MULTICULTURAL CELEBRATION

VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM
 MEANING OF VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM
• Vasudeva kutumbakam – sometimes spelled vasudhaiva kutumbakam – is a phrase
from the Hindu text the Maha Upanishad that is typically translated as “the world is one
family.” It is so valued that it is engraved in the entry to India's parliament building.
• The term comes from the ancient Sanskrit vasudeva, which means the Eternal Reality,
and kutumbaka, meaning “family.” In the alternate spelling, vasudha means the Earth.
The overall meaning of the expression is the same – that all of the world, universe or
reality is one.
• In context, the verse vasudeva kutumbakam describes the yogi who has reached the
highest level on his spiritual journey and no longer has attachments to material things.
• Although the Maha Upanishad is the original source of the adage, it has influenced
Hindu literature and philosophy since. The Bhagavata Purana describes vasudeva
kutumbakam as the “loftiest Vedantic thought.” It affirms the worth of all life – human,
animal and plants – and the value of their interconnectedness on Earth and in the
universe, just as the goal of yoga is unity.
HOW DO DIFFERENT CULTURES
CELEBRATE WINTER HOLIDAYS?
We tend to think of winter as a time of rest, hibernation, and quiet. But a
look at the calendar reveals many holidays around the world that prove
this impression entirely wrong. The cold months are clearly a popular
time for parties and celebrations. While some are filled with solemn
tradition, others focus on fun and frolic. All pose opportunities for
interesting and real-life lessons in geography, culture, history, and
religion.
 WINTER HOLIDAY CULTURES AROUND THE
WORLD
1.Hanukkah
For eight days each November or December, Jews light a special candle holder
called a menorah. They do it to remember an ancient miracle in which one day’s
worth of oil burned for eight days in the temple. During Hanukkah, many Jews also
eat special potato pancakes called latkes, sing songs, and spin a top called a dreidel
to win chocolate coins, nuts, or raisins.
2. Three Kings Day
At the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas comes a day called the Epiphany, or
Three Kings Day. This holiday is celebrated as the day the three wise men first saw
baby Jesus and brought him gifts. On this day in Spain, many children get their
Christmas presents. In Puerto Rico, before children go to sleep on January 5, they
leave a box with hay under their beds so the kings will leave good presents. In
 3. Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice occurs around December 21. It is the shortest day of the year. People
all over the world participate in festivals and celebrations. Long ago, people celebrated by
lighting bonfires and candles to coax back the sun.

4. St. Lucia Day

To honor this third-century saint on December 13, many girls in Sweden dress up as
“Lucia brides” in long white gowns with red sashes, and a wreath of burning candles on
their heads. They wake up their families by singing songs and bringing them coffee and
twisted saffron buns called “Lucia cats.”

5. St. Nicholas Day

A popular December holiday in many European countries, St. Nicholas Day, celebrates St.
Nicholas of Myra, the man whose life inspired the tradition of Santa Claus and Father
Christmas. He gave all of his money to the needy and was known for his compassion for
children and all those in need. The holiday honors the man on the anniversary of his death,
December 6, 343 A.D. Many celebrate with parades, feasts, gift giving, and festivals.
 5. Christmas
People celebrate this Christian holiday by going to church, giving gifts, and sharing the day
with their families. In some parts of Europe, “star singers” go caroling—singing special
Christmas songs—as they walk behind a huge star on a pole.

The Christmas festivities in Ireland tend to be more religious in nature rather than being
about gifts. Christmas celebrations last from Christmas Eve until January 6 (Epiphany). On
December 26, known as St. Stephen’s Day, an Irish tradition that is known as the Wren Boys
Procession takes place. Children go from door to door singing, holding a stick that is topped
by a holly bush and a wren. They ask for money for the “starving wren,” which goes into
their pockets. In ancient times, a real wren was killed and fastened to the stick, but today
fake wrens are used.

6. Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa, which means “First Fruits,” is based on ancient African harvest festivals and
celebrates ideals such as family life and unity. During this spiritual holiday, celebrated
from December 26 to January 1, millions of African Americans dress in special clothes,
decorate their homes with fruits and vegetables, and light a candle holder called a kinara.
 7. New Year
In Ecuador, families dress a straw man in old clothes on December 31. The straw
man represents the old year. The family members make a will for the straw man that
lists all of their faults. At midnight, they burn the straw man, in hopes that their
faults will disappear with him.
In Japan, Omisoka (or New Year’s Eve) is the second most important holiday of the
year, following New Year’s Day, the start of a new beginning. Japanese families
gather for a late dinner around 11 PM, and at midnight, many make visits to a shrine
or temple. In many homes, there is a cast bell that is struck 108 times, symbolizing
desires believed to cause human suffering.
Those in Hong Kong pray to the gods and ghosts of their ancestors, asking that they
will fulfill wishes for the next year. Priests read aloud the names of every living
person at the celebration and attach a list of the names to a paper horse and set it on
fire. The smoke carries the names up to the gods and the living will be remembered.
THANK YOU

By:DEV GOYAL
Class:VII-B
Roll No.:16