Father’s Day

Who invented Father’s Day?

Credit for “Official’ Father’s day goes to Sonora Smart Dodd of USA, who invented her own celebration in 1910 in tribute to her own Father, a single parent who raised his six children.  

When is it celebrated?

It is generally celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of June, and the first American Presidential Proclamation recognising was made in 1966.  It didn’t become a proper National Holiday in  the USA until 1972, previous Presidents had been reluctant, some fearing the commercialization of the event. This year Father’s Day falls on Sunday June 17th.

How is it celebrated?

From receiving a raised eyebrow some short ten years back in the UK, Father’s day has now become a firm fixture on the celebratory calendar, with Father’s Day Cards in the shops from mid-May, and an ever growing list of dedicated manly gifts.  

Popular gift choices today are:-

• Cufflinks, Tie-pins, Ties, Socks, Pocket Squares, and Collar Stiffeners 
  

• Mens’ accessory storage boxes

• A bottle of fine Single Malt Scotch or Irish Whisk(e)y, or fine Cognac

• A Mandle (masculine fragrance candle)
  

• A coin tray to empty those overloaded trousers 

• A hip-flask for those cold winter events

• A special wallet
• Some manly grooming products

Visit our website to get more great ideas for suitable gifts for Father’s Day.

www.londonzu.com

Confirmation – What, When and How is it celebrated?

What is a Confirmation?

The Sacrament of Confirmation is the ritual practiced by most Western Christian Denominations at the young adolescent age of 12-14, wherein the Act of Confirming one’s belief and faith is undertaken, and the commitment to the Christian Church. Through the Act of Laying of Hands (invariably by a Bishop) the Acts of Jesus and the Apostles are mirrored and the Holy Spirit is thus conferred upon the participants.

When does it happen?

The Ceremony is generally undertaken on Pentecost Sunday (50 days after Easter Sunday) when Christians celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.

It is regarded as a rite of passage for the young participants, recognizing their growing maturity and capability of mind to decide for themselves. The ceremony in the Catholic Church generally encompasses a “Sponsor” for the Child, and often a God Parent undertakes this role. This closes the circle from Baptism and Christening as the children now freely choose to ‘Confirm’ those earlier commitments made on their behalf.

How is it celebrated?

The Ceremony is commemorated with a Church Mass followed by a large family meal and gathering, and the giving of gifts. On many occasions the Parents have kept a variety of items from the Christening/Baptism and Holy Communion Ceremonies, and present to their Child their Prayer Book or Bible, Rosary Beads and/or Crucifix.

For the extended family and friends, gifts are more varied and many seek to commemorate the day with personal gift choices.

Appropriate Gifts

* Crucifix / Cross or Heart Necklaces, Bracelets or Charms.
* Picture Frames, personalised or a little more special than the usual fare are often given.
* Pearl Bracelets or Necklaces have always been a popular choice.
* Savings boxes, and Pledge Pins (alcohol abstention) have also retained their popularity (found in Catholic Church shops)
* School bags are also a practical and appropriate gift as they often mark the transition from primary to secondary levels in a school year.
* Money is also generally given but may be frowned upon by some.

First Holy Communion – What to buy

London Zu has shops in both Chiswick and Twickenham and both areas boast a healthy Catholic population. As such, every year in April, we are constantly asked for advice on what is a suitable First Holy Communion gift.

When talking to our customers many remember their own childhood experiences of the rosary beads they received and lost from Auntie Mary. Or the icons that scared them by their bedsides.  And of course, the “Communion Money” they received on that special day.  Indeed in Ireland, unspent “Communion Money” is a well worn metaphor for the over-thrifty habits a particular person may have. However today, whilst a rosary bracelet or necklace may be occasionally handed down, or a Crucifix might be placed in the children’s room, the Sacrament of the Eucharist and its significance to the Christian, and especially Catholic Traditions are often more vaguely interpreted.

What is ‘First Holy Communion’?

The “First” is the first receipt of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, which for Catholics is the second of the Seven Sacraments, mirroring those actions and guidance of Jesus at the Last Supper – and whilst for many denominations the symbolic mirroring ends there, for the practicing Catholic the belief that Christ is truly present through the mystery of ‘substantiation’ is one the cornerstones of the ritual’s significance.

How is it celebrated?

It is universally celebrated as a large family event. including a church ceremony where the girls are usually presented in white dresses and veils – symbolizing their innocent purity – and the boys are dressed in their new ‘Sunday Best’  or new uniforms.

What is a traditional gift?

Traditionally gifts of a religious nature were given (Rosary Beads or Prayers Books or Icons), and indeed treasured and kept through a life of practice. Today, many family members and friends give gifts of a more diverse nature. Money is still most common, and often enclosed with a small gift and a card. For a seven to eight year old, this is an exciting time.

What is a suitable modern day gift?

Typical gifts for a First Holy Communion today are : –

* A first Pearl Bracelet or Necklace (Girls)
* A Silver/Gold Cross or Crucifix on a Chain (Unisex)
* A Savings Box (Unisex)
* A Photo Frame to commemorate the occasion (Unisex)
* A Photo Album (Unisex)
* A Heart Necklace (Girls)
* A Charm Bracelet with First Charm (Girls)

* A Guardian Angel Pin (Unisex)

As part of the ritual of growing up within the Christian Tradition, this is a significant rite of passage for both the child and the parents. It often marks a transitional time and an increased rapidity towards young adolescence. Money in their pockets, savings boxes or bank accounts, the child begins the early days of decision making, and God Parents who’ve often had little to do in the early years can find themselves happily getting involved in their young charges lives once more. They are perhaps our true wonder years.

London Zu Guest Blogger – Francesca Wilson

Guest blogger Francesca Wilson is here to help you with your shopping conundrums.

What to buy for…. THE GIRL WHO HAS EVERYTHING?

It’s a question I hear every week at London Zu, what DO you buy for the girl who has everything? Good question. Most of us have had this predicament when trying to buy that last minute present for our most particular of friends, BUT luckily I have some answers for you… We pride ourselves on keeping our stock up-to-date, evolving and different from what you find on the high-street. We also love to help you find the perfect present so if you’re stuck for ideas we’re happy to make some suggestions, just ask!

DID YOU KNOW?…

That a lot of our jewellery collection is handmade? That we stock a number of fair trade products? That we prefer to work with small suppliers and all our toiletry ranges are made in the UK? That we now sell online and deliver UK-wide?… So, don’t fret, we guarantee there’s always something she won’t have from our selection of gifts and jewellery, and it won’t break the bank either. Tick tick!

 If she already has lots of jewellery, why not give her a means to organise it beautifully? Here are a few suggestions:

STACKERS Beautifully coloured tray organisers in a leather style finish with pretty and chic fabric lining. Designed in the UK to be the most flexible of jewellery boxes, Stackers are bought as separate trays so they can be added to as your collection grows and literally stacked up to infinity! You need buy only the sections which suit you most, whether deep sections for bangles and beads or small sections for storing earrings. The closable lid section can also come in useful on holiday as a portable jewellery box!

WIRE HEART WALL PHOTO HOLDER/  EARRING DISPLAY

An unexpected life-safer of an organiser in a vintage cream finish. Do you have so many pairs of earrings they get stored in a box and you end up wearing the same pair day in day out? Thought so! Hang a pair off each little hoop, of which there are 97, and you’ll soon be enjoying browsing your full collection as you decide on your outfit for the day! The hearts in the middle can be used to display your favourite photos or cards, and are also are a handy place to hang necklaces! What’s more, they’re only £14.99

JEWELLERY WRAPS An absolute investment – every girl needs one of these on holiday, in her handbag and even in her gym kit! Jewellery wraps are stylish way to transport jewellery safely when off on holiday, a weekend business trip or even so as not to lose it in the bottom of your handbag whilst you’re in the gym. One of our newest designs, the rainbow sequinned union jack wrap is being snapped up! We have them in all different sizes and designs, starting from £9.99.

Other London Zu favourite organisers:

VIP BAG ORGANISERS For the girl who has hundreds of handbags – once you’ve had one of these you won’t know how you lived without one! Pretty and practical, these pouches have pockets galore for all your daily essentials.  You can just pop it from bag to bag without accidentally leaving your keys, cash or mascara in yesterday’s bag! They come in 2 sizes and in an array of lovely colours, and for a limited time only, in shimmering silver.

LUGG PORTABLE BRUSH CANOE A clever little organiser from our newly arrived LUGG range: stores your make-up and brushes in organised sections. Also, it can stand upright so you can access your products and brushes easily whilst you apply it… No more rummaging. Hooray!

BAGABOOK A really clever solution to carrying your ebook, Kindle or paper book in a nifty designer bag with an extra compartment for you travel card, mobile phone, keys and money (just the essentials). Bagabook even has a bookmark for those of you that haven’t switched to an ebook.

HAND, BODY AND FACE PAMPERING Well of course every girl loves a luxury hand and body lotion, or a yummy perfume so why not consider some of the following must haves on the London Zu favourites list…

STEAMCREAM An all-in-one lotion so gentle and clean it can be used on your face, body or hands. SteamCream is a steam infusion of natural ingredients including Lavender and Orange Flower and is presented in limited edition tins which can be re-used as a pretty trinket box when you’ve used up all your SteamCream.

PACIFICA ROLL-ON PERFUME OIL A roll on perfume which comes in a variety of scrumptious fragrances such as Persian Rose and French Lilac, they are beautifully packaged and come in a handy travel size. Every handbag should have one.

DI PALOMO’S Wild Fig & Grape is a constant favourite with London Zu customers, so you can’t go wrong choosing from this range and our mini travel size ABAHNA products in White grape & May Chang and Frangipani & Orange Blossom are just gorgeous.  A free gift bag when you buy two or more mini Abahna just seals the deal.

So next time you think, oh dear what do I get her just give us a call, or visit one of our shops or visit our website for inspiration x