A World of Traditions: Celebrating Cultures

Our world is like a colorful blanket made of many cultures, each with its own special traditions. These traditions are like stories from our ancestors, showing who we are and where we belong. Join us as we explore fascinating cultures and their history from around the world, including one from Romania!

• Chinese New Year: Firecrackers crackle, families reunite, and lion dances fill the streets. This joyous celebration welcomes the new year on the lunar calendar, a time for feasting, gift-giving, and warding off evil spirits with red decorations.

(Source of the image: TimeOut)

• Day of the Dead in Mexico: Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday celebrating the lives of deceased loved ones. Originating in Mesoamérica, the tradition evolved after the arrival of the Spaniards. On November 1st and 2nd, deceased loved ones visit relatives, creating ”ofrendas” with photos and items from their time on earth. ”Ofrendas” are typically made with ”papel picado”, sugar skulls, and marigolds. Children are honored on November 1st, while adults are honored the following day. Families build altars to welcome the spirits of deceased loved ones, sharing stories and favorite foods. The holiday has gained popularity, with many tourists visiting Mexico to participate. Some towns are leveraging this interest to create Day of the Dead activities, such as the parade in Mexico City. (Lush, 2022)

(Source: Seguro Inteligente)

• Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro: Carnival in Brazil is a spectacular extravaganza of music, dance, and vibrant costumes. Parades featuring samba dancers and elaborate floats fill the streets, captivating millions of revelers from around the world, a must-see for any adventurer.

(Source: riocarnival.org)

• St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, USA: St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, USA, is an Irish religious and cultural holiday that is celebrated on March 17th in commemoration of the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. The city is filled with festive green attire and the most significant event is the dyeing of the Chicago river green, a tradition since 1962, using an environmentally friendly dye.

(Source: Choose Chicago)

• Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan: Ueno Park in central Tokyo hosts the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, known as Hanami. Originally part of the destroyed Kaneiji Temple grounds, the park features over 1,000 cherry trees, symbolizing renewal and nature’s beauty. The festival attracts locals and tourists, with heavy crowds during prime season. Visitors can also enjoy traditional street food festivals at Shinobazu Pond, located across the bridge. (Lush, 2022)

(Source: gotokyo.org)

• Shinbyu in Myanmar: Shinbyu is a significant coming-of-age ceremony in Myanmar, where young boys spend a temporary period in a monastery to learn about Buddhist teachings and traditions. This Theravada Buddhist tradition is celebrated by the majority ethnic group, Burmese, and is a significant event in the lives of boys, their families, and communities. The ceremony involves young boys dressed in royal attire, music, dancing, and feasting, leading to the ceremonial shaving of the head and the exchange of silk robes for saffron-coloured ones. (The Sunday Snug, n.d.)

(Source: Global Times)

• Fasnacht Basel in Switzerland: Fasnacht Basel in Switzerland is the most popular and largest carnival in February and March, celebrated on the Monday following Ash Wednesday.

On Monday, the celebrations begin at 4am with the Morgenstreich, which is the official start of Fasnacht, followed by Gugge music (brass and percussion band concerts) on Tuesday. The carnival finishes on Wednesday with the Endstreich, a second large procession somewhat similar to the first day.

The festival, rooted in local traditions, lasts for three days and is filled with colorful, lively music, fun, and community spirit. Participants dress in traditional costumes, while music bands wear themed dresses. The carnival has a distinct separation between participants and spectators, and visitors must purchase a Plakette badge to cover costs. The festival encourages fun, respect, and enjoyment of parades and music while enjoying local dishes. (Lush, 2022)

(Source: NewinZurich)

• Sankt Hans in Denmark: Denmark celebrates "Sankt Hans" during summer solstice by lighting bonfires and burning a straw witch figure to ward off evil spirits, allowing families to enjoy the longest day of the year. (The Sunday Snug, n.d.)

(Source: CBS Wire)

• Birthday Cake in the Face (Mexico): Brace yourself for a messy, yet hilarious, tradition! In some parts of Mexico, friends might playfully smash cake into the birthday person’s face, symbolizing good luck and shared merriment.

• Voodoo Festival (Ouidah): Voodoo Festival in Ouidah, Benin, celebrates ancient religion, honoring ancestors and spirits through ceremonies, dances, and offerings. The tradition seeks to unite the living and the spiritual realm, fostering a sense of community and connection. (The Sunday Snug, n.d.)

(Source: Responsible Travel)

• Galette des Rois (France): A delicious way to celebrate the Epiphany. This flaky pastry, filled with frangipane almond cream, hides a small charm. Whoever receives the slice with the charm is declared king or queen for the day!

(Source: CuisineAZ)

• Mărțișorul (Romania): A beautiful symbol of spring's arrival. On the first day of March (Mărțișor), Romanians exchange small, handcrafted ornaments, often depicting flowers or good luck charms. These colorful tokens symbolize the coming of spring and the beginning of a new season.

(Source: pami.ro)

By reading about these traditions, we not only honor the past but also contribute to the preservation of our collective history for future generations to cherish and learn from. Whether it'’s an extravagant festival in Brazil or a serene ceremony in Japan, each tradition reflects the essence of its respective culture, inviting us to celebrate the beauty of our shared humanity.

References:

Lush, E. (2022, march 3). 60+ World Rituals, Festivals & Ceremonies Worth Travelling For . Retrieved from Wander-Lush: https://wander-lush.org/world-rituals-part-four/

The Sunday Snug. (n.d.). Unique Traditions Around the World. Retrieved from The Sunday Snug: https://www.thesundaysnug.com/unique-traditions-around-the-world/