Religious New Year's Celebrations

by Morrill, Ann

• ISBN13: 9781604130942
• ISBN10: 1604130946
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-06-01
• Publisher: Facts on File

Summary

When a religious element is added to New Year's celebrations, participants consider the meaning of the holiday, the passage of time, and the opportunity for personal change.

Author Biography

Ann Morrill is a freelance writer whose published work includes, poetry, opinion pieces, conservation articles, and creative nonfiction. She holds an M.A. in Latin American studies from the University of New Mexico and a B.A. in history from Carleton College.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Holidays and Celebrations	p. vi
Introduction
Rosh Hashanah: The "Head" of the Jewish Year	p. 3
Divali: A Festival of Lights for the Hindu New Year	p. 12
Al-Hijra: The Islamic New Year	p. 24
Matariki: The Maori New Year Celebration	p. 32
Regional Traditions And Customs
Asia	p. 40
Latin America and the Caribbean	p. 51
Middle East	p. 53
North America	p. 64
Oceania	p. 79
Glossary	p. 84
Bibliography	p. 87
Further Resources	p. 88
Picture Credits	p. 90
Index	p. 91
About the Author	p. 96
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

New Year's celebrations are times when families and friends come together to celebrate endings and new beginnings. When a religious element is added to these celebrations, there is also a sense of spiritual duty. Rather than simply "ring in the New Year" with food and festivities, participants in religious New Year's celebrations consider the meaning of the holiday, the passage of time, and the opportunity for personal change. Focusing on Diwali (Hindu), Rosh Hashanah (Jewish), El am Hejir (Muslim), and Matariki (Maori),Religious New Year's Celebrationsexplores how cultures around the world contemplate the passage of time during these deeply sacred festivals.

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Excerpted from Religious New Year's Celebrations by Print Matters, Ann Morrill
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.