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Holidays Around the World

CELEBRATE!

All around the world, people celebrate holidays.

Each holiday has a special meaning and special ways to celebrate.

Friends and families gather together on holidays.

Food, games, gifts, prayer, singing, and telling stories may all be part of the celebrations.

CHINESE NEW YEAR

The Chinese New Year celebrates springtime.

Many of this holiday's traditions are meant to bring good luck in the new year.

People put good-luck sayings in their homes.

They make sure their homes are very clean.

Red and orange are the colors of the Chinese New Year.

People wear these colors to keep bad luck away.

Young people receive money wrapped in red paper.

Special foods such as oranges are also thought to bring good luck.

HOLI

Holi is a Hindu holiday.

It celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

Holi is a time to laugh and play.

People build bonfires during this holiday.

The ashes from the bonfires are thought to bring good luck.

Color is a big part of the Holi celebration.

People decorate their homes with bright colors.

Everyone wears colorful clothing.

Friends toss colored powder and colored water on each other.

RAMADAN AND EID AL-FITR

Ramadan is a special month for Muslims.

They honor their faith with thoughts and prayer.

People do not eat or drink while the sun is up during Ramadan.

After the sun sets, friends and family have a meal together.

The holiday of Eid al-Fitr happens at the end of Ramadan.

This holiday may last for one, two, or three days.

People gather in a large group and offer a special prayer.

Families have a feast and give gifts.

They also give money to people in need.

DAY OF THE DEAD

On Day of the Dead, people remember loved ones who have died.

This fall celebration comes from Mexico and lasts for three days.

People clean up the graves of loved ones.

Some families have picnics at the graves.

During Day of the Dead, people leave gifts for loved ones who have died.

Families gather to tell happy stories about those people.

They also celebrate with colorful parades.

THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving is a harvest celebration.

It began with the first people who came from England to North America.

Families gather to give thanks for the good in their lives.

Family members often come from far away.

People share a special meal and enjoy each other’s company.

Turkey, stuffing, cranberries, and pumpkin pie are Thanksgiving foods.

After the meal, people often say what they are thankful for.

HANUKKAH

Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday celebrated by Jewish people.

This holiday celebrates a time long ago when oil in a lamp burned for eight days.

People light one candle for each night of Hanukkah.

The Hanukkah celebration includes songs and games.

Children play a game with a top called a dreidel.

They receive a small gift each night of the holiday.

People decorate their homes with the Hanukkah colors of blue and white.

CHRISTMAS

People of the Christian faith celebrate Christmas every year on December 25.

This holiday celebrates the birth of the Christian son of God.

People decorate fir trees with lights and ornaments.

They also decorate their houses and yards.

Red and green are traditional Christmas colors.

Presents are placed under a fir tree.

People often open presents on Christmas morning.

A special Christmas dinner happens later in the day.

Music is also important during this holiday.

Groups of people walk through neighborhoods singing Christmas songs, called carols.

KWANZAA

Kwanzaa celebrates the traditions of Americans whose families came from Africa l [...]