There is a saying called "go to the countryside and follow the customs". Experiencing different customs and cultures in a foreign country and feeling different customs and customs is the charm and fun of travel.
Today, Xiaoqiao will lead everyone into the unmissable limited festival in April.
Easter
Easter is an important holiday in the West to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In Western church tradition, the first Sunday after the first full moon after the equinox is Easter. The Eastern Church stipulates that if the full moon falls on a Sunday, Easter is postponed for another week. Therefore, the festival period is roughly between March 22 and April 25.
In Toronto, Canada, a stilt artist attracts parents and children alike. Photo by China News Agency reporter Yu Ruidong
Easter is always associated with Easter eggs. In Croatia, giant Easter eggs unveiled in the center of Karlovac. The beauty of the city is depicted by brushes, and the flowers blooming in spring and the street scene surrounded by greenery come into view. These eggs are painted by local artists, and the rustic style and bright colors make the eggs unique.
In the United States, due to the rise in egg prices, local people switched to potatoes to make Easter eggs, and painting on potatoes is full of fun and set off a new trend. In New York, some people wear elaborate flower hats and participate in the annual Easter Flower Hat Parade on Fifth Avenue in New York.
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In addition to Easter eggs, the rabbit element will not be absent. In ancient European legends, the rabbit is seen as a mysterious animal with supernatural powers and immortal vitality. In Greece, the rabbit element appears in many family dressing sessions, and people will dress rabbits with pale yellow and pale green to celebrate this joyful and vibrant holiday.
Songkran
In Southeast Asia, Songkran is also called Songkran. The word "songgan" is derived from Sanskrit and means to start a new year by entering a new astrological sign. It represents love and happiness and is the most joyous festival of the year.
In Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, Songkran is held from April 13 to 15 of the Gregorian calendar every year. The festival customs of Songkran Festival are similar to those of the Dai region of Yunnan, China, and the Songkran Festival in Southeast Asia generally involves bathing Buddhas, bathing monks, sprinkling water to elders, people splashing water on each other to bless each other, releasing animals and singing and dancing games.
In addition to splashing water to wash away bad luck, Songkan Festival also has the role of letting future generations know how to be grateful, loyal to ancestors, and remember family responsibilities. The people's alms to the monks during the festival also contributed to the flourishing of Buddhist culture.
In Ayutthaya in Thailand, revelers and elephants splash water on each other.
What should I pay attention to when going to Thailand for Songkran?
1. The Thai government strictly prohibits any reverie clothing, especially indecent clothing after wet water. Guests are encouraged to wear traditional costumes, even better if visitors can follow the customs and wear traditional Thai costumes or Songkran flower motifs!
2. During the Songkran period, it is strictly forbidden to drink alcoholic beverages, gamble or use drugs at any event site.
3. It is forbidden to use water mixed with powder, ice cubes and foam to avoid harming others and harming themselves.
4. The Thai government issued an order strictly prohibiting participants from using water cannons with strong spray power and any tools that could cause accidents.
5. Do not splash monks, the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people who are performing official duties (police, etc.), and do not touch the heads of children.
Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan in most countries in the Middle East in 2023 begins on March 23, and Eid al-Fitr is expected to take place on April 21.
Eid al-Fitr is the main holiday in Islam, and Muslims celebrate the completion of fasting for a month after fasting. On this day, Muslims bathe and change their clothes, gather at nearby mosques to worship, listen to sermons by the sheikhs, and mourn their ancestors. Families prepare dried apricots, almonds, fragrant oil, fried fruits, melon fruit sugar tea, etc. to entertain guests, while young people gather together to sing and dance, filling the festive atmosphere.
In Dhaka, Bangladesh, Muslims take the train back home for Eid al-Fitr. Source: Chinanews.com
In Turkey, Eid al-Fitr is often referred to as "Candy Day". On this day, Turks give each other sweets to express their gratitude. Children can take this opportunity to knock on their neighbor's door and harvest the candy prepared by the neighbor.
The picture shows the flower hat parade at Easter on Fifth Avenue in New York. Photo by China News Agency reporter Liao Pan
Non-Muslims are not required to fast during Ramadan, but there are a few things to note:
1. Tourists need to take care of and respect people who fast in public areas during the day, and try not to eat or drink in public view.
2. Music is generally not played during Ramadan, please wear headphones if you need to listen to music. Smoking is also not allowed in public during the day.
3. In order to accommodate non-Muslim guests, some restaurants and shopping malls will be open, but most are open from 4 pm to late at night, and some restaurants even close at 4 am. There are also restaurants that allow takeaway food for non-Muslims, but remember to pack it in opaque bags.
4. Ramadan is used by Muslims for self-cultivation, and some entertainment venues may adjust their opening hours during Ramadan, so be sure to do your homework in advance so as not to run for nothing.
References: China Overseas Chinese Network, China News Network, China Daily, Chinese Embassy in Turkey, China Youth Network, Minnan Net, etc. Author/Editor: Jin Xu
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