Many holidays and festivals celebrated in the United States honor religious events and important dates or people in the country's history. This interesting book shows how Americans celebrate holidays and family occasions, as well as the traditions of the cultures from which their families first came.
In the United States, many cultures means many celebrations. This colorful book explores the many civic and Christian holidays, festivals from other religions, and popular events that Americans enjoy.
Throughout history, the United Kingdom has been one of the most influential places in the world. Its culture and language have spread far and wide. This interesting book describes the holidays and traditions in the United Kingdom that celebrate important dates in history, religion, royal ceremonies, and changes in the seasons.
South Africa is known as the Rainbow Nation because the people who live there have come from many different backgrounds. This fascinating book describes the holidays and family celebrations inspired by the many cultures of South Africa's people.
Canada is a multicultural country. English and French are its two official languages, but Canadians come from many different cultures. This colorful book describes the different holidays and traditions in various parts of Canada and the ways in which Canadians celebrate family occasions.
This fascinating book describes the holidays and traditions of Israel. Most national holidays celebrate events in the Jewish religion. Young readers will also learn which holidays are observed by the country's many Muslims and how Israelis celebrate family occasions.
The French calendar is filled with ftes, or festivals, which are celebrated with tasty food, colorful decorations, wonderful music, and exciting games. This informative book looks at France's major holidays and family celebrations.
What began as a day to celebrate the birthday of George Washington, the first president of the United States of America, has grown to include every other president to serve as leader of the country. Learn all about Presidents' Day, from its earliest beginnings to how Americans celebrate this occasion today. Children will love this easy-to-understand introduction of this important national holiday.
This illustrated dictionary introduces readers to early celebrations of Christmas in North America and around the world. Beautiful illustrations focus on Christmas customs and traditions in the Victorian era, especially those practiced by the early settlers in North America.
Will he or won't he see his shadow? That's the big question on Groundhog Day, an annual winter event on February 2nd to predict how soon spring will arrive. Young readers will learn about the ceremonies and traditions that take place on this special day.
The celebration of a bar or bat mitzvah is a recognition that a young Jewish boy or girl has reached the age of responsibility. At the age of 13 for boys and 12 for girls, children take lessons to prepare for the ritual ceremony of reading from the Torah, the Jewish holy book. Readers will learn about the different ways boys and girls are prepared, as well as the traditional family celebrations that go along with the religious celebration.
Every February 14th, people celebrate love and friendship by exchanging cards, flowers, and gifts, all in the name of Saint Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? Young readers will discover the meanings behind Valentines Day symbols such as hearts, red roses, and cupid. Readers will also learn how people around the world celebrate this holiday.
On March 17th of each year, millions of people all over the world celebrate St. Patricks Day. Taste the foods, hear the music, and dance the dances that make up his celebration. The history of this celebration will captivate children and teach them about Irish culture and traditions.
Put on a mask and join the street party for Mardi Gras. Learn all about this colorful New Orleans holiday, where people enjoy food and fun before the beginning of Lent, a period of reflection and giving up things we enjoy. Explore the history of Mardi Gras, and Carnival, and all its different customs taken from around the world!
One of the most important days of the Muslim calendar, people mark the occasion with a feast shared with people in their community. This fascinating book highlights the customs of this special religious holiday, including the clothing, prayers, food, and gifts.
Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is one of the most important days in the history of the United States of America. Millions of Americans celebrate this national holiday each year. Parades, barbecues, and fireworks have all become staples of the celebration. Learn the importance of this national holiday to the people of the United States, then and now.
Each year during the beginning of spring, millions of Indian people celebrate Holi, also called the Festival of Colors. This two-day celebration includes important Hindu rituals and traditions. Students will love this fascinating introduction to one of the most colorful celebrations in the world!
Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Young readers will learn about the soldiers this holiday celebrates and how the occasion is marked across the country on November 11th.
From New Year's Eve to New Year's Day, people around the world have different customs to welcome in the new year. Learn the history of New Year's Day, and read about the fireworks, resolutions, and parades that make it so much fun!
Hanukkah is a Jewish festival of lights that celebrates the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah is observed over eight days by lighting a candle on the Menorah, a special candelabrum, once each day. After lighting the candle, Jews recite blessings and sing special hymns.
Each year on October 12th, millions of people in the United States celebrate Columbus Day. Easy-to-read text and colorful images help describe the events of Christopher Columbus' voyage, the discovery of the New World, and the activities and celebrations associated with this holiday.
Come inside and learn all about this popular seasonal celebration, from its ancient Christian roots to the holiday extravaganza it has become today. Young readers will learn all about Christmas, including its beliefs and customs.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which Muslims across the world observe daytime fasting for a whole month. It is believed that it was during this month that the first verses from the Koran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan ends with Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic religion. The practices observed throughout this holy month are detailed in a simple and informative manner.
Kwanzaa is an African American festival that celebrates family, community and culture. It began in 1966 and based on various African harvest festivals in an attempt to bring African Americans together and remind them of their roots.
Kung hay fat Choy means may you prosper and is a greeting heard often during Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year, sometimes called Lunar New Year, is celebrated in Chinese communities throughout the world. Children will love this colorful and easy-to-understand introduction to this famous holiday.