November is a month filled with diverse holidays celebrated across the globe, each reflecting unique cultural traditions and great significance. These holidays bring communities together, religious observances, and national commemorations. Each holiday carries its own customs, stories, and significance that will be carried down to future generations.
One of the most well-known holidays in November is Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. It’s primarily celebrated in India and Hindu communities worldwide. Diwali marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival of lights spans over five days, each having it’s own cultural significance. People decorate their homes with oil lamps, lanterns, lights, and colorful rangoli designs. At the end of each night, fireworks light up the sky while families gather to share cultural cuisine and festive meals.
In Mexico, November 1st and 2nd are dedicated to Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead. This holiday honors deceased loved ones and celebrates the continuity of beautiful life. Throughout the community, families create ofrendas, filled with photographs, marigolds, candles and favorite foods of the departed. Some traditional treats are sugar skulls and “pan de muerto” which is prepared prior to the holiday. The celebration is vividly blended with indigenous traditions and Catholicism. This holiday helps remember the deceased with joy and positivity instead of sadness. Families share stories about their lost ones, remembering happy moments they cherish close to their hearts. It brings communities together creating an immense atmosphere of love and honor.
Samhain is an ancient Celtic festival which marks the end of harvest season and the beginning of winter. It’s considered one of the four major Gaelic festivals. People celebrating Samhain believed there was a boundary between the living world and the spirit world, which became thin, allowing spirits to cross over into the living. Bonfires would be lit, people would wear costumes, set places at the dinner table for the spirits of their ancestors. The traditions from Samhain have heavily influenced Halloween festivities. People would hold a feast to celebrate the harvest but also offer food outside their homes to appease the outside spirits. They would also try to predict the future by interpreting dreams or casting lots. This showcased time for reflection and connection with the other world.
November is filled with wonderful celebrations and holidays that people all over the globe celebrate! What are some holidays your family celebrates?
