Green Papaya is currently the only group dedicated to the fascinating, diverse, but also sometimes too easily overlooked, countries of South-East Asia (and Korea). With a focus on both history and culture, this group may have gone through some ups and downs in the past, but the future is definitely looking bright, as some members have comeback and new ones have joined in, and I've been told we could expect activity on the boards to perk up very, very soon. If you're interested in discussing in delving into cultures about which there's still everything to discover, this is the place to be.
Natenapa Laksanavisit is one of those friendly, enthusiast citizens who give the Orient -or any city they reside in really- their soul, and make them what they are now. And this is actually especially true of that lovely lady who not only is currently working on the group Green Papaya (see more about it above), but who's also contributed to the hoods by submitting the text that is now up in Nepal.
One of the gems of the Oriental Hoods, Bihar, opens its doors to a fascinating world with an extraordinarily rich history and an amazing cultural diversity. Center of the Mauryan Empire and stage of the many adventures of the emperor Asoka, it's also the birthplace of both Buddhism and Jainism. You can also visit its capital, Pataliputra as well as one of its most beautiful Jain cities, Pawapuri.
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Wanshang hao. Konnichiwa. Namaste.
 We've said goodbye to 2005 and we're waving hello to the new year, and soon enough the white mantle of winter will make way for the new, delicate blossoms of spring, a part of the immutable cycle of seasons.
The ACTA is one of the features of Ancient Worlds that have been in place for as long as we can remember. But Editors and Contributors come and go. Sankira Qin, who's done such an outstanding job for more than a year, has been summoned by Laurels and Heraklia to become the third world editor and left behind pretty big shoes to fill in. So huge, in fact, that neither Shanti Ashoka nor myself would have dared to fill them on our own, so instead, we decided to team up to offer you, we hope, a good follow-up to Sank's work here.
It seems fitting that the change in editors for the Orient would come at the eve of a great period of transition, namely the Lunar New Year, still celebrated throughout Asia to this day. Since last year, the Orient has been inviting everyone to join in the celebration whose spirit we try to capture at our level online.
Also, we've tried, with this new edition of the ACTA, to both remain faithful to what has been done so brilliantly before us, to the spirit of the oriental ACTA, and to open this space to people who may not have had the occasion to do so before: we hope you'll enjoy both Shi Mei's invitation to China and Flower's sense of poetry: we certainly did, immensely!
The Lunar Festival is coming!
29th January - 5th February
On January 29, we'll start right away with the Chinese New Year. We know that Shibori-sama is working on something full of mystery for the occasion... there should be also something for everyone, as we'll also have the usual quizzes and ongoing events that will begin on that day. It will be followed by Setsubun on February 1. Be careful during the planned excursion to Mount Fuji. It's often misty and you must be careful or you may lose your way... Finally, on the 3rd, we'll start to smell curry and hear Indian music with the beginning of Vasant Panchami. This year, you will have the opportunity to mess with the gods. A writing event will also be waiting for all those who want to try their imagination. A more detailed program will be presented in time in the Orient Festival Guide. Be prepared!
Voices from Distant Lands
Each issue, the Orient will bring you the work of one of our talented members. We have the pleasure to present you one of Flower Song's lovely poems dedicated to her beloved town, New York City.
Rectangles that touch the sky
Geometric parents, and children side by side
Asphalt reef, with a myriad of eyes
In constant competition with the stars
Millions of creatures in there dwell
Read more here...
Dream Destinations
The most incredible oriental locations brought to you by our members. This issue, Mei Hua San (Nanjing) by Shi Mei Xie.
The orient is an exotic world, full of culture, history, food, fascinations, languages, religions, and so many other delightful characteristics. It’s a lovely place where one may explore and always discover. However, there is one spot which has always been a place of fondness for me in the Orient, named Zhong Shan Lin, situated in Nanjing, China and pretty well-known.
Read more...
Oriental Resources
Link: Hindu Mythology
Book: Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Music: Shaman Voices by Okna Tsahan Zam
Movie: Ran by Akira Kurosawa and Travellers and magicians by Khyentse Norbu Rimpoche
News Corner:
CHINA, 8 Jan 2006: The True Mulan Portrayed in Gala.
The 2006 New Tang Dynasty TV (NTDTV) 2006 Gala will feature a dance that gives a faithful account of the story of the legendary Hua Mulan.Read the entire story at Epoch Times International
LONDON, 27 Dec 2005 - Did early humans first arise in Asia, not Africa?
Two archaeologists are challenging what many experts consider to be the basic assumption of human migration—that humankind arose in Africa and spread over the globe from there. Read the entire story at National Geographic
Citizen Information
Do you want to participate in the Orient ACTA and you don't know how? Contact one of the Editors and we'll be happy to help you. We are also looking for members who would like to publish their works. It could be a poem, an RP story, a digital creation, a drawing,... It's up to you. This issue we want to give a special thanks to our two lovely ladies, Shi Mei and Flower for giving us the opportunity to share their talent.
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