Western and Chinese New Year's Celebrations (Holidays and Celebrations)
Despite the numerous cultural and religious differences among countries, one universally common occurrence is the transition from one year to the next. The New Year is generally a time to honor the past and prepare for a hopeful future.
Throughout the world, there is no holiday celebrated quite like Carnival. During this loud, boisterous, colorful holiday, mayhem seems to dominate societies in the last grand celebration of life before Christians begin the sober season of Lent. Before this 40-day period of sacrifice and denial, people of various cultures indulge in rich food, choreograph elaborate dances, parades, and performances, and don fanciful masks and costumes.
FamilyFun is published 10 times annually by Disney Publishing Worldwide. Launched in 1991 by Jake Winebaum, the magazine is written for parents with children aged 3 to 12, and focuses on family cooking, vacations, parties, holidays, crafts, and learning.
The book provides an introduction to the myriad ways in which people celebrate and the meanings attached to these traditions. It presents the background of 323 holidays and describes more than 1000 symbols and customs associated with them. The entries are arranged alphabetically by holiday name, with detailed information on the origin and meaning of a particular holiday.
Elmo's World: Happy Holidays! is a one-hour edition of Elmo's World that explores the traditions of Christmas, Kwanzaa and Chanukah. That loveable little red muppet Elmo is joined by several furry friends to wish children and their families happy holidays. Elmo and pals tell and reenact some of the classic stories of the winter festivities.
