The world is a beautifully diverse with cultures, traditions, and celebrations. While we often mainly celebrate Christmas and the joy of Hanukkah in the United States, there are countless other holidays celebrated globally that are equally fascinating and rich in tradition.
In this blog, we'll take a journey around the world to explore some of the top worldwide holidays and discover how we can bring a piece of these diverse celebrations into our own homes to honor worldwide traditions. We believe by celebrating other culture's traditions, we can bring a piece of the world home with us too.
Top Holidays Around the World
Diwali - The Festival of Lights (India) Celebration Date for 2023: November 10th
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a Hindu festival celebrated with immense fervor and joy. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. To celebrate Diwali at home, consider decorating your space with diyas (clay lamps) and colorful rangoli designs. Embrace the spirit of giving by sharing sweets and snacks with family and friends. You can also indulge in delicious Indian cuisine or try your hand at making traditional dishes like samosas and gulab jamun.
St. Nicholas Day (Europe) Celebration Date: December 6th
St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in various European countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. On this day, children wake up to find small gifts and treats left by St. Nicholas in their shoes or stockings. To bring this tradition into your home, consider leaving small surprises for your family members or loved ones on the morning of December 6th.
Hanukkah (Jewish) Celebration Dates for 2023: December 12th - December 20th
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the miracle of the oil in the Jewish tradition. To embrace this holiday, light the Hanukkah menorah (a candleholder with nine branches) and enjoy traditional foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts). Share the joy of the holiday by playing the dreidel game with family and friends.
Christmas (Worldwide)
Celebration Date: December 25th
Christmas is celebrated around the world, but each culture has its unique traditions. To celebrate Christmas at home, decorate a Christmas tree with ornaments and lights. Exchange gifts and spend quality time with loved ones. Consider adding international elements to your celebration, like trying traditional holiday dishes from different countries or incorporating customs like the Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes.
Kwanzaa (African Diaspora)
Celebration Dates: December 26th - January 1st
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that honors African heritage and culture. To celebrate Kwanzaa at home, you can set up a Kinara (candleholder) and light one candle each day to represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba). Decorate your space with colorful African textiles, art, and symbols. Share traditional African dishes such as jollof rice, jerk chicken, or injera to connect with the rich and diverse African diaspora.
Chinese New Year (China)
Celebration Date for 2024: January 22-February 12 (Year of the Water Dragon)
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the lunar new year. To embrace this tradition, decorate your home with red lanterns and paper-cut decorations. Share the joy of Chinese culture by trying your hand at making dumplings or spring rolls. Give red envelopes (hongbao) with small gifts or money to symbolize good luck and prosperity.
Songkran (Thailand)
Celebration Date for 2023: April 13th - 15th
Songkran is the Thai New Year's celebration, known for its exuberant water fights and cleansing rituals. You can bring a piece of Songkran into your home by pouring scented water over the hands of your family members as a symbol of purification and blessings. Enjoy Thai cuisine, such as Pad Thai or Tom Yum soup, and light scented candles to create a serene atmosphere.
Hanami - Cherry Blossom Viewing (Japan)
Celebration Date for 2023: Late March to Early April
Hanami is the Japanese tradition of appreciating the transient beauty of cherry blossoms. To honor this custom, decorate your home with cherry blossom branches or sakura-themed decor. Prepare a bento box for a picnic and enjoy it in your garden or a nearby park. You can also partake in a tea ceremony to experience the tranquility of Japanese culture.
Eid al-Fitr (followers of Islam)
Celebration Date for 2023: April 9th - 10th
Eid al-Fitr is the festival marking the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and reflection for Muslims. Embrace this holiday by sharing a special meal with friends or neighbors, and exchange gifts and greetings. Decorate your home with colorful lights and lanterns to capture the festive spirit.
Celebrating holidays from around the world in your own home is not only a way to appreciate diverse cultures but also an opportunity to bond with family and friends. Try incorporating these traditions into your own celebrations, and you'll discover the richness of global customs and the joy they bring. Whether it's lighting a diya for Diwali or making dumplings for Chinese New Year, these small gestures can bridge the gap between cultures and create meaningful connections with the world. To us, it's a great way to experience the world, even if you aren't out traveling the world.
If you're ready to travel and experience these cultures firsthand, we can make that happen to. Contact S2T to plan your 2024 or 2025 worldwide trip!
Happy Holidays from S2T!