Ōmisoka, Japan
Ōmisoka —or ōtsugomori —is a Japanese traditional celebration on the last day of the year. It is customary for people to clean their homes, eat soba or udon noodles, and bathe at night to rid themselves of uncleanliness. Bells are struck 108 times to bring in the new year and lift people from suffering.
New Year’s Day
New Year's Day on January 1 is celebrated by people around the world. It is a widely recognized and observed holiday in many countries and cultures. The celebration often includes various customs, traditions, and festivities to mark the beginning of the new year.
Shōgatsu, Japan
Shōgatsu, or Japanese New Year, is one of the most important holidays in Japan, celebrated from January 1–3 with family gatherings, traditional foods, and special customs. Activities include cleaning homes beforehand, decorating with kadomatsu (pine and bamboo arrangements), and visiting shrines to pray for good fortune in the coming year. It is a time for…
Independence Day, Haiti
Haitian Independence Day is celebrated on January 1st to commemorate the day in 1804 when Haiti declared independence from French colonial rule, becoming the first independent Black republic in the world. Lit Connection: Freedom Soup: A Taste of Haitian Independence
World Braille Day
World Braille Day is celebrated on the birthday of Louis Braille, the inventor of braille. Braille is a reading and writing system for people who are visually impaired.
Harbin Ice and Snow Festival
The Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is the largest ice and snow festival in the world. It takes place in Harbin, (Northeast) China.
Orthodox Christmas
Orthodox Christmas, celebrated by many Eastern Orthodox Christians, follows the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. It is a deeply spiritual holiday centered on church services, hymns, and fasting, culminating in a festive meal with family. Customs vary by region but often include blessings, candlelight processions, and the sharing of traditional foods that reflect…
International Kite Festival
The International Kite Festival, held annually during Makar Sankranti in Gujarat, India, is a vibrant celebration of artistry and culture. The skies fill with colorful kites of all shapes and sizes as people from around the world participate in friendly competitions and showcase their designs.
Pongal
Pongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, India to honor the sun, nature, and farmers for a bountiful harvest. Central to the festivities is the preparation of Pongal, a sweet rice dish cooked with milk and jaggery, symbolizing prosperity and gratitude. The festival includes rituals like decorating homes with kolam (rangoli designs),…
Kid Inventors’ Day
Kid Inventors' Day celebrates the creativity and ingenuity of young inventors. The day encourages children to explore their innovative ideas, fostering a spirit of curiosity and discovery.