Religious New Year's Celebrations


Book Description

New Year's celebrations are times when families and friends come together to celebrate endings and new beginnings. When a religious element is added to these celebrations, there is also a sense of spiritual duty. Rather than simply 'ring in the New Year' with food and festivities, participants in religious New Year's celebrations consider the meaning of the holiday, the passage of time, and the opportunity for personal change. Focusing on Diwali (Hindu), Rosh Hashanah (Jewish), El am Hejir (Muslim), and Matariki (Maori), Religious New Year's Celebrations explores how cultures around the world contemplate the passage of time during these deeply sacred festivals.




Marking the Religious New Year


Book Description

Religious new year's celebrations invite their participants to slow down and truly consider the passage of time and the opportunity for personal change. Many of the world's religions have new year's celebrations based on their own calendars, each with its own history and set of traditions. They are less about the transition from one year to the next than about the spiritual journey from an old self to a new one. Particular foods, prayers, and other customs strengthen the sense of this journey. Focusing on Divali (Hindu), Rosh Hashanah (Jewish), El am Hejir (Muslim), and Matariki (Maori), this book explores how cultures around the world contemplate the passage of time during these deeply sacred festivals. Each title in this series contains color photos and illustrations throughout, and back matter including: an index and further resource lists for books and online resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions-building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Video features throughout have QR codes linked to online videos that provide supplemental interviews, documentaries, and historical clips. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader's comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and provide readers with suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader's knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.




New Year Celebrations


Book Description

Describes how the coming of the new year is celebrated in different countries and by different cultures around the world.




Know About "Christmas"


Book Description

Know About "Christmas" The Journey of New Year's Welcome, dear reader, to an enchanting adventure that spans not just one, but two magical seasons! Get ready to dive into the shimmering realm of Christmas, where frosted windows whisper secrets of snowy wonder, and twinkling lights paint the nightscapes with dreams. We'll unravel the captivating history of this beloved holiday, tracing its roots back through ancient traditions and religious significance. Christmas, a name that rolls off the tongue like a jingle bell, evokes a kaleidoscope of feelings. It's the scent of warm spices wafting from the kitchen, the joyful chaos of unwrapping presents, the melodious carols that fill the air with a chorus of pure delight. It's the quiet hush as snowflakes tiptoe down, blanketing the world in a pristine white, and the crackling warmth of a fireplace that draws loved ones close, sharing stories and laughter until the embers dim. But Christmas is far more than just twinkling lights and jolly tunes. Its heart beats with the rhythm of a profound story, one that whispers of hope, faith, and the enduring power of love. As we turn the first page of this book, we'll embark on a journey that illuminates the very essence of this timeless celebration. Within these pages, you'll discover: The whispered secrets of Christmas: Unravel the fascinating history of this beloved holiday, journeying from its ancient Pagan roots to its blossoming as a Christian tradition. We'll explore the symbolism behind cherished customs like the Christmas tree and the nativity scene, and delve into the heartwarming significance of the Advent calendar. Festive traditions that ignite joy: Witness the magic unfold as we decorate the Christmas tree, a canvas for twinkling lights and ornaments that sing silent carols of merriment. We'll join the joyous frenzy of gift-giving, celebrating the spirit of generosity and the thrill of unexpected surprises. The playful spirit of Secret Santa will add a dash of mystery, and the soaring melodies of Christmas carols will fill our hearts with a symphony of festive cheer. Cultural delights that paint the world in wonder: We'll meet the jolly man in red himself, Santa Claus, whose belly jiggles with laughter and whose sleigh bells jingle promises of presents delivered under starry skies. We'll befriend his loyal reindeer, each with a personality as unique as their twinkling noses. The mischievous Elf on the Shelf will keep us on our toes, while the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread houses will tempt our taste buds. Wintery delights that whisper of enchantment: We'll step outside where snowflakes pirouette in the crisp air, painting the world in a pristine white canvas. The thrill of a sleigh ride will whisk us through snow-laden landscapes, leaving frosty breath in our wake. We'll glide across shimmering ice rinks, laughter echoing beneath the starry expanse. And on frosty nights, curled up beside a crackling fireplace, we'll share stories and songs, weaving bonds of joy that time itself cannot touch. A tapestry woven with hope and peace: As we near the end of our Christmas journey, we'll celebrate the diverse traditions that weave a tapestry of faith and cultural richness across the globe. We'll witness acts of kindness that blossom like winter wildflowers, spreading the spirit of giving and making the world a brighter place. And above all, we'll embrace the message of hope and peace that lies at the heart of Christmas, a beacon that shines through even the darkest nights. But our adventure doesn't end there! Buckle up, dear reader, because we're about to embark on the sparkling journey towards New Year's Eve, a night where hopes take flight and resolutions dance on the cusp of possibility. Join me as we celebrate the passage of time, bid farewell to the old year with twinkling fireworks, and welcome the new with open arms and hearts brimming with dreams. So, grab a steaming mug of hot cocoa, curl up under a cozy blanket, and let the magic of Christmas and New Year's Eve wash over you as we turn the pages together. This is a journey meant to be savored, a story to be whispered from heart to heart, and a celebration of the human spirit that transcends time and season. Are you ready? The adventure begins now! The twinkling lights that adorn our homes, the joyful carols that fill the air, the delectable aroma of gingerbread swirling through the kitchen - these are just a few threads woven into the rich tapestry of Christmas. But have you ever wondered how this beloved holiday, celebrated across the globe with such diverse traditions, came to be? Brace yourself, dear reader, for we're about to embark on a fascinating journey through time, unraveling the history and origins of Christmas, a tale far older and more intricate than many might imagine. Our story begins not in the manger in Bethlehem, but under the winter solstice skies of ancient Europe. Long before the birth of Christianity, pagan cultures held festivals to celebrate the return of longer days and the promise of spring's warmth after the harsh grip of winter. The Norse, for instance, feasted during Yule, a twelve-day celebration marked by fire, feasting, and the sacrifice of animals. The Celts, too, revered the winter solstice, honoring their gods and gathering around bonfires to banish the darkness. These ancient winter celebrations laid the groundwork for the Christian traditions that would later emerge. By the 4th century AD, Christianity had become the official religion of the Roman Empire, and the celebration of Christ's birth began to gain momentum. However, the date of December 25th wasn't chosen arbitrarily. It coincided with the Roman festival of Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, the birthday of the Unconquered Sun, a potent symbol of hope and new beginnings in the darkest days of winter. By adopting this date, early Christians could subtly blend their beliefs with existing pagan traditions, making the transition more natural for non-believers.




Encyclopedia of New Year's Holidays Worldwide


Book Description

Among the world's myriad cultures and their associated calendars, the idea of a "New Year" is relative and hardly specifies a universal celebration or even a universal point in time. Ways of celebrating the New Year range from the observances of religious rituals and superstitions to social gatherings featuring particular foods, music, dancing, noisemaking, fireworks and drinking. This first encyclopedia devoted exclusively to the New Year includes 320 entries that give a global perspective on the New Year, beyond its traditional Western associations with Christmas. National or regional entries detail the principal traditions and customs of 130 countries, while 27 entries discuss major calendar systems in current use or of significant historical interest. The remaining entries cover a wide variety of subjects including literary works, movies, and television specials; the customs of specific ethnic groups; universal customs such as toasting and drinking; football bowl games and parades; and the New Year celebrations at the White House and the Vatican.




Religious Celebrations [2 volumes]


Book Description

This two-volume work presents a comprehensive survey of all the ways people celebrate religious life around the globe. Religious Celebrations is an alphabetically organized encyclopedia that covers more than 800 celebratory occasions from all of the world's major religious communities as well as many of the minor faith traditions. The encyclopedia provides a complete reference tool for examining the myriad ways people worldwide celebrate their religious lives across religious boundaries, providing information on numerous celebratory activities never before covered in a reference work. Offering the most comprehensive coverage of religious holidays ever assembled, this two-volume book covers festivals, commemorations, holidays, and annual religious gatherings all over the world, with special attention paid to the celebrations in larger countries. Entries written by distinguished researchers and specialists on different religious communities capture the unique intensity of each event, be it fasting or feasting, frenzied activity or the universal cessation of work, a huge gathering of the faithful en masse or a small family-centered event. The work spotlights celebrations that currently exist without overlooking now-abandoned celebrations that still impact the modern world.




Faithful Celebrations


Book Description

Provides an abundance of ideas that will equip families to celebrate the Annunciation, Advent, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Las Posadas, Christmas, and Epiphany. Many of our experiences in life happen when several generations are together – at church, at home, in our communities. Holidays and family events are times for celebration, learning, rituals, food, and fun. This edition of Faithful Celebrations focuses on Advent, the Annunciation, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Los Posadas, Christmas and Epiphany. It includes plenty of activities to learn more about each of these sacred seasons or days in a church setting, at home, camp, or anywhere in-between. These abundance of ideas allow you to create meaningful celebrations within a faith context throughout the months of December, January, and February. Each event to be celebrated includes key ideas, a cluster of activities to experience the key ideas, materials needed, full instructions for implementation, background history and information, music, art, recipes, and prayer resources to use in a small, intimate or large multi-generational group. For children, youth, adults, or any combination of ages any of these activities can take place in any setting. While these celebrations are popular in our secular culture, all ages will reconnect with the sacred roots and traditions practiced by past generations. All can experience new celebrations that have traditionally been intergenerational events in Spanish speaking communities.




Faithful Celebrations


Book Description

• Activities for celebrating secular and sacred seasons of the year • For use in churches, schools, camps, at home Many of our experiences in life happen when several generations are together— at church, at home, in our communities. Holidays and family events are times for celebration, learning, rituals, food, and fun. This edition of Faithful Celebrations focuses on the months of January and February, when secular holidays can become times to think about how we live out the gospel message in celebrating national holidays with more than a day off from school or sending a greeting card. Each event to be celebrated includes key ideas; a cluster of activities to experience the key ideas; a list of materials needed; full instructions for implementation; background history and information; music; art; recipes; and prayer resources to use in a small, intimate, or large multi-generational group. For children, youth, adults, or any combination of ages, any of these activities can take place in any setting. Faithful Celebrations: Making Time for God in Winter includes New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Super Bowl Sunday, Valentine’s Day, and Snow days.




Non-Muslim Religious Celebrations and Ruling on participataing - Part 1


Book Description

Author: Bilal Philips & Jameelah Jones Publisher: International Islamic Publishing House; IIPH (Saudi Arabia) Pages: 100 Binding: Paperback Reviews "Polygamy is the Muslim practice most frequently and severely maligned by Westerners and modernist Muslims. This book can be read with profit by all unprejudiced readers who wish to know its justification and rationale. One of the greatest contrasts between Islam and the West is their conflicting concepts of relations between the sexes. Indeed, the very first question a Muslim convert is confronted with by an American or European is 'Why does Islam allow four wives?' This book...replies straightforwardly to that question and much more. The authors describe all the most important characteristics of marriage in Islam, pointing out that the Western notions of sex equality and romantic premarital 'love' are not necessary in Islamic marriage based on piety and the commitment on the part of both parents to win the pleasure of Almighty Allah." Maryam Jameelah Muslim World Book Review,




Curriculum for Wales: Religion, Values and Ethics for 11–14 years


Book Description

Confidently deliver Religion, Values and Ethics and encourage students to understand and appreciate diverse worldviews, both in Wales and the wider world. This book supports the new Curriculum for Wales for 11-14 years, helping students to continually develop their knowledge and skills as they become informed, self-aware and responsible citizens. - Easily design your own curriculum: pick-and-choose from topics that cover the major world faiths and non-religious belief groups, as well as the values and ethical content outlined in the Humanities AoLE - Understand religious and non-religious worldviews and their historical impact: examine the influence of institutional and personal religious and non-religious worldviews on Wales and the wider world throughout history - Bring the content to life in your classroom: explore the beliefs and practices of people living today in Wales and the wider world through real-life accounts and case studies - Encourage critical thinking: each lesson tackles a 'big question' for students to consider, as well as activities designed to allow them to formulate and express their own perspectives and a range of sources to engage them with ethical and moral issues - Develop students' sense of self and their understanding of societal challenges: explore key concepts in the context of different religious and ethical worldviews, including cynefin, identity, relationships, community, equality, sustainability, freedom, good and evil, and more