Holiday Traditions in Youthlinc Countries: A Cultural Celebration

Holidays serve as a wonderful time of year where friends, family, and community can come together, break bed, and celebrate momentous occasions. Some holidays are focused on religious beliefs while others celebrate historic victories or other important dates. They function as universal markers of identity, faith, and community. However, the ways that different cultures or people celebrate holidays vary widely around the world. As we approach the holiday season

at home, I thought it would be fun to explore how different holidays can look in a few of the countries that Youthlinc travels to.

In Thailand, they celebrate Songkran which is a traditional Thai New Year festival. Songkran refers to the sun’s passing into the Aries constellation, which is the first sign of the zodiac, signalling the start of the new year. This typically falls around early to mid April, and is a time where people reunite with their families, pay respect to elders, older family members, and buddhist images. During this holiday pouring water is a significant act, as it is said to cleanse and purify those it is poured on. Thais will take to the streets with water guns and splash every

around them, resulting in the world's biggest water fight!

In Nepal, Dashain is one of the country's most important festivals. Dashain doesn’t fall on the same dates every year, due to the fact that it follows Nepali Patro (calendar) but it usually takes place every September or October. The celebration lasts 15 days, with different days holding different significance. For example, the 10th day of Vijaya Dashmi is considered the most important day of Dashain, where families gather as elders place Tika and Jamara on younger

relatives that offer blessings of prosperity and health.

Some countries' holiday seasons look very similar to those of us in the United States because of our shared Christian traditions, like Peru or Ecuador. Attending church, family gatherings, gift giving and festive decorations are common practices. Yet each country adds its own touches that make their celebration distinct and vibrant. In Peru, Christmas often centers around crafted nacimientos (Nativity scenes) that serve center stage in place of the common christmas tree in

the U.S. In Ecuador, local customs shine through in events like the Pase del Nina Viajero (The Pass of the Traveling Child) that honors the journey of Joseph and Mary towards Bethlehem.

In Mongolia, one of the most cherished holidays is Tsagaan Sar or Mongolia’s Lunar New Year. It is celebrated in late January or early February depending on the lunar calendar, and makes the arrival of spring and a fresh start. Families prepare by cleaning their homes, making traditional foods like Buuz (steamed dumplings) and holdings feasts with friends and family. During the celebrations mongols will dress in traditional clothing and greet elders with the zolgokh gesture where young family members will place their arms or forearms underneath the elders elbows symbolizing support.

Around the world, cultures celebrate holidays in beautifully different ways, through unique foods, rituals, music, and traditions that reflect their histories and beliefs, but a common thread connects them all: the joy of gathering with loved ones.

Happy Holidays!