Scottish Fraoch Heather Ale was brewed since 2000 B.C. making it the oldest style of ale still produced in the world. The recipe for “leann fraoich” (heather ale) was created by an ancient Gaelic and it has been revived and reintroduced to the Scottish culture.

Singapore Airlines has definitely become Singapore biggest brand name. The airline saw light in May 1947 when a Malayan Airways Limited Airspeed Consul took off from Singapore‘s Kallang Airport on the first of three scheduled flights a week to Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang. On 16 September 1963, the Federation of Malaysia was born and the Airline became known as Malaysian Airways. In May 1966, it became Malaysia-Singapore Airlines. In 1972, Malaysia-Singapore Airlines split up to become two entities – Singapore Airlines and Malaysian Airline System. In 1968, the sarong kebaya uniform designed by French couturier Pierre Balmain was introduced and the internationally recognized image of the Singapore Girl debuted. The symbol of the logo represents a Silver Kris. images via theessentialist, lonegreysquirrel, justtheplanet, and wallpaper

For all my Irish beer lovers. Here is a little series of Irish beer coasters. Enjoy. via beermatsrule.com

A deliciously set of five “sasa-dango,” dumplings wrapped in bamboo grass, a specialty from Niigata.

Two different kinds of natural bamboo are employed here: A section of a bamboo stem covered with a sasa (bamboo grass) leaf…

… and a bamboo container holding “mizu-yokan,” soft azuki bean jelly. By Furyudo.

Packaging design by Mizu Yokan. This fake bamboo tube can be bought at ordinary supermarkets.

This two bite-sized snack wrapped in bamboo grass is called “chimaki sushi.” By caterer Fukutsuchi for ¥420. Wrapped in additional plastic foil!

This lunch set by caterer Koichian is wrapped in natural bamboo sheath, including a bamboo ribbon, inside there are three different flavoured onigiri rice balls.

Bamboo sheath gone boxy – imprinted texture on a lunch box by Umi no Megumi.

Straw-wrapped natto by Tengu-natto from Mito. This area in Ibaraki prefecture is famous for it. Inside the package, the soybeans happily intermingle with the straw.

‘Funa-natto:’ Natto in a boat shaped package by Marushin. The inner lining of the boat package is made of natural wood.

Natto wrapped in a triangular wood shaving by Shimonita.

Package of fuki-miso, fermented soybean paste flavoured with Giant Butterbur, by Ganko Oyaji.

This is just one of them posts which I love. The above Japanese Packaging designs have some interesting approaches, love them. Some combining natural and synthetic materials and some just look natural but aren’t. Please check out Pingmag for more info. Unfortunately they don’t post anymore.

The Lion of Judah has been a part of Ethiopia for quite some while to be exact since the 13th century. Nowadays the Lion of Judah motif is figured prominently on the old imperial flag, currency, stamps, etc. and may still be seen gracing the terrace of the capital as a national symbol. It is also part of Rastafari culture. Images via rastaheadwrap, wholesalerastaoutlet, and commons.wikimedia.org

This is a nice packaging approach from Ryanna Christianson a recent graduate from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. She created a six pack of Norsk Øl which is based on the Scandinavian Nisse. Nisse is a figure who, according to Scandinavian beliefs live in barns and around farms. The Nisse is deeply ingrained in Norwegian culture and tradition and he is thought of as short and stocky with a long grey or white beard and a knitted red cap. He wears dark knickers and a shirt and vest or a sweater. He brings children Christmas gifts. I wonder why Ryanna didn’t use the Norwegian “Ø” in OL? via packaginguqam

In 2007 the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Culture launched a logo for the Island Bali.

“After going to every step within a precise methodological framework, the Bali Visual Branding has taken shape, taking into consideration the values of the prior finding. Inline with the brand differentiation that underlines the natural and cultural aspect, the visual and tagline of Bali branding is dominant with a spiritual feel. This leads to the emergence of philosophical elements and meaning to support the spirit of Bali.
The logo is explained in 4 steps:

Visual
Symmetrical triangle
The triangle is a symbol of stability and balance. It is formed out of three straight lines in which both ends meet, taking the symbols of a blazing fire (Brahma – the creator), lingga or phallus. The triangle also represents the three Gods of the universe (Trimurti – Brahma, Wisnu, and Siwa), three stages of nature (Bhur, Bwah and Swah Loka), and three stages of Life (Born, Live, and Die).

The triangle also explains the essence of the brand that is influenced by Tri Hita Karana, the basic value that will guide us to a balanced life.
Hinduism has other philosophy and meaning of the triangle shape.

The symmetrical floral motif
If the triangle is folded, the motif on each side will be identically the same. This shows how balance becomes a vital part in the design of: the harmony and peace according to the brand vision.

The floral motif is strong and dominant. This enhances the creativity of Balinese that are known for their highly skilled craftsmanship. The floral motif is used to show the closeness of Bali people to their natural surrounding, emphasizing its most strong virtue, the beauty natural landscape.

The crown on the triangle
The crown is a symbol of: accomplishment, great awareness, and nobility. It is the pinnacle of balanced living noted in the Tri Hita Karana (balance relationship with others, nature, and the creator)

Font
The Bali typography adopts the line and curves of the traditional Balinese alphabet. The B in Bali takes shape like a 3 and the Ang alphabet (Brahma’s sacred lettering). It is also consistent with the Tri Hita Karana, the triangle and the three-shaped B in Bali. A specific treatment is shown on the letter L, which rises and supports the crown. The true meaning behind it is the need to sustain a deep commitment from stakeholders to reach the highest achievement (crown).

Color
Branding Bali uses 3 dominant colors that represent Bali: Red, Black, and White (Tri Datu). Red represents Brahma—the creator, white—Wisnu, the nurturer, and Black—Siwa, the destroyer. The collaboration of these 3 colors which represents 3 Gods (Tri Murti) will guard Bali and the life it supports to live in harmony and move forward in peace.

Tagline : Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Shanti means “peace, if we say Shanti, we will be overflowed with a peaceful and harmonious spirit.
For Hindu people, Shanti is commonly said 3 times while adding the Om word (sacred script Ida Hyang Widhi Wasa—the one and only God) at the beginning and the end: Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti Om which means peace be upon your heart, world, and the after life. Saying it 3 times is also consistent with the original concept that emphasizes the number 3 (Tri).

Shanti, Shanti, Shanti represents peace upon Bhuwana alit dan agung (yourself and the world) that will deliver a sacred and holy vibe that awakens a deep aura that balance and make peace to all living creatures.” via baliwww.com

If you ever need a Peruvian hat or need some inspiration to create your own, this site could be a good starting point. peruvianhat.net has a nice selection of hats made entirely from Alpaca Wool.

A few selected travel posters from Finland. via posterteam

In 1954 the state emblem of Pakistan was adopted. The colour green, star and crescent are symbols of Islam, which is the main religion in Pakistan. In the center a quartered shield with each quarter containing a major crop of Pakistan. cotton, jute, tea and wheat. Abound the shield is the Poet’s Jasmine, the national flower. It also represents the Mughal cultureal heritage of Pakistan. The script at the bottom contains the national motto in Urdu, Iman, Ittehad, Nazm translated as “Faith, Unity, Discipline”.