Passover is an important religious festival that Jews celebrate with special prayers and food. It begins with the Seder-a meal and a story about the history of Passover. Passover is the time the Jews were led out of slavery in Egypt by the prophet Moses. The festival lasts for eight days.
Chinese New Year is in February. Before the New Year celebrations begin, people clean their homes evil spirits. During the celebrations, people share special meals, give each other gifts, and set off fireworks. There are to chase away also dances with large dragon and lion costumes. The dragon, a symbol of strength, is thought to repel evil and bring good luck.
People eat chocolate eggs at Easter because eggs represent new life. Easter Sunday commemorates the day Jesus Christ came to life again. It is the most important festival in the Christian calendar.
In Ancient Rome, there was a rowdy winter festival called saturnalia. People copied this idea in the Middle Ages. They teasted before Lent began, when Christians had to give up eating meat. People still celebrate carnival today. In New Orleans, jazz bands parade.
The festival of light, called Diwali, celebrates the coming of the Hindu New Year in October or November. Diwali lasts over five days. Stories told during this time celebrate the victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. People decorate buildings with candles and colored lights, and they make delicious treats.
