Celebrate Around the World!

Those of us who celebrate Christ’sMas are but a few of the traditions scattered around the globe. Join me as we whirl around from country to country, peeking into other cultures and celebrations!

 

Diwali (India & Worldwide): The Festival of Lights Observed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists, Diwali is a five-day festival celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

 

Kwanzaa, which is observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, is a holiday that celebrates African culture and community, culminating in gift-giving and a feast of faith, called Karamu Ya Imani. 

 

The Jewish festival of Hanukkah is a celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days. The festival is observed by lighting the candles of a candelabrum with nine branches, commonly called a menorah or hanukkiah. 

 

Lunar New Year, often called the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China and Chinese communities around the world. It is not only celebrated in China. Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore also celebrate the Lunar New Year holiday. The two-week celebration includes family and friends, feasting and fireworks, parties and parades.

 

Las Posadas, a religious festival celebrated in Mexico and some parts of the United States between December 16 and 24, commemorating the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to the baby Jesus.

 

St. Nicholas Day celebrates St. Nicholas, a historical figure who inspired the legend of Santa Claus and is known for secretly giving gifts to the needy, a practice that gave rise to the tradition of hanging up stockings or leaving gifts in shoes.

 

Wiccans and Neo-Pagans celebrate the winter solstice (the darkest day of the year, on Dec. 21) through the festival of Yule. The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year; Yule celebrates the re-emergence of the sun and the days beginning to grow longer again.

 

The Giant Lantern Festival, locally called Ligligan Parul, is a vibrant celebration of Filipino artistry, heritage, and togetherness. Held annually in San Fernando City, Pampanga, this event showcases massive lanterns, some towering up to 30 feet, designed with intricate patterns that form stunning displays of light and color.

 

 

Christmas Day is a celebration in Norway of brighter days, or Jol. homes are decorated with superstitious characters called nisser who are believed to provide protection. On the evening of December 24, Danish families place their Christmas tree in the middle of the room and dance around it while singing carols.