Dictionary

al fresco: Meaning to dine in the fresh air, or outdoors, whether it occurs at a restaurant, a special event, or in the back yard.

arbor: A framework or latticed structure that typically supports growing vines and can also serve as a backdrop to wedding ceremonies or other celebrations.

bachelor’s degree: The traditional recognition preceded by four years of academic studies at a recognized college or university, with the most common being a B.S. (Bachelor of Science) and a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts).

baptism: A Christian practice of either totally or partially immersing, washing or sprinkling an individual in water as a purification rite of passage and recognition of past sins.

bar mitzvah: The term given a Jewish boy coming of age at 13 and literally translating to "son" (bar) of the "commandment" (mitzvah) and today recognized with a reception, which is not required according to tradition.

bat mitzvah: Translated to "daughter of a commandment," it is recognition of the change from child to adult in which a Jewish female reaching age 12 typically celebrates with family and friends and strives to reach a deeper religious commitment.

bris: Meaning "covenant," this is the physical portion of a Jewish male infant's eighgth-ritual involving circumcision typically performed by a specially trained mohel during a private ceremony often followed by a public reception.

carat: Referring to a gemstone's unit weight and given 100 points for each carat; however size is not the determining factor in the value but incorporates clarity, cut and color to make that determination.

corsage: A small bouquet of flowers typically worn on the left upper chest, a wrist, or at the waist and given to honored women at such special occasions as proms, weddings and on Mother's Day.

cum laude: Meaning to graduate "with honor" or "with praise" and based on criteria set by individual universities and colleges.

diploma: This is an official piece of paper declaring the type of degree bestowed upon an individual, given at all levels of education.