Posted on December 8, 2020
This is an update of my 2009 post for December 8:
The Blessings of the Waters is a religious observance that involves a Catholic priest throwing a cross into the ocean waters. Whoever is sturdy enough to deal with the icy waters and fetch it out supposedly wins good luck for him or herself for a year.
Although most people in Uruguay identify as Christian, the nation is considered the most secular country in Latin America. About 40% of the population identify as “no religion,” which is equal to the percentage who identify as Catholic. (Protestant and other Christian denominations account for about 15%.) Church and state are separated; there is no official religion, and freedom of religion is guaranteed.
The country is also considered one of the most developed and most economically stable countries in South America, and the governments of both Uruguay and Chile are rated the least corrupt in Latin America. The standard of living is quite high, and life expectancy is as well. Basically, the nation is one of the most-est and the best-est on the continent!
No wonder Uruguay has a smiling sun on its flag! The sun is called “Sol de mayo” or the “Sun of May,” and it represents the May Revolution of 1810, the beginning of independence from Spain; it is said that the sun broke through the clouds when the revolution was announced, and this was seen as a good omen. The nine stripes on the Uruguay flag represent the original nine departments (which are like states) that the nation was divided into. The nation now has 19 departments.
Color an Uruguay flag found here.
Nice beach!
“Blessing of the Waters” is also called “Beach Day.” One of the most developed beaches is called Las Grutas. There is live music, an entertainment center, internet access, and a gym right there on the beach. Best of all, there are caves to explore. In the largest of these caves there used to be a disco!
Use your imagination to design the best beach resort ever. It would be hard to top Las Grutas, but put your thinking cap on and try! Draw and label a picture “selling” your great beach spot to tourists.
Browse through photos of Uruguay here.
Also on this date:
Anniversary of a lemon-squeezing device
Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day
Blessing of the Waters Day in Uruguay
(original post)
Scientist Jan Ingenhousz’s birthday
Rock musician Jim Morrison’s birthday
Rock musician Jim Morrison’s birthday
Battle of Falkland Islands Day
Constitution Day in Uzbekistan
Mother’s Day in Panama
Plan ahead:
Check out my Pinterest pages on:
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Historical anniversaries in December
And here are my Pinterest boards for:
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January birthdays
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Historical anniversaries in January
Historical anniversaries in December
January birthdays
Historical anniversaries in January