El Caganer (which roughly translates to “The Shitter”) is one of the top billed customs on those “Craziest Christmas Traditions Around the World” lists that circulate through… Read more “El Caganer: Gifts That Keep On Giving.”
Category: Holidays and Customs
John Frum, Come Back!
Imagine this: your people have lived on an isolated island, practicing your kastom (meaning ‘traditional practices’ in the native Bislama language), which include men drinking an intoxicant… Read more “John Frum, Come Back!”
She Swallows the Stars: the Day of the Dead
There are days for the living… And there are days for the dead. The Aztecs had a peculiar fascination with death, which is obvious from both their… Read more “She Swallows the Stars: the Day of the Dead”
The Greek Day of the Dead: the Anthesteria of Dionysus
Día de los Muertos, the Mexican Day of the Dead, represents a synthesis of indigenous Meso-American practices with the Christian Allhallowmass festival (which itself incorporated the very… Read more “The Greek Day of the Dead: the Anthesteria of Dionysus”
Beltane
Today, May 1st, marks the first day of Summer, at least in the Northern Hemisphere. Halfway between the Equinoxes, its counterpart is October 31st/September 1st, which likewise… Read more “Beltane”
Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year is based on the first day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, so it varies from year to year against the Gregorian calendar, but… Read more “Chinese New Year”
Santa and the Pickled Children
It’s no secret that Santa Claus is a fictional evolution of the Christian Saint Nicholas, a man born in 280 AD who became the Bishop of Myra,… Read more “Santa and the Pickled Children”
November 11, St. Martin’s Day?
Many of us recognize November 11th as Veterans Day, also known as Armistice Day (Remembrance or Memorial Day in some countries). This holiday was originally intended to… Read more “November 11, St. Martin’s Day?”
World Penguin Day
April 25th is World Penguin Day, a day chosen because it coincides with their annual northward migration. Penguins have stolen the hearts of many worldwide, with their… Read more “World Penguin Day”
Hold onto your heart: Valentines Day is approaching!
There are so many celebratory days we take for granted, and so many stories that lurk behind them. One of these days is Valentine’s Day. The more… Read more “Hold onto your heart: Valentines Day is approaching!”