|
October Blog
1
Oct
Welcome to the October blog! In this blog we'll be going over fun October celebrations you can do at home, or just learn more about celebrations that happen around the world.
Diwali
Diwali is a great example of an October celebration, also known as the festival of lights. During Diwali, people wear their finest clothes, illuminate the interior and exterior of their homes with saaki (earthen lamp), diyas, and rangoli, perform worship ceremonies of Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, light fireworks, and partake in family feasts, where mithai (sweets) and gifts are shared. Known as the ‘festival of lights,’ Diwali – also called Divali or Deepavali – celebrates the triumph of light over dark and good over evil.
The name comes from the Sanskrit word ‘dipavali’, which means row of lights. Many traditions are observed over Diwali, which is celebrated throughout India, Singapore, Nepal, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka to name a few, as well as in other places where there are large Hindu, Sikh, and Jains communities. On the first day of Diwali in India, families clean their homes and create intricate patterns on the floor of their houses or tabletops, using rice, sand, powdered limestone, colored rocks, or flowers. It’s a time-consuming practice and represents the happiness, positivity, and liveliness of a household.
Hindus also use it to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good luck. It’s derived from the Sanskrit word ‘rangavalli’ which means color. Lights, of course, are the main event. On the third day (or the second day if you’re in southern India), families gather and celebrate by lighting lanterns and candles in their homes at the entrances and out on the streets. Fireworks are set off, sparklers lit, and Diyas, which is an oil lamp made from clay with a cotton wick dipped in ghee or vegetable oil, is used. A Diya will be lit every morning and every evening. While lighting a Diya, some chant a prayer, the Shubham Karoti Kalyanam, which acknowledges the lamp brings auspiciousness, prosperity, good health, and abundance of money and wealth, as well as asking the light to absolve sins.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
In Mexico, Latin America, and Spain, All Souls’ Day, which takes place on November 2, is commemorated with a three-day celebration that begins on the evening of October 31. The celebration is designed to honor the dead who, it is believed, return to their earthly homes on Halloween. Many families construct an altar to the dead in their homes to honor deceased relatives and decorate it with candy, flowers, photographs, samples of the deceased’s favorite foods and drinks, and fresh water. Often, a wash basin and towel are left out so that the spirit can wash before indulging in the feast.
Candles and incense are burned to help the deceased find the way home. Relatives also tidy the gravesites of their departed family members. This can include snipping weeds, making repairs, and painting. The grave is then decorated with flowers, wreaths, or paper streamers. On November 2, relatives gather at the gravesite to picnic and reminisce. Some gatherings even include tequila and a mariachi band.
Halloween Is Celebrated in Ireland
In Ireland, where Halloween originated, the day is still celebrated much as it is in the United States. In rural areas, bonfires are lit as they were in the days of the Celts, and all over the country, children get dressed up in costumes and spend the evening “trick-or-treating” in their neighborhoods.
After trick-or-treating, most people attend parties with neighbors and friends. At the parties, many games are played, including “snap-apple,” a game in which an apple on a string is tied to a doorframe or tree and players attempt to bite the hanging apple. In addition to bobbing for apples, parents often arrange treasure hunts, with candy or pastries as the “treasure.” The Irish also play a card game where cards are laid face down on a table with candy or coins underneath them. When a child chooses a card, he receives whatever prize is found below it.
A traditional food eaten on Halloween in Ireland is barnbrack, a kind of fruitcake that can be bought in stores or baked at home. A muslin-wrapped treat is baked inside the cake that, it is said, can foretell the eater’s future. If a ring is found, it means that the person will soon be wed; a piece of straw means that a prosperous year is on its way. Children are also known to play tricks on their neighbors, such as “knock-a-dolly,” a prank in which children knock on the doors of their neighbors, but run away before the door is opened.
Fire Prevention Week
Safety first! Use this week to discuss fire safety with your family and ensure your home is prepared for emergencies. Check out these 10 National Fire Prevention Association fire safety tips for families. Oct. 8-14
"The main thing to remember is to always be aware because a fire can happen anywhere, at any time. That’s why everyone should take some precautions in order to prevent a fire and stay safe in case of one," Miller said. "Even a small fire can be dangerous and deadly. Always have a fire extinguisher within easy reach and call 911 immediately." - Officer Lieutenant Kirsten Miller
As we wrap up this month’s blog, we hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the diverse October celebrations from around the world, each bringing its unique traditions, food, and festivities. From the vibrant lights of Diwali to the colorful and heartfelt tributes of Día de los Muertos, and the fun-filled pranks of Halloween in Ireland, these celebrations remind us of the importance of family, community, and remembrance. October is truly a month filled with excitement and culture, and incorporating fireworks into these events adds even more magic to the air.
Before we sign off, don’t forget that fire safety is just as important as having fun. Fire Prevention Week, from October 8-14, is the perfect time to ensure your home and family are prepared in case of emergencies. Take this opportunity to review safety tips, check fire extinguishers, and create an emergency plan with your loved ones. With safety in mind, you can fully enjoy the autumn celebrations knowing you’ve taken the right steps to protect yourself and your family. Stay tuned for more exciting posts, and have a festive and safe October!
Remember that if you have any questions, contact us at [email protected] or call us at 269-205-3799
Sites:
https://www.discovery.com/exploration/diwali-traditions
https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/halloween-around-the-world
Comment(s)