Festivals
If there are any festivals and celebrations you would like us to cover or you can help us with then please do not hesitate to talk to us.
August
Raksha Bandhan (Hindu) Girls thread braclets around their brothers wrists to protect them and brothers promise to look after their sisters
September
Rosh Hashanah -(Jewish) The Jewish New Year celebrated by eating sweet food and wearing new clothes
Yom Kippur (Jewish) Yom Kippur is probably the most important holiday of the Jewish year. Many Jews who do not observe any other Jewish custom will refrain from work, fast and/or attend synagogue services on this day.
Harvest (Christian) Celebrated around the Full Moon to give thanks of fruit, Vegetables and Grain, traditionally given to those in need
October
Eid ul Fitr (Muslim) Marks the end of Ramadan an occasion for feasting and fun.
Halloween (All hallows eve) It was derived originally from an ancient Pagan festival, it has become part of our culture and generally it's an innocent excuse for people to have a good time.
November
Bonfire Night (Secular) Remembers when Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Bonfires are lit and fireworks are set off.
Diwali (Hindu and Sikh) Most important Hindu festival marking the end of one year and the beginning of the next. Candles and lamps are lit to remember Guru Hargobind.
Thanksgiving (America) Marked as a sense of gratitude people feel for the good things in life, by offering prayers and gifts to family and friends. A traditional turkey dinner is served.
30th St Andrews Day (Christian) Feast day to celebrate the patron saint of Scotland.
December
Hanukkah (Jewish) Festival of Light commemorating the miracle of the temple light that burned for 8 days on a small amount of oil.
Christmas Day (Christian) The birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated by decorating homes, exchanging gifts and spending time with family and friends.
Kwanzaa (African) The modern celebration of Kwanzaa lasts seven days, from December 26 to January 1. Each of the seven days of the celebration is dedicated to one of the seven principles.
February
Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras (Christian) Mardi Gras which means “Fat Tuesday” falls on the day before the period of Lent. People use up supplies of food by making pancakes.
Chinese New Year (Chinese) Each year is named after one of 12 different animals.
St Valentines Day (Christian) Remembers the patron saint of lovers, when people celebrate love and friendship by sending anonymous cards to each other.
March
St David’s Day (Christian) Remembers the patron saint of Wales, whose symbols include daffodils and leeks
Mothers Day (Christian) Thanking mothers for their care with cards and gifts.
St Patrick’s Day (Christian) A day to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, whose symbol is a shamrock.
Holi (Hindu) Reminds Hindus that God protects his believers, and people celebrate by throwing paint and coloured water to remember the mischief of Krishna.
Easter Sunday (Christian) Marks the time when Jesus was crucified and then rose from the dead. Eggs are associated with Easter as a symbol of new life and new beginnings.
April
Vashaki (Sikh) Commemorates five men who volunteered to sacrifice themselves at the request of Guru Gobind Singh.
Pesach/Passover (Jewish) Celebrates the time when Moses led the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to Israel. A traditional meal, the seder is eaten with family and friends
St Georges’ Day (Christian) Remembers the patron saint of England, whose symbols include the rose and the dragon.
May
Children’s Day (Japanese) Also called Kodomo-no-hi. Carp shaped kites are flown and boys bath in iris leaves to drive away evil and make them strong.
June
Father’s Day - (National) People thank their fathers with cards and small gifts.
July
Independence Day (American) Independence day is a very special day in the United States. On July 4th, we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in 1776.
