Holidays celebrated around the world during winter

[Avronax]

Christmas: Christians all over the world celebrate this winter holiday on December 25. They go to church, decorate a Christmas tree, give each other gifts, have a traditional dinner, with families spending the day together. In certain parts of Europe, star singers also sing Christmas carols walking behind a large star strung on a pole.

St. Lucia’s Day: This is a winter holiday celebrated on December 13 in Sweden in honor of St. Lucia, who lived in the third century and is regarded as the patron of light. Young girls bedeck themselves in white colored long dresses with red sashes, and wear a wreath made of lit candles on their heads. They sing songs in order to wake their families up and bring them twisted saffron buns, known as ‘Lucia cats’ and coffee.

Channukkah: Also known as Hannukah, this is one of the most important Jewish holidays, particularly due the significant connotations of its proximity to Christmas. The history of this festival chronicles the Jewish people celebrating the revolution against the suppression and assimilation of the Jewish religion. It is a weeklong holiday that begins on December 26 and lasts up to January 1, with the menorah, or seven candles, being lighted up.

Kwanzaa: Literally meaning ‘First Fruits’, this has its basis on an ancient harvest festival of Africa which celebrates ideals like collective responsibility and work; self-determination; co-operation; purpose; creativity; faith; and unity. The celebration starts from December 26 and culminates on January 1, during which time African Americans bedeck their homes with vegetables and fruits, don special clothes, and light the ‘kinara’ which is a special candleholder.

Mardi Gras: Which is actually ‘Fat Tuesday’ in French, occurs one day prior to Ash Wednesday, and is also known as ‘Pancake Day’ or ‘Shrove Tuesday’. Mardi Gras is the last day of Carnival, which begins twelve days after Christmas, hence is also referred to as Twelfth Night, which falls on January 6 and ends on Mardi Gras day, exactly forty-six days before Easter. Some of the cities that most famous for celebrating Mardi Gras are: Rio de Janeiro in Brazil: New Orleans in Louisiana; Italy; and Venice.

Hogmanay: This is a Scottish word which means the last day of the year and is basically celebrating the New Year, according to the Gregorian calendar, in the Scottish way. It begin on the night of December 31, lasting all through the night and carrying on until the ‘Ne’erday’ or January 1, and sometimes even carrying on to January 2, which is a bank holiday in Scotland.

St. Nicholas Day: This is celebrated in Northern Europe on December 6. St. Nicholas was a protector of the weak against the rich and the strong. St. Nicholas is treated like Santa Claus, and in fact is thought to be Santa Claus’ original name. Children place boots on their windowsills or at the fireplace so that St. Nicholas can fill them with candy.

Bodhi Day: This is celebrated by the Buddhists on December 8 in commemoration of the enlightenment of the Buddha. This is considered the most important holiday for the Buddhists.

Lunar New Year: This is two-week winter holiday celebrated in the latter part of January or early part of February, or during the first lunar moon, by the Vietnamese, Koreans, and Chinese. People wear their best clothes and exchange gifts and food.

Eid-al-Adha: This is a feast that is celebrated by Muslims following their pilgrimage to Mecca that lasts for three days, and begins on January 10. It is a commemoration of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, at the behest of God. Muslims consider Ishmael to be the Arabs’ forefather.

Las Posadas: This is a traditional winter holiday celebrated in Mexico between December 16 and December 24. In English, the term Las Posadas translates to ‘the Inn’, and therefore is a re-enactment of Joseph searching for a room at the inn. Hence, every Christmas, there is a procession carrying a doll, which represents Christ as a child and the images of Mary and Joseph riding a small donkey, which goes through the streets.

Japanese New Year: New Year celebration is one of the most major events in Japan. New Year’s Eve is known as Omisoka in Japan. The Japanese spend a lot of time shopping and cleaning their houses in preparation for the new year. This symbolizes getting rid of the past and starting afresh. The celebration on the New Year’s day itself is known as Shogatsu. The Japanese decorate their houses and give their children gifts of toys and money and greeting cards to friends and family.

[Tykel]

Copy and paste much?:P

[Riski]

Copy and paste much?:P

Hahaha

[Eyetoy]

Most europeans celebrate christmas on 24th.

In winland anyways. We're kind of a big deal.

[Smoke]

Most europeans celebrate christmas on 24th.

In winland anyways. We're kind of a big deal.

I think all europeans except the english/ireland folks celebrate on the 24th.

[Avronax]

Well i come from a Romanian background ( eastern Europe) and we recognize Christmas on the 25th but Christmas eve (24th) is a big deal as people get together and party.

[Henhouse]

Well i come from a Romanian background ( eastern Europe) and we recognize Christmas on the 25th but Christmas eve (24th) is a big deal as people get together and party.

Yeah typically the big dinner is on the 24th, family and all that are really together by that time, and the next day they celebrate Christmas and get their gifts under the tree, spend the time with family, some travel to more family, etc.