Religious Festivals

The Chinese people are known around the world for their alternative medicine, exquisite
Chinese cuisine, and their colorful tradition also showcased through their festivals. Here
are some of the most famous Chinese festivals:

Chinese Moon Festival

Also known as the mid-autumn festival, Chinese Moon Festival is one of the most important
events in China. It hosts family reunions as they get together to wait for the full moon.
They family sing moon poems and eat moon cakes together.

Chinese Lantern Festival

The Chinese Lantern Festival is when you'll see children holding paper lanterns to temples
at night. The festival tradition includes solving riddles on those lanterns. The festival
ends on the Chinese New Year.

Highlights of these Chinese festivals

The Moon Festival is not only known for its moon cakes but also for its legends. One of
them says that Chang Er lived in the moon, so during the festival, you'll see her "dancing
on the moon." Watching the full moon is also best enjoyed by couples who eat moon cakes
together and drink some wine.

Like the Moon Festival, there are also a lot of legends surrounding the existence of the
Lantern Festival. For most people, however, the festival is simply about fostering good
relationships among families and for giving tribute to higher beings.

I wonder why the world is torn by its religious bouts. Yes, we may differ in varied paths of faith, yet, we all affirm one truth -- the belief that there indeed is a supernatural being called God. I see no reason why any of us should close our eyes to this dynamic culture and religious passion. If we can only learn to live with our diversity, then we can all be more pious servants of a divine being.

Maulid Nabi celebrates the birthday of a religious icon, Prophet Muhammad PBUH. It is considered a local holiday in Indonesia. All shops and even government stations are temporarily closed. Everybody's on a break; even newspaper's on a holiday. You won't be able to catch a glimpse of the headlines. The talk of the town surrounds the life of Prophet Muhammad, who is considered as a great inspiration to the Muslim community of the world.

To give your Prophet Muhammad a big birthday bash is a sign of sincere devotion and love for a great Muslim being. Celebrating the prophet's special day began in Fatimid, Egypt, when people used to chant and give away sweets for the festivity. Although no prayers and religious services are offered on his day, Indonesians now use this time to reflect on teachings and examples of the great Muhammad.

When they say Spanish "fiesta", I fancy a mental picture of long procession and ceaseless praying crowd. So when Marco asked me to celebrate Fiesta de San Isidro in Madrid, I was reluctant for a while. I have nothing against Spain, but I wasn't not sure if I'll be able to imbibe the same sincerity for their religious faith. If it's bull fighting, then I'd be more glad to come. But saints? I'm not sure if I fit in the category.

But I couldn't refuse Marco's invitation. How could I when he was the one who introduced me to my wife Marissa? So we went back to his Spanish origin in Madrid when I could have a grand affair with the city. I was in Spain in time for the religious festival of San Isidro.

San Isidro is the patron saint of Madrid, the saint of peasants. Marco's family are devotees of San Isidro. "He played a significant role in our life", Marco's mom said. "If not for his blessing, we won't be able to pursue the American dream," She said that before Marco was born, she prayed to San Isidro that they be given a chance to pursue an American dream. This year, they wish to thank the saint of peasants for the fruitful life they had.

I thought it was all about a saintly pilgrimage, but the Spanish spirit crept into me contagiously. Before I knew it, I was praying and enjoying myself in picnics. The friendly crowd was dressed in their national costumes. There were also spectacular events like the traditional dance and concerts as well as contests. I couldn't say that I'm religiously uplifted, but it was fine to celebrate in honor of a saint once in while.

If there's one religion that captures my enthusiasm the most, it is Buddhism. I marvel at its teachings and I also believe in some of its principles. So when a Buddhist friend of mine asked me to join him to see the Candle Festival, I packed my bags hurriedly to catch the next plane.

For my friend Kit, going to the Candle Festival was synonymous to a journey to the Mecca or the Vatican City. He was excited to observe the Buddhist Lent because this trip to Thailand is part of his religious feat. I even remember the old Kit. He was a gambler, a womanizer, and a cheat when it comes to life. But he then resigned to salvation. I gave him a month to return to his old lifestyle. But it has been a year now, and he had proven himself to be free of his old ways. This was the culmination of his faith.

We visited different temples and donated candles as part of their worship. They say that the generous act itself will bestow luck and blessing to the donor. I was surprised to receive a warm welcome even if I'm not a Buddhist. Later, I observed and embraced some traditions and practices. I also learned more about its unique traits and qualities.

There was an explosion of dazzling light and mystified illumination as part of the spectacle. The candles were carved into lofty details of full-bodied heritage and artistry. You'll truly fall in love with Thailand. Unlike Italy or France, it may be a little rowdy and crowdy, but it only establishes the life in Asia, that is with dynamic energy and synergy to culture.

There are pigs in every corner. Pigs in government, pigs in society, pigs in the internet sites, and pigs in romance. But there's nothing like an all crunchy roasted pig! Forget the cruel world, instead, let's feast our way to salvation.

In Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, "lechon" or roasted pig are paraded on the streets in honor of Saint John the Baptist. Sincerely dead to roast but alive in revealing fashion, the spectacle of the parade is the different costumes and dress-ups for the scrumptious "lechon". There's trendy, native, outrageous, and eccentric characters, but all the same they're crispy and glam. And I'd say that's dining in style!

You'll not only enjoy the colorful costumes, but also the warm welcome of local folks. Filipinos are religious and fun-loving. And when it comes to feasts and lavish celebrations, they definitely know how to party!

After a fashion slam of "lechons", the festive atmosphere is relished with a banquet and "pagoda", all to commemorate the religious saint with renewed faith and energy. If you think you had the whole day to tickle your taste buds and soothe your pallette, wait 'til sun down to enjoy the beat of street dancing as well other cultural dramas. Yum, yum, yum to feast! The Lechon Festival is a hit!

Saint George or "Jordi" in Catalan is the patron saint of Catalonia and Aragon. He is likewise the patron saint of England, Portugal, Greece, and Russia. According to legend, Saint George was once a Roman soldier who eventually embraced Christianity and shared his possessions to the poor. He was brought by Roman soldiers to Lod, a town in modern Israel, where he was martyred for his faith. Only little is known about him. But his efforts for evangelization and strong faith and conviction as a Christian spawned many tales about him such as his slaying of a dragon. Perhaps, this explains why he is considered to represent the victory of good over evil.

The festival of Sant Jordi that is celebrated all throughout the land of Aragon (including Catalonia), Valencia, and Balearics every 23rd of April traces its origin in 1460. Aside from its religious aspect, the feast of Sant Jordi is otherwise and popularly known as the day of lovers. This tradition is best celebrated and observed in Barcelona where men have the custom of giving roses to their sweethearts while they receive a book in return of the romantic gesture. Another main attraction during the festival is the "sardana," the national dance of Catalonia, that is performed and participated by people in the streets.

The Misteri d'Elx is a unique beautiful play that is held on the 14th and 15th of August in Elx (Elche). The drama's theme centers on the death, assumption, and resurrection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The play that takes place at the 17th century Basilica de Santa Maria traces its origin back in the 13th century. As such, it is considered as the oldest liturgical play throughout Europe.

In fact, when the Council of Trent prohibited plays held within the church walls, Misteri d'Elx was the only play exempted through a 1632 bull made by Pope Urban VIII. The play consists of two acts: Vespra (performed on August 14) and Festa (performed on August 15). Yet what makes the drama very interesting and unique is the fact that only local male and non-professional actors are asked to portray the roles including those of the female characters such as the Virgin Mary.

According to a legend, the traditional play began after the Virgin Mary appeared to a soldier off the coast of Elx. The legend also tells that a chest containing the music and text for the play was also found after the apparition. Due to the rarity of such presentation, it is often difficult to acquire tickets for the main events. However, visitors can have a glimpse of the famous and historical play by attending dress rehearsals from August 11-13.

Saint George or "Jordi" in Catalan is the patron saint of Catalonia and Aragon. He is likewise the patron saint of England, Portugal, Greece, and Russia. According to legend, Saint George was once a Roman soldier who eventually embraced Christianity and shared his possessions to the poor. He was brought by Roman soldiers to Lod, a town in modern Israel, where he was martyred for his faith. Only little is known about him. But his efforts for evangelization and strong faith and conviction as a Christian spawned many tales about him such as his slaying of a dragon. Perhaps, this explains why he is considered to represent the victory of good over evil.

The festival of Sant Jordi that is celebrated all throughout the Land of Aragon (including Catalonia), Valencia, and Balearics every 23rd of April traces its origin in 1460. Aside from its religious aspect, the feast of Sant Jordi is otherwise and popularly known as the day of lovers. This tradition is best celebrated and observed in Barcelona where men have the custom of giving roses to their sweethearts while they receive a book in return of the romantic gesture. Another main attraction during the festival is the "sardana," the national dance of Catalonia that is performed and participated by people in the streets.

Saint Anthony the Abbot or Sant Antoni lived in Egypt during the 3rd century AD. He was born into noble and rich Christian family. Yet when he was 20, he read a biblical passage that inspired him to dispose all his riches in order to embrace the ascetic life. His pious and holy life attracted many devotees and followers. After which, he proceeded to found two monasteries near the Nile river. Considered as the father of monasticism, Sant Antoni died at the age of 105 and his feast day is celebrated every 17th of January.

The most colorful and popular festival celebrated in honor of the saint is found in Mallorca, Spain. During the eve of his feast, hundreds of bonfires called as "foguerons" are lit. A tree is usually place amidst the flames thus representing the purification of life. During the night several people dress themselves as devils headed by Lucifer. Amidst songs and dances everywhere, these characters dressed in the most fantastic and frightening costumes portray the temptations of Sant Antoni and his triumph over them. During the drama, the devils attempt to throw the saint into the fire yet end up unsuccessful.

Corpus Christi is the most important and most solemn religious celebration in Spain as well as in other Catholic nations around the world. This is due to the fact that the feast honors no other than the body of Christ himself. The real presence of Christ in the host is explained by the doctrine of transubstantiation, which affirms the Christian faith that the host is transformed into the true and real flesh of Christ during the consecration of the mass.

Corpus Christi is celebrated on the 9th week after Easter. The grandest festivals are held in Valencia, Toledo, Granada, and Barcelona. The Corpus Christi celebration in Valencia is particularly famous for its colorful processions and Baroque floats that date back to the 17th century. La Moma is a popular figure during the processions since it represents the human virtue that struggles against the seven capital sins.

Meanwhile, in Tenerife, the towns of La Oratava and La Laguna compete with each other for the splendor of their celebrations. Here, the routes of the processions are lined with beautiful decorations. In fact, the streets where the processions pass are fully carpeted with floral designs. Such gesture manifest the deep reverence people have for Christ who passes along the floral streets.

The thought of religious festivals may bring us to the most popular and colorful festivities worldwide especially those that trace their roots from the far away land of Spain. Remarkably, such events have never lost their profound meaning and reverence while they blended with the modern times and commercialization. While the significance of these spiritual events are unquestionable, some of the most important religious activities though are those that are neither popularized nor advertised by the media.

Perhaps, the quiet and often daily processions held in the peaceful town of Lourdes at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains are among the most profound religious activities in the world. More than a century ago, on the 11th of February the Blessed Virgin Mary started appearing to a young girl named Bernadette. During the series of 18 apparitions that culminated on the 16th of July, Virgin Mary asked for the conversion of sinners and requested the construction of an shrine or a church that would accommodate pilgrimages from the various parts of the world. That marked the birth of pilgrimages that have poured to small town of Lourdes since then.

The hundreds of masses and processions held yearly at Lourdes may not be as grand, colorful, and popular like the other religious festivals. Yet they never lack meaning and profundity, which is precisely why they never cease to attract millions of pilgrims the whole year round. Neither the scorching heat of summer nor the freezing cold of winter prevent the people from flocking to Lourdes. Until today, the quiet grotto at Massabielle continues to welcome pilgrims serving as a center for prayer, conversion, and spiritual healing.

The Fallas festival is among the most popular celebrations in Spain. The event takes place between March 15 to 19 in Valencia, a lovely city lying in the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Las Fallas, probably, is the noisiest of all the festivities in the Iberian country. During the week-long festival, bonfires are lit on the streets and colorful fireworks fill the night sky.

As such, Valencia, which is a tranquil and quiet city turns into a lively place as thousands of people from various parts of Spain including foreigners flock the city in order to witness and join in the street celebration. The people especially the women wear their most beautiful costumes. The streets reverberate with the sound of music and the noise of dancing people.

Why is the festival called "Las Fallas?" Well, "fallas" actually refer to the huge papier mache figures created and displayed during the entire festival. The giant figures resemble popular characters around the world from famous people to cartoon characters. These colorful and huge figures are displayed for five days in the city before they are finally burnt on March 19, the feast St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. So that explains it all since setting up the huge papier mache figures involve plenty of carpentry work.

I believe that every one should pay due respect to all sorts of religions and to the people who believe in those faiths. Lately, I have been going to various places for business purposes. But, if I still find time for a leisure trip, I make it to a point that I visit famous landmarks. In one instance, I happen to visit Bahrain in Asia. On the same day, the people are constantly reminding me to bow my head and pray to Muhammad. Politely, I inquired on the occasion. Only then did I learn that it is the birthday celebration of the Prophet.

The occasion is called Mawlid. The term simply means birthday. But, since it is the birth of Muhammad, the festivity is called Mawlidu n-Nabiy. For some our beloved Muslim brothers, the day is the most revered among any other birth dates of saints. The elders told me that the festivity has been celebrated for eight hundred years now. On the other hand, not all other Asian countries acknowledge the holy day. The reason behind this is that majority of Muslims believe that the actual idea for commemorating Mawlid rooted from Egypt where people observe the holy days of saints.

All in all, Mawlid is among the happiest celebrations I have seen. On this day, just with any other festivities, people gather together and prepare the most delectable dishes that they reserve for the annual occasion. The festivity is also the time for family reunions. It felt like Christmas. Later in the afternoon, prayers in honor of the prophet are heard all over the town.

Spain is famous worldwide for its colorful and vibrant festivals that fill up its yearlong calendar. Almost every night a city or a small "pueblo" is alive with the people's cheers and the explosion of fireworks that lit up the sky. If it's not where you stay, the fiesta is definitely somewhere else across the Iberian region.

The festival of San Juan is among the most popular celebrations in Spain. The event takes place between June 20-24 and consists of a great party of music, dancing, fireworks, and the symbolic bonfires. Most of the rituals during the festivity of San Juan are said to be pagan in origin and most of which preceded the earliest Christian celebrations in the country.

"La Noche de San Juan" (the night of St. John), which takes place on June 23, the shortest night in the northern hemisphere symbolizes to triumph of light over darkness. The rituals held during this night are basically rooted on 3 elements: sun, fire, and water. According to ancient legend, the bonfires lit during this night can cleanse both the body and soul. They say that one can transform a bad year into a good one by jumping over the bonfire three times or more.

The Holy Week is the highlight of the Lenten season observed by Catholics around the world. The meaningful weeklong celebration commemorates the paschal mystery (passion, death, and resurrection) of Jesus Christ and reaches its peak during Easter Sunday. Rather than the usual festival, the Holy Week is actually a more profound and spiritual occasion where in Catholics around the world become one in reflecting the significance of the paschal mystery in their lives.

Needless to say, the Holy Week still takes the form of a popular festival due to the processions and other practices that has continued to attract Catholics as well as tourists. The best and most beautiful Holy Week celebrations are witnessed in Spain particularly in Seville, Malaga, Granada, Valladolid, Murcia, and Cartagena. During the Semana Santa thousands of local people as well as foreigners flock the "calles" in order to witness and participate in the religious celebration.

The Seville, with its splendid processions and realistic representations of Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection, is the epitome of a Spanish Semana Santa. During the week long celebration, life- sized sculptures depicting the paschal mystery are paraded all throughout the "calles." Aside from those images, the "coffradias" that manage the processions are also among the main attractions of the Semana Santa in Seville.

Catholic Italy does not have the monopoly of religious festivals in Europe. Historic Scandinivian countries such as Norway have their own particular brand of religious festivals. If Great Britain has Saint George, Norway has Saint Olav. Saint Olav was actually a warrior monarch of Norway who was converted to Christianity.

There are few historical records about this king-saint. Some records portray him as a brutal king who only used Christianity for selfish reasons in enhancing his political career. However, some documents recount his martyrdom and piety.

The festival of St. Olav is both a cultural and religious event held in Trondheim, Norway, every July 29. The celebration lasts for more than one week. The festival is comprised of at least 150 events that include recitals, opera, fair, exhibits, pilgrimage, lectures, and activities for children. The events are held in the public arenas. However, the main arenas are located in the Nidanos cathedral and the palace of the Archbishop. The festival is a traditional commemoration of the life and death of St. Olav. Its colorful events attract tourists and pilgrims every year. Last year’s celebration set a record of 300 events.

The traditions of the Holy Roman Apostolic and Catholic Church are the conglomeration of ancient pagan rituals and Christian faith. One pagan practice incorporated in the faith is the veneration of relics, statues, and images. The hierarchy of the clergy is also patterned on the bureaucratic organizational structure of the ancient Roman Empire.

One of the titles of the pope is Pontifex Maximus, the highest priesthood office of ancient Rome. The Roman emperor later adopted this title. Most Catholic festivals are also held to replace the former pagan festivals.

The celebration of Christmas, for instance, in December 25 is actually the former pagan festival of the Roman sun god, Mithra. Christmas celebration around the world is heavily influenced by Italian religious traditions. Italians open their gifts on the morning of Christmas, just after eating their lunch. The children, on the other hand, receive a stocking full of candies during the celebration of the Epiphany, which is celebrated on January 6 as an extension of Christmas. However, the Italian gift-giver is not Santa Claus, but a kind witch named La Befana. Meanwhile, in other regions, Santa Lucia is the bringer of gifts.

All Catholics all over the world commemorated the Passion of Christ during the holy week. This is the Lent season's last week. The Catholic Church's influence marked and will continue to shape our ever-changing world history.

The reason why Catholics celebrate the holy week is to relive, reenact, and take part in the sufferings of the Lord. The theme and the mode of celebration are usually similar for both the eastern and western churches except for certain days because the eastern believers utilize the Julian Calendar. What counts a lot is the memory and the sacrifices that the Lord has made in order to save mankind from the fires of hell.

The holy week is religiously celebrated especially in predominantly Catholic countries like beautiful Spain, Italy, and the Philippines. The celebration starts on Holy Monday, followed by the Holy Tuesday and Wednesday. Holy Thursday is the communion's institution and Judas' betrayal of Jesus. Good Friday is the suffering, the death, and the burial of the Lord. The Holy Saturday is called Sabbath day because Jesus took a rest in his tomb. Then, the Eastern Sunday is the resurrection of the Lord.

The Vatican City is a sovereign city-state separate from the Italian Republican State. Historically, Rome and other neighboring territories were included in the Papal States. However, during the Italian Unification, these Papal States were incorporated to the nation-state of Italy. The papal territory was reduced to a mere complex of buildings with an area of only 0.44 square kilometers. The city-state of Vatican is the official spiritual and administrative center of the Holy Roman Apostolic and Catholic Church. However, Vatican has not always been the official residence of the popes.

There was a time in the history of the Catholic Church that the official residence of the pope was transferred to Avignon, a French territory. Although the power and prestige of the papal office was significantly reduced during this period, the Catholic Church influence in France has taken a deep root. The most obvious Catholic Church influence in France is the religious festivals. There are at least eleven national holidays and hundreds of regional holidays in France. Some of these holidays have religious backgrounds. The Holy Week and the Assumption are some of the religious holidays in France.

I have always been fascinated with the Hindu religion. It has so much to do with respect for nature, discipline and enlightenment. Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world. It plays a big part in ancient Oriental history because it has influenced many countries in Asia. Almost all the people in India embrace the Hindu religion. It's almost as ancient as the rise of the earliest nations. Along with this religion, there are so many traditions and festivals that are celebrated every year. One of which is the Makar Sankranti.

The Makar Sankranti is celebrated in the month of January every year. It's a celebration of their belief in transmigration and reincarnation. These are believed to be the journey to God. The Hindus call their supreme reality, the Brahman. What they do to celebrate the Makar Sankranti is they recite several prayers in a day.

Also, the Hindus make a sweet delicacy. The sweet foods are made of sesame seeds. Sesame seeds symbolize life for the Hindus. They give the sweets away to friends, relatives, and the children. The children would rejoice by making colorful kites. They fly the kites through the air the whole day. This may seem like a simple kind of celebration but, the Hindus take it seriously. This is one of the most important festivals that they celebrate. Out of all the festivals and traditions, the Makar Sankranti is one of the few celebrations held in January. It's a celebration which opens the year.

The Dussehra and Durga Puja is one of the most famous religious festivals in India. This festival celebrates the victory and triumph of good over evil. Almost all the Indian regions celebrate this festival. The celebration lasts for ten days and all the regions celebrate it in their own ways and traditions.

In Northern India, they have the "Ram Lila" recitations and wonderful music which reflects the life of India's legendary hero, Rama. In front of thousands of people, large effigies are stuffed with firecrackers and then they explode in the air. This act symbolizes the evil exploding. In the area of Kuru, where there are snow-covered mountains, the people would dress up in their colorful costumes. They would march up and hold processions and they would carry with them their local Deities. The people would dance and sing with the music accompanying the procession. The musicians would be playing the pipes and the drums.

In the area of Karnataka, Dussehra, the people would celebrate the festival through pageants and a "magnificent pomp." In Eastern India and Bengal, this religious festival is called the "Durga Puja." Their goddess Duja will be worshipped for four consecutive days. For the last day, the people would start a procession carrying their goddess Duja and they would immerse in the sea at the end of the procession.

In Quiapo, Manila, Philippines, every 9th of January, thousands of Black Nazarene devotees flock the Quiapo Church, barefoot, to see and get a hold of the four-centuries old wooden, black, life-size statue of Jesus Christ.

Catholic devotees believe that if you are able to touch or wipe a handkerchief or small towel to the blessed wooden model of the Black Nazarene or even just touch the rope that leads the Black Nazarene, all your prayers will be answered.

Hundreds will testify that when they devoted themselves to this tradition, their prayers were answered. Some get healed, some get to find work, some get money, almost all kinds of wishes and hopes were believed to be fulfilled by God because of the wooden statue that was brought here by Spaniards from Mexico.

Devotees come from different parts of the Philippines. Most of them are old people who have been going to this procession for years. Young ones are mostly children of whose parents were also devotees. Even the vice president of the Philippines, Noli De Castro, is a devotee of the Black Nazarene.

Thousands of policemen and hundreds of medical teams are always on stand-by when this procession starts. The procession is dangerous for frail women and children as hundreds of men push their way to the statue.

Human civilizations are shaped by many influences. Religion is the most powerful influence that shapes civilizations. Thus, we say Hindu or Islamic civilization. Religious influences permeate all levels of society from government to business, from the working class to the upper class. Dominant world religions influence laws and government policies. Religion is the keystone of all moral norms. Religion dictates the conscience of an individual. During the Middle Age, the Catholic religion was the most dominant force that shaped the political landscape of the European continent. Religion inspires art, architecture and literature. There are even sovereign states founded around the idea of establishing a theocracy. Islamic civilization, in particular is centered in the Islamic Faith. All Muslims in the word are united as if a single nation.

The most conspicuous global event that Muslims celebrate around the world is the Ramadan month. The month of Ramadan is a period of religious cleansing through fasting and prayers. During this month eating, drinking and sexual intercourse are all prohibited between dawn and sunset. Muslims also refrain from negative emotions such as anger, envy, and greed. Fasting is specifically stated in the Holy Quran: O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint. (Yusuf Ali, 2:183). Breaking fast during Ramadan is a community activity during sundown, which are usually sponsored by mosques.