Tag: history

History of chocolate

~ joannerambling ~ 6 Comments

Hello everyone, today we are looking at the history of something most people like, that is chocolate.

The word “Chocolate” is likely derived from Nahuatl words such as chocolatl or xocoatl, though scholars still debate the exact origin. The first record of the English word chocolate was in 1604.

Some say that begins with sacred rituals in ancient Mesoamerica maybe it does, maybe it doesn’t but here are some of the information I have found.

The earliest known use of cacao traces back over 5,000 years in what is now Mexico.

The earliest confirmed civilization to use cacao, likely as a ceremonial drink was by The Olmecs way back around 1500 BCE. The is archaeological evidence that shows traces of theobromine a cacao compound in ancient pottery.

Then we have the Maya who cultivated cacao and drank it regularly as a thick, frothy, often mixed with chili, honey, or water drink. It is believed that it was a daily ritual.

It was considered “the food of the gods”, sacred enough to be buried with nobles. However, it wasn’t just for elites; many households consumed it daily.

Moving on to the Aztecs who valued cacao beans so highly they used them as currency, worth more than gold.

They drank xocolatl, a bitter, spiced chocolate beverage believed to give strength and vitality. Cacao was considered a divine gift from the god Quetzalcoatl.

Around the 1500’s chocolate had found its way to Europe with Spanish conquistadors encountered cacao in 1519 and brought it to Spain.

It was initially used as medicine; but soon became a fashionable drink among European elites. It was around this time that sugar was added, transforming the bitter drink into something closer to modern hot chocolate.

Over the next three centuries, chocolate spread across Europe, sparking debates about its religious and medicinal value.

It was in 1847 that chocolate became solid when Joseph Fry discovered that mixing cocoa powder, sugar, and melted cocoa butter produced a smooth, mouldable paste, something no one had achieved before. This mixture could finally be poured into a mould and set into a bar, making it the world’s first solid eating chocolate.

It was during World War 1 that Chocolate became a global commodity, especially after World War I, when soldiers received chocolate rations.

Over time new forms emerged such as white chocolate, couverture, and countless others. Also, production skyrocketed, with major markets expanding in Asia and Africa.

By 2018, the global chocolate trade exceeded US$100 billion.

Cowra Peace Bell

~ joannerambling ~ 5 Comments

                                                                Cowra Peace Bell

This week we are still in Cowra, and I thought I would tell you a bit about the Peace Bell which is there.

Officially called The Australian World Peace Bell, but often called the Cowra Peace Bell, is a national peace symbol housed in Civic Square, Cowra NSW. It was awarded to Cowra in 1992, a rare honour usually reserved for capital cities. The choice reflects Cowra’s deep commitment to peace, especially its post‑war relationship with Japan.

So, what makes it special, well it’s made from melted coins donated by 106 UN member countries, symbolising global unity.

It is a replica of the original World Peace Bell at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Apparently, visitors can ring the bell, listen to an audio presentation, and read interpretive signage explaining its story. Tim and I listened to the audio and read the information about the bell but didn’t ring it

The bell sits in a pavilion designed and built by local Cowra community members, including hand‑decorated tiles at its base.

                        Cowra Peace Bell

You may be wondering why Cowra?

Well, it seems Cowra’s selection stems from its remarkable journey from wartime tragedy to international friendship. Its reconciliation efforts—especially with Japan after the 1944 Cowra Breakout—have made it a global symbol of peace.

Each September, Cowra hosts World Peace Day events, including youth forums, awards, and a Peace Day dinner. The bell is rung to mark the opening of UN Disarmament Week.

How many World Peace Bells exist?

There are more than 20 official World Peace Bells worldwide, installed in various countries as part of the World Peace Bell Association’s mission to promote peace. However, there are also regional peace bells, and bells inspired by the movement, but the official number is 20.

There are bells in: New York (UN Headquarters)

Cowra, Australia

Japan (multiple locations)


                   Toyko Peace Bell

Yes, there are multiple peace bells in Japan, there are so many peace bells because peace became a defining national identity after World War II, and bells are one of the most powerful symbols in Japanese culture. When you put those two things together, you get a tradition that feels both ancient and deeply modern.

Japan now has peace bells:

In Hiroshima

In Nagasaki

In Tokyo

In many regional cities

Nonofficial bells can be found in:

United Kingdom (London Olympic Bell)

United States (Tennessee’s International Friendship Bell)

Austria (Alpine Region Peace Bell)

Australian Internment Camps During WW11

~ joannerambling ~ 4 Comments

Last week I wrote about the escape from the POW camp at Cowra and in the comments Chris from Tilting at Windmills found here: https://humbleauthorbsp.blogspot.com/ mentioned about internment camps for Asian Americans. America isn’t the only country with such camps here in Australia we had them too.

In fact, we operated a large network of internment camps during World War II, holding more than 12,000 people classified as “enemy aliens” as well as prisoners of war. These camps existed in every state and territory and included men, women, and children of German, Italian, and Japanese background.

Who was interned?

Well, it was civilians of German, Italian, and Japanese descent (including long‑term residents and even Australian‑born descendants).

POWs captured overseas and sent to Australia by Allied nations.

As well as a small number of Australians with extreme political views.

Why did internment happen?

Obviously, there were concerns about national security as well as public anxiety about espionage, sabotage, and later, Japanese invasion.

However, many were detained without evidence of any wrongdoing. There were around 7,000 Australian residents, with around 8,000 POWs sent from overseas.

Internment and POW camps were spread nationwide, including:

Cowra (NSW) — later the site of the Cowra Breakout.

Hay (NSW)

Tatura & Dhurringile (VIC)

Loveday (SA)

Gaythorne & Stuart (QLD)

Marrinup (WA)


Many of the camps were purpose‑built but some were repurposed gaols or military facilities.

Life in the Camps were heavily regulated, with restricted movement and limited freedoms. Some camps held families together; others separated men from women and children.

Internees worked in agriculture, woodcutting, and camp maintenance.

The camps operated for most of the war starting in 1939 through to early in 1946, they started to close after Japan’s surrender in 1945.

Internment was tied directly to wartime security laws. So as long as Australia remained at war with Germany, Italy, and Japan, internees were legally held.

Many internees (especially Japanese nationals) could not be released until repatriation ships were available after the war.

Most internees spent anything from a few months to several years in the camps. Some Japanese and Italian internees were held for between four to six years, depending on when they were arrested and when repatriation occurred.

Most ordinary Australians supported internment during WWII because they were frightened of invasion and espionage, but there was also discomfort and criticism—especially when long‑time neighbours were taken away without evidence. Public opinion was mixed, shaped by fear, patriotism, racism, and later regret.

After the fall of Singapore (1942) and attacks on Darwin, many Australians believed Japanese residents—even families who had lived here for decades—might aid an invasion.

This led to widespread acceptance of mass internment of Japanese people, even without evidence of them being a threat.

However, as the war progressed, some Australians became uncomfortable seeing their neighbours and shopkeepers, taken away suddenly. They also didn’t like seeing families split up, with many being seen as loyal Australians.

This created tension: some locals supported internment, others protested because they knew these families personally .

After 1945, public opinion changed with many coming to see internment as discriminatory, especially toward Japanese and Italian Australians and harmful to innocent families who had contributed to local communities.

Cowra Breakout

~ joannerambling ~ 7 Comments

Hi, everyone, this today’s post was inspired by the holiday taken back in December after visiting the site of the Cowra POW Camp.

Cowra may be the best-known camp due to the 1944 Cowra Breakout, which was the largest prison breakout in Australian history and of the largest of World War 11.

Over 1,000 Japanese prisoners attempted a mass escape leading to the deaths of over 200 people. The escape took place on the 5 August 1944.

In total about 235 Japanese prisoners died along with 4 Australian soldiers, it is one of the deadliest prison escape attempts in modern military history.

The soldiers who died were Privates Hardy, Jones, Shepherd, and Lieutenant Doncaster.

There was no single person in charge of the breakout but was driven by a group of non-commissioned who planned and initiated the escape.

This was because the prisoners were bound by the Bushido code, which viewed surrender as shameful. This created a shared determination among many prisoners to die honourably rather than be transferred to another camp. As a result, the breakout emerged from group consensus rather than top‑down command.

The escape was triggered by an unauthorised bugle call, sounded by a Japanese prisoner whose identity is not definitively recorded in official sources.

The event is widely studied in military history and commemorated in Japan and Australia. The Japanese Garden and War Cemetery were established as symbols of peace and reconciliation, further cementing Cowra’s global recognition.

Cowra wasn’t the only POW camp in Australia; in fact, there was over 50 POW and internment camps across all states and territories. This includes major, purpose‑built POW camps as well as smaller labour detachments, hostels, and temporary internment facilities.

Other major camps could be found at Hay, Loveday, Tatura, and Marrinup.

There was one Over 12,000 people were interned or held as POWs in Australia at the peak of the war. When I read this, I wondered why so many well it seems that Australia became a major Allied holding country because of its location being so far from the front lines and we had available land for secure camps.

Cowra Japanese Garden

~ joannerambling ~ 10 Comments

Ok this week I am looking at bit of the history of the Japanese Gardens in Cowra, the gardens are a symbol of peace, reconciliation, and cultural exchange.

They stand as a testament to the power of reconciliation, cross-cultural friendship, and the enduring legacy of history. Renowned as the largest Japanese garden in the Southern Hemisphere, it draws visitors from across Australia and the world who come to admire its serene landscapes and to learn about the unique historical events that inspired its creation.

Cowra’s relationship with Japan is rooted in the tumultuous events of World War II. In August 1944, Cowra became the site of the infamous Cowra Breakout, when over 1,000 Japanese prisoners of war attempted to escape from the local POW camp. The breakout resulted in the deaths of 231 Japanese soldiers and four Australian soldiers. Despite the tragedy, this event laid the foundation for an unexpected post-war bond between Cowra and Japan.

After the war, the town of Cowra demonstrated remarkable compassion and respect for the fallen Japanese soldiers, ensuring that they were buried with dignity in a dedicated section of the Cowra War Cemetery. This act of humanity did not go unnoticed by the Japanese government and people, and it forged a spirit of reconciliation that would flourish in the decades to come.

As the friendship between Cowra and Japan deepened, the idea of establishing a Japanese garden took root in the 1970s. The vision was to create a living symbol of peace and understanding, celebrating the shared history and growing partnership between the two communities.

Construction commenced in 1977. The project was a collaborative effort, supported by local volunteers, the New South Wales government, and generous contributions from Japanese individuals and organisations. The first stage of the garden was officially opened in 1979, followed by further expansions over the next decade. The garden was completed in 1986 and has since remained a centrepiece for Cowra’s cultural and community life.

Japanese landscape architect Ken Nakajima was commissioned to design the garden. Drawing inspiration from the Edo period, Nakajima conceptualised a “kaiyū-shiki” (strolling garden) that would reflect the natural landscapes of Japan, including mountains, waterfalls, streams, and traditional plantings.

The Cowra Japanese Garden covers approximately five hectares and is designed to be enjoyed in all seasons. Its features include a large lake, waterfalls, streams, ornamental bridges, and teahouses. The garden also hosts annual cultural events, such as the Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival), and provides educational programs that promote understanding of Japanese culture and horticulture.

Beyond its beauty, the garden is a living memorial to the past and a celebration of peace. It symbolises the enduring friendship between Cowra and Japan and continues to inspire visitors to reflect on the importance of reconciliation and cultural exchange.

The history of the Japanese Gardens in Cowra is a remarkable story of healing and hope. From the ashes of wartime tragedy grew a unique partnership, culminating in a garden that stands as a symbol of peace, respect, and international friendship.

The gardens are still very popular attacking many tourist and is a good reminder of the strength of understanding and goodwill.

Germany and Christmas

~ joannerambling ~ 3 Comments

Today is thefirst of December and in December I like to do some Christmas related posts. I will kick this off with the country most often associated with Christmas.

This country is Germany, thanks to its iconic traditions like Christmas markets, the Advent calendar, and the decorated Christmas tree.

Christmas is celebrated by 81% of Germans, including many who aren’t religious.

Are you asking why Germany?

Germany celebrates Christmas with deep-rooted traditions that blend festive cheer, family gatherings, and unique customs like Advent calendars, Christmas markets, and St. Nicholas Day. It’s one of the most beloved holidays in the country, marked by rituals that have influenced celebrations worldwide.

The modern decorated Christmas tree originated in Germany in the 16th century, before spreading worldwide.

Also, there are the Christmas markets, Germany is famous for its enchanting Weihnachtsmärkte, with stalls selling ornaments, mulled wine (Glühwein), and festive foods. These markets are thought to have started in Germany and are now replicated globally.

We can also thank them for The Advent calendar and Advent wreath as both began in Germany, shaping how many cultures countdown to Christmas. Most will have heard of the calendar but maybe not the Advent wreaths these involvefour candles being lit on successive Sundays leading up to Christmas.

St. Nicholas Day is on December 5th, children polish their boots and leave them outside. By morning, they’re filled with nuts, candy, or small gifts from St. Nicholas.

In Bavaria, there is Krampus Night men dress as Krampus, a devilish figure who punishes naughty children, accompanying St. Nicholas.

On Christmas Eve families decorate the tree, exchange gifts, and share a festive meal. Potato salad with sausages is a surprisingly common traditional dish.

Both of their Christmas Days the 25 & 26 are public holidays. Families gather for larger meals, often featuring roast goose, carp, or duck.

Popular gifts include vouchers or money (44%), sweets (37%), toys (34%), clothing (32%), and books (30%).

Other countries strongly linked to Christmas include the United States (for popular culture and Santa Claus imagery) and the United Kingdom (for customs like Christmas crackers and carols). Which I will cover in another post.

Halloween in Australia

~ joannerambling ~ 4 Comments

Well today in Australia it is the 31 October, in my family that means it is my baby brother’s birthday, however for some it means it is Halloween.

In the past, Halloween was not a major event in Australia, for many it was something we saw in American movies and TV shows.

Early European settlers, including the Irish, brought some customs with them, but these traditions were largely overshadowed by other local and British influences.

However, in recent years, things have been changing due to the influence of American media, globalisation, and the internet now in some parts of the country there has been a significant rise in Halloween festivities. There has been a gradually growth in popularity, particularly in the past two decades, bringing with it a mix of imported customs and unique local touches.

Participation varies by suburb, with some areas embracing the tradition and others remaining less involved.

While many Halloween customs come from overseas, Aussies have added their own flavour. Costumes sometimes feature native animals like kangaroos or kookaburras dressed in spooky attire. Given that Halloween falls in spring in Australia, costumes and decorations may be lighter and more suited to warmer weather compared to the autumn chill of the northern hemisphere.

Some Australians combine Halloween with other local traditions, such as backyard BBQs or gatherings in local parks. The lollies handed out often reflect local brands and tastes, with Freddo Frogs, Caramello Koalas, and Minties being common treats.

Halloween’s rise in popularity hasn’t come without debate. Some Australians see it as an unwelcome American import, while others enjoy the sense of fun and community. In some areas, neighbours signal their participation by decorating their homes or placing balloons on their letterboxes, letting trick-or-treaters know where they are welcome.

Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to travel in groups and only visit homes displaying Halloween decorations.

Costumes should be safe and visible, especially as the sun sets later during the Australian spring.

Respect for those who choose not to participate is important—no eggs or flour should be thrown at houses that don’t join in.

Halloween in Australia is a lively and evolving celebration. While it may have started as a minor event, its popularity continues to grow, fuelled by media, community enthusiasm, and a desire for light-hearted fun. Australians have made the festival their own, blending traditional customs with local culture to create a unique and enjoyable occasion for all ages.

Indonesian National Anthem

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Hi, everyone well Friday is here again and today so here is some information about the national anthem of Indonesia. The anthem is called Indonesia Raya it has been the national anthem since the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence on 17 August 1945.

The first stanza of “Indonesia Raya” was chosen as the national anthem when Indonesia proclaimed its independence on 17 August 1945.

The song is played in flag raising ceremonies in schools across Indonesia every Monday. The flag is raised in a solemn and timed motion so that it reaches the top of the flagpole as the anthem ends. The main flag raising ceremony is held annually on 17 August to commemorate Independence Day. The ceremony is led by the President and is usually held in Merdeka Palace.

In 1951, ownership of the copyright to “Indonesia Raya” came into question. President Sukarno ordered a search for the rightful heir to Soepratman.  By law, Supratman was the copyright holder of “Indonesia Raya” as its composer. After Soepratman’s death in 1938, ownership of the rights to his works fell upon the designated heirs, his four surviving sisters. However, because “Indonesia Raya” was officially adopted as the national anthem of Indonesia on 17 August 1945, the work became the property of the state. In addition, the name of “Wage Rudolf Supratman” must be listed as its creator.

As a national anthem, copies of “Indonesia Raya” cannot be circulated as merchandise to be sold. Consequently, the government had the obligation to obtain all the rights to distribute the song, including the original recording, from Yo Kim Tjan. In 1958, the government obtained the sole right to “Indonesia Raya” from Soepratman’s family.  The following year, Yo handed the original record of the song to the Indonesian government. With the recommendation of the Department of Education, the government also rewarded Soepratman’s sisters with 250,000 Indonesian rupiah each on 31 May 1960.

Here is the English translation

Indonesia, our native country,

Our birthplace,

Where we all arise to stand guard

Over this our Motherland:

Indonesia our nationality,

Our people and our country.

Come then, let us all exclaim

Indonesia united.

Long live our land,

Long live our state,

Our nation, our people, and all

Arise then, its spirit,

Arise, its bodies

For Great Indonesia.


CHORUS

Indonesia the Great, independent and free,

Our beloved country.

Indonesia the Great, independent and free,

Long live Indonesia the Great!


Indonesia, an eminent country,

Our wealthy country,

There we shall be forever.

Indonesia, the country of our ancestors,

A relic of all of us.

Let us pray

For Indonesia’s prosperity:

May her soil be fertile

And spirited her soul,

The nation and all the people.

Conscious be her heart

And her mind

For Indonesia the Great.


CHORUS


Indonesia, a sacred country,

Our victorious country:

There we stand

Guarding our true Mother.

Indonesia, a beaming Country,

A country we love with all our heart,

Let’s make a vow

That Indonesia be there forever.

Blessed be her people

And her sons,

All her islands, and her seas.

Fast be the country’s progress

And the progress of her youth

For Indonesia the Great.




Afghanistan’s National Anthem

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Ok well since I wrote about Afghanistan on Monday I will post about their national anthem.

The country has had a number of different national anthems throughout its history as the country has changed governments numerous times mostly resulting from political instability.

In 2004, the new Afghan constitution stated that a new national anthem for the country, requested by the post-Taliban government to signal a new era for Afghanistan, must be written in Pashto and contain the phrase “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great), and mention the names of the ethnic groups in Afghanistan. The winning composition was created by two Afghans living outside the country due to the war.

There has been some criticism of the anthem due to the above stated conditions of composition, that the Pashto requirement places less importance on the other languages spoken in the country; that the phrase “Allahu Akbar” should not be used in the anthem, as it is a sacred phrase in Islam and should not be set to music; and the ethnic groups mentioned in the anthem still do not represent the entire spectrum of nationalities in the country.

On August 15, 2021, the Afghan government fell to the extremist Islamic forces of the Taliban, who effectively controlled the country following that date. The government and its supporters continue to use this anthem in exile.

Here is the English translation

1. This land is Afghanistan
It is pride of every Afghan
The land of peace, the land of sword
Its sons are all braves

2. This is the country of every tribe
Land of Baloochs, and Uzbeks
Pashtoons, and Hazaras
Turkman and Tajiks

3. With them, Arabs and Gojars
Pamirian, Nooristanian
Barahawi, and Qizilbash
Also Aimaq, and Pashaye

4. This Land will shine for ever
Like the sun in the blue sky
In the chest of Asia
It will remain as heart for ever

5. We will follow the one God
We all say, Allah is great,
we all say, Allah is great,
we all say, Allah is great

Afghanistan

~ joannerambling ~ 2 Comments

This week we are looking at the country of Afghanistan, this is a country that for some reason I didn’t think of as being part of Asia, but it is.

It is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central, South, and Western Asia. It has a rich and complex history as a hub of diverse cultures and civilizations, but its recent history has been defined by decades of conflict and instability.  

Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the country has faced a severe humanitarian and economic crisis. The de facto Taliban government has not been formally recognised by most of the international community.  

The situation remains volatile and dangerous. The Taliban government is led by Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada. The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) is also active and continues to conduct violent attacks. The country is considered extremely dangerous for travel due to the high threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping.

The country is experiencing one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Factors contributing to this include economic mismanagement, a significant reduction in international aid, and the departure of many skilled professionals. The country’s GDP has seen a decline since 2021, and poverty and food insecurity are pressing challenges.  

The Taliban has reimposed a strict interpretation of Sharia law, leading to severe human rights abuses. These are particularly acute for women and girls, who have been banned from secondary and university education, are largely excluded from public and economic life, and face restrictions on their movement and dress.  

The current government is the “interim government” declared by the Taliban. It is a highly centralized system, and many of the human rights gains made over the previous two decades have been reversed.

The Afghan economy has been pushed into a crisis but has shown some signs of a slow recovery driven primarily by agriculture, mining, construction, and commerce. However, challenges remain due to a fragile banking sector, persistent unemployment, and limitations on women’s economic participation. Afghanistan’s economy relies heavily on foreign aid, although this has been significantly reduced since the Taliban’s takeover.

The country has substantial untapped mineral deposits, including lithium, iron, and copper. Traditional exports include dried fruits, nuts, and carpets.  

Afghanistan is often referred to as the “graveyard of empires” due to its history of resisting foreign occupation. It has been a crossroads of civilizations for thousands of years, with influences from Persian, Greek, Buddhist, and Islamic empires. The modern state was founded in the 18th century. Since the late 1970s, the country has been mired in continuous warfare, including the Soviet invasion in 1979 and the US-led coalition’s presence from 2001 to 2021.  

Afghan culture is a rich tapestry of tribal and ethnic traditions, with a strong emphasis on family, honour, and hospitality. Islam is the official religion and a dominant force in daily life and social customs. The main languages are Dari (Afghan Persian) and Pashto, with many people being fluent in both. Poetry is a highly valued cultural tradition.  

The country has numerous historical and archaeological sites, though many have been damaged or destroyed by decades of conflict. The Buddhas of Bamiyan, destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, are one of the most iconic examples of this loss. Efforts are underway by various organizations to preserve Afghanistan’s remaining cultural heritage.  

More to come next week