Adding Diversity to the Fall Season
Fall has finally arrived, the summer heat has died down, and the scent of fresh cooler air is upon us. The day and night time hours are equivalent, and a time of balance is at hand. This is indeed a celebratory season, and it has been honored for many centuries in various cultures across the globe.
Just as farmers begin to harvest their crops, and gardens all around the world being to perish within the cool damp earth, the country of China holds a celebration of their own. The beginning of autumn holds a special meaning to the Chinese culture, and it is there where you can witness and attend a birthday party unlike any other.
Every autumn Chinese families gather, to honor the birth of the moon.Birthdaycakes prepared from harvested rice and flour are shared during the celebration, as they gaze upward, while anxiously awaiting for flowers to fall from the night sky. For it is their belief that those who witness the falling of the flowers on the night of the moon’s birthday, will be rewarded abundantly. If you crave diversity and are looking for a fall adventure of your own, then you too can join in on theMoon Festivalin China on Sept. 19 thru 21.
A familiar date that falls within autumn is also celebrated in another part of the world, for a completely different reason. OnOct. 31, Halloween is celebrated within the United States. Children dress up all over the U.S. and go out seeking trick or treat candy. It is a night of fear, where living ghost roam the streets, but to the Mexican culture; the Day of the Dead has a more personal meaning. The dead are not feared on this day, instead they arecelebrated. Elegant platforms are made, vigils are held and cemeteries are visited. During this Mexican Holiday Festival, the Mexican people celebrate their dead loved ones, and others who have passed by decorating their graves, while feasting on customary cuisines such as pan de muerto, meaning the bread of the dead. This Mexican celebration does not end until Nov, 2, and you too can be a part of this Autumn Holiday.
Echoes of thedrumscan be heard all around the streets of Nigeria during their annual autumn Yam Festival. During this African celebration, dances come to life as masks are being worn, and if you watch and listen closely, you can witness a story unfold right before your eyes. The African culture is one of strong religious beliefs, and theirstoriesconsist of good spirits who guard their crops from the evil spirits trying to destroy them. During the Yam Festival, the people of Nigeria offer yams to the gods and their ancestors, before distributing them to the rest of the village. Offering the yams to the gods is their way of giving thanks for such a plentiful crop, and you can be a part of this African Autumn tradition as well.
Add a little bit of diversity to this fall season, by thinking outside the United States borders. Learn more about different cultures, and return home with respect and lifelong memories to share with your family and friends.
