of artifacts while also sharing them with the world.

Title:

Content: Vincentians are being urged to familiarise themselves with the locations of the nation’s petroglyphs and other heritage sites.

 The call comes from Vincent Reid, who has been commissioned by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Trust to map all historical sites in St. Vincent.

“It pains me as a Vincentian to know that a lot of these things go largely unnoticed; people hardly pay any attention to them,” said Vincent Reid, who has been commissioned by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines National Trust to map all historical sites in St. Vincent. The current project is funded by UNESCO through the Post Disaster Needs Assessment under the Heritage Emergency Fund Project whereby the SVGNT is coordinating the effort.

So far, Reid has mapped 54 sites, including petroglyphs; buildings; natural features, such as Rabacca; salt ponds, historical structures, such as the Orange Hill and Fitz Hughes Aqueducts, and stone pillars in the schoolyards in Fitz Hughes and Evesham.

“People hardly pay any attention to them but they are there and they tell a story. They say to us this is where you came from,” Reid said on Saturday during an activity to clean volcanic ash from the “cup holes’ at 13 Stones Petroglyph in Petit Bordel.

“I want people to be aware of the petroglyphs, to be aware of our historical and cultural heritage sites, and to understand that they speak to us,” Reid said.

“They tell us that there was someone before us. They were our forefathers. They were there before us and it is important that we respect and try to preserve what they left as a record of their existence,” Reid said.

He said that respecting historical sites is akin to All Souls and All Saints observances on November 1 and 2, in memory of departed loved ones.

“That’s you showing respect for them, for their memory. These people came before us and left a record of their passing and we need to respect that.”

Reid said:

“Vincentians need to get on board and look at these cultural heritage sites, these petroglyphs and all these other buildings that speak of our first existence, of our history, and respect them and have pride in knowing where they are, what they mean and do everything that they can to preserve it.

“Get up, Vincentians; it is time enough that we do this, it is time enough that we look at where we’ve come from. It always paves the road to where we are going.”

He said that petroglyphs are public property but some occur on private land.

“But the private owners [of the land] are aware of them and know that they belong to the nation and not to them specifically.”

Reid said that there are petroglyphs in Colonarie and Buccament Bay that are on private property whose owners have protected the artefacts but have not tried to restrict public access to the sites.

Reid explained the importance of petroglyphs:

“They are records of the people who came before us. In some cases, they are ceremonial sites. In other cases, they are calendars, they are work stones, they are boundaries, and they send messages.  We may not necessarily understand the language but they are there, deeply incised in the rocks and we know they were made by someone way before our time.”

Taiwan National Day Celebration

- Preservation and respect are recurring themes in archaeologists’ discourse, as seen in the calls to respect and map sites in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, or document Native American stone constructions in New England.

These perspectives reinforce modern approaches that emphasize the cultural context and the importance of community involvement.

- There is increasing acknowledgment that public engagement, transparency, and collaboration with local communities are vital for the future of archaeology and for resolving cultural property disputes like that of the Elgin Marbles.

- Although there has yet to be a formal resolution, recent years have seen growing international support for the marbles’ return to Greece, as well as dialogues between UK and Greek officials.

The debate exemplifies the tension between preservation in established institutions and respect for cultural heritage and origin.

- Ultimately, the Elgin Marbles dispute serves as a case study for archaeologists to consider the ethical responsibilities of their work, emphasizing the importance of both discovery and respect for the cultures from which these relics originate.