Snake Festival
In which country is the festival held?
Where does this festival take place?
It takes place on Pentecost Island in Vanuatu.
Which country does this festival originate in?
It started in India.
Where is this festival celebrated?
It is celebrated in England.
What is the name of the Saint?
His name is Saint Dominic.
When does it take place?
It takes place every Saturday in May.
What do people throw on each other?
They throw coloured powder and water on each other.
When does the festival take place?
It takes place on May 1st.
What do the snake-handlers do?
They do into the fields to collect snakes.
What do the men tie around their ankles?
They tie vines around their ankles.
What does Holi celebrate?
Holi celebrates Spring and gives people a chance to renew broken relationships and get rid of bad emotions from the past.
Why do the morris men bang sticks and make loud noises?
To scare away evil spirits
Where are the snakes placed?
They are placed on the statue of Saint Dominic.
How high is the wooden tower?
Can you name some special food?
Gujiya (sweet dumplings filled with coconut) and ahandal (a cold drink made with almonds, milk, sugar and spices)
What is the pole called that children dance around holding ribbons?
A maypole
Tell the story of The Snake Festival and what people do to celebrate.
In the 11th Century when Saint Dominic lived in the town, farms were over-run with snakes and many people died of snakebites. Saint Dominic got rid of the snakes. Now people celebrate Saint Dominic by carry a statue of him with snakes on it, in a procession around the town. There is a band that plays music at the front and women in traditional costume at the back handing out sweets and breads shaped like snakes. It ends with fireworks.
Tell the origin story of the Land Diving Festival.
A woman had an argument with her husband and ran off into the forest. Her husband followed her so she climbed a really tall tree to escape. He climbed after her so she jumped down. She didn't get hurt because she had tied a vine to her ankle which stopped her from hitting the ground. Her husband?? He didn't tie a vine around his ankle and so when he jumped down he was badly injured.
A powerful god named Krishna fell in love with Radha but he was worried that she wouldn't like his appearance. Krishna had been turned blue by a demon. His mum jokingly told him to throw some bright red powder on Radha's face. When he did, Radha fell in love with him!
What is the origin story for May Day?
A long time ago people would wake up The Green Man, he is a symbol of nature and the summer. He chases demons and bad luck away and makes sure the crops will grow in the summer.