Religious Festivals and Traditions

Each of the major Christian holidays and festivals includes unique traditions and customs. Some Christians use special calendars to count down the days of the Advent season. Festive carols are sung at Christmas to celebrate the birth of Jesus. In the spring, dyed Easter eggs symbolize rebirth. Clear text and vibrant photos help readers gain a greater understanding of these and other Christian traditions.

Each of the major Buddhist holidays and festivals includes special traditions and customs. On Vesak, some Buddhists honor Buddha's birthday by bathing Buddha statues and offering them food and flowers. Some traditions also decorate temples with lotus flowers made from paper, symbolizing awakening. Asalha Puja celebrates Buddha's first public teaching. In some Southeast Asian countries, Buddhist New Year is celebrated with joyful water fights to represent the cleansing of a fresh start. Clear text and vibrant photos help readers gain a greater understanding of these and other Buddhist traditions.

Although Sikhs celebrate each day as new by singing praises of Vaheguru, certain Sikh festivals hold historic significance. In the fall, people decorate their homes with lights to celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas. In spring, many Sikh families celebrate Vaisakhi by visiting their local gurdwara wearing the traditional colors of blue and orange. In November, early morning parades commemorate the birth of Guru Nanak during Gurpurab celebrations. Clear text and vibrant photos help readers gain a greater understanding of these and other Sikh traditions.

Each of the major Islamic holidays, festivals, and special days includes unique traditions and customs. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast during the day. At the end of Ramadan, the festival of Eid al-Fitr is a celebration with feasts and acts of kindness. During Eid al-Adha, many Muslims pray together at sunrise and share special foods and gifts with family and friends. Clear text and vibrant photos help readers gain a greater understanding of these and other Islamic traditions.

Each of the major Hindu holidays and festivals includes unique traditions and customs. At the beginning of spring, many Hindus celebrate Holi by lighting bonfires and throwing colorful powders. During Raksha Bandhan, siblings show their love for each other. Sisters give their brothers a special bracelet, and brothers give their sisters a gift such as chocolate, jewelry, or money in return. Diwali is celebrated by lighting clay lamps and exchanging gifts. Clear text and vibrant photos help readers gain a greater understanding of these and other Hindu traditions.

Each of the major Jewish holidays and festivals includes special traditions and customs. In the fall, people eat apples dipped in honey to celebrate the new year's sweetness on Rosh Hashanah. Glowing candles are an important symbol during the eight-day winter holiday of Hanukkah. In the spring, five special foods are eaten at Passover. Clear text and vibrant photos help readers gain a greater understanding of these and other Jewish traditions.