Celebrations Across Nations 3

Hogmanay

Description: Hogmanay, a celebration in Scotland is a winter holiday
which tends to be during New Year’s when family and friends gather for
a party and exchange presents.

Traditions: It is common in Scotland to celebrate Hogmanay by the
customary fireball swinging which involves people making up "balls" of
wire filled with flammable material attached to a wire, chain or
nonflammable rope. As the bell sounds to mark the new year, the balls
are set alight and the swingers set off, swinging the burning balls around
their heads as they go.

Kwanzaa

Description: Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana "Ron" Karenga, a
professor of Black Studies, in 1966. This was during a time of great
social change for African Americans. Karenga sought to design a celebration that would honor the values of ancient African cultures and inspire African Americans who were working for progress. Kwanzaa is based on the year-end harvest festivals that have taken place throughout Africa for thousands of years.

Traditions: Families gather for the feast of karamu on December 31.

Martenitsa

Description: On March 1st, Bulgarian people celebrate Baba Marta. In
Bulgarian folklore Baba Marta is a grumpy old woman who changes her
mood very rapidly and it reflects in the changeable March weather. By
wearing red and white colors, Bulgarians ask Baba Marta for mercy in
the hopes that it will make winter pass faster and bring spring along.

Traditions: A small piece of adornment, made of white and red yarn is
worn from March 1st until around the end of March or until the first time
you see blossoming in the trees.