Holidays Around the World
A selection of holiday celebrations September—January 1st
SELECTED,
W R IT T E N A ND C O M P I L E D B Y
UNC CHAPEL HILL
F I NA N CE D I V I S I O N
DIVERSIT Y COMMITTEE
( Fo r in fo r ma ti ona l p ur po ses —no t in t en de d to p ro mo te an y h ol i day o r r e li gio n)
D ECEMBE R 2 0 0 9
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar set aside for inner reflection, devotion to God, and self‐control; a time of fasting, prayer, worship and contempla‐
tion. The Month of Rama‐
dan is when it is believed the Quran was sent from heaven, a direction for mankind, a means of Sal‐
vation. Eid-Ul-Fitr begins on the first day at the completion of Ramadan. In 2009, Edi‐ul‐Fitr began September 20th. Eid‐ul‐
Fitr is a joyous celebra‐
tion of thanksgiving for the believers. During Eid‐
ul‐Fitr, an obligatory gift from every Muslim is given to the needy. Mus‐
lims show their joy for the health, strength and opportunities of life given by Allah so they may ful‐
fill their obligation of fast‐
ing and other good deeds during the blessed month of Ramadan. The People's Republic of China was founded on October 1, 1949, with a ceremony at Tiananmen Square.
The Central People's Government passed the Resolution for the National Day of the People's Re-
public of China on December 2, 1949, declaring
October 1st as National Day. National Day is celebrated throughout mainland China, Hong Kong, and
Macau with a variety of government-organized festivities, including fireworks and concerts. Public
places, such as Tiananmen Square in Beijing, are decorated in a festive theme. Portraits of revered leaders, such as Sun Yat-sen, are publically displayed.
October 1, 2009, was the 60th anniversary of the
People’s Republic of China and was celebrated with a
grand ceremony in Tiananmen Square. About 200,000
soldiers and civilians - from veterans and athletes to
space heroes and young people - gathered in Tiananmen Square for the National Day military and mass
parade showcasing achievements of the last 60 years.
The packed square resembled a carnival as colorful
crowds marched, cheered and waved. A 60-cannon
salute rang out as the nation's flag swept over the
square. The army displayed its latest weapons including a new generation of tanks, unmanned aerial vehicles and satellite communication devices. More than
150 fighter jets, bombers, helicopters and other aircraft flew over the square, including China's first
group of female fighter pilots. Traditionally, the 60th
birthday celebration is regarded as a very important
point of life, since that is the first full cycle of Chinese lunar years.
INDEX Page Advent ‐ Christian 5 Bodhi Day ‐ Buddhist 4 Christmas ‐ Christian 6 Columbus Day ‐ USA 1 Deepavali or Diwali ‐ India 2 Feast of the Immaculate 4 Conception ‐ Catholic 2 Halloween ‐ USA 5 Hanukkah ‐ Jewish 3 Independence Day ‐ Poland 7 Kwanzaa ‐ African American 5 Las Posadas ‐ Mexico National Day ‐ China 1 New Year ‐ World 7 Ramadan and Eid Ul‐Fitr ‐ Islam 1 Republic Day ‐ Turkey 2 Santa Lucia ‐ Sweden 5 St Nicholas Day ‐ Netherlands 4 7 St. Stephen’s/Boxing Day Thanksgiving ‐ USA 3 Veterans Day ‐ USA 3 A sailor on board the Pinta sighted land the morning of October 12, 1492. The
next day the 90 crew members of Christopher Columbus's three-ship fleet, which
began the voyage nearly ten weeks earlier in Spain, proceeded onto the island of
Guanahaní in the Bahamas. The first recorded celebration of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas occurred on October 12, 1792, in New York City. The event celebrated the 300th anniversary of
Columbus' landing in the New World and was organized by The Society of St. Tammany also known as the Columbian Order, In
1892, President Benjamin Harrison urged citizens to participate in the 400th anniversary celebration of Columbus' first voyage. During this event the Pledge of Allegiance, written by Francis Bellamy, was recited publically for the first time. Colorado
was the first state to observe the holiday in 1905. In 1937, President Roosevelt proclaimed October 12th as Columbus Day
and in 1971, President Nixon declared the second Monday of October a national holiday.
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Deepavali or Diwali marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year according
to the Lunar Calendar. For 2009, this date fell on October 17th. Literally
translated 'Row of Lights’, Deepavali celebrates the triumph of good over evil
and light over darkness, and ushers in the new year. For this event, houses are
cleaned and decorated and new clothes are worn. Deepavali (Diwali) is a festival
where all age groups participate. They express happiness by lighting earthen
'diyas' (lamps) and firecrackers, and inviting family and friends into their households for a sumptuous feast. The lighting of lamps is a way of expressing gratitude for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, valor and fame.
There are different names for the five days of Diwali in different regions of
India (South & North India, East & West India) and in the different languages
spoken in those regions (i.e. Hindi, Urdu, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Bengali). During
Deepavali, prayer is offered to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, light,
prosperity and wisdom, and also to God Ganesha, the 'Remover of Obstacles' or
the 'Lord of Beginnings'. Diwali Mela (fairs) are held throughout India and in
celebrations abroad.
Republic Day of Turkey is
an official holiday recognized on
October 29th of each year. The
Turkish constitution was amended
and Turkey became a republic in
1923. This formally declared the
dissolution of the Ottoman Empire.
The Turkish Government is a republican parliamentary democracy consisting of a President, Prime Minister,
National Security Council and Cabinet. Turkey is a country with a population of about 73 million people. The
capital is Ankara, and Istanbul is the
largest city with a population of
around 13 million.
This day is an important celebration
with many activities throughout the
country and festivities typically oc-
cur all day and into the night. In
Istanbul, for example, the city’s
main streets are closed from 6:00
a.m. until the end of the ceremonies,
well into the night. The schools and
municipalities are closed, and certain
public areas of Istanbul are designated for the students and citizens
to gather - where dignitaries give
speeches, students read poetry and
special groups perform folk dances
of that region. A large fireworks
display is planned in the evening by
the bridges on the main river.
In Istanbul, Taksim Square is a major shopping, tourist and leisure district famous for local shops, hotels
and restaurants. Citizens gather in
the Square on Republic Day and celebrate freedom from the Ottoman
Empire. Many carry symbols such as
the Turkish flag and a flag with a picture of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk “Ataturk” translates to (Father of
the Turks). He fought on many
fronts, leading forces in battles
against rebels and invading forces
from 1915 to 1922. The Turkish armies won their ultimate victory, at
the end of August in 1922 and on October 29, 1923, an armistice was
signed and the Turkish Republic was
formally proclaimed. Ataturk was
elected as the first President.
Halloween, or All Hallow’s Eve, originated as the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, meaning “summer’s end.” The festival commemorated the link between seasons and life cycles (i.e. winter associated with death, spring with birth). Halloween is now celebrated worldwide and reflects the adaption of many cultures. On the night of October 31st, many Americans celebrate Halloween by dressing in costume, carving pumpkins, sharing ghost stories, and attending costume parties. Children dress as a favorite celebrity or hero, ghost or goblin, and walk home to home (usually in their neighbor‐
hood) to “trick or treat” – residents of these homes offer candy “treats” to the children in order to avoid receiving a “trick”. Holidays Around the World
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The Allied powers (nations allied in opposition to the German empire and Austria‐
Hungary during World War I) signed a cease‐fire agreement with Germany at Rethon‐
des, France on November 11, 1918, bringing World War I to a close. Between World Wars I and II, November 11th was commemorated as Armistice Day in the United States, Great Britain, and France. After World War II, the holiday was recognized as a day of tribute to veterans of both world wars. Beginning in 1954, the United States des‐
ignated November 11th as Veterans Day to honor veterans of all U.S. wars. Veter‐
ans Day is marked with ceremony and memorial events throughout the United States. On the fourth Thursday in November, Americans reflect and show appreciation for
life’s blessings. This day is traditionally celebrated with family and friends gathering
for an substantial meal. The American Thanksgiving tradition originated with the
Pilgrims. As early as 1621, the colonists of Plymouth, Massachusetts set aside a day of
thanks for a bountiful harvest. Throughout the Colonial period, days of feasting and
fasting commemorated periods of good and poor fortune. But it was President George
Washington that proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day under the Constitution:
In 1918, after 123 years of occupation, Poland reclaimed independence and their national way of life. That year marked the end of World War I and the defeat of all occupiers, Russia, the multinational Austro‐Hungarian monarchy, and the Germans. Following defeat of these occupying forces, the Poles began to seize military and civil power, building the foundations of their future nation. November 11th, the day Józef Pilsudski took power, has been celebrated as the Day of
Polish Independence since 1919. This day was officially recognized as a national holiday in 1937. Page 3
“Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his
protection and favor, and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public
thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many
signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to
establish a form of government for their safety and happiness." Now therefore I do
recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the
People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. “
George Washington, Proclamation, October 3, 1789.
Saint Nicholas was born
during the third century in
the village of Patara. At
the time the area was
Greek. His parents were
wealthy and died while
Nicholas was young. Obeying the command of Jesus
to "sell what you own and
give the money to the
poor," Nicholas used his
inheritance to help the
needy, sick, and suffering.
He dedicated his life to
serving God and became
Bishop of Myra while still a
young man. Bishop Nicholas
became recognized for his
generosity to those in need,
his love for children, and
his concern for sailors and
ships.
Under the Roman Emperor
Diocletian, Bishop Nicholas
suffered for his faith and
was exiled and imprisoned
for a time. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and
was buried in his cathedral
church. The anniversary of
his death became a day of
In countries where St.
Nicholas is prominent, this
day is the primary gift
giving day instead of
Christmas. Parties may be
held on the
eve, December
5th, and shoes
or stockings
left for St.
Nicholas to fill
during the
night.
celebration, St. Nicholas
Day.
Through
the centuries many
stories and
legends
have been
Prince Siddhartha Gautama left his family and possessions at age 29 to
discover the meaning of life. He spent six years seeking teachers and ascetic
practices to gain enlightenment. Unsatisfied, he meditated beneath the Bodhi
Tree. This is where he realized the Four Noble Truths, the founding principles of
Buddhism, and thereafter became known as Buddha, the Enlightened One. Bodhi
Day has been celebrated on December 8th since Meiji Restoration (1862-1869).
Bodhi Day is the Day of Enlightenment. The Buddha’s enlightenment had three
stages or watches: he saw his previous lives pass before him; he saw the cycle of
birth, death and rebirth (reincarnation) and the law that governs the cycle
(karma); and he discerned the four holy, or noble, truths.
In the First Watch, called the cycle of rebirth, Buddha discovered that
you are born and reborn over and over again and that your destiny is determined
by your life actions, whether good or evil.
In the Second Watch Buddha discovered the law of karma, that you
really are responsible for your intentions, and if they are pure, then good things
will come your way. Actions have either good or bad results based on intention.
He also discovered The Noble Eightfold Path as a way of living, in three divisions;
Wisdom, Moral Discipline and Concentration. The First Division, Wisdom, includes
the right view and the right intention, acquired through the right knowledge and
the right liberation. The Second Division, Moral Discipline, includes the right
speech, the right action and the right livelihood. Concentration is the Third Division and it includes the right effort, the right mindfulness and the right concentration.
In the Third Watch Buddha discerned the Four Noble Truths. First is
the noble truth of suffering which includes our birth, death, illness, pain and sorrow. All is suffering and all beings are subject to suffering. The Second Noble
Truth is that the origin of suffering is desire and includes the craving for life,
pleasure and existence. The Third Noble Truth is the end of Suffering in which
the solution is to extinguish desire for these cravings of life. The Fourth Noble
Truth is “The Way” or “Magga” to extinguish desire through the Noble Eight Fold
Path.
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told of St. Nicholas' life
and deeds. These offer
insight into his extraordinary character and why he
is so beloved and revered
as protector and helper of
those in need.
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated by Roman Catho‐
lics beginning December 8th. This is not a celebration of the virgin birth of Jesus how‐
ever, but the “conception” of the Virgin Mary herself. This refers to the belief that from the first moment of her con‐
ception, through a special intervention of God, Mary was immune from all stain of original sin. Unlike the rest of mankind, Mary was never separated from God. Santa Lucia, sometimes
referred to as Saint
Lucy’s Day, Feast of St. Lucy,
or Festival of Lights, is a
holiday observed on December 13th. This celebration is
recognized in Scandinavian
countries such as Sweden,
Finland, Denmark, and Norway, as well as other countries including Italy and
Malta. In the United States,
areas of Minnesota and other
states with Scandinavian
roots continue to celebrate
the holiday, often with
church centered events.
This holiday celebration is in
honor of St. Lucia. St. Lucia
was an Italian saint that came
from a wealthy family. In the
early days of Christian persecution, Lucia worked to help
Christians hiding in the catacombs or underground tunnels.
She would attach candles to a
wreath and place the wreath
on her head to light her way –
leaving her hands free to carry
food and supplies. Lucia shunned
marriage and worldly possessions
and refused to give up her faith
to marry an unbeliever. She suffered a terrible death under the
order of the Roman Emperor,
Diocletian in Syracuse, Sicily
around 300 AD.
In traditional celebrations the
The eve of December 15th marks the be‐
ginning of Hanukkah, the Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Sec‐
ond Temple of Jerusalem after the Jewish 165 B.C.E. victory over the Hellenist Syrians. Ha‐
nukkah falls on the eve of the twenty‐fifth day of the month of Kislev on the Jewish calendar. Also referred to as the Festival of Lights, Ha‐
nukkah celebrates the story of how, when the temple was rededicated, God miraculously made one day's supply of oil burn brightly for eight days. Today, Jews celebrate Hanukkah for eight days by lighting candles in a meno‐
rah every night, commemorating the eight‐day miracle. Hanukkah celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of purity over adultera‐
tion, of spirituality over materiality. The Latin word for Advent is
adventus which means “a coming” and the Greek translation
Parousia which means “Second
Coming.” Advent is a season to
celebrate Christ’s birth, but also
prepare for His return as prophesied. The first Advent was celebrated in France around the
fourth century A.D. and consisted
of a devotional period of fasting,
Holidays Around the World
story is acted out in a procession that is headed by one girl
in a white gown with a red sash
wearing a crown of candles or
lights, while others in the procession will hold a single white
candle. The candles are symbolic of the fire that refused
to take St. Lucia’s life when
she was sentenced to be
burned by the Roman Empire.
The women sing a Lucia song
while entering the room while
the young Saint Lucia enters
with lights and sweets. Many
of the countries that recognize
this day celebrate in similar
ways.
Las Posadas (Spanish for "the inn") is a traditional Mexican festival which re‐enacts Joseph and Mary’s cold and difficult journey in search of shelter. This festival is celebrated each evening from December 16th to December 24th. Each evening, a processional carrying a doll representing the Christ Child and images of Joseph and Mary riding a burro walks through the community streets. The processional stops at a previously selected home and asks for lodging for the night. The people are invited in to read scriptures and sing Christmas carols and food and drink are provided by the hosts. The doll is left at the chosen home and picked up on the next night when the processional begins again. This continues for eight nights in honor of the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem. penance and suffering in commemorative preparation of the birth of
Christ. By the tenth century, the
holiday was under the direction of
Rome and evolved into the four
week season celebrated today. By
the turn of the twentieth century,
the Advent Season became more a
joyful celebration and less a time of
sacrificial behavior. Advent begins
on the fourth Sunday before
Christmas—the dates and number of
days change yearly. In 2009, the first
Sunday of Advent began on November
29th and continue through December
24th. There are many symbols of the
Advent season. One is the Chrismon
tree, which means Christ Monogram.
The Chrismon tree is an evergreen
topped with a Moravian or Advent star
and adorned with various ornaments.
The ornaments represent some
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part of Christ’s life or death. The Advent star was made popular by the Moravians in the fifth century and symbolizes the
Star of Bethlehem. In many Christian churches on the third Sunday of Advent, a Chrismon tree is placed in the Sanctuary.
The Christmas tree, originally a pagan tradition, was transformed into a Christian tradition by use of the Advent star. Another symbol, the Advent wreath, is made up of circular evergreen branches and candles. On each Advent Sunday a candle is
lit, each candle representing a special meaning. The first is the Prophecy candle (Hope), the second is the Bethlehem candle
(Peace), the third is the Shepherds candle (Joy) and the fourth is the Angels candle (Love). Usually the candles are purple but
a single rose candle or red and white candles may be used. A fifth white candle stands in the center and is the Christmas candle, representing Jesus, which is lit on Christmas day. The meanings and colors of the candles vary depending on each faith.
Many churches celebrate the Advent season with special music and church productions depicting and leading up to the birth of
Jesus. The primary color of Advent is Purple. Purple dually represents the color of royalty to welcome the birth of the King
— and also the passion and suffering He endured on the Cross. This points to an important connection between Jesus’ birth
and death.
Christmas is the annual Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. This celebration began in 400 A.D. when church officials instituted the
birth of Christ as a holiday. Although the Bible does not mention a date for His
birth, Pope Julius I chose December 25th to coincide with traditional Winter solstice festivals. Initially named the Feast of the Nativity, the custom was accepted
throughout the Christian world by the end of the eighth century. In the Middle
Ages the celebration involved believers attending church, then celebrating in a carnival-like atmosphere. The revelry included a peasant being crowned “lord of misrule”
to preside over the various entertainment, processions, plays, and feasts. When
America was settled in 1620, the Puritan beliefs of the Pilgrims was so strong that
Christmas was not a holiday. Not until the nineteenth century did Americans begin
to embrace Christmas. A federal holiday was declared in 1870.
The Christmas celebration for Americans evolved into a family-centered day of
peace and nostalgia, bringing together loved ones across lines of wealth and social
status. Americans incorporated pieces from many other customs and traditions to
build their own Christmas tradition — a mix of old and new — traditions common to
all or tailored to a family unit through generations. Typical celebrations include
decorating pine trees, sending holiday cards, displaying Christmas home decorations,
and caroling. In the Christian faith, the symbolism of giving gifts represents the
gift that God gave through the birth and death of Christ. Friends and family celebrate with special dinners and the exchange of gifts according to their own unique
family tradition.
A family’s tradition: One North Carolina daughter remembers her own family tradition at Christmas Eve. Gathering at the parent’s home, two older broth‐
ers from Virginia and an older sister and family from New York, the family shared dinner. After‐
ward, they gathered around the piano to sing Christmas carols as her mom played. At 10:30 p.m. everyone continued singing Christmas carols as they walked over to the church. The church program usually consisted of a brief sermon and beautiful mu‐
sic by voice and instrument. At midnight, everyone walked out of the church into the cool early morning just as the church bells chimed to welcome Christmas day. Kwanzaa is a non‐
religious African Ameri‐
can holiday celebrating fam‐
ily, community, and culture ‐ celebrated for seven days: December 26th ‐ January 1st. Dr. Maulana Karenga, chairman of Black Studies at California State University created Kwanzaa in 1966. Prompted by the Watts riots in Los Angeles, Dr. Karenga searched for means of unit‐
ing African‐Americans as a community. He researched African "first fruit" (harvest) celebrations and combined characteristics of several celebrations to form the basis of Kwanzaa. St. Stephen’s/Boxing Day began in England under
the reign of Queen Victoria. Boxing Day, also known as St.
Stephen's Day, is observed on the Monday following Christmas.
Centuries ago servants and trade laborers were required to
work on Christmas for wealthy landowners or merchants.
The servants were then allowed to take leave the day after
Christmas. The employers would give each servant or laborer a box containing gifts that may include food and fruit,
clothing, or monetary bonuses. The gifts were an expression
of gratitude from an employer for a job well done. These
gifts, given in boxes, prompted the tradition of Boxing Day.
Around the 800s churches began opening the alms boxes
placed over the Christmas season and distributing the contents among the poor on Boxing Day. Today, Boxing Day is
spent with family and friends, and while few people have servants, the custom of giving gifts or money to those who provide services is still followed. Boxing Day is celebrated in
England, Australia, Britain, Scotland, and Canada.
The earliest documented New Year celebration occurred around 2000 B.C.E. The celebrations were typically in the middle of Winter in an attempt to ensure the return of
spring and fertility. Ancient Romans exchanged gifts of sacred tree branches and gold covered coins imprinted with the face of Janus. In Roman mythology, Janus is the god of gates
and doors, beginnings and endings, and hence represented with a double-faced head, each
looking in opposite directions. He was worshipped at the beginning of the harvest time,
planting, marriage, birth, and other types of beginnings.
New Years is traditionally thought to be a time of renewal, with many resolving to end bad
habits and practice good ones. These “resolutions” suggest one has examined the last twelve
months and made plans to improve life in the coming year.
Worldwide, many countries celebrate January 1st as New Year’s Day including the United
States. Around the globe, countries have special or unusual New Year's customs. Some customs are shared; others vary from country to country.
In the United States current celebrations include parades, New Year’s Eve parties, and
football bowl games. And in New York City a ball is dropped in a crowded-to-capacity Times
Square at the stroke of midnight. This tradition began in 1908.
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