The Junior Age

Category: Festivals

Everything You Need To Know About Holi

Colourful Celebration Of Holi 

Holi is celebrated by millions of people all around the world. It is the festival of colours and spring! Holi is a two day festival and it celebrates the Hindu god Krishna and the legend of Holika and Prahlad. The story of Holika and Prahlad symbolises the victory of good over evil.

Also read about, Farmers’ Protest Explained: Understanding the Reasons Behind the Movement

When Is Holi Celebrated? 

The exact date of Holi changes every year. This year Holi will be celebrated on March 24 and March 25. Holi is celebrated on the day of the last full moon in the lunar month of Phalguna.

The Stories Of Holi 

Holi has been celebrated in India for hundreds of years. Several stories explain the festival’s origin.

According to one popular legend, demon king Hiranyakashipu became very angry with his son Prahlada who was devoted to Lord Vishnu instead of him. The demon king asked his demon sister Holika to kill Prahlada. Since Holika was resistant to fire, she sat with Prahlada on wood set on fire. Due to his unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu, he was safe and Holika got burnt Hiranyakashipu was then killed by Lord Vishnu in the form of a lion man.

Many modern Holi celebrations begin with a bonfire that represents the burning of Holika. Holi is also associated with Lord Krishna. Playing holi with colours is a reflection of the love between Lord Krishna and Radha.

How Is Holi Celebrated?

Typically Holi celebrations start with Holika Dahan. On this night, people light a bonfire, dance, sing, and perform rituals. The next morning people celebrate Holi by throwing colours (traditionally known as gulal) and water on one another.

Watch Full video on, Historic Consecration Ceremony of Ram Mandir | All About Ram Lalla Idol | Pran Pratishtha

Discover Ramadan: Best 10 Ramadan Books for Young Readers

Muslims all over the world observe Ramadan. Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It is a special time for spiritual reflection, fasting, prayer, and community. For families observing Ramadan, it’s an opportunity to teach children about the significance of this sacred month and its traditions. One effective way to educate and engage children during Ramadan is through books tailored to their age and understanding. 

Also read, Interesting Facts About Ramadan

Here is the list of Best 10 Ramadan Books for Children –

1. Ramadan: The Month of Shukr

By Sidra Hashmani (Tertib Publishing)

Reading age : 2 to 6 years

2. Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors (A Muslim Book Of Concepts)

By Hena Khan and Mehrdokht Amini(Chronicle Books)

Reading age : 2 to 4 years

3. It’s Ramadan, Curious George

By H. A. Rey and Hena Khan (Clarion Books)

Reading age : 2 to 6 years

4. Other Words for Home

By Jasmine Warga (Balzer + Bray)

Reading age : 4 to 7 years

5. Moon’s Ramadan

by Natasha Khan Kazi (Author, Illustrator)

Reading age : 4 to 8 years

6. My First Ramadan (My First Holiday)

by Karen Katz

Reading age : 2 to 4 years

7. Celebrate Ramadan

by Hannah Eliot (Author), Rashin Kheiriyeh (Illustrator)

Reading age : 2 to 4 years

8. Hannah and the Ramadan Gift 

by Qasim Rashid (Author), Aaliya Jaleel (Illustrator)

Reading age : 3 to 7 years

9. Tell me more about Ramadan

by Bachar Karroum (Author), Tanja Varcelija

Reading age : 3 to 8 years

10. The Gift of Ramadan

by Rabiah York Lumbard (Author), Laura K. Horton

Reading age : 5 to 6 years

These Top 10 Ramadan books for children offer valuable insights into the traditions, rituals, and significance of the holiest month in Islam. Whether through delightful stories, vibrant illustrations, or informative texts, these books provide engaging ways for children to learn about and celebrate Ramadan. By sharing these books with young readers, families can foster understanding, empathy, and appreciation for the diversity of Muslim culture and traditions.

Watch the full video on, Why are farmers protesting? 

Popular Christmas Traditions and Their Origins

Where Did Advent Calendars Originate?

In the mid 1800s, the advent calendars started in Germany, when people marked the countdown to Christmas with chalk marks on doors or by lighting a candle. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that paper calendars were made and the idea spread around the world. Initially, advent calendars were illustrated with images from the Bible. Advent calendars are used from December 1 until Christmas Day.

Did You Know?

Advent is a Latin word meaning “the coming”. It was officially established by the church in the 6th century.

Also Read, Why Do We Have A Christmas Tree?

How Did We Start Singing Christmas Carols?

Carolling is an ancient practice of dancing or singing songs of praise and happiness.

Thousands of years ago in Europe, carols were written and sung during all four seasons. Originally Pagans (non-religious people or those that believe in more than one God) sang carols to celebrate the winter solstice around December 22, but then early Christians took over the practice and began to sing Christian songs at this time of year.

The earliest recorded Christmas hymns can be traced to 4th century Rome. These hymns were in Latin and some of them are still sung in churches. Subsequently, centuries later in the 1800s, carols written in English became popular.

Why Are Stockings Hung In Christmas?

According to legend, St. Nicholas, a bishop known for his kindness and generosity, had discovered a family that was struggling financially and he decided to deliver them an extravagant gift. On Christmas Eve, St. Nicholas tossed three bags of gold coins down the family’s chimney, where they landed in the socks that were hung above the fireplace to dry.

Why Are Bells Associated With Christmas?

Bells, whether sleigh bells, church bells or jingle bells, are a very important part of Christmas. The association of bells with Christmas is both symbolic and practical. Bells in both Pagan and Christian traditions supposedly ward off evil spirits. In addition, church bells are rung to signify an important event, such as Christ’s birthday, or even to let churchgoers know it’s time for service.

Why Are Stars Used As Tree Toppers?

According to legend, stars on the top of the Christmas tree represent the Star of Bethlehem. Christians believe that the Star of Bethlehem guided the Three Wise Men to find baby Jesus.

Why Are Candy Canes Associated With Christmas?

In 1670, a German choirmaster (a person who leads a choir) in Cologne, Germany asked a local sweet shop to make sweets (in the shape of a shepherd’s hook) for the children at his church to keep them quiet during the long Christmas service.

Why Are Christmas Crackers Shaped Like A Giant Sweet?

Taking inspiration from the French bon bon, Tom Smith in 1847 in London, invented the Christmas crackers. His rival confectioners in London started copying his bon bon. This led him to create a bigger packaging and the addition of a message within. Eventually, the bon bon was dropped altogether and a token put in its place, leading to something which seems very much like the Christmas crackers we have today.

Did You Know?

Bon Bon was a sugared almond sweet wrapped in twisted tissue paper.

What Does Holly Symbolise?

There is nothing as Christmassy as a holly! However, long before holly got associated with Christmas, it was considered a lucky charm. Holly was used to ward off witches and bad spirits, especially at farms where there were fears of losing livestock to curses. Eventually, Holly got associated with Christianity. The spiky foliage represents the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ at the Easter crucifixion and the berries of his blood. Although Christ died at Easter, it became a tradition to bring sprigs into the house at Christmas.

How Did Tukey Appear On The Christmas Menu?

Initially, turkey was not a part of the traditional Christmas dinner. Turkey didn’t appear on the Christmas menu until Henry VIll of the UK introduced it in the 1500s.

When Did Kids Start Leaving Milk And Cookies For Santa?

Since mediaeval times in Germany, during the Yule season children left out food at night in hopes of getting presents from a different white-bearded guy: Odin, the all-powerful Norse god who travelled on his eight-legged horse, Sleipnir.

Who Started The Tradition Of Sending Christmas Cards?

In 1843, Sir Henry Cole was behind the first printed Christmas card. He asked John Callcott Horsley to design it. It had the words ‘A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year To You’ printed on it. About 1,000 cards were made and it cost a shilling, which was actually a lot of money at the time (5p in today’s money).

How Did The Tradition Of Santa Claus Start?

The tradition of Santa Claus is said to come from St. Nicholas, a Christian bishop living in (what is now Türkiye in the 4th century AD. Nicholas had inherited a great deal of wealth and was known for giving it away to help the needy. When he was sainted, he became the protector of children.

The Dutch figure Sinterklass is also based on St. Nicholas. His legend evolved across northern Europe, and he finally assumed his now-familiar form.

Watch Full Video On, Christmas Traditions Around Worldwide | Fun Facts About Christmas

Why Do We Have A Christmas Tree?

History Of Evergreen In Winter Festivals

For thousands of years, people have decorated their homes in winter with evergreen plants. The Ancient Egyptians would fill their houses with conifer trees  to worship the sun god, Ra. Ancient Romans and Pagans (those who didn’t follow a religion or believed in more than one god) believed the trees signalled the “return of life” and “light” after a long winter. The trees formed part of their celebrations for the winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year.

Also read, Fascinating Christmas Traditions From Around The World

The Modern Christmas Tree

The modern Christmas tree is believed to have originated in the Alsace region of Germany in the 16th century. This region is now a part of France. According to some historical records, a Christmas tree was raised in the Strasbourg Cathedral in 1539. This tradition grew so popular throughout the region that the city of  Freiburg banned felling trees for Christmas in 1554.

Some historians believe that the Christmas tree was inspired by the paradise tree, a symbol of the Garden of Eden that featured in a mediaeval play about Adam and Eve. According to ancient myths and stories, Adam and Eve were the first man and woman on Earth.

Did You Know?

Christmas trees are normally evergreen conifers, such as spruce, pine, and fir trees.

Traditional Christmas Tree Decorations

Traditionally, these were decorated with flowers, dried fruit, paper flow-ers, and lit candles.

Martin Luther, the German scholar and priest, is often credited with being the first to decorate Christmas trees with candles. Legend has it that he was inspired by the stars on a walk home, one winter’s night.

German emigrants took these traditions with them as they resettled in other countries.

Why Are Trees Decorated With Tinsel And Baubles?

Tinsel was invented in Nuremberg, Germany in 1610. At that time, Christmas trees were decorated with real candles and tinsel was made from shredded silver to reflect the candlelight. Only rich people had tinsel-wrapped trees because silver was expensive. Eventually, tinsel was made with cheaper metals such as copper and tin.

A common decoration on the tree branches was red apples, which is believed to have sparked the modern tradition of hanging coloured baubles on our trees today.

In the 16th century, a glassblower called Hans Greiner, was the first to invent bau-bles. Since Hans couldn’t afford apples to decorate his tree, he made his own. Fruit and nut-shaped glass became an accessible Christmas tree dec-oration, and glassblowers started to make all sorts of shapes.

Tinsel and baubles are now made from a shiny plastic called PVC, which is sustainable but is not always recyclable.

Did You Know?

The Christmas tree was introduced to the UK by Queen Victoria’s German-born husband Prince Albert in the 1840s. At that time, Christmas trees would be hung from the ceiling or placed on tables and decorated with nuts, fruits, sweets, homemade decorations, and small presents.

Also Watch, Santa’s Favourite Pal Reindeer | Interesting Facts About Reindeer

Origins of the Legendary Santa Claus

Legend has it that Santa Claus lives in the North Pole with his wife, Mrs. Claus. As we all know that on Christmas Eve, Santa travels all over the world on a sleigh pulled by his famous reindeers and delivers toys to each child’s house. But do you know the story of Santa Claus?

Also read, Fascinating Christmas Traditions From Around The World

Introducing Saint Nicholas

The origins of Santa Claus can be traced to Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas was a real person. He was born 280 years after Christ in the 4th century in a small Roman town in modern day Turkey. He was much loved by people because of his generosity and his many acts of kindness, and thus Saint Nicholas became associated with gift giving.

In many European countries like Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Hungary children still receive gifts on Saint Nicholas Day or the Feast of Saint Nicholas, which is celebrated on December 6. Some other countries had similar traditions of children receiving presents around Christ-mas. It is believed that Europeans brought these traditions to the US with them when they settled in the American colonies. The Dutch in particular are said to have brought the story of Saint Nicholas to the US. The name Santa Claus comes from Sinterklass, the Dutch word for Saint Nicholas.

Celebrating Saint Nicholas Day

In many European countries, children put up their shoes with carrots and hay for the Saint’s horse the night before Saint Nicholas Day, hoping that Saint Nicholas would exchange them for gifts.

Saint Nicholas showed kindness to young children and used to give a lot of gifts to poor and young children, even by selling his own belongings. Once, he even left golden coins in stockings for poor children. Since then, it has become a tradition to hang stockings to celebrate Saint Nicholas Day. While a lot of similarities exist between the traditions of Christmas and Saint Nicholas Day, both are different. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The similar traditions include leaving gifts in socks and stockings and exchanging Gifts.

Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated in various places but everyone celebrates it with their own set of unique traditions and feasts.

Did You Know?

The night of December 5 is known as Krampus Night. Krampus or the Christmas devil is a creature from German legend centuries ago. It is believed that naughty children are visited by Krampus instead of Saint Nicholas.

Watch Full video, Christmas Traditions Around Worldwide | Fun Facts About Christmas