Festivals are fun, but they also pass down a lot of culture and heritage. It is a time to learn about the past. It is a time to sit back and enjoy nature.
Do you enjoy watching the cherry blossoms? People have been drawn to their beauty for centuries. People in Japan may participate in Hanami. The cherry blossoms are viewed when they are in full bloom. People would have an outdoor party under the cherry blossoms. Many people would go to parks and hold feasts. This could happen in the daytime or nighttime.
Do you celebrate Thanksgiving? It is a holiday in many countries. It was established around the harvest season. In Canada, it is celebrated in October every year. Many people gather for a feast. There is a bounty of food on the table. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie are all popular foods. It is a day to be thankful. We can be thankful for our friends and family. We can be thankful for what we have.
The new year doesn't always begin in January. Lunar New Year can take place from January to February. Many countries in Asia celebrate the lunar new year. It is common to celebrate with delicious food, fireworks, and new clothes.
In China, many households will eat noodles. These are longevity noodles. They are especially long and are used to symbolize a long life. You might also hear a lot of firecrackers. Firecrackers are used to scare away evil spirits.
In Korea, many families will eat soup with rice cakes. The rice cakes look like old Korean coins, so it symbolizes prosperity. This soup also symbolizes new beginnings. For children, it is an extra fun time. They will receive money from their elders after a special bow.
Diwali is a five-day festival of lights. Diwali can occur in October or November. It is observed by many groups such as Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. It is about new beginnings. It is about the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Diwali also celebrates knowledge over ignorance.
Diwali honours Lakshmi. Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth. People would light lamps in homes and temples. The lights are to help Lakshmi find her way to the people's homes. Lakshmi is thought to bring prosperity with her. You might see rangoli on tables or floors at this time. It is used to welcome Lakshmi.
There are two equinoxes each year. They happen in March and September. On these days, day and night are the same length. People have been celebrating the fall equinox for centuries. Some countries like China and Vietnam will celebrate Mid-Autumn festival. It falls on the day of the full moon closest to the equinox.
The summer solstice is a special time for some people. It is a day when we get the most light from the sun. It happens in June. Some people might make the pilgrimage to Stonehenge. Many believe it is the best place to view the solstice. Thousands of people will go there to see the sunrise.
What is your favourite festival?