Festive celebrations around the world

At this time of year, many calendars around the world are coming to an end. While different communities follow different calendars, many people see this time of the year as a time of reflection and celebration; the closing of a chapter and the start of a new one. 

This makes it a great time for different festive celebrations around the world. 

Shōgatsu

In Japan, the New Year, or Shōgatsu, is one of the most important holidays of the year. Celebrations typically begin on January 1st and last until January 3rd.

The focus during Shōgatsu is starting afresh (having a new start). Before the new year begins, families do a deep clean of their homes (a very detailed clean), which is called oosouji. This symbolises (represents) a clean slate (having a new start) for the year ahead. Many workers also attend bōnenkai parties, which are end-of-year gatherings (meetings or parties) meant to help forget the year and any difficulties or challenges people have faced. 

Some typical food during Shōgatsu is toshikoshi soba – a simple noodle dish – which people eat on New Year’s Eve. 

On New Year’s Day, families often eat ozoni, a soup made with chicken, vegetables and other ingredients. 

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a cultural festival that celebrates African heritage (traditions, customs and beliefs) and community, often in the USA but also in other countries with communities of people of African descent (or connected to Africa). It starts on December 26th and ends on January 1st. 

Kwanzaa revolves around the Nguzo Saba, or ‘the seven principles’. These are:

• Umoja: unity (being a supportive community)
• Kujichagulia: self-determination
• Ujima: helping each other and working together to solve problems
• Ujamaa: sharing wealth within the community
• Nia: goal setting
• Kuumba: creativity
• Imani: belief in yourself and others and doing what is right 

Each day, families light a candle and reflect on one of the seven principles. People decorate their homes and communities in red, green and black, share meals with each other and listen to traditional music. 

Junkanoo

Junkanoo is a lively street parade (where people walk down a street in an organised group) that is held on December 26th and January 1st. It is celebrated in some Caribbean islands like the Bahamas and Jamaica. 

Junkanoo is a celebration of African traditions with Caribbean style, and its history, art and music. It’s a celebration of freedom, community and culture. People who participate in the Junkanoo parade – called Junkanoo groups – wear colourful outfits and dance to different instruments. Many people go to watch the parade, and dance alongside it. 

Lohri

Lohri is a celebration in northern India, on January 13th. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of longer, warmer days. The festival celebrates the sun and its importance in agricultural communities (farming), especially in the state of Punjab.

During Lohri, families and friends gather (meet) around large bonfires (large outdoor fires), and throw things like sesame seeds, popcorn, and other treats into the fire as offerings (where you show respect or love for something during a celebration). People sing traditional songs, dance to drums and share sweets. Often, children go to people’s doors and sing songs about Dulla Bhatti, a well-known person who helped the poor.

Hogmanay

In Scotland, the evening of January 31st is Hogmanay. There are many traditions related to Hogmanay, and one of the most well-known first-footing, where the first visitor to enter a home after midnight is believed to bring luck for the coming year.

On Hogmanay, people have bonfires, set off (launch) fireworks, and at midnight, sing Auld Lang Syne, which is a Scottish song that reflects on the passage of time (how time moves forward and changes happen). 

These festive celebrations around the world all celebrate the importance of community and traditions, and many also represent new beginnings. What about you? What festive celebrations do you have, or know about? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments. 

Learning about Festive celebrations around the world can help you better understand different cultures and have conversations about the different traditions. You can also read this blog to learn about Thanksgiving vocabulary

What traditions do you have in your household? Do you know any other traditions? Share your experiences in the comments!

 

 

Activity

Choose the best option to complete the sentence. 

1. I’m excited to start my new job and have a _____.
   1. clean slate
   2. set off
   3. passage of time 
2. The family _____ was fun. 
   1. symbolises
   2. offerings
   3. gathering
3. I spent the weekend _____ my house. 
   1. deep cleaning 
   2. gathering 
   3. setting off 
4. My parents are of Indian _____.
   1. agricultural 
   2. descent 
   3. parades
5. The changing colours of the leaves in autumn represent _____.
   1. bonfires
   2. the passage of time 
   3. heritage
6. The Olympic torch _____ unity.
   1. sets off 
   2. starts afresh
   3. symbolises

 

Answers

1. A
2. C
3. A
4. B
5. B
6. C

 

---

 

Billie Jago is an ELT writer and teacher trainer specialising in digital learning materials and assessment resources. She has written for various well-known coursebooks, and writes items for high stakes exams such as the PTE, OTE, IELTS and Cambridge. Alongside materials writing, she delivers international teacher training sessions and is the founder of the ELTcpd professional development platform and YouTube channel. She is also the co-founder of the educational consultancy, OtterEducation.