CELEBRATING FESTIVALS

Festivals and feasts are special times where people come together and celebrate. Most of these celebrations are to do with religion and beliefs. Special events in a country's history or the changing seasons are also celebrated.  Singing and exchanging gifts are popular rituals and often form part of an annual festival.  Pictures and objects also have a special meaning at festival time.  For example, golden fish became symbols of wealth during Chinese New Year. Different cultures share the same symbols in their festivals. Christians light candles at Christmas and Hindus do the same for Diwali. People dressing up in costumes and sharing meals together are popular festive activities in many parts of the world.