"... Most of the winter holidays are linked to winter solstice in some way, especially in the northern hemisphere. And this is the reason that most wintertime seasonal holiday traditions have their roots in the northern hemisphere."
I came across a few holidays that we are, perhaps, least familiar with:
This is a Scottish word which means the last day of the year, which celebrates the New Year, according to the Gregorian calendar, in the Scottish way. It begin on the night of December 31, lasting all through the night and carrying on until the ‘Ne’erday’ or January 1, and sometimes even carrying on to January 2.
This is celebrated by the Buddhists on December 8 in commemoration of the enlightenment of the Buddha. This is considered the most important holiday for the Buddhists.
This is a feast that is celebrated by Muslims following their pilgrimage to Mecca that lasts for three days, and begins on January 10. It is a commemoration of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, at the behest of God. Muslims consider Ishmael to be the Arabs forefather.
This is a traditional winter holiday celebrated in Mexico between December 16 and December 24. In English, the term Las Posadas translates to ‘the Inn’, and therefore is a re-enactment of Joseph searching for a room at the inn. Hence, every Christmas, there is a procession carrying a doll, which represents Christ as a child and the images of Mary and Joseph riding a small donkey, which goes through the streets.
(source: buzzle.com)
Really interesting Post. Thank you for looking up some forgotten holidays around the world. It's true you do learn something new everyday.
ReplyDeleteThat is really interesting. I am kind of ashamed to say that I have never really heard of most of these holidays.
ReplyDeleteloved this post! thank you for letting us in on some of these little known holidays. and happy festivus!
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