COPY RIGHT 2 "Threads of Tradition" 8 INTRODUCTION 12 UNDERSTANDING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CULTURAL PRACTICES 14 Recognizing Cultural Significance 16 CHAPTER ONE 18 ASIA 18 Ancient Traditions to Modern Marvels 18 India: Diwali - Festival of Lights (Date: November) 18 The five days of Diwali is very important 20 A Worldwide Festivity: 21 China: Chinese New Year - Spring Festival (Date: varies, typically January/February) 22 Japan: Cherry Blossom Festivals (Date: varies, typically March/April) 25 Thailand: Songkran - Thai New Year (Date: April) 28 South Korea: Chuseok - Harvest Festival (Date: September/October) 31 CHAPTER TWO 35 EUROPE 35 WHERE HISTORY MEETS CONTEMPORARY CULTURE 35 Italy: Carnevale di Venezia (Date: February/March) 35 France: Bastille Day (Date: July 14) 38 Spain: La Tomatina - Tomato Throwing Festival (Date: August) 42 What to eat during La Tomatina? 45 Attractions and activities in Extremadura 45 Germany: Oktoberfest (Date: September/October) 46 Ireland: St. Patrick's Day (Date: March 17) 50 Who is St. Patrick? 51 What is the origin of leprechauns? 54 What does all of this signify for Christians? 55 This poem came to mind: 55 CHAPTER THREE 57 AFRICA 57 CELEBRATING HERITAGE AND UNITY 57 Egypt: Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr (Date: varies, typically April/May 57 Cultural Importance: 59 Kenya: Maasai Mara Cultural Festival (Date: October) 61 A View into the Way of Life of the Maasai: 62 South Africa: Heritage Day (Date: September 24) 63 Festivities Around the Country: 64 Past the Celebrations: 65 Nigeria: Olojo Festival (Date: September/October) 70 CHAPTER FOUR 73 NORTH AMERICA 73 Fusion of Indigenous and Immigrant Traditions 73 United States: Thanksgiving (Date: fourth Thursday of November) 73 A Day to Get Together With Family 76 Expressing gratitude and blessings 76 Football and parades 77 A Moment of Introspection and Gratitude 77 Thanksgiving Celebrated Outside of the US 77 Canada: Canada Day (Date: July 1) 79 Celebrations All Around the Country: 80 Mexico: Día de los Muertos (Date: November 1-2) 83 Paying Tributaries to Ancestors: 83 Symbolic Cuisine and Occasions: 84 A Life Celebration 85 An Intangible Cultural Heritage of the UNESCO: 85 Living Through Día de los Muertos: 85 Jamaica: Jamaica Carnival (Date: varies, typically April) 86 This is a summary of the exciting festival: 88 Cuba: Carnaval de Santiago de Cuba (Date: July) 90 An Exuberant Week: 91 July 26: The Outstanding Performance: 92 CHAPTER FIVE 94 SOUTH AMERICA 94 Vibrant Festivities and Cultural Heritage 94 Brazil: Carnaval (Date: varies, typically February/March) 94 Argentina: Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (Date: March) 99 A Harvest and Wine Festival: 102 An Appetizing Taste of Argentina 103 Peru: Inti Raymi - Festival of the Sun (Date: June) 105 Colombia: Feria de Cali (Date: December) 108 A Festivity for All 109 Chile: Fiestas Patrias (Date: September 18-19) 111 Celebrations All Around the Country: 112 CHAPTER SIX 114 MIDDLE EAST 114 Saudi Arabia: Eid al-Fitr Celebrations 114 Several Festivities: 114 Israel: Hanukkah Festivities 117 Israel's Hanukkah celebration 118 A Festival of Hope and Light 120 Iran: Nowruz New Year Celebrations 121 Lebanon: Dabke Folk Dance Traditions 125 An Ancient Levantine Custom: 131 Procedures and Modifications 131 The Lawweeh's Role: 132 Keyboards and Music: 132 A Sign of Harmony and Joy: 132 CENTRAL AMERICA 134 Costa Rica: Día de los Boyeros (Ox Cart Day) 134 A Day to Pay Tribute to Custom: 135 An Occasion Fit for the Whole Family 136 A Festivity Outside of San Antonio de Escazú: 137 Experiencing the Boyeros Day: 137 CONCLUSION 138 EMBRACING DIVERSITY: LESSONS LEARNED FROM AROUND THE GLOBE 139