New Year celebrations
around the world
New Year’s Day in Russia
What Do People do?
New Year’s Day is a family holiday for many Russians.
Dinner usually starts late on December 31. Traditional meals include
Russian salad, herring and sparkling wine. A pre-recorded address by
the country’s president appears on TV, listing the achievements of
the past year, at 11.55pm (23:55) local time in each of Russia’s time
zones. Many people raise a toast to the chiming of the Kremlin clock.
The Russian national anthem begins at midnight and people congratulate
each other and exchange presents. Some people go out to make a snowman
or light fire crackers in their backyards.
People may celebrate the day at a friend’s house
or attend the fireworks in their city. Celebrations for children include
a decorated fir tree and Grandfather Frost, the Russian equivalent of
Santa Claus, who gives presents. Grandfather Frost often comes with
his granddaughter, Snegurochka (“The Snow Girl”).
New Year’s Day in India
What Do People do?
People in all parts of India dress colorfully and
have fun in filled activities such as singing, playing games, dancing,
and attending parties. Night clubs, movie theatres, resorts, restaurants
and amusement parks are filled with people of all ages.
People greet and wish each other Happy New Year.
Exchanging messages, greeting cards and gifts are part and parcel of
the New Year celebration.
Larger cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and
Chennai organize live concerts which are attended by Bollywood stars
and other well-known personalities. Large crowds gather to attend such
shows, while some individuals prefer to celebrate with their close friends
and family members. The fun filled occasion is considered a great opportunity
to get closer to the loved ones in your life and to revive contact with
lost friends. The idea is to wave goodbye to the year gone-by and welcome
the New Year in the hope that it will invite truckloads of happiness
and joy in everyone’s life.
In many places people stay up late to see the old year out and the new year in. Almost everywhere in the world church bells ring, horns toot, whistles blow, sirens shriek. London’s Trafalgar Square and New York City’s Times Square swarm with crowds of happy, noisy people. The hullabaloo expresses people’s high spirits at holiday time.
Chinese Lunar New Year
Many Chinese children dress in new clothes to celebrate the Lunar New Year. People carry lanterns and join in a huge parade led by a silk dragon, the Chinese symbol of strength. According to legend, the dragon hibernates most of the year, so people throw firecrackers to keep the dragon awake.
In the Chinese lunar calendar each of the 12 years is named after an animal. According to legend, Lord Buddha asked all the animals to come to him before he left the earth. Only 12 animals came to wish him farewell, and as a reward Buddha named a year after each one.
Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur
In September or October, Jews believe that God opens the Book of Life for 10 days, starting with Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and ending with Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). During these days, the holiest in the Jewish year, Jews try to atone for any wrongdoing and to forgive others. A ram’s horn trumpet, known as the shofar, is blown before and during Rosh Hashanah and at the conclusion of Yom Kippur.
Songkran
In Thailand, a special three-day water festival on April 13–15 marks Songkran, the Buddhists’ celebration of the new year. Parades feature huge statues of Buddha that spray water on passersby. In small villages, young people throw water at each other for fun. People also release fish into rivers as an act of kindness.
At Songkran, people tie strings around each other’s wrists to show their respect. A person can have as many as 25 or 30 strings on one wrist, each from a different person. The strings are supposed to be left on until they fall off naturally.
New Year History
Ancient Greeks began their new year with the new moon after June 21. Before the time of Julius Caesar the Roman new year started on March 1. In most European countries during the Middle Ages the new year began on March 25, the day of the Feast of the Annunciation.
More New Year Traditions
Indonesia also has two New Year celebrations — the official one on January 1 and another on the Islamic New Year, whose date varies from year to year.
The Russian Orthodox Church observes the New Year according to the Julian calendar, which places the day on January 14.
In Vietnam, the new year celebrations, called Tet Nguyen Dan, usually begin in February.
Iran celebrates New Year’s Day on March 21.
Each of the religious groups in India has its own date for the beginning of the year. One Hindu New Year, Baisakhi, comes sometime in April or May.
The people in Morocco observe the beginning of the year on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year.
Koreans celebrate Seollal, a five-day holiday marking the beginning of the lunar New Year.
Ready for more holidays around the world? Learn about religious commemorations, harvest festivals, and national holidays.
Wow it seems like only yesterday when I was writing a post about the start of the school year! It’s hard to believe my favorite holiday is only a few weeks away – Christmas. This week I managed to finish all of my Christmas shopping for friends and family along with planning some unforgettable holiday activities for my class.
Learning about various cultures is an important part of my district’s kindergarten curriculum. December is a month of various Multicultural holidays. It is a great time to teach about our multicultural world. Students in my class were surprised to learn that children around the world celebrate the holidays in different ways. Read on as I spread the joy of the holiday by sharing some of our activities!
Give each of your students a passport and a suitcase. My students made their suitcases by stapling two large sheets of construction paper on three sides and adding a handle to the top of the pocket. I allowed my students to decorate their suitcases anyway they would like. Each day my students pretend they are boarding a plane to a different country with their passports and suitcases. While my passengers(students) are quietly seated I read them a book related to the county they will visit that day. Day 1: France “Joyeux Noel” Book Selection: Barbar and Farther Christmas by Jean De Brunhoff
In France it is a tradition for children to leave their shoes by the fireplace to be filled gifts. Have your students take off their shoes and place them in the hallway. Have another teacher or parent fill your student’s shoes with a treat of your choice. Later when students collect their shoes they will be amazed to find a special surprise inside. Day 2: Mexico “Felize Navidad” Book Selection: The Legend of The Poinsettia by Tomie de Paola
The Mexican Christmas festival is a beautiful sight with elaborate decorations and celebrations that last for almost a month. Have your students make poinsettias to decorate the class. They can even hang a piA?A±ata for Las Posadas. This year I was fortunate to have the help of our instructional support teacher, Mrs. Arguijo, to help my class make the beautiful pinata pictured below. Day 3: Africa “Happy Kwanzaa” Book Selection: Gift of Kwanzaa by Synthia James
My students learned that many of the children in Africa celebrate Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa means the first fruits of the harvest. To remind my students of the bountiful harvest celebrated during Kwanzaa we make fruit kabobs. These are made by simply adding various pieces if fruit such as bananas, pineapples, and grapes to wooden skewers. Students can also make a Kwanzaa bracelet that can be shared with family or friends. For this craft you need red, green, and black beads along with pipe cleaners. You should add three red beads, three green beads, and one black bead in the middle. Day 4: Israel “Happy Hanukkah” Book Selection: The Eight Nights of Hanukkah by Judy Nayer
My students learned that Hanukkah is a joyous festival celebrated by the Jewish people. This celebration is called the “Festival of Lights”. We made handprint Menorahs in class. Since the custom of gift-giving is also an important part of Hanukkah holiday our students will collect can goods to give to those in need. You can use the canned goods and foods to practice counting and sorting. Day 5: Germany “Froehliche Weinachten” Book Selection: The Cobweb Christmas by Shirley Climo
The Christmas tree is an integral part of German Christmas celebrations. Students learned that the Christmas tree originated in Germany. Your students will have a blast creating edible Christmas trees. All you need to create this delicious treat are sugar cones, green icing, and m&m’s. Turn the cone upside down and have your students ice the tree with green icing. After the cone is covered with the green icing have the students decorate their trees by placing mini m&m’s around it. Gingerbread figures are also a great tradition. Allow your students to place frosting over gingerbread cookies and decorate them with m&m’s. To learn more about how these and other countries celebrate the holidays visit Santa’ Net and Scholastic.
There are some wonderful holiday customs carried out all over the world. I would love to hear about the activities you use in your classrooms to help spread the joy of this wonderful time of the year! Happy Holidays from My Classroom to Yours!
Here’s a look at Easter around the globe. Ethiopia:
Easter in Ethiopia begins with the fast of Lent. Christians celebrating the holiday don’t buy animal products like milk, eggs. Technically, many go vegan. Then on the Sunday before Easter, Christians will wear headbands and rings made of palm leaves that are covered in crosses.
Image:
Jialiang Gao
From late Saturday night into early Easter Sunday, people go to mass from 8 pm to 3 am in their best clothes carrying candles called “twaf.” The mass is filled with drummers and Priests chanting a prayer called the “Geez.”
For the Easter Sunday dinner dabo, sourdough bread cut by a priest is the main dish along with mutton or lamb.
Image: Maurice Chedel USA:
The United States shares a tradition with Germany: The Easter Bunny. Have you ever wondered why in the world this strange creator even exists? This mythical rabbit is supposedly tied to the old Anglo-Saxon festival of Eastre, a spring holiday that celebrates fertility.
via GIPHY
The tradition of including the bunny in this Christian holiday was brought over by German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania in the 1700s. The German tales of ‘osterhas’ are where we get our stories of the egg-laying bunny.
via GIPHY
The egg hunts many people go on when young also originated in Europe. The hiding of the eggs is supposed to represent Jesus, the Christian symbol of the holiday, hiding from his tomb. Today this scavenger hunt is increasingly popular not only during this spring time holiday, but also during children’s birthday parties. Mexico:
The festivals of Semana Santa, or Holy Week, and Pascua are the two different Easter festivals that take place in Mexico. Holy Week goes from Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, to actual Easter Sunday. Pascua is a weeklong celebration that starts after Easter Sunday. This is a popular time for holiday travel.
Image:
Charlotte Bell
For Semana Santa, people buy special, woven palm leaves from their churches that are blessed by priests. These palm leaves are then hung outside the doors of their homes to ward off bad spirits.
We are in the middle of Semana Santa or Holy Week in Mexico. It ends on Easter. https://t.co/QJly7au9aMpic.twitter.com/DYXTdtZBoZ
— Ted Donovan (@mexico_visitor) March 24, 2016
#Easter Celebrations in Mexico, as celebrated in #LosCabos: https://t.co/p2Rkt6mOJG#traveltipspic.twitter.com/RGJBh4tyfo
— Luxury Villa Cabo (@luxuryvilla) March 14, 2016
Passion Plays, or plays that honor the history of Christianity, are performed in towns and villages. Each actor needs to have good upper body strength because they will have to carry a cross that weighs about 200 lbs.
On Easter Sunday there is a special Easter Mass, and then many towns have block parties with food, toys, fun fair rides and lots of music. Italy:
The lead up to Easter, Carnival, is absolutely beautiful in Italy with the masks and costumes reminiscent of Venice’s Renaissance era. Like other Christian countries, Lent marks a time of fasting.
The Venice Carnival pic.twitter.com/8n0g1RRE82
— Jena C. (@JenaC2) February 16, 2015
On the Friday and Saturday before Easter Sunday, churches feature statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, huge icons during the holiday. These statues are then paraded through a city or put on display in the center of town. Parade participants dress up in costume, and carry olive branches instead of palm fronds. Once the parade is finished, they decorate the outside of the churches with the branches.
Top Ten Easter Events In #Italy 2016 From North To South https://t.co/IykjzIj5rQ via @ItalyMagazine#Pasqua2016pic.twitter.com/8UrgM7ZXVk
— Italy Magazine (@ItalyMagazine) March 24, 2016
Expect to see the Catholic Pope, Pope Francis give the Easter ceremony in The Vatican this year. It is a gigantic celebratory mass with very high attendace.
Pope Francis will perform foot-washing ritual on refugees during Easter Week at Castelnuovo di Porto asylum center. pic.twitter.com/zy5N7ylA1s
— Bill Frelick (@BillFrelick) March 22, 2016 United Kingdom:
In some parts of the UK, Lent, the official beginning of Easter, happens with Pancake races. These races literally involve patrons running as fast as they can while tossing a pancake up in the air.
It’s Pancake Day! Here’s where to see today’s races https://t.co/X5AxJeYYDbpic.twitter.com/tToz3o1eAO
— Holiday Destinations (@UK_Destinations) February 9, 2016
Mothering Sunday occurs in the middle of Lent and is a day when mothers are thanked with gifts of flowers like Primroses and Daffodils and a Simnel cake is made.
Have you ever tried Simnel Cake, traditionally served at #Easter in the UK. #Recipe here – https://t.co/QvLXWVVe2fpic.twitter.com/0wgA5vlHhu
— SupperInTheSuburbs (@KitchenGoddess3) March 22, 2016
On Good Friday, you will find women planting parsley (for good luck) and both men and women planting potatoes. This is meant for good crop growth and harvests.
Image:
David Dixon Fun fact: Henry the Eighth was the first person to receive an Easter Egg from the Pope
Now go out and find an egg-laying bunny, decorate a hardboiled egg or enjoy a hearty Sunday afternoon meal. No matter who you are and what your beliefs are, Easter symbolizes a joyous moment across the world: one of rebirth.
The arrival of new year represents great joy. It is celebrated in many different ways. There are big public celebrations. The most famous are those in New York, Sydney, London and Berlin. At midnight there are beautiful fireworks.
People of New York have the New Year’s Eve Ball which moves down the flag pole at the Times Square. The ball had been moving for the first time to mark the start of 1908. The man behind the tradition was German Jewish immigrant Alfred Ochs.
New Year’s Eve Ball in New York
Big New Year parties can be held on beaches. One of the most famous is the one on the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Instead of participating at such celebrations some people watch tv. In many countries presidents or monarchs address the nation on the New Year’s Eve. There are tv shows typical for the occasion. In Canada there is the sketch comedy troupe Royal Canadian Air Farce. Germans on the other side for many years enjoy in the Dinner for one. Some sport events are organized too. In Sao Paulo, Brazil they have the Saint Silvester Marathon (Corrida de Sao Silvestre).
Pummerin bell in Vienna, Austria
At midnight in Vienna, Austria you can hear the sound of what locals call the “Pummerin”. It is the bell of famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral. What follows is the sound of the “Donauwalzer” (The Blue Danube) by Johann Strauss II. On the 1st of January there is the New Year’s Concert by Vienna Philharmonics. This classical music concert includes works of the Strauss family, but also those from some other Austrian composers. The concert is held since 1939.
Music and dance are important for the celebrations in Poland too. The Warsaw Philharmonic Society organizes a famous ball in the castle built by Teutonic Knights in Golub-Dobrzyn, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship. The ball is attended by “the man of the year”. Everything is done to get rid of the old year. So, some traditional pranks like for example smearing of windows and doorknobs with tar are allowed.
Lot of delicious food is prepared for the occasion. Some food is typical for that special night. In Denmark people eat Marzipan ring cake (in Danish Kransekage). In the Czech Republic eating lentils or soup with small peas means good financial situation in the coming year. On the other side, it is considered bad luck to eat rabbit or chicken on the New Year’s day. It is believed that by doing so good luck is going to leave you.
In Spain the New Year’s Eve is called “Nochevieja” or “The Old Night”. In this country there is a special ritual performed during the new year countdown. People eat 12 grapes and make wishes for each chime of the bell. This act should bring you good luck in the new year. Similar ritual exists in some other Spanish speaking countries of Latin America. In Belgium children buy decorated paper and write their wishes for the new year. On new year’s morning they read them to their parents and godparents.
Estonians think that their lucky numbers are 7, 9 and 12. It is believed that a person should eat 7, 9 or even 12 times on the last day of the year. This should ensure lot of food in the coming year. Not all food is eaten during these numerous meals. Little bit of food is left for the ancestral spirits who visit the house on the New Year’s Eve.
In Romania people have a tradition known as “sorcova”. It is held on the 1st of January. Children sing a traditional blessing carol. While singing they use a stick decorated with some paper flowers to gently touch the adults’ shoulder. After that some money is given to the children. On the same day some Romanians toss coins into the water. They believe that this will bring them good fortune during whole year.
Vasilopita
In Greece the 1st of January is not only the first day of the year. It is also the day of death of St. Basil. It is believed that he arrives in the night of the New Year’s Eve and brings gifts for the children. They find them in their shoes. On the 1st of January Greeks also prepare “Vasilopita” or St. Basil’s cake. A gold or silver coin is hidden inside the cake. The person who finds it is going to be happy during whole year.
In the first hours of new year people in the southeast of the United States traditionally serve black-eyed peas. It is believed that they bring good luck and prosperity. There are other versions of this tradition. Some claim that you must eat 365 or more black-eyed peas to be lucky in the new year. There are also those who put a coin in the black-eyes peas. A person who founds it will be lucky.
Dolls called Old Years (Anos Viejos) in Ecuador
In Ecuador people have interesting tradition of making special dolls called “Old Years” (in Spanish Anos Viejos). They are symbols of people and events from the passing year. These dolls are made of old newspapers, clothes, straw and other materials. At midnight they are burned. This action symbolically says goodbye to the old year and welcomes the new one. In Panama people traditionally burn dolls representing celebrities and politicians. They are known as “munecos”.
At midnight of the New Year’s Eve people in Cuba open both front and back door of the house. It is done so to let the old year out and welcome the new year. On the first day of new year many Cubans walk around their house carrying an empty suitcase. It is believed that by doing so you are going to travel a lot during new year.
In Latin America some people believe that there is a connection between colour of the underwear worn on the New Year’s Eve and fulfilling of wishes in the coming year. Red is the colour of love. White is worn for good health. Green means financial growth.
Hogmanay Party in Edinburgh, Scotland
“Hogmanay” is a synonym for the New Year’s party in Scotland. The word actually means the last day of the year. The party lasts till the morning of the 1st of January, but there are cases of the party going on until the 2nd of January. The most famous tradition related to the Hogmanay is the one known as “first footing”. Individuals or whole families visit others and bring them traditional presents – a bottle of whiskey, “shortbread” (kind of a biscuit), fruit cake called “black bun” and a piece of coal. The guests usually get some food and whiskey.
Some melodies became kind of synonym for the New Year’s Eve celebration. One of such song is “Auld Lang Syne” (in English “The Good Old Days”). People in most English speaking countries sing this song at midnight on the New Year’s Eve. The lyrics for this song were written by the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759-1796).
On the 31st of December, there is Nos Galon Road Race (in Welsh Rasys Enwog Nos Galan). This 5 kilometres long race is organized in the town of Mountain Ash, Cynon Valley located in the south of Wales. The first race was in 1958.
In Wales people have something what is called “Calennig”. This tradition is held on the New Year’s Day. Groups of boys carry strange three-legged creature from house to house. During their little performances they splash people with water. They ask for gifts like bread and cheese.
In Denmark people break dishes at their neighbours’ doorsteps. If you have lot of broken dishes at your doorstep you will be very lucky in the coming year.
New Year celebrations
around the world
New Year’s Day in Russia
What Do People do?
New Year’s Day is a family holiday for many Russians.
Dinner usually starts late on December 31. Traditional meals include
Russian salad, herring and sparkling wine. A pre-recorded address by
the country’s president appears on TV, listing the achievements of
the past year, at 11.55pm (23:55) local time in each of Russia’s time
zones. Many people raise a toast to the chiming of the Kremlin clock.
The Russian national anthem begins at midnight and people congratulate
each other and exchange presents. Some people go out to make a snowman
or light fire crackers in their backyards.
People may celebrate the day at a friend’s house
or attend the fireworks in their city. Celebrations for children include
a decorated fir tree and Grandfather Frost, the Russian equivalent of
Santa Claus, who gives presents. Grandfather Frost often comes with
his granddaughter, Snegurochka (“The Snow Girl”).
New Year’s Day in India
What Do People do?
People in all parts of India dress colorfully and
have fun in filled activities such as singing, playing games, dancing,
and attending parties. Night clubs, movie theatres, resorts, restaurants
and amusement parks are filled with people of all ages.
People greet and wish each other Happy New Year.
Exchanging messages, greeting cards and gifts are part and parcel of
the New Year celebration.
Larger cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and
Chennai organize live concerts which are attended by Bollywood stars
and other well-known personalities. Large crowds gather to attend such
shows, while some individuals prefer to celebrate with their close friends
and family members. The fun filled occasion is considered a great opportunity
to get closer to the loved ones in your life and to revive contact with
lost friends. The idea is to wave goodbye to the year gone-by and welcome
the New Year in the hope that it will invite truckloads of happiness
and joy in everyone’s life.
In many places people stay up late to see the old year out and the new year in. Almost everywhere in the world church bells ring, horns toot, whistles blow, sirens shriek. London’s Trafalgar Square and New York City’s Times Square swarm with crowds of happy, noisy people. The hullabaloo expresses people’s high spirits at holiday time.
Chinese Lunar New Year
Many Chinese children dress in new clothes to celebrate the Lunar New Year. People carry lanterns and join in a huge parade led by a silk dragon, the Chinese symbol of strength. According to legend, the dragon hibernates most of the year, so people throw firecrackers to keep the dragon awake.
In the Chinese lunar calendar each of the 12 years is named after an animal. According to legend, Lord Buddha asked all the animals to come to him before he left the earth. Only 12 animals came to wish him farewell, and as a reward Buddha named a year after each one.
Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur
In September or October, Jews believe that God opens the Book of Life for 10 days, starting with Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and ending with Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). During these days, the holiest in the Jewish year, Jews try to atone for any wrongdoing and to forgive others. A ram’s horn trumpet, known as the shofar, is blown before and during Rosh Hashanah and at the conclusion of Yom Kippur.
Songkran
In Thailand, a special three-day water festival on April 13–15 marks Songkran, the Buddhists’ celebration of the new year. Parades feature huge statues of Buddha that spray water on passersby. In small villages, young people throw water at each other for fun. People also release fish into rivers as an act of kindness.
At Songkran, people tie strings around each other’s wrists to show their respect. A person can have as many as 25 or 30 strings on one wrist, each from a different person. The strings are supposed to be left on until they fall off naturally.
New Year History
Ancient Greeks began their new year with the new moon after June 21. Before the time of Julius Caesar the Roman new year started on March 1. In most European countries during the Middle Ages the new year began on March 25, the day of the Feast of the Annunciation.
More New Year Traditions
Indonesia also has two New Year celebrations — the official one on January 1 and another on the Islamic New Year, whose date varies from year to year.
The Russian Orthodox Church observes the New Year according to the Julian calendar, which places the day on January 14.
In Vietnam, the new year celebrations, called Tet Nguyen Dan, usually begin in February.
Iran celebrates New Year’s Day on March 21.
Each of the religious groups in India has its own date for the beginning of the year. One Hindu New Year, Baisakhi, comes sometime in April or May.
The people in Morocco observe the beginning of the year on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year.
Koreans celebrate Seollal, a five-day holiday marking the beginning of the lunar New Year.
Ready for more holidays around the world? Learn about religious commemorations, harvest festivals, and national holidays.
Wow it seems like only yesterday when I was writing a post about the start of the school year! It’s hard to believe my favorite holiday is only a few weeks away – Christmas. This week I managed to finish all of my Christmas shopping for friends and family along with planning some unforgettable holiday activities for my class.
Learning about various cultures is an important part of my district’s kindergarten curriculum. December is a month of various Multicultural holidays. It is a great time to teach about our multicultural world. Students in my class were surprised to learn that children around the world celebrate the holidays in different ways. Read on as I spread the joy of the holiday by sharing some of our activities!
Give each of your students a passport and a suitcase. My students made their suitcases by stapling two large sheets of construction paper on three sides and adding a handle to the top of the pocket. I allowed my students to decorate their suitcases anyway they would like. Each day my students pretend they are boarding a plane to a different country with their passports and suitcases. While my passengers(students) are quietly seated I read them a book related to the county they will visit that day.
Day 1: France “Joyeux Noel”
Book Selection: Barbar and Farther Christmas by Jean De Brunhoff
In France it is a tradition for children to leave their shoes by the fireplace to be filled gifts. Have your students take off their shoes and place them in the hallway. Have another teacher or parent fill your student’s shoes with a treat of your choice. Later when students collect their shoes they will be amazed to find a special surprise inside.
Day 2: Mexico “Felize Navidad”
Book Selection: The Legend of The Poinsettia by Tomie de Paola
The Mexican Christmas festival is a beautiful sight with elaborate decorations and celebrations that last for almost a month. Have your students make poinsettias to decorate the class. They can even hang a piA?A±ata for Las Posadas. This year I was fortunate to have the help of our instructional support teacher, Mrs. Arguijo, to help my class make the beautiful pinata pictured below.
Day 3: Africa “Happy Kwanzaa”
Book Selection: Gift of Kwanzaa by Synthia James
My students learned that many of the children in Africa celebrate Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa means the first fruits of the harvest. To remind my students of the bountiful harvest celebrated during Kwanzaa we make fruit kabobs. These are made by simply adding various pieces if fruit such as bananas, pineapples, and grapes to wooden skewers. Students can also make a Kwanzaa bracelet that can be shared with family or friends. For this craft you need red, green, and black beads along with pipe cleaners. You should add three red beads, three green beads, and one black bead in the middle.
Day 4: Israel “Happy Hanukkah”
Book Selection: The Eight Nights of Hanukkah by Judy Nayer
My students learned that Hanukkah is a joyous festival celebrated by the Jewish people. This celebration is called the “Festival of Lights”. We made handprint Menorahs in class. Since the custom of gift-giving is also an important part of Hanukkah holiday our students will collect can goods to give to those in need. You can use the canned goods and foods to practice counting and sorting.
Day 5: Germany “Froehliche Weinachten”
Book Selection: The Cobweb Christmas by Shirley Climo
The Christmas tree is an integral part of German Christmas celebrations. Students learned that the Christmas tree originated in Germany. Your students will have a blast creating edible Christmas trees. All you need to create this delicious treat are sugar cones, green icing, and m&m’s. Turn the cone upside down and have your students ice the tree with green icing. After the cone is covered with the green icing have the students decorate their trees by placing mini m&m’s around it. Gingerbread figures are also a great tradition. Allow your students to place frosting over gingerbread cookies and decorate them with m&m’s.
To learn more about how these and other countries celebrate the holidays visit Santa’ Net and Scholastic.
There are some wonderful holiday customs carried out all over the world. I would love to hear about the activities you use in your classrooms to help spread the joy of this wonderful time of the year!
Happy Holidays from My Classroom to Yours!
Here’s a look at Easter around the globe.
Ethiopia:
Easter in Ethiopia begins with the fast of Lent. Christians celebrating the holiday don’t buy animal products like milk, eggs. Technically, many go vegan. Then on the Sunday before Easter, Christians will wear headbands and rings made of palm leaves that are covered in crosses.
Image:
Jialiang Gao
From late Saturday night into early Easter Sunday, people go to mass from 8 pm to 3 am in their best clothes carrying candles called “twaf.” The mass is filled with drummers and Priests chanting a prayer called the “Geez.”
For the Easter Sunday dinner dabo, sourdough bread cut by a priest is the main dish along with mutton or lamb.
Image: Maurice Chedel
USA:
The United States shares a tradition with Germany: The Easter Bunny. Have you ever wondered why in the world this strange creator even exists? This mythical rabbit is supposedly tied to the old Anglo-Saxon festival of Eastre, a spring holiday that celebrates fertility.
via GIPHY
The tradition of including the bunny in this Christian holiday was brought over by German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania in the 1700s. The German tales of ‘osterhas’ are where we get our stories of the egg-laying bunny.
via GIPHY
The egg hunts many people go on when young also originated in Europe. The hiding of the eggs is supposed to represent Jesus, the Christian symbol of the holiday, hiding from his tomb. Today this scavenger hunt is increasingly popular not only during this spring time holiday, but also during children’s birthday parties.
Mexico:
The festivals of Semana Santa, or Holy Week, and Pascua are the two different Easter festivals that take place in Mexico. Holy Week goes from Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, to actual Easter Sunday. Pascua is a weeklong celebration that starts after Easter Sunday. This is a popular time for holiday travel.
Image:
Charlotte Bell
For Semana Santa, people buy special, woven palm leaves from their churches that are blessed by priests. These palm leaves are then hung outside the doors of their homes to ward off bad spirits.
We are in the middle of Semana Santa or Holy Week in Mexico. It ends on Easter. https://t.co/QJly7au9aMpic.twitter.com/DYXTdtZBoZ
— Ted Donovan (@mexico_visitor) March 24, 2016
#Easter Celebrations in Mexico, as celebrated in #LosCabos: https://t.co/p2Rkt6mOJG#traveltipspic.twitter.com/RGJBh4tyfo
— Luxury Villa Cabo (@luxuryvilla) March 14, 2016
Passion Plays, or plays that honor the history of Christianity, are performed in towns and villages. Each actor needs to have good upper body strength because they will have to carry a cross that weighs about 200 lbs.
On Easter Sunday there is a special Easter Mass, and then many towns have block parties with food, toys, fun fair rides and lots of music.
Italy:
The lead up to Easter, Carnival, is absolutely beautiful in Italy with the masks and costumes reminiscent of Venice’s Renaissance era. Like other Christian countries, Lent marks a time of fasting.
The Venice Carnival pic.twitter.com/8n0g1RRE82
— Jena C. (@JenaC2) February 16, 2015
On the Friday and Saturday before Easter Sunday, churches feature statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, huge icons during the holiday. These statues are then paraded through a city or put on display in the center of town. Parade participants dress up in costume, and carry olive branches instead of palm fronds. Once the parade is finished, they decorate the outside of the churches with the branches.
Top Ten Easter Events In #Italy 2016 From North To South https://t.co/IykjzIj5rQ via @ItalyMagazine#Pasqua2016pic.twitter.com/8UrgM7ZXVk
— Italy Magazine (@ItalyMagazine) March 24, 2016
Expect to see the Catholic Pope, Pope Francis give the Easter ceremony in The Vatican this year. It is a gigantic celebratory mass with very high attendace.
Pope Francis will perform foot-washing ritual on refugees during Easter Week at Castelnuovo di Porto asylum center. pic.twitter.com/zy5N7ylA1s
— Bill Frelick (@BillFrelick) March 22, 2016
United Kingdom:
In some parts of the UK, Lent, the official beginning of Easter, happens with Pancake races. These races literally involve patrons running as fast as they can while tossing a pancake up in the air.
It’s Pancake Day! Here’s where to see today’s races https://t.co/X5AxJeYYDbpic.twitter.com/tToz3o1eAO
— Holiday Destinations (@UK_Destinations) February 9, 2016
Mothering Sunday occurs in the middle of Lent and is a day when mothers are thanked with gifts of flowers like Primroses and Daffodils and a Simnel cake is made.
Have you ever tried Simnel Cake, traditionally served at #Easter in the UK. #Recipe here – https://t.co/QvLXWVVe2fpic.twitter.com/0wgA5vlHhu
— SupperInTheSuburbs (@KitchenGoddess3) March 22, 2016
On Good Friday, you will find women planting parsley (for good luck) and both men and women planting potatoes. This is meant for good crop growth and harvests.
Image:
David Dixon
Fun fact: Henry the Eighth was the first person to receive an Easter Egg from the Pope
Now go out and find an egg-laying bunny, decorate a hardboiled egg or enjoy a hearty Sunday afternoon meal. No matter who you are and what your beliefs are, Easter symbolizes a joyous moment across the world: one of rebirth.
The arrival of new year represents great joy. It is celebrated in many different ways. There are big public celebrations. The most famous are those in New York, Sydney, London and Berlin. At midnight there are beautiful fireworks.
People of New York have the New Year’s Eve Ball which moves down the flag pole at the Times Square. The ball had been moving for the first time to mark the start of 1908. The man behind the tradition was German Jewish immigrant Alfred Ochs.
New Year’s Eve Ball in New York
Big New Year parties can be held on beaches. One of the most famous is the one on the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Instead of participating at such celebrations some people watch tv. In many countries presidents or monarchs address the nation on the New Year’s Eve. There are tv shows typical for the occasion. In Canada there is the sketch comedy troupe Royal Canadian Air Farce. Germans on the other side for many years enjoy in the Dinner for one. Some sport events are organized too. In Sao Paulo, Brazil they have the Saint Silvester Marathon (Corrida de Sao Silvestre).
Pummerin bell in Vienna, Austria
At midnight in Vienna, Austria you can hear the sound of what locals call the “Pummerin”. It is the bell of famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral. What follows is the sound of the “Donauwalzer” (The Blue Danube) by Johann Strauss II. On the 1st of January there is the New Year’s Concert by Vienna Philharmonics. This classical music concert includes works of the Strauss family, but also those from some other Austrian composers. The concert is held since 1939.
Music and dance are important for the celebrations in Poland too. The Warsaw Philharmonic Society organizes a famous ball in the castle built by Teutonic Knights in Golub-Dobrzyn, Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship. The ball is attended by “the man of the year”. Everything is done to get rid of the old year. So, some traditional pranks like for example smearing of windows and doorknobs with tar are allowed.
Lot of delicious food is prepared for the occasion. Some food is typical for that special night. In Denmark people eat Marzipan ring cake (in Danish Kransekage). In the Czech Republic eating lentils or soup with small peas means good financial situation in the coming year. On the other side, it is considered bad luck to eat rabbit or chicken on the New Year’s day. It is believed that by doing so good luck is going to leave you.
In Spain the New Year’s Eve is called “Nochevieja” or “The Old Night”. In this country there is a special ritual performed during the new year countdown. People eat 12 grapes and make wishes for each chime of the bell. This act should bring you good luck in the new year. Similar ritual exists in some other Spanish speaking countries of Latin America. In Belgium children buy decorated paper and write their wishes for the new year. On new year’s morning they read them to their parents and godparents.
Estonians think that their lucky numbers are 7, 9 and 12. It is believed that a person should eat 7, 9 or even 12 times on the last day of the year. This should ensure lot of food in the coming year. Not all food is eaten during these numerous meals. Little bit of food is left for the ancestral spirits who visit the house on the New Year’s Eve.
In Romania people have a tradition known as “sorcova”. It is held on the 1st of January. Children sing a traditional blessing carol. While singing they use a stick decorated with some paper flowers to gently touch the adults’ shoulder. After that some money is given to the children. On the same day some Romanians toss coins into the water. They believe that this will bring them good fortune during whole year.
Vasilopita
In Greece the 1st of January is not only the first day of the year. It is also the day of death of St. Basil. It is believed that he arrives in the night of the New Year’s Eve and brings gifts for the children. They find them in their shoes. On the 1st of January Greeks also prepare “Vasilopita” or St. Basil’s cake. A gold or silver coin is hidden inside the cake. The person who finds it is going to be happy during whole year.
In the first hours of new year people in the southeast of the United States traditionally serve black-eyed peas. It is believed that they bring good luck and prosperity. There are other versions of this tradition. Some claim that you must eat 365 or more black-eyed peas to be lucky in the new year. There are also those who put a coin in the black-eyes peas. A person who founds it will be lucky.
Dolls called Old Years (Anos Viejos) in Ecuador
In Ecuador people have interesting tradition of making special dolls called “Old Years” (in Spanish Anos Viejos). They are symbols of people and events from the passing year. These dolls are made of old newspapers, clothes, straw and other materials. At midnight they are burned. This action symbolically says goodbye to the old year and welcomes the new one. In Panama people traditionally burn dolls representing celebrities and politicians. They are known as “munecos”.
At midnight of the New Year’s Eve people in Cuba open both front and back door of the house. It is done so to let the old year out and welcome the new year. On the first day of new year many Cubans walk around their house carrying an empty suitcase. It is believed that by doing so you are going to travel a lot during new year.
In Latin America some people believe that there is a connection between colour of the underwear worn on the New Year’s Eve and fulfilling of wishes in the coming year. Red is the colour of love. White is worn for good health. Green means financial growth.
Hogmanay Party in Edinburgh, Scotland
“Hogmanay” is a synonym for the New Year’s party in Scotland. The word actually means the last day of the year. The party lasts till the morning of the 1st of January, but there are cases of the party going on until the 2nd of January. The most famous tradition related to the Hogmanay is the one known as “first footing”. Individuals or whole families visit others and bring them traditional presents – a bottle of whiskey, “shortbread” (kind of a biscuit), fruit cake called “black bun” and a piece of coal. The guests usually get some food and whiskey.
Some melodies became kind of synonym for the New Year’s Eve celebration. One of such song is “Auld Lang Syne” (in English “The Good Old Days”). People in most English speaking countries sing this song at midnight on the New Year’s Eve. The lyrics for this song were written by the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759-1796).
On the 31st of December, there is Nos Galon Road Race (in Welsh Rasys Enwog Nos Galan). This 5 kilometres long race is organized in the town of Mountain Ash, Cynon Valley located in the south of Wales. The first race was in 1958.
In Wales people have something what is called “Calennig”. This tradition is held on the New Year’s Day. Groups of boys carry strange three-legged creature from house to house. During their little performances they splash people with water. They ask for gifts like bread and cheese.
In Denmark people break dishes at their neighbours’ doorsteps. If you have lot of broken dishes at your doorstep you will be very lucky in the coming year.