Holidays
Around the World
Around the World
This December holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus in many Christian traditions.
What is Christmas?
This evergreen plant is hung above doorways for holiday kisses.
What is mistletoe?
This song begins with the lyrics, “Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.”
What is Jingle Bells?
Many people make these promises for self-improvement as the New Year begins.
New Year’s resolutions?
In Mexico, these nine nights of reenactments lead up to Christmas and honor Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter.
What are Las Posadas?
This eight-day Jewish holiday is also known as the Festival of Lights.
What is Hanukkah?
Many families celebrate the winter solstice by lighting these symbolic objects.
What are candles?
This carol features the line, “Troll the ancient Yuletide carol,” a phrase often misunderstood by modern singers.
What is Deck the Halls?
This celebration in Scotland on December 31 includes bonfires, songs, and torchlight parades.
What is Hogmanay?
In Scandinavia, this ancient Norse holiday honored Odin and the winter solstice.
What is Yule?
This seven-day celebration of African heritage, created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, runs from December 26 to January 1.
What is Kwanzaa?
This object, often placed at the top of a Christmas tree, may symbolize the Star of Bethlehem.
What is a tree topper star?
This 1818 Austrian carol was first performed with guitar after a church organ malfunctioned.
What is Silent Night?
In Iceland, children place shoes in windows to be filled by one of the 13 Yule Lads.
What is the Icelandic Christmas/Yule tradition?
This East Asian holiday, celebrated primarily in Korea, marks the winter solstice with a special red bean porridge believed to ward off bad spirits.
What is Dongji?
This celebration marks the beginning of a new year in many Asian cultures and often includes dragon dances and red envelopes.
What is Lunar New Year?
In Japan, families enjoy this sponge cake topped with strawberries during winter celebrations.
What is Christmas cake?
Named after a wassailing tradition, this carol invites listeners to “bring us a figgy pudding.”
What is We Wish You a Merry Christmas?
In Spain, children receive gifts on January 6, known as this holiday honoring three visitors from the East.
What is Three Kings’ Day (or Día de los Reyes)?
This Buddhist holiday celebrated in Japan on December 8 honors the day the Buddha achieved enlightenment.
What is Rohatsu (or Bodhi Day)?
This winter festival in India celebrates the victory of light over darkness and is known for lamps called diyas.
What is Diwali?
In the Philippines, these star-shaped lanterns called _____ symbolize hope and light.
What are parols?
This classic carol, originally written in Latin as Adeste Fideles, translates to a call inviting the faithful to Bethlehem.
What is O Come, All Ye Faithful?
This ancient Persian festival celebrated around the solstice involves staying up all night and reading poetry.
What is Yalda Night (or Shab-e Yalda)?
This Hindu and Sikh holiday commemorates the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh and includes processions and community meals.
What is Maghi?