Holiday Traditions around the World

Every festival is unique and so is the celebration associated with it. Holiday traditions around the world differ widely. One common thing about all festivals is the happiness and joy it brings to everyone’s life.

For instance, Christmas celebrations are unique and are closely associated with the religious belief. Although, Christmas is not celebrated on December 25th in

all countries, the underlying concept of the celebration is the same. We celebrate the birth of Son of God – Jesus Christ.

Given below are few unique holiday traditions observed in the following countries

Unique holidays around the world

Read on to know more about the popular holiday traditions in the following countries.

China- Torch Day
Torch Day is celebrated annually between August 5th and August 8th. This is celebrated only by the Yi people in China. There is a myth that a person called Zhige Arlon caused severe injuries to a devil. As a result, the devil was badly defeated. Out of anger, the devil sent thousands of locusts to kill the crops. It was Zhige Arlon who helped the people tide over the unpleasant conditions. He suggested that holding burning torches would kill all the locusts.
Since then every year, thousands of people gather on the streets with torches in their hands as a mark of victory over the locusts.

Hongkong- Chung Yueng Festival
Chung Yueng Festival is celebrated in HongKong. It is celebrated on September 9th, according to lunar calendar. It is believed that several years ago, a family returned from the hills only to see that all their animals were killed. They heaved a sigh of relief as they were not at home and were spared. So, every year on this day, people travel to the hills and invite friends, have a grand feast. This is also the day when people pay respect to ancestors.

Bulgaria- Legend of Martenitsa

The legend of Martenista can be traced back to more than 1, 000 years. It is about a falcon who tries to help the sister (who was held captive and was running away) of the first Bulgarian king to locate a ford. Since the falcon was killed on the way, the white yarn tied to the leg of the falcon had turned red with blood. The yarn tied around falcon’s leg helped the king’s sister to locate the ford. Since then Martenista, a yarn of white and red cloth is used every year to celebrate the festival.

Every single person in Bulgaria ties this thread on March 1st and keeps it on until March 22nd.


apan- Setsubun
Setsubun is also known as Bean Throwing Festival. It is held in the month of February every year. The celebrations take place in homes as well as in temples.

A couple (Toshiotoko and Toshi-ono) whose animal sign is the same as the year of the animal is selected to carry on the ritual. For instance, if you are a rabbit according to Chinese astrology and it happens to be the Year of Rabbit, you are eligible to perform the ritual.

The couple throws beans at the people who have gathered at the temple as they chant “Drive away evil and allow good luck”. Several hundred beans are thrown and if you are 15 years old, you are required to eat 15 beans. This celebration also takes place at home.

Venezuela- Tambores de Barlovento

Los Tambores de Barlovento takes place in March in Venezuela. The drums were played for the first time by African slaves in Venezuela. Other African instruments are also played on this occasion. It has become a celebration these days.

Most of us are well accustomed to the Christmas, Halloween, and New Year holiday traditions around the world. But it is equally interesting to know about the traditions of the lesser known holidays around the world. The names of few unique holidays are given below –

Daeboreum in Korea
Maskarra Festival in Phillipines
Waitangi Day in New Zealand
Semanta Santa in Spain
Loy Krathon in Thailand
Teuila Festival in Western Samoa
Chu’Sok in Korea
Seijin-no-hi in Japan
Shichi-Go San in Japan
Los Diablos de Yare in Venezuela
Noche de Rabanos celebrated in Mexico

Last updated on 16/12/2010