November 15 - Japan
This special festival is called Shichi-Go-San, or "Seven-Five-Three." It is for boys and girls who are three, five, or seven years old.
On this day, the children dress in their finest clothes. Every child has a long, narrow paper bag. On each colorfully decorated bag there are pictures, usually of a pine tree, a tortoise, and a crane. These are symbols of youth and long life.
The families then go to a shrine, or place of worship. There, they give thanks for the good health of the children, and ask for future blessings. Outside the shrine, there are stalls where the parents buy candy and toys which are then placed in the children's paper bags. After the families return home, the children share some of their candy with guests. In return, the children are often given gifts. Finally, the day may end with a party.
November 26 - U.S.A.
Thanksgiving is a celebration of the founding of the United States of America in 1607 by the pilgrims. Americans take time to be with family and friends for feasting and and the giving of thanks.
December 10 - Islam
Ramadan is a time of fasting, prayer, alms for the poor, and devotion to the worship of Allah. Ramadan is the 9th month on the Islamic calendar. Muslims use a lunar calendar, so dates of holidays vary from year to year. MUSLIMS BELIEVE that during the month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, to Muhammad a caravan trader.
Muslims practice "SAWM," or fasting, for the entire month of Ramadan. This means that they may eat or drink nothing, including, while the sun shines. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties) Islam. Families get up early for "suhoor," a meal eaten before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known "iftar." Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. And in this most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers.
