Betel

The betel (Piper betle) is the leaf of a vine belonging to the Piperaceae family, which includes pepper and kava. It is valued both as a mild stimulant and for its medicinal properties. Betel leaf is mostly consumed in Asia, and elsewhere in the world by some Asian emigrants, as betel quid or in paan, with or without tobacco, in an addictive psychostimulating and euphoria-inducing formulation with adverse health effects. Betel is notable for staining the teeth of regular users.

In Sri Lanka and in the Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Assam and West Bengal, a sheaf of betel leaves is traditionally offered as a mark of respect and auspicious beginnings. Occasions include, greeting elders at wedding ceremonies, New Year, offering payment to Ayurvedic physicians and astrologers where usually money and or areca nut are kept on top of the sheaf of leaves and offered to the elders for their blessings.

The betel plant is an evergreen perennial, with glossy heart-shaped leaves and white catkin. The betel plant originated in South and South East Asia.

Bethel Music

Bethel Music is a community of worshipers and artists based in Redding, California. Birthed out of the local worship ministry of Bethel Church, Bethel Music produces songs and albums that are largely written and recorded by members of their Artist Collective.

According to their website, "Bethel Music aims to write songs that express who God is and who we are in Him; capturing fresh expressions of worship in every season and providing music that will resonate with individuals and worshipping communities around the world."

History

From 2009 to 2013, Bethel Music rapidly grew from being a relatively small local church music ministry to becoming a fully-fledged record label and publishing company, featuring songwriters and worship leaders based out of Bethel Church in Redding, California.

In January 2015, Bethel Music launched their Artist Collective, expanding their group of locally based artists to include North Carolinans Josh Baldwin and Jonathan and Melissa Helser.

Artists