There are many different types of seasonal holidays. The Christmas season, for example, is a recurring period recognized by many countries. It generally lasts from late November to early January. In addition to Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, there are also various other holidays that fall during this time. Here are some tips for making the most of these holidays. You might also want to celebrate Chinese New Year. Whatever your favorite holiday is, take advantage of it!
Chinese New Year
The fifteenth day of Chinese New Year is the Lantern Festival, which marks the beginning of a new year. The festival is celebrated with fireworks and lanterns, which are released into the air and river. The lanterns are typically made of paper and are elaborate. The festival is also a time to celebrate with friends and family. Chinese New Year celebrations often include feasts and family reunions. This holiday is an important part of Chinese culture and is celebrated throughout the world.
While Chinese New Year is a seasonal holiday, it is a major travel and tourism event in the United States. Most companies and public institutions close their offices during this time to celebrate this event. However, public transportation remains open. For tourists and locals, Chinese New Year is a time for travel, celebration, and a chance to spend time with family. The holiday is celebrated throughout February to April and often involves major travel.
Kwanzaa
In 1966, a group of African Americans led by Dr. Maulana Karenga established Kwanzaa, a seasonal holiday celebrating the spirit of African-American culture and heritage. Its founders hoped to create a more secular alternative to the traditional Christmas celebration by promoting the harvest season. In an attempt to do so, they studied African “first fruit” celebrations and merged them into a single celebration.
The cultural roots of Kwanzaa go back to ancient times, when members of a tribe shared common customs, cultural traditions, and political unity. They lived by these customs, establishing a set of laws, values, and rituals that covered all stages of life. During this time, African people celebrated the festival by sowing seeds, which brought new plant life. The mkeka, or’mahogany tree,’ is a representation of this, and celebrants place nuts and fruits on it.
Posadas Navidenas
During the season of the Christmas holiday, Mexicans celebrate the upcoming season with the annual tradition of Las Posadas Navidenas, a nine-day religious observance. During the posadas, neighbors gather to recreate the experience of Mary and Joseph as they migrated to Bethlehem and searched for shelter. The celebration often begins with a religious service, with a central song sung by the people outside the house. The people inside the house then respond with a Christmas carol.
The tradition of Las Posadas has many variations throughout the world. In Mexico, the posadas begin with a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay during the nine months that precede the birth of Jesus. Afterwards, guests break open pinatas filled with sweets. Traditionally, these pinatas are filled with fruits and cookies, but in more modern times, they contain candy.
Dragobete
The Dragobete seasonal holidays are celebrated in Romania. This springtime holiday is characterized by a number of traditions. One of the most popular is the gathering of spring flowers. Men and women often spend the day collecting these flowers and then lighting fires to chat until the early hours. In some regions, this is considered a symbolic engagement. Women are expected to do the same. The day ends with a ritual of kissing each other in front of family and friends.
The Romanian holiday of Dragobete is a traditional one that commemorates the return of nature and love. The celebration is often centered on the legend of Baba Dochia, or The Old Dokia, a character in a Romanian myth that is related to spring. His son, Dragomir, is said to be the son of the spring gods. The Dragobete festival is a time to remember and celebrate the life of these gods, which is also celebrated on this day.
St. Nicholas Day
While the German tradition of dressing up as St. Nick and collecting money for the poor is still popular today, you can add a modern twist to the holiday. In addition to collecting money, you can collect unused items to donate to charity. Whether you choose to do this yourself or hire a professional organizer to do it, these traditional activities are a fun way to celebrate the holiday. Here are some ideas to get your family involved.
In the olden days, children would clean their rooms before St. Nicholas came by. They would also polish their shoes. Some kids would even leave hay for St. Nicholas’s donkey. Today, children still wake up to treat from the Saint. Others go door-to-door collecting goodies. In some regions, children even dress up as St. Nicholas and leave presents for him. Regardless of how you celebrate this seasonal holiday, there are many ways to make it a fun and memorable experience.
