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Hanukkah 2022 - Stories, Traditions & Origins | HISTORY

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Hanukkah (or Chanukah) is the eight-day Jewish celebration that commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.

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Your burning Hanukkah questions, answered

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Hanukkah is not the Jewish equivalent of Christmas, nor is it an insurmountably difficult holiday to learn about. If you're curious, here are a few basic questions many non-Jews (and even some Jews!) have about the holiday:

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Diwali - the Hindu festival of lights - takes place over five days, with the main day of celebration on Sunday 12 November. The festival from South Asia is also celebrated by Jains and Sikhs.

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The Festival of Lights is a Time for Family & Friends

Diwali Wish List

Each year Diwali, or The Festival of Lights, brings family and friends together for a five-day celebration. The holiday honors the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. This ancient festival is a time for love and friendship and is enjoyed by Hindus the world over and marks the beginning of their New Year.

Diwali Wish List

Though Diwali itself is one day, the rituals enjoyed over five days include lighting candles and firecrackers and creating Rangoli (sand art) meant to invite Goddess Lakshmi - the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity - into their homes. It is the most celebrated festival in India, much like the Christmas holiday in the US. Shopping and exchanging gifts are a big part of the celebration with new clothes, jewelry, sweets, diyas (traditional oil lamps), and firecrackers topping the list of gifts given.

The significance in giving gifts is simple: To show love and honor to those you hold dear.

In ancient times, when Indian households depended solely on farming for their livelihood, people gave the gift of their farm produce for the day. Sweets and decorations were made at home and given as a token of love and good wishes. Though the heart and soul of the Festival have not changed, the way gifts are given has. Especially for those who are separated by distance. It can be difficult to know what to give when many miles or even an ocean separates us from loved ones. Lasting traditions survive the test of time when they are held dear while finding ways to adapt to our ever changing lives and cultures.

That is one of the reasons why Gift Hero was created. By making a wish list and sharing it with family and friends, you are able to communicate about who you are -Loved ones get an intimate look into what it is that you are wishing for. Here are some items that we added to a sample wish list:

As Diwali approaches and you are thinking of what to bestow on the ones you love best, consider asking them to make a wish list on Gift Hero. It's fun and easy! When it comes to gift giving, there is no better authority on what to give than the person you'll be buying for.
❈ May the light and love of Diwali stay with you all through the year ❈
A note on prices: Any price and availability information displayed on www.amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of the product.

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Diwali Gift Traditions - The Festival of Lights is a Time for Family & Friends

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Back to Blog The Festival of Lights is a Time for Family & Friends Each year Diwali, or The Festival of Lights, brings family and friends together for a five-day celebration. The holiday honors the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair.

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Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. Due to a large diaspora of Indians in other parts of the world like Trinidad, Tobago, Fiji, Singapore, and so on, Diwali is an official holiday in many parts of the world! Essentially, Diwali, or Deepavali, is the festival of light destroying darkness when good triumphs evil. Every Indian home prepares for Diwali in the ancient traditional ways and celebrates the festival with long-established customs. Here are some Diwali customs and traditions that you should know about.

What is Diwali?

Vedic scriptures mention the festival as Padma Purana, celebrated after the harvest season according to the Hindu calendar. Usually observed for five days, the first day of Diwali celebrations is called Dhanteras. In India, it is believed that buying jewelry (gold or silver) on this day is auspicious. The second day of Diwali is called Narak Chaturdasi, the 14 th lunar day. Homes light 14 diyas to ward off evil. The third day is when Diwali is actually celebrated with family and 21 diyas are lit. On the 4th day, people celebrate Govardhan pooja, in remembrance of Lord Krishna who, in mythic tales, lifted Govardhan Hill to shelter the people in Vrindavan from heavy rain. The celebration ends with observing Bhai Dooj on the 5th day.

House cleaning

It is an age-old norm to clean homes before Diwali. Indians believe that the Goddess Lakshmi only steps inside if your home is clean. This doesn't just mean dusting the house. De-cluttering things, painting your house, and re-decoration is also a part of it, depending on your budget.

Long before Diwali, the women in traditional families go shopping. It is the norm to wear new clothes on each day of celebration. It marks respect and excitement for the festivity. Men dress in traditional kurtas and, sometimes, dhoti, but it's the women who steal the show! It's the time of the year when women love to show off their new wardrobe collection.

Diwali sweets

Diwali is a time to let go of any diet regimes or exercise routines one has! The five days of celebration have loads of food, especially sweets! Chakli, peda, barfi, and laddoo are common during celebrations. Almost all sweets are made with broken pieces of dry fruits.

During the five days of celebration, people decorate their home with , a colorful artwork made with rice powder. Rangoli powder comes in many colors and the porch of one's home is decorated with beautiful designs. It is is another way to ring in the festive spirit.

Exchanging gifts and playing cards

It is a tradition for families to exchange gifts during Diwali. The festival is one time in the year when families from all parts of the world reunite. Close and extended families pay visits at one another's place for hours of banter, card playing, and gifts!

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5 Diwali Customs and Traditions You Should Know About

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Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. Due to a large diaspora of Indians in other parts of the world like Trinidad, Tobago, Fiji, Singapore, and so on, Diwali is an official holiday in many parts of the world! Essentially, Diwali, or Deepavali, is the festival of light destroying darkness when good triumphs evil.

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Popular legends behind Holi celebrations

Like every other festival in the country, Holi is also associated with popular legends. These interesting stories recount the history behind various festival rituals.
The story of Holika Dahan
Legend has it that once, there was a powerful king named Hiranyakashipu. He was a devil and was hated for his cruelty. He considered himself to be God and wanted everybody in his kingdom to worship him like one. However, his own son, Prahlada, was a devotee of Lord Vishnu and refused to worship his father. Angry with the disobedience of his son, Hiranyakashipu tried killing his son a number of times, but nothing worked. He then asked his evil sister, Holika, for help. Holika possessed a special power of being immune to fire. So, to kill Prahlada, she tricked him into sitting with her on a pyre. But due to her evil intentions, her power became ineffective and she was burned to ashes. On the other hand, Prahlada gained this immunity and was saved. This is why the first day of Holi is celebrated as Holika Dahan and symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
The story of Radha and Krishna
In the region of Braj (where Lord Krishna grew up) in Uttar Pradesh, Holi is celebrated until the day of Rangpanchmi as a huge festival, in memory of the devotional love of Krishna and Radha. A local legend is associated with this as well. When Krishna was a baby, he acquired a distinctive blue skin colour after drinking the poisoned breast milk of the she-demon, Putana. Later, when he became young, he would often feel sad about whether the fair-coloured Radha or other girls in the village would ever like him because of his dark colour. Giving in to his desperation, Krishna's mother asked him to go and colour Radha's face with any colour he wanted to. So when Krishna applied colour to Radha, they both became a couple, and since then, people have started playing with colours on Holi.

How is Holi celebrated in India

Celebrating the colourful festival of Holi involves a number of rituals:
Preparing the Holika pyre
A few days prior to the festival, people start collecting wood and other inflammable things for the bonfire. The combustible materials are then gathered in a pyre in colonies, community centres, parks or other open spaces. On top of the pyre, an effigy of Holika is placed to be burned as per the legend.

The first day of the festival is celebrated as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi. After sunset, people gather around the pyre, perform puja (prayers) and then light it. People even sing and dance around the pyre, as it symbolizes the triumph of good over bad.

The second day of Holi is called Rangwali Holi, Dhulandi, Dhulandi, Phagwah or Badi Holi. This is the day when people apply colours to one another, party and enjoy. Children and youngsters play in groups with dry colours called abir or gulal, pichkaris (water guns), water balloons filled with coloured solutions and other creative things. You might even find groups of people with drums and other musical instruments on streets, dancing and singing their way from one place to another.

Gujiya is a special sweet, which is made in every household in India during Holi. It is a dumpling filled with khoya (a dairy product) and dried fruits. The customary drink of Holi is thandai, which generally contains bhang (marijuana). Other mouth-watering delicacies enjoyed are gol gappe, papri chaat, dal kachori, kanji vada, dahi bhalle, chole bhature, and variety of namkeen.

After playing with colours during the day, people clean themselves up, bathe, sober up and get dressed. They then go visit their relatives and friends and greet them for the festival.

Best place to celebrate Holi in India

Holi celebrations are carried out in different manners in different parts of the country. While West Bengal celebrates Holi as Dol Jatra with singing and dancing, the people of South India worship the God of love, Kamadeva, on Holi. In Uttarakhand, it is celebrated as Kumaoni Holi with singing classical ragas, whereas, in Bihar, people traditionally clean their houses and then celebrate the festival.

To best experience the festival of Holi in India, you must go to Uttar Pradesh, and more specifically, to those areas that are closely associated with Lord Krishna like Braj, Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and Nandgaon. All of these places become quite touristic during the celebrations. The town of Barsana celebrates Lath Mar Holi, where women playfully beat men with sticks while men run around with shields to protect themselves. This becomes even more fun and interesting when people together indulge in singing and dancing.

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Popular legends behind Holi celebrations Like every other festival in the country, Holi is also associated with popular legends. These interesting stories recount the history behind various festival rituals. The story of Holika Dahan Legend has it that once, there was a powerful king named Hiranyakashipu.

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What is Holi Festival? - Hindu Festival of Colour - Behind the News

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In some parts of India, specially in Bengal and Orissa, Holi Purnima is also celebrated as the birthday of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (A.D. 1486-1533). However, the literal meaning of the word 'Holi' is 'burning'. There are various legends to explain the meaning of this word, most prominent of all is the legend associated with demon king Hiranyakashyap.

Hiranyakashyap wanted everybody in his kingdom to worship only him but to his great disappointment, his son, Prahlad became an ardent devotee of Lord Naarayana. Hiaranyakashyap commanded his sister, Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap. Holika had a boon whereby she could enter fire without any damage on herself. However, she was not aware that the boon worked only when she enters the fire alone. As a result she paid a price for her sinister desires, while Prahlad was saved by the grace of the god for his extreme devotion. The festival, therefore, celebrates the victory of good over evil and also the triumph of devotion.

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Holi Hits Traditional Holi Songs I Full Audio Songs Juke Box

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Lights blink on in homes as night falls on a community. The scent of food begins to waft into the evening air. It smells extra delicious to the people in the homes, who haven't eaten all day. They're observing Ramadan, a sacred month in the religion of Islam. And the darkened sky is a signal that it's time to feast!

Ramadan is the ninth month on the Islamic calendar, which marks important holidays and events for Muslims (people who practice Islam). During Ramadan people fast, or refrain from eating and drinking, while it's light outside. Once the sun sets, families meet for big meals that may include stew, rice, dates, lentils, and more. People also have a morning meal before the sun rises.

For the hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world who observe Ramadan, the month is a time to focus on their faith and also perform generous acts. People raise money and donate supplies to help others in need. And many fast to remind themselves about those in the world who don't have enough to eat.

After the last day of Ramadan, a three-day festival is held. Families and friends gather together to celebrate. They sometimes decorate homes with lights and exchange gifts. As for food, people eat all sorts of things including candies and pastries-and during this time, fasting is not allowed.

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Lights blink on in homes as night falls on a community. The scent of food begins to waft into the evening air. It smells extra delicious to the people in the homes, who haven't eaten all day. They're observing Ramadan, a sacred month in the religion of Islam.

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What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is a holy month celebrated by Muslims around the world.

It is believed to be the month in which the Qur'an (the religious text of Islam) was revealed to the prophet Muhammed.

When is Ramadan Celebrated?

Ramadan takes place in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar when the first sliver of the crescent moon appears.

The Islamic calendar is lunar, not solar, so Ramadan begins on a different date each year.

April 2, 2022

March 23, 2023

March 11, 2024
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How is Ramadan celebrated?

Ramadan is a quiet, reflective time of worship, prayer, helping others, and spending time with loved ones.

"Ramadan Mubarek" and "Ramadan Kareem" are common greetings during the holy month and mean "Have a Blessed or Generous Ramadan."

Muslims that are 12 or older fast during Ramadan, not eating or drinking anything between sunrise and sunset. Fasting reminds Muslims to appreciate their blessings and to help those in need.

Families get up for an early meal before the sun rises called suhoor, and the fast is broken with an evening meal after the sun sets called .

The types of foods vary by region but usually contain fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, bread, cheeses, and sweets. Eating and drinking can continue until the next day's suhoor.

See how the observance of iftar varies around the world, including

a man in Cairo, Egypt preparing kunafeh, a pastry which is incorporated into Arabic sweets and enjoyed in the evening after the Ramadan fast is broken

a vendor in Khartoum, Sudan displaying dates for sale during the first day of Ramadan

a Pakistani woman preparing tea for her family members before they begin their fast in Sukkur, Pakistan

Sadaqah, or good deeds, are important parts of the holy month. Donating food, clothing, money, and time, picking up trash, helping the elderly, or planting a tree are just some of the ways to show kindness and generosity.

The new moonmarks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and the "Festival of Fast-Breaking," Eid al-Fitr, begins.

The three-day celebration includes prayers, exchanging cards and gifts, and feasting with friends and family. A common greeting is "Eid Mubarak," which means " Have a blessed Eid."

Kids Explain Ramadan

Learn the meaning and traditions of the holy month from kids. How does Ramadan compare to holidays you celebrate?

Featured Book: Let's Celebrate Ramadan & Eid!

Join Maya, Neel, and their pet squirrel, Chintu on their trip to New Delhi, India to celebrate Ramadan and Eid with their Muslim friends.

Find out why (and how) Muslims fast for thirty days, learn new vocabulary, and discuss the importance of understanding and appreciating how people around the world celebrate holidays.

More Children's Books About Ramadan

A young boy explains how he and his family celebrate Ramadan.

A beautifully written and illustrated story to share the excitement of the holy month as seen from a child's perspective.

Zachariah's Perfect Day A young Muslim boy shares his first fasting day. Read our book review here.

Rashad's Ramadan and Eid al Fitr Rashad shares how he celebrates Ramadan and Eid.

A young Muslim girl must figure out what to do when she fears her classmates at her new American school won't understand when she is not eating in the lunchroom with them.

Additional Ramadan Resources

Browse 99 Creative Ramadan Projects from A Crafty Arab

Ramadan - 30 Days of Activities Find activities for the whole month: lapbooks, notebooks, workbooks, activity packs, arts & crafts, journals, colouring activities, and articles.

Visit the Multicultural Kid Blogs Pinterest board for recipes, games, crafts, activities, books, and more related to Ramadan!

Ideal for younger children, the Ramadan Coloring & Activity Book teaches the basic principles of Ramadan through coloring pages and activities such as a maze and word search. Proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the children of Syria.

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Ramadan Information & Activities for Kids

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Introduce kids to the traditions of Ramadan through engaging books and fun activities.

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Food is part of Ramadan's traditions; family and friends gather to share and enjoy the two meals that are served: Iftar celebrated at sunset when Muslims break their fast, and Suhoor consumed early in the morning before the day starts. Fasting has an important role in teaching patience, compassion and gratitude. It also reminds people about those suffering from poverty and hunger.

A traditional Iftar menu includes a variety of dishes. But whether an Iftar is simple or big, sharing food with the needy during this holy month is an important aspect of the feast and Muslims are encouraged to help the poor.

At the end of the day, family members gather around Iftar table and wait for the Maghreb Adhan that marks the end of the fast.

Muslims break their fast by eating 1 or 3 dates as was the practice of Prophet Mohammed who broke his fast with three dates and water. From a nutritional point of view, dates are an excellent source of fibers, natural sugar, iron and magnesium. They help restoring blood sugar after long hours of fasting.

Soups are very healthy options to start the Iftar as they replenish the body fluids and warm the stomach, hence preparing it to receive other foods. Lentil, vegetable, chicken, and vermicelli soups are usually served during Ramadan, with lentil soup being the most common one in Lebanon.

Refreshing juices like Jallab, Amar al-Din and Tamarind are very commonly consumed either before or after the meal to replace fluids lost during the day.

It is advised to eat slowly after fasting the whole day. Eating quickly after being deprived of it for an entire day, may result in indigestion and other gastric problems. Liquids like juices and soups allow the stomach some time to process and ensure proper functioning.

Fresh vegetables are a must-have for Iftar as they are a very important source of fibers, vitamins and minerals needed after a long day without food. They also help in reducing bloating and constipation which are common problems among fasting people. Fattoush is Ramadan's star! It is loaded with a rich combination of fresh vegetables and topped with fried or baked bread. Olive oil and pomegranate molasses are usually used for the dressing.

It is very important to drink 8 glasses of water to hydrate the body, and better distribute them in small quantities between Iftar and Suhoor to avoid bloating. Better avoid salty and spicy food which increase thirst, and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits.

A traditional Lebanese Iftar gathers delicious main courses - such as stews, stuffed vegetables (Mehchi Koussa and stuffed vine leaves), Moulouhkiyeh, Rez aa djeij, kebbeh bel siniyeh and many others - which provide a balance of starchy foods, vegetables and proteins (meat/ chicken/ fish/dairy products/ beans). A number of side dishes or such as cheese rolls, fatayer, sambousek, hummus b tahineh, etc. are also usually served.

Ramadan is renowned for the variety of Sweets prepared and consumed during this holy Month to satisfy the post Iftar sweet cravings. However, Kellaj remain the star of Ramadan sweets as it is exclusively prepared during this time of the year. Dried fruits such as apricots, figs, raisins and prunes are also commonly eaten after Iftar; they are healthy options rich in fibers and nutrients.

Sweets are hard to resist in Ramadan. Be moderate in your consumption and opt for small portions!

Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, is consumed early in the morning before Fajr prayer. The Musaharati or Tabbal walking around the streets while beating a drum and calling "Ya Nayem Wahed Al Dayem" (which means "Awake faster and praise Allah...") calls people to wake up for the Suhoor. This old tradition goes back to the Ottoman era and is still practiced nowadays in Lebanon.

A healthy Suhoor is important to provide enough energy for those who are fasting and help them endure up to 15 hours. Water should also be consumed during Suhoor to keep the body hydrated during the day.

A variety of delicious and healthy foods are offered for Suhoor such as Manakeesh, eggs and omelets, dairy products like labneh and cheese, "foul mdammas" fava beans, fruits and vegetables etc. Meshtah bread is commonly baked and consumed during Ramadan; its recipe varies among Lebanese villages. Meshtah is flat bread that was originally prepared in the South of Lebanon and became very common to other Lebanese regions. It is made with jreesh (cracked wheat that has not been parboiled) or bulgur and is sprinkled with sesame and Nigella seeds. It is also slightly aromatized with anise flavor. During Ramadan, Meshtah is usually enjoyed freshly baked on Suhoor with Labneh or cheese and a cup of tea.

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Food is part of Ramadan's traditions; family and friends gather to share and enjoy the two meals that are served: Iftar celebrated at sunset when Muslims break their fast, and Suhoor consumed early in the morning before the day starts. Fasting has an important role in teaching patience, compassion and gratitude.

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Culture

Ramadan marks a special time of spiritual discipline and purification for millions of practicing Muslims across the globe. From local traditions to holy rituals, DW examines the religious month of fasting.

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Traditions and rituals of Ramadan | DW | 06.05.2019

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Culture Ramadan marks a special time of spiritual discipline and purification for millions of practicing Muslims across the globe. From local traditions to holy rituals, DW examines the religious month of fasting.

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Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday that celebrates the African community, family and values. Read on for a look at this special holiday.

What is it?

(AP Photo/The Orange County Register, Eugene Garcia)

The celebration of Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday. It's a time for people of African heritage to celebrate their culture and its history.

Kwanzaa lasts seven days, taking place from December 26th to January 1st.

The celebration was founded in 1966 in the United States, and Canada began to celebrate it in 1993. The word kwanzaa comes from the Swahili language and means "first fruits."

How is it celebrated?

This year, Kwanzaa may be celebrated a bit differently due to COVID-19. Families might gather in smaller groups, meet up by video chat, and do a lot of activities and celebrations online. It will be important to make sure to wear a mask and social distance with anyone outside your family to keep safe and healthy.

Let's have a look at how Kwanzaa is traditionally celebrated:

Kwanzaa is celebrated with many ceremonies throughout the week.

People often decorate their homes in the colours of the Pan-African flag: red, green and black.

People may wear traditional African clothing - women might wear a colourful robe called a , while men wear a bright shirt called a (say "da-SHE-KEE").

Are there any special traditions?

An important tradition in Kwanzaa has to do with a candle holder called the kinara .

It holds seven candles, including three red ones, three green ones and a single black candle.

Each day during Kwanzaa, one candle is lit, so that all of them will be burning brightly come the seventh day.

Every candle represents a different value of African culture. They are:

Each value is discussed by families during Kwanzaa, as the candles are lit.

Are there any other important symbols?

There are seven central symbols of Kwanzaa. They represent African values and the community.

The first is the kinara , the candle holder that holds the seven candles. It symbolizes African heritage.

The candles themselves are another symbol and are meant to be a sign of light during the seven days.

The rest of the symbols are placed near the kinara. These include:

Fruits and vegetables that signify abundance.

A cup that every family member will drink from as a sign of sharing.

One ear of corn for each child in the family.

Gifts, which are often handmade, that will be shared on the seventh day and encourage growth, self-determination, achievement and success.

What happens at the end of Kwanzaa?

A special feast, called (say "ka-RAH-mu"), is held on December 31st, the sixth day of Kwanzaa. Sometimes this meal is held in a church or community centre.

Traditional African dishes are served and may include items like beans, rice, stew, chicken and countless sweet desserts.

On January 1st, the last day of Kwanzaa, families exchange gifts that are often homemade, which are known as (say "za-WAH-dee").

(AP Photo/The Herald-Sun, Christine T. Nguyen)

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Kwanzaa - celebrating pan-African culture, community and history | CBC Kids

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Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday that celebrates the African community, family and values. Read on for a look at this special holiday. (AP Photo/The Orange County Register, Eugene Garcia) The celebration of Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday. It's a time for people of African heritage to celebrate their culture and its history.

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The Kwanzaa Karumu is traditionally held on December 31st (participants celebrating New Year's Eve, should plan their Karamu early in the evening). It is a very special event as it is the one Kwanzaa event that brings us closer to our African roots. The Karamu is a communal and cooperative effort. Ceremonies and cultural expressions are highly encouraged. It is important to decorate the place where the Karamu will be held, (e.g., home, community center, church) in an African motif that utilizes black, red, and green color scheme. A large Kwanzaa setting should dominate the room where the karamu will take place. A large Mkeka should be placed in the center of the floor where the food should be placed creatively and made accessible to all for self-service. Prior to and during the feast, an informative and entertaining program should be presented. Traditionally, the program involved welcoming, remembering, reassessment, recommitment and rejoicing, concluded by a farewell statement and a call for greater unity.

Delicious African American delicacies are prepared during the Kwanzaa feast. Traditional African, Caribbean and South American recipes add the spice. Even though the celebration and feast continue throughout the festive times of Kwanzaa but on December 31, the celebration takes altogether a different mood for the special feast called Karamu. The dining tables of well adorned homes look impressive with various spicy and delicious delicacies. This is the day when revelers get the opportunity to satisfy their healthy appetites.

Below is a suggested format for the Karamu program, from a model by Dr. Karenga.

Kukaribisha (Welcoming)
Introductory Remarks and Recognition of Distinguished Guests and All Elders.
Cultural Expression (Songs, Music, Group Dancing, Poetry, Performances, Unity Circles)

Kuumba (Remembering)
Reflections of a Man, Woman and Child.
Cultural Expression

Kuchunguza Tena Na Kutoa Ahadi Tena (Reassessment and Recommitment)
Introduction of Distinguished Guest Lecturer and Short Talk.

Kushangilla (Rejoicing)

Tamshi la Tambiko (Libation Statement)
It is tradition to pour libation in remembrance of the ancestors on all special occasions. Kwanzaa, is such an occasion, as it provides us an opportunity to reflect on our African past and American present. Water is suggested as it holds the essence of life and should be placed in a communal cup and poured in the direction
of the four winds; north, south, east, and west. It should then be passed among family members and guests who may either sip from the cup or make a sipping gesture. LIBATION STATEMENT.

For The Motherland cradle of civilization.
For the ancestors and their indomitable spirit
For the elders from whom we can learn much.
For our youth who represent the promise for tomorrow.
For our people the original people.
For our struggle and in remembrance of those who have struggled on our behalf.
For Umoja the principle of unity which should guide us in all that we do.
For the creator who provides all things great and small.
Celebration

Lauren Gorine (fiestentak)

Kukaribisha (Welcoming)

Kuumba (Remembering)

Kuchunguza Tena Na Kutoa Ahadi Tena (Reassessment and Recommitment)

Kushangilla (Rejoicing)

Tamshi la Tambiko (Libation Statement)

Tamshi la Tutaonana (The Farewell Statement)

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The Kwanzaa Karumu is traditionally held on December 31st (participants celebrating New Year's Eve, should plan their Karamu early in the evening). It is a very special event as it is the one Kwanzaa event that brings us closer to our African roots. The Karamu is a communal and cooperative effort.

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The Meaning of Children

Children are important within the Kwanzaa value framework, then, first of all because they are key to the physical survival of the community. But equally important, they are key to the cultural survival and development of the community. It is they who, as Mary M. Bethune taught, are the "heirs and custodians" of our cultural legacy as a people. This dual function as heirs and custodians means that they not only inherit African culture-its narrative and achievements, its views and values-but must assume responsibility for its preservation and expansion.

Kwanzaa, then, places emphasis on children because they are in fact the hope and future of African people in both the biological and cultural sense. Given this reality and the need to bond the generations and develop a reciprocal respect and support between them, African communal society placed great emphasis on reinforcing the bonds between parents and children. This emphasis is present in Kwanzaa and expresses itself in the stress on parental and child affection, shared activities, and value orientation of children toward commitment and priorities that strengthen family, community and culture.

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Children are important within the Kwanzaa value framework, then, first of all because they are key to the physical survival of the community. But equally important, they are key to the cultural survival and development of the community. It is they who, as Mary M.

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Best Kwanzaa Recipes - Dish Ideas For Dinner, Dessert And More - Food.com

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Try our best Kwanzaa recipes and other classic southern dishes such as collard greens, fried chicken and more at Food.com.

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Bring out your green! St. Patrick's Day-observed every March 17-is packed with parades, good luck charms, and all things green. The event started as a religious holiday, but over time it's become a celebration of Irish culture.

CELEBRATED SAINT

St. Patrick might be the patron saint of Ireland-but he didn't always live in Ireland. Patrick was born in Britain in the fourth century and didn't arrive in Ireland until he was 16 years old, when he was sent to work in the country.

After he arrived, Patrick became interested in Christianity and started teaching others about the religion. He is said to have converted many of the country's residents to Christians, and now St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on the day Patrick supposedly died.

MYTHS BUSTED

St. Patrick was a real person, but some of the traditions associated with him and the holiday are actually myths. For instance, you'll often see the four-leaf clover on St. Patrick's Day. However, according to legend, Patrick used a three-leaf clover, or shamrock, as part of his teachings. Even though it's possible for a shamrock to grow a fourth leaf, a four-leaf clover is just considered a symbol of good luck.

Another legend says that Patrick chased all the snakes out of Ireland. The problem? These creatures never actually lived in the country. In fact many animals found throughout Europe and North America don't live on the island of Ireland-the ocean keeps the critters away.

GOING GREEN

The fact that Ireland is an island-as well as green with leafy trees and grassy hills-means that the nation is sometimes called the Emerald Isle. But the color that people originally associated with St. Patrick was blue! (Some ancient Irish flags even sport this color.) Green was finally introduced to St. Patrick's Day festivities in the 18th century, when the shamrock (which is, of course, green) became a national symbol. Because of the shamrock's popularity and Ireland's landscape, the color stuck to the holiday.

Green is also the color that mythical fairies called leprechauns like to dress in-today, at least. But tales about leprechauns date back to before green was in: The fairies were first described as wearing red.

TODAY'S TRADITIONS

Leprechauns are actually one reason you're supposed to wear green on St. Patrick's Day-or risk getting pinched! The tradition is tied to folklore that says wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, which like to pinch anyone they can see. Some people also think sporting the color will bring good luck, and others wear it to honor their Irish ancestry. No wonder green decorations can be seen all over-the Chicago River in Illinois is even dyed green each year to celebrate the holiday.

Another tradition includes many Irish-American people in the United States eating corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day. People also gather to watch parades of traditional Irish dancers and musicians as they march through city streets. However you celebrate, here's hoping it's a lucky day!

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Bring out your green! St. Patrick's Day-observed every March 17-is packed with parades, good luck charms, and all things green. The event started as a religious holiday, but over time it's become a celebration of Irish culture. St. Patrick might be the patron saint of Ireland-but he didn't always live in Ireland.

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Corned beef and cabbage might be one of the most popular dishes to eat on St. Patrick's Day. However, it's not an authentic Irish recipe-it's Irish-American. Irish immigrants invented the dish when they first settled in New York City and started eating the corned beef sold at kosher butchers. From delicious lamb to roasted potatoes, here are nine truly Irish dishes to make to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

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9 Actual Irish Dishes to Make This St. Patrick's Day

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Corned beef and cabbage might be one of the most popular dishes to eat on St. Patrick's Day. However, it's not an authentic Irish recipe-it's Irish-American. Irish immigrants invented the dish when they first settled in New York City and started eating the corned beef sold at kosher butchers.

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Irish Dance Group - Irish Step Dancing (Riverdance) 2009

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Chicago river dyed green for St. Patrick's Day

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Chicago river dyed green for St. Patrick's Day

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Dyeing of Chicago River for St. Patrick's Day

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The dyeing of the Chicago River for St. Patrick's Day is the Windy City's annual mesmerizing tradition. Turning the Chicago River green for St. Patrick's Day first began in 1962, one year after Savannah, GA tried to dye their river green but did not succeed. Mayor Richard J.

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Table of Contents

1. Ancient New Year's Celebrations

2. <a href="https://www.history.com/news/5-ancient-new-years-celebrations"></a>January 1 Becomes New Year's Day

3. New Year's Traditions and Celebrations Around the World

Civilizations around the world have been celebrating the start of each new year for at least four millennia. Today, most New Year's festivities begin on December 31 (New Year's Eve), the last day of the Gregorian calendar, and continue into the early hours of January 1 (New Year's Day). Common traditions include attending parties, eating special New Year's foods, making resolutions for the new year and watching fireworks displays.

Ancient New Year's Celebrations

The earliest recorded festivities in honor of a new year's arrival date back some 4,000 years to ancient Babylon. For the Babylonians, the first new moon following the vernal equinox-the day in late March with an equal amount of sunlight and darkness-heralded the start of a new year. They marked the occasion with a massive religious festival called Akitu (derived from the Sumerian word for barley, which was cut in the spring) that involved a different ritual on each of its 11 days.

In addition to the new year, Atiku celebrated the mythical victory of the Babylonian sky god Marduk over the evil sea goddess Tiamat and served an important political purpose: It was during this time that a new king was crowned or that the current ruler's divine mandate was symbolically renewed.

Did you know? In order to realign the Roman calendar with the sun, Julius Caesar had to add 90 extra days to the year 46 B.C. when he introduced his new Julian calendar.

Throughout antiquity, civilizations around the world developed increasingly sophisticated calendars, typically pinning the first day of the year to an agricultural or astronomical event. In Egypt, for instance, the year began with the annual flooding of the Nile, which coincided with the rising of the star Sirius. The first day of the Lunar New Year, meanwhile, occurred with the second new moon after the winter solstice.

January 1 Becomes New Year's Day

The early Roman calendar consisted of 10 months and 304 days, with each new year beginning at the vernal equinox; according to tradition, it was created by Romulus, the founder of Rome, in the eighth century B.C. A later king, Numa Pompilius, is credited with adding the months of Januarius and Februarius.

Over the centuries, the calendar fell out of sync with the sun, and in 46 B.C. the emperor Julius Caesar decided to solve the problem by consulting with the most prominent astronomers and mathematicians of his time. He introduced the Julian calendar, which closely resembles the more modern Gregorian calendar that most countries around the world use today.

As part of his reform, Caesar instituted January 1 as the first day of the year, partly to honor the month's namesake: Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, whose two faces allowed him to look back into the past and forward into the future. Romans celebrated by offering sacrifices to Janus, exchanging gifts with one another, decorating their homes with laurel branches and attending raucous parties.

In medieval Europe, Christian leaders temporarily replaced January 1 as the first of the year with days carrying more religious significance, such as December 25 (the anniversary of Jesus' birth) and March 25 (the Feast of the Annunciation); Pope Gregory XIII reestablished January 1 as New Year's Day in 1582.

New Year's Traditions and Celebrations Around the World

In many countries, New Year's celebrations begin on the evening of December 31-New Year's Eve-and continue into the early hours of January 1. Revelers often enjoy meals and snacks thought to bestow good luck for the coming year. In Spain and several other Spanish-speaking countries, people bolt down a dozen grapes-symbolizing their hopes for the months ahead-right before midnight.

In many parts of the world, traditional New Year's dishes feature legumes, which are thought to resemble coins and herald future financial success; examples include lentils in Italy and black-eyed peas in the southern United States. Because pigs represent progress and prosperity in some cultures, pork appears on the New Year's Eve table in Cuba, Austria, Hungary, Portugal and other countries. Ring-shaped cakes and pastries, a sign that the year has come full circle, round out the feast in the Netherlands, Mexico, Greece and elsewhere. In Sweden and Norway, meanwhile, rice pudding with an almond hidden inside is served on New Year's Eve; it is said that whoever finds the nut can expect 12 months of good fortune.

Other customs that are common worldwide include watching fireworks and singing songs to welcome the new year, including the ever-popular "Auld Lang Syne" in many English-speaking countries. The practice of making resolutions for the new year is thought to have first caught on among the ancient Babylonians, who made promises in order to earn the favor of the gods and start the year off on the right foot. (They would reportedly vow to pay off debts and return borrowed farm equipment.)

In the United States, the most iconic New Year's tradition is the dropping of a giant ball in New York City's Times Square at the stroke of midnight. Millions of people around the world watch the event, which has taken place almost every year since 1907. Over time, the ball itself has ballooned from a 700-pound iron-and-wood orb to a brightly patterned sphere 12 feet in diameter and weighing in at nearly 12,000 pounds. Various towns and cities across America have developed their own versions of the Times Square ritual, organizing public drops of items ranging from pickles (Dillsburg, Pennsylvania) to possums (Tallapoosa, Georgia) at midnight on New Year's Eve.

Fact Check

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New Year's - Traditions, Resolutions & Date | HISTORY

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Most New Year's festivities begin on December 31 (New Year's Eve), the last day of the Gregorian calendar, and continue into the early hours of January 1 (New Year's Day). Common traditions include attending parties, eating special New Year's foods, making resolutions for the new year and watching fireworks displays.

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Travel Tips and Information

Happy (almost!) New Year!

Whether you're ringing in New Year's Eve from some exciting foreign country or at home with family and friends, you probably have a New Year's tradition or two. Common traditions throughout the United States include singing "Auld Lang Syne" to greet the New Year, and eating black-eyed peas for good luck.

Around the world, cultures welcome the change of the calendar with unique New Year's traditions of their own. Here are some of our favorite New Year's traditions around the world (we're especially fans of Colombia's!).
Spain
In Spain, it is customary to eat 12 grapes - one at each stroke of the clock at midnight on New Year's Eve. Each grape represents good luck for one month of the coming year. In bigger cities like Madrid and Barcelona, people gather in main squares to eat their grapes together and pass around bottles of cava.
Colombia
In hopes of a travel-filled new year, residents of Colombia carry empty suitcases around the block. That's one New Year's tradition we can get behind!
Denmark
Residents of Denmark greet the New Year by throwing old plates and glasses against the doors of family and friends to banish bad spirits. They also stand on chairs and jump off of them together at midnight to "leap" into January in hopes of good luck.
Finland
In Finland, people predict the coming year by casting molten tin into a container of water, then interpreting the shape the metal takes after hardening. A heart or ring means a wedding, while a ship predicts travel and a pig declares there will be plenty of food.
Panama
To drive off evil spirits for a fresh New Year's start, it is tradition to burn effigies (muñecos) of well-known people such as television characters and political figures in Panama. The effigies are meant to represent the old year.
Scotland
During Scotland's New Year's Eve celebration of Hogmanay, "first-footing" is practiced across the country. The first person who crosses a threshold of a home in the New Year should carry a gift for luck. Scots also hold bonfire ceremonies where people parade while swinging giant fireballs on poles, supposedly symbols of the sun, to purify the coming year.
Philippines
You'll find round shapes all over the Philippines on New Year's Eve as representatives of coins to symbolize prosperity in the coming year. Many families display piles of fruit on their dining tables and some eat exactly 12 round fruits (grapes being the most common) at midnight. Many also wear polka dots for luck.
Brazil
In Brazil, as well as other Central and South America countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, and Venezuela, it is thought to be lucky to wear special underwear on New Year's Eve. The most popular colors are red, thought to bring love in the New Year, and yellow, thought to bring money.
Greece
An onion is traditionally hung on the front door of homes on New Year's Even in Greece as a symbol of rebirth in the New Year. On New Year's Day, parents wake their children by tapping them on the head with the onion.

How will you ring in 2022?

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9 New Year's Traditions From Cultures Around The World | WorldStrides

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Cultures all around the world have unique New Year's traditions to welcome the change of the calendar. Here are nine of our favorite New Year's traditions.

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Auld Lang Syne (Traditional New Year song)

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Auld Lang Syne (Traditional New Year song)

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Christmas Songs and Carols - Love to Sing

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Auld Lang Syne with Sing Along Lyrics | Happy New Year Song

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Cities around the world welcome in 2020 with fireworks

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This article was most recently revised and updated by

Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, annual 15-day festival in China and Chinese communities around the world that begins with the new moon that occurs sometime between January 21 and February 20 according to Western calendars. Festivities last until the following full moon.

The holiday is sometimes called the Lunar New Year because the dates of celebration follow the phases of the moon. Since the mid-1990s people in China have been given seven consecutive days off work during the Chinese New Year. This week of relaxation has been designated Spring Festival, a term that is sometimes used to refer to the Chinese New Year in general.

The origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend. One legend is that thousands of years ago a monster named Nian ("Year") would attack villagers at the beginning of each new year. The monster was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the colour red, so those things were used to chase the beast away. Celebrations to usher out the old year and bring forth the luck and prosperity of the new one, therefore, often include firecrackers, fireworks, and red clothes and decorations. Young people are given money in colourful red envelopes. In addition, Chinese New Year is a time to feast and to visit family members. Many traditions of the season honour relatives who have died.

Among other Chinese New Year traditions is the thorough cleaning of one's home to rid the resident of any lingering bad luck. Some people prepare and enjoy special foods on certain days during the celebrations. The last event held during the Chinese New Year is called the Lantern Festival, during which people hang glowing lanterns in temples or carry them during a nighttime parade. Since the dragon is a Chinese symbol of good fortune, a dragon dance highlights festival celebrations in many areas. This procession involves a long, colourful dragon being carried through the streets by numerous dancers.

Rick Livingston.

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Chinese New Year | Summary, History, Traditions, & Facts

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Chinese New Year, annual 15-day Chinese festival that begins with the new moon that occurs between January 21 and February 20.

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Most commonly associated with China, Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world. While most Westerners' interaction with 'Chinese New Year' is watching parades in Chinatown, traditions vary from country to country. The holiday more aptly called Lunar New Year, as it marks the start of a new lunar cycle, is one of the most important holidays in Asia. From mouth-watering treats to impressive pyrotechnics, these are eight ways that people commonly celebrate the holiday.

Catch up with family and friends

Lunar New Year (LNY) is a time to head home - here's to hoping you still fit in a twin bed. So get ready to have your cheeks pinched, your plate filled and your life choices questioned.

Like many major holidays, Lunar New Year is best spent with family and friends. The tradition is so crucial that LNY travel is annually heralded as the ' world's largest human migration '. In 2019, 3 billion trips were projected to be made during the holiday season.

Family reunion dinners falling on LNY Eve also include ancestral worship rituals that connect the 3,800-year history of the holiday to the present. As part of starting a new year fresh, connecting with the people in your life is central to LNY.

Brighten up with some colour

It's easy to see when the Lunar New Year is around the corner - festive scarlet decor adorns every street, storefront and home. Being associated with wealth and good fortune, red decorations are hung to ward off Nian - a lion-like monster that is afraid of the colour red, according to LNY mythology.

In parts of China, where the holiday is called Spring Festival, bright floral arrangements and fruit trees also brighten homes and streets - peach and apricot blossoms hold special significance for the celebration of Tết in Vietnam. In Korea, birds join these decorations - decorative cranes symbolise longevity while magpies represent good fortune.

Share the wealth with loved ones

The bright red brings literal wealth in the form of red packets gifted to children and unmarried adults during the holiday. These red packets are cash gifts that can range from a few dollars to quite hefty amounts depending on the relationship to the recipient. Employers are also expected to gift red packets to unmarried employees as a sign of gratitude.

For Seollal celebrations in Korea, these presents take the form of red satchels, and monetary gifts are accompanied by encouraging messages and blessings of good luck for the new year.

In Tibet, where the holiday is called Losar, children bring gifts to their elders. On the first morning of LNY, children will don traditional clothing and bring a basket containing cooked meats, steamed dumplings, fruit, sweets and amdo balep, a traditional bread - no doubt helpful to adults who may have imbibed too much during the evening's revelry.

Watch a traditional dance or fireworks show

Perhaps not the most hangover-friendly of traditions, LNY wouldn't be complete without pyrotechnics. In China, New Year's firecrackers are made from strings of rolled red paper containing gunpowder that, when set off, leave shreds of scarlet paper in their wake.

The belief is that the loud noise of the firecrackers serves to scare Nian, the lion-like monster who legend says rose from the sea for a feast of human flesh on the new year.

Nian mythology also plays out during lion dances across LNY festivities - one of the most globally recognised traditions because of its prominence in diaspora celebrations. This colourful traditional dance is performed outdoors to the accompaniment of drums and cymbals, sometimes as a street parade - or in the air, if a flying lion dance is taking place.

Clear out last year's clutter and splurge on new threads

In the days leading up to LNY, windows are scrubbed, floors swept and furniture dusted to wash away the bad luck of the past year. However, all this cleaning stops on the first day of LNY - dusting is avoided on New Year's Day, for fear that good fortune will be swept away.

Cleaning house may not seem like the most joyous of traditions, but as a ritual, it sets the tone for the new year to start fresh. And it isn't just the house that gets an updated look for LNY. New clothes are also a part of the holiday celebration - a trend luxury brands have been keen to capitalise on.

Chow down on festive treats

What holiday would be complete without a feast? This is also where celebrations of LNY vary the most. In northern China, people prepare and eat jiaozi (dumplings, 餃子) as part of LNY Eve. The time-consuming nature of their preparation allows for the family to spend time together, while their resemblance to an antiquated currency suggests good fortune for the new year.

For Tsagaan Sar in Mongolia, a tower of pastries is the culinary centrepiece. Long rounded scone-like cookies are arranged to evoke Mount Sumeru - a five-peaked mountain of holy importance to Hindu, Jain and Buddhist cosmology.

People eat Korean tteokguk (rice cake soup, 떡국) for Seollal. A person is said to age one year with each bowl of tteokguk they eat, but only the most auspicious restrict this delicious soup's consumption to LNY. The clear broth symbolises a fresh, clear start to the new year, while rice cakes resembling coins offer prosperity.

Other foods like mandarin oranges, candied fruits and fish are also commonly eaten, displayed and gifted across cultures that celebrate LNY.

Visit a LNY market

Ahead of New Year's Day, open-air markets sell decorations, red packets, toys, clothes and trinkets. These outdoor markets are a frenzy of activity. In Southern China, street markets are also teeming with flowers and potted plants. Flowers like orchids and peonies are popular because they are considered especially auspicious.

Other outdoor marketplaces are associated with the religious aspect of the holiday. These are called temple fairs and take place after the holiday begins. Offerings usually include sugar-work animals from the lunar zodiac, prayer scrolls and incense. Somewhat similar to the Christmas markets in Europe, these markets are a way to embrace the holiday spirit.

Pray at the temple

The Lunar New Year season is a busy time for temples. Worshippers typically visit the temple on the third day of LNY to light incense and pray to deities for blessings and good luck in the year ahead. Many major temples will also put on festive dragon and lion dances in the courtyard.

In Tibet, tspedro lend colour to the decor - people leave these intricately carved butter sculptures as deity offerings. Ranging in size from small placards to massive recreations of temples and gods, their ephemeral nature and labour-intensive construction remind people to bring generosity into the new year.

As with any traditional holiday, observance varies depending on the individual. Many of the most auspicious traditions are symbolically observed, though younger generations tend to eschew their importance. LNY is an excellent time to visit and learn about one of the world's major cultural traditions, but as with any cultural activity, deference to local custom is key to ensure everyone is able to enjoy the holiday fully.
This is an updated version of an article originally written by Sally Gao.

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8 Rituals and Customs To Celebrate Chinese New Year

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Most commonly associated with China, Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world. While most Westerners' interaction with 'Chinese New Year' is watching parades in Chinatown, traditions vary from country to country. The holiday more aptly called Lunar New Year, as it marks the start of a new lunar cycle, is one of the most important holidays in Asia.

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Chinese New Year Food, Spring Festival Dishes' Symbolism

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During Chinese Lunar New Year, dumplings, fish, New Year Cake and Spring Rolls are traditional food, with propitious symbolism, served on reunion dinners.

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Special equipment: a plastic 2-inch wide miniature mooncake press mold or 4-hole wooden mooncake mold

1. For the lotus paste: Place the dried lotus seeds in a medium bowl and cover with plenty of room temperature water. Let the seeds soak and rehydrate for at least 6 hours, and preferably overnight.

2. Rinse the lotus seeds under cold water, then split them in half to remove and discard the green sprout in the center (they are very bitter). Transfer the seeds to a large pot and fill with plenty of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer until the seeds are tender enough to smash with a fork, about 1 hour. Drain well, then transfer the seeds to a food processor while they are still warm, add 3/4 cup sugar and puree until very smooth. (Add 1 to 2 tablespoons water if necessary to get a very smooth texture). Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a medium bowl.

3. Melt 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening and the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, then cook until caramelized and deep golden, about 5 minutes. Add the lotus puree and cook, stirring continuously, until most of the moisture has been cooked out and the puree is similar in texture to thick mashed potatoes, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the remaining 1/3 cup vegetable shortening, then continue to cook, stirring continuously, until all of the shortening has fully incorporated and the paste is very thick, glossy and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 6 minutes more. (The final lotus paste should be amber brown in color and almost stretchy in texture.) Transfer to a medium bowl and let cool completely.

4. For the mooncake dough: Meanwhile, whisk together the golden syrup, alkaline water and vegetable oil in a large bowl until combined. Add the cake and all-purpose flours, then stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Gently knead the dough until it comes together completely, then wrap in plastic wrap and set aside to rest, about 45 minutes.

5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Divide the lotus paste into 12 equal pieces (each about 2 1/2 tablespoons) and roll into golf ball-size balls. Place on a plate and chill in the refrigerator, 20 to 30 minutes. The colder the balls, the easier it will be to shape the mooncakes.

7. Roll about 1 tablespoon of the mooncake dough into a ball, then place between 2 pieces of parchment paper that have been lightly dusted with flour. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough to about 1/8 inch thick and 3 1/2 to 4 inches wide. Place one of the lotus paste balls in the center of the dough, and shape the dough around it, pinching the edges to seal. Roll the ball in your hands to smooth the exterior.

8. Place the assembled ball in a plastic 2-inch wide miniature mooncake press mold, then turn the press upright on your work surface. Press the plunger down until you feel resistance, then lift the mooncake mold off the table and use the plunger to carefully press the mooncake out. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet, then refrigerate while you make the remaining mooncakes in the same manner.

9. Bake the mooncakes until the tops are no longer shiny and the dough has just set, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes. Whisk the egg together with a splash of water in a small bowl, then brush over the tops and sides of each mooncake. Return to the oven and bake until deep golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes more. Let cool on the baking sheet 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Enjoy fresh or store in an airtight container for 2 days (they'll get shinier as they sit).

Golden syrup is an amber-colored syrup made from sugar with a much richer texture and deeper aroma than simple syrup. It also contains acid, which helps make the mooncake pastry tender. Alkaline water -- also known as kansui, or jian sui in Chinese -- is an alkaline solution made from sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate. It is often used in Asian pastries and ramen noodles. It acts a bit like baking soda, keeping dough fluffy and moist without introducing too much gas. It also adds a yellow color to dough (like making egg noodles without egg). In mooncakes, alkaline water neutralizes the acid in the golden syrup, so the dough doesn't taste sour.

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Mooncakes are traditionally enjoyed during the Chinese and Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival, when families gather to give thanks for the harvest and pray for longevity and good fortune. Making and sharing mooncakes is one of the hallmark of this festival (some even call it the Mooncake Festival!).

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10 "Why"s of Chinese New Year You Must Want to Know

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This article introduces some interesting customs of Chinese New Year, and tell you why the Chinese do them.