She holds a degree in Writing, Literature & Publishing from Emerson College. Check out these vampire legends that are actually true. They are intricately decorated, tall bamboo poles adorned with offerings suspended from them, creating an arch across all roads as they stand outside each person’s home. However, China does have its own equivalent of the Day of the Dead. Although officially in the northern hemisphere, December is considered “summer” in Costa Rica because the rainy season has ended, and the kids are out of school. If they fracture and crack loudly, it looks like you won’t be hearing wedding bells any time soon. Everyone should dress respectfully around the temples, with shoulders and the tops of their legs covered. Rompope or eggnog, heavy with rum, is often served while family members exchange presents before midnight.”.

The Chinese Qixi Festival and the Japanese Tanabata holiday are both based around the same myth.

“Depending on local customs and family traditions, this may also be the day that Santa delivers gifts to small children.”. This town loves both to party and voodoo, so one can find things here they couldn’t anywhere else; from street parties to voodoo-themed art displays, there is much for the eye to behold.

We recommend our users to update the browser. Have a look at some fun facts about everyone's favorite season. “On Christmas Eve families gather together for their consoada, a time to visit when traditionally bacalhau (dried, salted cod), is eaten together with boiled potatoes and cabbage. Give your students a window into the different gift-givers, holiday decorations, celebrations, and special foods that families around the world enjoy during the holidays. RD.COM Holidays & Observances Halloween.

The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. Some still resist the holiday, but others celebrate it by attending the Pumpkin Festival in Retzer Land or touring the old ruins of Burg Frankenstein castle, which is where the Frankenstein horror story began. The dolls represent the past year and its events, especially any let-downs or worries. Students in my class were surprised to learn that children around the world celebrate the holidays in different ways. In the ancient city of Kyoto, people light giant bonfires. If you do, you have good luck for the next year.”.

Of course, the party doesn’t end after the fireworks—the party goes on late into the night…or into the next morning!”. You know what makes all these holidays great? The families must be welcoming and hospitable to the spirits through prayers and offerings. Still, people who identify as modern Druids continue to gather at the monument for the summer solstice, winter solstice, spring equinox and autumn equinox. “The Balinese believe their ancestors return to visit earth on this day, and it’s a day of giving thanks and remembering those who have left. View All Start Slideshow. It was originally introduced to commemorate the emancipation of Chinese railway workers, who had to endure insane working conditions. “Often people attend church at midnight afterward. “But for a more cultural NYE, try Chiang Mai where thousands of people parade along the streets in the old town holding colorful paper lanterns with lit candles inside. Stand back!”. The ritual is associated with the belief the bird betrayed Irish soldiers fighting enemies by beating their wings on their shields, making noise and waking the sleeping adversaries, and so saving the camp. I … The festivities begin when the revelers work together to build a human pyramid to reach it. In most northern parts of the northern hemisphere, the sun doesn't set at all that day (June 21st). Instead, they spend their days in worship, praying in mosques. Their festivities are so charming that plenty of other people who don’t have any heritage join in on the fun, too. Christmas Here are 11 examples from across the globe—each offering their own unique flair of festivities.

“A Judas can be made of whatever materials are on hand…coconuts, newspaper, leaves, old clothes, toilet paper, papier mâché, even gypsum, but the most important “ingredients” are the bombitas or small fireworks used to fill up the body.

It is called the Hungry Ghost Festival, and it involves honoring good spirits as well as avoiding evil ones. Carefully researched and constantly updated. IL Magazine: We'll Pay for your Subscription AND Give You a FREE Issue of The Savvy Retiree... about subscribing to International Living Magazine, 5 affordable Caribbean islands to live on and 2 to avoid, 7 of the Best Cities in Spain for Your Retirement, Everything You Need to Know About Roatan Honduras. Do you wish to write for Colors. The day looks back on the infamous Gunpowder Plot, when Catholics tried to blow up Parliament and King James I in 1605.