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All the devotees throughout the world traditionally celebrate Confucius birthday on September 28. This day is especially celebrated by the people of China- where it is a national holiday- to honor the best teacher in Chinese history.

“Master Kong,” or Kong Qui better known as Confucius (Latin name) is believed to be born on September 28, 551 BC. However, you would find it interesting that the Westerners celebrate Confucius birthday on two separate days.

In the Republic of China, Confucius birthday is celebrated as “National Teacher’s Day” on 28 September, emphasizing on Confucius’ doctrine, which advocated the right for learning and knowledge to everyone. You will also find his birthday being marked on 27th day of the eighth lunar month (that is between the end of September and the beginning of November) in the Chinese lunar calendar.

He was a great Chinese scholar and social philosopher, whose thoughts and teachings have profoundly influenced Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Japanese thoughts and life. His preaching�s have guided millions for over 2500 years.

Confucian philosophy

The Confucius birthday also commemorates the teachings of the great philosopher of China. The philosophy of Confucius put together in 6th century is popularly known as Confucianism.

His philosophy stressed on governmental as well as personal rightness, morality, of social relationships and sincerity. During the Han Dynasty his values gained great prominence in China over other doctrines, such as Legalism and Taoism.

Well, you should not confuse Confucianism, as a religion, rather it is the deep respect for the Confucius� philosophy that has turned it into a sort of religion. Confucius birthday is actually a festival that takes you to the fascinating intricacies of the Chinese psyche.

Teachings of Confucius

The basis of Confucius� thoughts proposed that not just the aristocrats but everybody who has the depth and desire to learn, should be allowed the opportunity of formal education. Confucius led a life of poverty and virtual obscurity, yet his students dispersed his teachings, which were apt for feudal times and instantly popular after his death.

You can find his teachings primarily in the �Analects of Confucius�, actually a collection of “brief aphoristic fragments”, compiled many years after his demise. According to modern historians it can�t be said specifically whether Confucius wrote any document.

Celebration on Confucius birthday

On Confucius birthday fairly typical ceremonies are held throughout the island of Qufu (Shandong), the birthplace of Confucius. This festival extensively celebrates his life in a charming way that you can best experience at the Confucius Temple in Qufu. On this day, some of the early rituals of Confucianism are practiced and in the grounds of the massive temple a great fair is held.

The celebrations of Confucius birthday begin at 4 o’clock in the morning in the Confucius temple and other Confucius temples throughout China. This day is distinguished for its modest ceremonies at temples throughout the island of Qufu, and some individual practitioners even takes time off to observe the day in their own ways, contemplating the virtues of Confucius.

You can see grand celebrations on Confucius birthday. The events include musical performances and dancing using ancient instruments, wearing traditional costumes and other rites. The memorial party is joined by thousands of people. Good foods are also sampled at night street stalls. On Confucius birthday, not only is his life celebrated but his death is also venerated.

It would be quite interesting to talk about the Mexican Independence Day. Mexico borders the south western part of the United States. It is the largest country in the Western Hemisphere. The capital of Mexico is Mexico City. The natural description of the land would be something very diverse. Deserts, mountains, rain forests and beaches surround the Mexican terrain.

The population of Mexico is basically the mixture of Indian and Spanish. There is no indigenous race as such; the blend between Indians and Spanish are predominant. They have successfully integrated into the native culture of Mexico.

The History Behind The Mexican Independence

Towards the end of the Eighteenth century, Mexico faced a remarkable shift in social milieu. During this period, the middle and the upper class of Mexico began to question the long established norms of society. They started demanding for freedom of speech and a representative government. They too fought against the ceaseless power of the church. They sought to reject the values of the past and demanded complete independence from the Spanish colonizers.

Father Hidalgo supported the Mexican people in their struggle for independence. On 15th September, he called the countrymen to be gathered at a particular place and with his fiery words inspired them to fight.

The battle between the followers of Hidalgo and the Spanish force took place at Guanajuato. It was here, when Father Hidalgo was captured and executed. Ultimately the Mexicans did manage to secure independence.

The Mexican Independence Day is celebrated across the country with a great pomp and feast. The celebrations begin on 15th September, which is the eve of independence. On this day, people gather at the �Zocalos� (The meeting place). At eleven�o clock, the countrymen wait for the President to come and wish them �Happy Independence�. The President comes to the balcony and rings the celebrated �Liberty bell�, which Father Hidalgo once rang in order to call people. The President addresses the countrymen by shouting �Viva Mexico�, �Viva Independencia�, and the crowd imitates the same, greeting the president back.

The Celebrations On The Mexican Independence Day

All major roads of the country get richly decked with flags of red, white and green colors. Green symbolizes peace and red symbolizes union. These colors are also used to decorate the streets during the �Independence Day Fiesta�. People come from different corners to sell various objects, such as, confetti, whistles, horns, toys, colors and food items.

The countrymen celebrate the day by various colorful practices as racing, bull fighting, horseback riding and so on. The three colors of the Mexican flag (Red, White and Green) are very important in the celebration. Every year, on 16th September, the Mexicans recall the valuable speeches of Father Hidalgo. On the night of 15th September, as the president completes addressing the crowd, he rings the bell, waves the flag and the National Anthem is sung. There can also be seen various performances by the Mexican students and rock stars.

The history behind the Mexican Independence Day is thus a burning example of �patriotism�, �bravery� and �sacrifice�.

Mexican Flag Day also known as “El Dia de la Bandera” is celebrated on February 24th,by Mexicans across the country. This day is commemorated as a unique holiday in admiration of traditional Mexican heritage. The Mexican Americans on this day pay homage to the flag of their native ancestral country- Mexico.

Every year the red, white and green Mexican flag is hoisted up on the Cerro de la Bandera (Flag Hill) in Buena Vista on Mexican Flag Day. A race to the summit is held, which is open to anyone who has the spirit to participate. In the evening, people have merriments in Plaza Mijares, the main square of San Jos� del Cabo. Special TV and radio programs are also broadcasted on this occasion, in order to propagate the history behind the day.

A Brief Background

Public festivities started on Mexican Flag Day since February 24th, 1937 near the monument of General don Vicente Guerrero, the first Mexican military general to swear to the flag.

Mexico was formerly ruled by the Aztecs – one of the tribes that settled in the area. However, the country was a Spanish colony from 1521 to 1821 until the war for independence was won.

The Mexican Flag

When you look at the Mexican flag, you wonder what the colors in the flag stand for. The Mexican Flag has three colors green, white, and red and they stand for the following:

• Green is the symbol of hope and victory.
• White stands for the purity of our ideals.
• Red represents the blood of the national heroes shed for their motherland.

In addition to these bands of color, the flag also has an emblem. The emblem in the Mexican flag has a defining story based on a legend which tells, how the Mexicans traveled from Aztl�n (now Nayarit) in search of the sign that Huitzilopochtli had narrated them, and that they would find it in the place where they should establish their empire.

The sign had an eagle on top of a Nopal cactus devouring a serpent. It was ultimately found in a small island in the heart of a lake. They settled there and founded the city of Tenochtitlan, which is now Mexico City.

The design of the Mexico Flag has changed over time, so has the significance and symbolism behind the three colors of the flag. Earlier, the green vertical stripe of the Mexican flag projected the independence of Mexico. Now, positioned to the far left of the Mexican flag it stands as symbol of hope for the future of Mexico. It is customary for Mexican to have foods rich in green coloring such as jalapenos on Mexico Flag Day.

The white stripe of the Mexican flag, which holds the Coat of Arms represents the beginning of the nation’s capital, Mexico City. It also represents the unity of the Mexican people and purity of their culture.

Lastly, the red vertical stripe represents the commitment to religion on which many Mexican citizens faithfully practice.

The Flag Day is a national celebration and a prime example of unrestrained Mexican chauvinism that high commendable. Mexican Flag Day is a day of unity, respect for national heroes and a hope for the better future for all Mexicans.

“Remember, man, that you are dust
And unto dust you shall return.”
(Latin: Memento homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris.)

Ash Wednesday is officially known as �the day of Ashes�. Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and comes after Shrove Tuesday or the last day of the Carnival season, Mardi Gras. According to the Western Calendar, it occurs forty days before Good Friday, which inevitably always is a Wednesday. It actually occurs 46 days before Easter but Lent is considered 40 days long, as Sundays are not counted among the days of Lent. The date varies from year to year depending on the date of Easter.

The time of Lent is a period to purge off your sins, a time to forsake sinful activities and habits. This purification process is commenced with Ash Wednesday.

When reading about the history of Ash Wednesday, the Bible does not preach or condemn Ash Wednesday. Most Catholics, orthodox denominations and a few Protestant denominations observe this procedure. This process gives you a chance to repent for your sins and to identify yourself as a Christian. But remember that not the ritual but the truth of your heart can earn you blessings from God.

The Ritual of Ashes

The celebrating priest or minister blesses the worshipper with ash at Masses and Services on this day. The priest marks the forehead of the worshippers with black ash in the shape of a cross. Traditionally the worshipper retains this mark till sundown. Even a non-clergyman or a layperson can be the minister of ashes in many Christian churches.

The history of Ash Wednesday in the Roman Catholic Church is observed by abstinence from meat, fasting and repentance. Catholics between the age of 18 and 59 are allowed to consume only one full meal each day. This is the day to contemplate on transgressions to save you from the fire of the hell. The Anglican Book Of Common Prayers also delegates Ash Wednesday as a day of fasting.

Why The Forehead Is Marked With A Cross?

As per the Bible, a mark on a person�s forehead indicates his ownership. The mark of cross on the forehead is a symbol of the person�s belonging to Jesus Christ, who died on a cross.

The History of Ash

The ashes used to mark the forehead of the worshipper are prepared by burning palm leaves from the previous year�s Palm Sunday celebrations and then they are mixed with olive oil. The story behind the use of ashes from the previous year�s Palm Sunday goes like, when Jesus entered Jerusalem people rejoiced his arrival by waving palm fronds without realizing that he has come to die for their sins. The use of palms from previous year�s Palm Sunday is aide memoir of Jesus� death for our sins.

Ash is the biblical symbol of mourning and penance. In the times of the Bible, one has to fast, wear sackcloth, sit in dust and ashes and put dust and ashes on one�s head. Today�s Ash Wednesday carries the vestiges of the ritual of fasting and marking one�s forehead with ash as a symbol of penance for one�s sin.

Though not an obligation, the history of Ash Wednesday teaches followers that it’s the day to cleanse your mind and soul of sins at the feet of God.

Setsebun meaning �seasonal division� is celebrated in Japan on the day before each season begins. However, the term actually refers to the Setsebun in spring, it is popularly called Risshun or sometimes Rissun (the bean throwing festival), and occurs yearly on February 3. Though it is not a national holiday in Japan, many people celebrate it as a ritual for chasing away the evil spirits.

Setsubun marks the Lunar New Year in the Japanese lunar calendar, so it is also considered as (indeed thought so earlier) a sort of New Year’s Eve. Rishun in Japan, is celebrated as the ritual of cleansing away all the disease-bringing evil spirits and demons of the previous year. This special ceremony is called Mamemaki, which involves bean throwing at the evil.

What happens in Mamemaki (bean throwing ritual)?

You would find the celebrations of Setsebun very exciting and full of fun and frolic. Well this festival is celebrated in different ways in different corners of Japan. You would find the kids drawing demon mask on a piece of paper and coloring it.

Then someone is selected to put on the mask, as the other members in the family throw pan-heated soybeans (known as irimame) at that person wearing the mask the Oni (demon or ogre). While throwing the beans the people shout “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi” if you translate it that means, “Demons out, Happiness (Fortune) in.” The beans symbolize the sowing of seeds and the impregnation of new life on Earth.

In most of the houses you will see the bean throwing being performed by the male who was born on the corresponding animal year on the Chinese zodiac, or head of the household (usually the father). First they pray at the family shrine and then toss the beans out into the yard of the house.

Customs of Setsubun or Rishun

In most of the households a widely observed custom in Setsubun is to eat as many beans as your age and an extra bean for the coming year for good luck, health, and prosperity. It becomes more important if you are a man aged 25 or 42, or a woman aged 19 or 33, since these ages are usually considered unlucky.

Whereas in rural areas, you would find rather a strange custom, which involves first eating grilled sardines and then sticking their heads on sticks outside the front door. This is said to vanquish any demon trying to enter the house.

Celebrations on Setsebun in temple and Shinto shrines

In the Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, celebrations of Setsubun are a bit different. You can see the priests and invited guests throwing roasted soyabeans (some of them covered with silver or gold foil), small envelopes with candies, money, sweets and other prizes for the people.

In some of the bigger Shinto shrine precincts, you may even see the pop singers, Movie stars, geisha, and sumo wrestlers attending the ceremonies, and participating in the proceedings, which are televised nationally. With a large passionate crowd the Setsebun eventually turns wild, and good luck follows their fate.

Boxing Day is a listed public holiday in the United Kingdom as well as in some Commonwealth nations like Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Boxing Day is observed on December 26, a day after Christmas Day celebrations.

Origin of Boxing Day

Historically Boxing Day traces its origin in the tradition of the medieval times when people would willingly contribute money in the open alms boxes placed in the church backyards on the Christmas Day. On the following day, all the collected money would then be distributed among the poor by the clergy.

With the passage of time, changes took place. Thus, in the 18th century, the feudal Lords and Ladies would reward their serfs and servants with boxed gifts � food, fruits, mostly leftovers from their lavish Christmas parties along with clothes and other practical stuff � to reward them for all their services.

With social changes, the concept came in for more changes and then Boxing Day became a day when people would give small gifts or monetary tips to those who worked for them throughout the year. Even today, it is customary in many households to give Christmas gift packs and boxes to people who serve them on a routine basis � right from the paperboy to the milkmaid, the dustman and even the postal worker. Now, however, gift-exchanges among family members have become pretty common.

James Frazer in his famous work Golden Bough has dealt with the mythical aspect of Boxing Day. Boxing Day, as per Frazer�s interpretation, was the day when the Wren (the king of birds) was captured and locked in a box. The bird was then taken to each house in the village so that the villagers could seek blessings for a good harvest.

Celebrations during Boxing Day

Boxing Day, as it is observed these days � with lots of food, fun and gifts � is a celebration of friendship and love. The day carries forward the spirit of the Christmas celebrations. Though government associations and small businesses keep their shutters down, malls remain open to give full indulgence to the shopaholics.

Well, this is not all about Boxing Day. Many business houses, independent associations and family-units work hard to realize the goal of unconditional love represented by the occasion, collecting food, clothing, money and other gifts so that they can bring back the smile in the faces of others who are less fortunate on Boxing Day.

Canada Day, observed on July 1 annually across Canada is Canada�s national holiday.

History

The day celebrates the creation of the Dominion of Canada by the British North America Act on July 1, 1867. Three British territories � the Province of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick � were united into a federation under this Act.

The holiday was established separately by a statute in 1879, and it was originally referred to as the Dominion Day owing to the use of the term �Dominion� to describe the political union.

Canadians have long been referring �Dominion Day� as �Canada Day�, but the official declaration was made on October 27, 1982.

Ceremony And Celebrations

The first anniversary of the formation of the federation was held in a grand ceremony. The Governor General Lord Monck issued a proclamation on June 20, 1868, asking �� all Her Majesty’s loving subjects throughout Canada to join in the celebration of the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada on July 1.�

There were no major celebrations in the following years. On the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Confederation (in 1917), the new Center Block of the Parliament Buildings was dedicated as a memorial to honor the Fathers of Confederation and the Canadian soldiers, who fought in the First World War in Europe.

The highlights of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 1927 was the laying of the cornerstone of the Confederation Building on Wellington Street and the inauguration of the Carillon in the Peace Tower.

Annual observation of Canada�s national day began quite late, in 1958, with a definite format created for the first time. The format provided for an afternoon �Trooping the Colors� ceremony followed by a sunset ceremony, a mass band concert and fireworks display.

The centenary celebration in 1967 was an extensive official ceremony. With Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II gracing the occasion, the Parliament Hill again featured as the backdrop of the celebrations.

The existing format was changed in 1968; this time multicultural and professional concerts were included as part of the ceremony. The show was telecast nationally. As per this format, several artistic, cultural and sporting activities were held in different parts of the national Capital region for the entire month of July. Similar celebrations were continued until 1975. Celebrations were cancelled in 1976, but were again held in 1977.

1980 saw the introduction of a new ceremonial format, which emphasized the need for local celebrations all across Canada and the Government even acceded to give �seed money� to sponsor celebrations organized by local communities and volunteer groups.

Similar celebrations were again held in 1981 with the only difference that this year firework displays were added to the celebrations. Firework displays were organized in 15 major cities across the nation.

Canada Day Committees were set up in each province/territory in 1985. The Committees funded by the Government, were to plan, organize and coordinate the Canada Day celebrations in their localities.

According to the Chinese calendar, the Chinese New Year is celebrated on the second new moon following the beginning day of the Winter solstice. For the Gregorian calendar, the Chinese New Year is likely to be on a date between January 21 and February 20.

The New Year season continues for fifteen days. The celebrations are concluded with the colorful Lantern Festival.

Origin of the Festival

It is not clear when the beginning of the year was celebrated before the Qin Dynasty. Different theories suggest the beginning of Chinese New Year in different times. Some consider month 1 during the Xia Dynasty, whereas others take month 11 at the time of the Zhou Dynasty to be the beginning. However, in 104 B.C., Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty established the beginning of the year at month 1. The lunisolar Chinese calendar determines the dates of the Chinese New Year.

Celebrations during Chinese New Year

In China, people take weeks off from work and get ready for the New Year celebrations. People thoroughly clean their homes and it is strongly believed that cleaning sweeps away the bad luck of the previous year to bring in good luck. Some paint their doors and windows red. People visit friends and relatives, known as �new-year visits� and wear new clothes.

This is a great time for reunion dinners. The dinner of New Year�s Eve includes delicious fish and chicken items. Most of the Northerners serve dumplings as the main dish because they symbolize ancient Chinese gold ingots. The fruit of the Chinese New Year are the popular mandarin oranges.

The color of the season is red as it resembles celebration and it is used predominantly in all the decorations. The married elders distribute red packets to children and juniors. The flowers used during this season are the peach blossoms, chrysanthemum and the narcissus.

Naming a Chinese New Year after an animal

Legend says that in the ancient age, Lord Buddha asked all the animals to come to him on Chinese New Year day. Twelve animals came and a year was named after each of them. It is believed that a person born in a particular animal year would have the personality of that animal.

Lantern Festival

The Chinese New Year celebrations end on the fifteenth day of the month. The lanterns are works of art and are painted with animal, flowers, zodiac signs, birds and scenes from history. The lanterns glow in temples and are also paraded under the full moon.

The most important and longest celebration in the Chinese calendar is the Chinese New Year. The activities of the Chinese New Year symbolize good fortune, prosperity and wealth.

Gantan Sai is the Shinto New Year Holiday. Shinto is an ancient Japanese religion and neither does it have a sacred scripture, nor does it have any founder. It does not have only one God but is deeply rooted in nature. At present, there are about 4 million followers of the Shinto religion around the world.

The Shinto Religion

The word �Shinto� refers to the �way of the Gods�. Being the native religion of Japan, Shinto was once its state religion. It involves the worship of the Shinto Gods or �Kami�. Kami are the pure spirits of Nature.

The four affirmations that the Shintos follow are:

• Love of Nature, when all natural objects are worshipped
• Tradition and Family, as the family preserves the traditions
• Matsuri, a festival honoring the spirits
• Physical Cleanliness, where they must keep clean

However, after the World War II, Shinto lost much of its prominence. It is interesting to note that in the Shinto religion, a waterfall or an irregularly shaped rock can be a �kami�. The �kami� though divine are very close to humanity. They, like us, live in the same world, make the same mistakes and feel and think in the same way as us. Shinto followers or even people from other religions are considered as �kami� after their death.

Some modern scholars profess that �Shinto� should be actually referred to as �kami worship�. Early ceremonies were conducted before rocks or corpses, which formed the altar. There was no idol or representation of the �kami�, as they were regarded to be formless and pure. Shrines were built for the �kami� only after the arrival of Buddhism.

The Shinto rituals of �kami� worship have been taken from the Chinese Taoism and Confucianism. Gradually, the syncretism between Shinto and Buddhism went on to become the main feature of the Japanese religion.

Observation of the Gantan Sai

On this New Year�s Day, the Shintos visit the shrines, mostly at midnight. They pray for the renewal of their heart, prosperity and health in the year to come. The Japanese celebrate the 7 day holiday by making visits to their friends and family to express their good wishes for the year to come. They also wear their finest clothes on this day.

The Shinto New Year�s Day, Gantan Sai is also known as Shogatu.

The celebration of the Indian festival, Navratri or the �nine nights� goes on for nine days.
The nine-day long festival starts on the first day of Ashwina (the bright fortnight). It usually occurs in October.

The nine Goddesses worshipped during the nine days are Durga, Bhairavi, Amba, Bhadrakali, Sarvamangala, Bhavani, Lalita, Chandika and Annapurna.

Significance Of Navaratri

The first day of Navratri witnesses the sowing of barley seeds into a small mud bed. Three days are each devoted to the worship of Maa Durga (the Goddess of Valor), Maa Saraswati (the Goddess of Knowledge) and Maa Lakshmi (the Goddess of Wealth). A yagna (holy fire) is performed on the 8th day.

The celebration culminates in Mahanavami, when the Kanya Puja is performed. This day witnesses the worship of nine young girls depicting the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Each of the nine forms of Durga creates the part of a new creation on each of the nine days of Navaratri.

Celebration During Navaratri

During Navratri, the Gujaratis are engaged in traditional dances like the Dandiya-Raas and Garba.

The women dance in a circle and sing the traditional songs or Garba. The Dandiya Raas is played with �dandiyas� or wooden sticks. Many cultural societies, youth social groups and housing committees play the dandiya and garba. For this, adorned mandaps are set up. Garbas are also performed at Mumbai. Navratri is the largest Hindu festival of Nepal.

There is color all around during Navratri. Certain parts of India perform the �Ram-Leela�, which is a stage play of Ramayana (the saga of Lord Rama) during the festival.

The tenth day that falls after the nine-day celebrations is the �Vijaya Dashami�, the victory day over all evil. It is believed by the Hindus that Lord Rama killed Ravana, the demon on Dassera. This day is marked with the burning of the effigies of Ravana all through India.

There are devotees who observe fasts on Navratri. Prayers are also offered for the protection of property and health. This entire festive period is a time for purification and introspection. This can be an auspicious time for beginning new ventures. The festival generates happiness to all. Navratri is an exciting festival for the youth and is full of devotion for the old.