During November and December many different holidays are celebrated around the world.
On November
4,1605, Guy Fawkes was caught red-handed in the basement of the British
Parliament. He was trying to blow up the Houses of Parliament with
gunpowder. Ever since then, on November 5, the British have celebrated his
capture and execution by burning an effigy (model) of him on bonfires
around the nation. Learn more about why he wanted to blow up Parliament,
how he was caught and the celebrations.
Falling on
November 11, German children celebrate St Martin’s Day as the start of
Carnival season. They walk around the streets, after dark, carrying
lanterns, and singing special songs. A bit like trick or treating, they
are rewarded for their singing and the beauty of their lanterns, with
sweets and other goodies.
This is a North American Holiday. Celebrated in November it remembers the original Thanksgiving. On that day the Pilgrims gave thanks for their survival, which was largely due to the help they received from the Native Americans.
Eid Al Fitr is a Muslim
Holiday which marks the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is a month of fasting.
Find out more about Ramadan and about the Eid Celebrations.
The Origin of Some Christmas Traditions
Christmas is celebrated in
every corner of the world. Although each culture has differences, many of
the traditions are the same. Find out a little about the origins of such
traditions as Santa Claus, Christmas trees, Boxing Day and cards.
Hannukah, also known as the
Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday. Find out more about what it is
and how it is celebrated.
Kwanzaa is a fairly new holiday. It is an African American Holiday, intended to maintain cultural heritage. It is celebrated in December.