Day: September 2, 2023

Museums are a special kind of building — they house treasures, art and history that are often of great value, but also require the utmost care to preserve them. Museums are usually open to the public, with a fee for entry, and they are not run for profit, like galleries that sell artwork. Museums vary in size and scope from large institutions with thousands of artifacts to smaller, locally owned ones that focus on local culture.

The word museum derives from the ancient Greek verb museo, meaning to admire or marvel. In 17th century Europe, the term came to be used to describe collections of curiosities, such as Ole Worm’s collection in Copenhagen or the array at John Tradescant’s Lambeth home, later renamed the Ashmolean Museum. The collection at the latter was dubbed a museum because it grew so large that a dedicated building was required to house it.

In more recent times, museums have come under increased scrutiny for a range of issues, from racist displays to the treatment of indigenous peoples in their collections. In addition, a number of museums have been accused of failing to address the issue of decolonisation and repatriation of objects that were taken by imperial powers during colonial rule. These challenges have led to calls for new rules to guide how museums operate and communicate with their communities.

A number of international organisations are involved in setting these standards and best practices, including the International Council of Museums (ICOM), American Alliance of Museums (AAM), European Union of Monuments and Sites (EUROPEUM) and the Association of Australian Museums. These groups set out a number of principles and guidelines for museums, including fostering diversity and avoiding the objectification of any group or individual.

As the world’s population grows, museums must find ways to become more inclusive and transparent with their communities. The new definition developed by ICOM will hopefully help them do this. However, some voices have criticised the new definition, particularly for its lack of mention of decolonisation and repatriation.

It’s not easy to define a museum, because the concept has so many layers. It’s not just a building, but a collection of objects within that building that have been collected over time for their beauty and significance. They are protected by curators, who make sure they’re preserved and displayed for us to enjoy today.

Museums have a huge responsibility to protect and share these treasures with their communities, and it’s no secret that this isn’t always easy. But we hope that the new ICOM definition will help to foster more open and inclusive museum practices around the globe.

When someone you care about celebrates their birthday, it’s important to make it a special day. You might give them gifts, or you may send a card with a heartfelt message that reflects the unique relationship you have with them. It’s also common to give them a themed party or other fun activity. Whatever you choose to do, it’s always good to wish them the best and hope they have many happy returns of the day.

The term birthday is both a noun and a verb, meaning that it refers to the specific date of one’s birth and also the annual marking of that day in the years that follow. While most people use the word to describe their own birthday, it’s also often used for other events and anniversaries, such as an anniversary or holiday.

While the celebration of a person’s birthday is relatively modern, the concept itself is older. Scholars believe that the earliest mention of birthdays dates back to around 3,000 B.C., though this was not in reference to a Pharaoh’s birthday as we might think of it today, but rather their “birth” as a god.

In the past, people might have lit candles on their birthday cakes as a way to bring good luck and protect them from evil spirits. They would gather with friends and family to share thoughts, wishes, and good cheer. In some cultures, they would also eat special foods, such as noodles in China and a Mexican favorite called the pinata filled with candy.

The word birthday has been in use for centuries, and the expressions we commonly use to wish a person a happy birthday are just as old. The first known use of the phrase happy birthday was in the thirteenth century, and it was used as both a wish for happiness and an expression of admiration. It has since evolved to include all of these different connotations.

A popular way to wish someone a happy birthday is with the phrase “happy birthday to you.” This is a standard greeting, and it’s usually followed by a short message of appreciation or affection. Another common way to express a wish for a birthday is with the words “many happy returns of the day.” This is a more formal and sarcastic expression, but it can also be used as an expression of a serious wish for happiness.

Whether you’re using the traditional happy birthday phrases or trying to find something unique and creative, we hope this article has given you a variety of inspiration. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, so make sure to add a personal touch to your wishes and create a special day that the birthday person will cherish forever.