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Have you ever wondered what a lunar holiday is?
Would you love to learn more about lunar traditions observed by cultures other than your own?
Photo by Farzad Mohsenvand on UnsplashLunar celebrations take place at certain times of year according to the moon's cycles. People of many cultures and religions celebrate lunar holidays and observances. You've probably heard of some of them already, buthere's your chance to learn more about their origins and celebratory traditions!
1. Lunar New Year ๐ฎ
Photo by Dru Kelly on UnsplashLunar New Year is celebrated by many people of Asian heritage. It begins on the day of the first new moon of the lunar calendar and lasts for 15 days. Traditions vary based on country and region. Chinese New Year is one of the most well-known Lunar New Year events.
Origins
Chinese New Year has been around for thousands of years. According to Chinese legend, a terrible beast named Nian once appeared on New Year's Day. Nian was afraid of the color red, so people lit firecrackers and placed red decorations on their doors to frighten him off.
How it's celebrated
People clean their houses ahead of time to ward off bad luck
Red envelopes containing money are given as gifts
Public celebrations include lion and dragon dances
The Lantern Festival occurs on the last day
Learn more about how Lunar New Year is celebrated in other countries.
Did you know?
The traditional Chinese New Year greeting is "xฤซn niรกn hวo," which means "New Year goodness." Learn how to pronounce it here.
2. Holi, The Festival of Colors ๐
Photo by Maxime Bhm on UnsplashHoli is a national holiday in India and is celebrated by people of Hindu heritage around the world. It takes place on the day of the first full moon between February and March and celebrations last 1-2 days.
Origins
There are several legends about how Holi started including the moral story of Prahlad and Holika, the love story of Krishna and Radha, and the harvest story of spring crops.
How it's celebrated
Religious services are held to honor Hindu deities (gods) Lord Krishna, Goddess Radha, and Lord Vishnu
Bonfires are held to symbolize getting rid of bad thoughts and deeds
People wear white to outdoor celebrations where colorful powders and colored water are thrown around
Children receive new toys
Families gather to celebrate
Popular Foods
Gujiya: small pies filled with dried fruits and coconut
Gulab jamun: sweet donut balls soaked in rose syrup
Chaat: fried dough with cheese and chutney
Lassi: a chilled yogurt drink that comes in many flavors
Check out these Holi recipes.
3. Easter ๐ฃ
Photo by Waranya Mooldee on UnsplashEaster is celebrated by Christians as a religious holiday and by many others as a spring holiday. It takes place on the first Sunday following the first full moon of spring.
Origins
Easter dates back to the time of Jesus Christ and is a celebration of the Biblical story in which Jesus is said to have risen from the dead. Essentially, it's a celebration of new life.
How it's celebrated
Christians attend church
Easter lilies are displayed in churches and homes
Children participate in Easter egg hunts
The Easter Bunny brings small gifts and candy, leaving them in a basket
Families gather to celebrate
Popular foods
Ham, roast lamb, or fish
Spring vegetables
Mashed or scalloped potatoes
Chocolate eggs
Bun and cheese (Jamaica)
Easter bread (Italy)
Check out how Easter is celebrated around the world.
Did you know?
If you want to greet someone at Easter, you can simply say, "Happy Easter."
4. Ramadan and Eid๐
Photo by Rauf Alvi on UnsplashRamadan is an Islamic celebration that takes place in the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Ramadan lasts a month, beginning and ending with the appearance of the crescent moon. The holidayEid al-Fitr is celebrated on the day of the new moon!
Origins
According to Islamic tradition, God revealed the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad during Ramadan to guide all people. Ramadan is a time for those of the Muslim faith to increase mindfulness and become closer to God.
How Ramadan is celebrated
Daily fasting
Doing good works
Reading the Quran
How Eid is celebrated
Praying the Eid prayer
Families gather
The fast is broken, and sweet treats are eaten
Gifts are given, especially to children
Popular foodsQuiz
Maya recently made friends with Mohammed, who celebrates Ramadan and Eid. Mohammed has invited Maya to an Eid celebration. What can Maya do to prepare?
It would be best for Maya to ask her friend Mohammed what to expect. That way, she can understand the traditions of the celebration and be more prepared to participate. She can also read about Ramadan and Eid so that she learns even more before she goes. Maya shouldn't bring a bottle of wine without asking first, since some cultures and families may abstain from alcohol. It's probably best not to bring traditional Ramadan or Eid food to the party because it's likely that others will be making those dishes. However, perhaps she could bring one of her own traditional holiday foods to share with her new friends.
Did you know?
The traditional greeting at Eid is "Eid Mubarak," which means "Blessed Eid."
5. Rosh Hashanah ๐
Photo by Igal Ness on UnsplashRosh Hashanah is a High Holy Day celebrated by Jewish people around the world. A celebration of the Jewish New Year, it begins on the day of the first new moon of autumn. Rosh Hashanah lasts for 2 days.
Origins
Rosh Hashanah celebrates the Biblical story of God's creation of the world. It precedes another High Holy Day that falls eight days later called Yom Kippur, a judgment day where God looks back on each person's deeds during the past year and writes the results in the Book of Life for the coming year.
How it's celebrated
Take Action
It's a great big world out there and wherever you go, chances are you'll find there's a lunar celebration to enjoy!
As you make new friends from other cultures, make it a point to get to know about their favorite holidays.
Photo by Greg Rakozy on UnsplashThis Byte has been authored by
Mary Ellen D'Intino
Learning Designer | Licensed Social Worker
M.Ed., LSW