Learn More About Global Festivals Celebrated in October
Throughout October, various countries will also mark harvest festivals, adding local flavor to this month of global celebrations. Oktoberfest kicks off the month in Munich celebrating German culture. As autumn deepens, the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival brings families together under the harvest moon. Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, illuminates homes across India and beyond, while Mexico prepares for the colorful Day of the Dead festivities. Halloween caps the month on the 31st, with costumed revelers taking to the streets in many Western nations. Jewish communities might observe Yom Kippur early in the month, depending on the Hebrew calendar.
Pchum Ben Day (Oct. 1st) - Cambodia
Cultural Significance: Pchum Ben Day is a special time in Cambodia when families remember and honor their ancestors. People believe that during this festival, the spirits of their loved ones who have passed away can visit. It teaches kids about the importance of family, tradition, and being kind to others – both living and remembered.
How Kids Can Celebrate: At home, listen to older family members share stories about your ancestors. You can also make colorful paper flowers to decorate your house or the family altar. Remember, Pchum Ben is about showing respect and love for family, both past and present!
How to Greet: 'Sour sdey Pchum Ben', 'Som choun por'
Navratri (Oct. 3rd-12th) - India
Cultural Significance: Navratri, meaning "nine nights," is dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine, typically represented by Goddess Durga and her various forms. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
How Kids Can Celebrate: Make crafts: Create Navratri-themed art like decorated diyas (lamps) or rangoli designs. Learn dances: Practice simple Garba or Dandiya steps.Learn stories: Listen to tales about Goddess Durga and the significance of Navratri.
How to Greet: "Shubh Navratri", "Jai Mata Di"
Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival (Oct. 5th-20th) - South Korea
Cultural Significance: The Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival is a magical celebration in South Korea that lights up the night! Long ago, people in Jinju used lanterns to protect their city from invaders. Now, they create a wonderland of colorful lanterns to remember their brave ancestors and bring good luck. Imagine a river glowing with thousands of floating lights and the sky filled with lantern creatures!
How Kids Can Celebrate: Make lanterns: Children can participate in lantern-making workshops often available at the festival. They can create their own colorful paper lanterns. Float lanterns: Kids can write wishes on their lanterns and float them on the Namgang River, which is a traditional part of the festival.
How to Greet: ‘Haengbokhan chukje doeseyo’, ‘Gamsahamnida’
Yom Kippur (Oct. 11th-12th) - Jewish Holiday
Cultural Significance: Yom Kippur is a very important day for Jewish people. It's often called the "Day of Atonement," which means it's a time to say sorry for mistakes and try to become better people.On this day, many Jewish adults fast (don't eat or drink) for about 25 hours. They spend time in synagogues (Jewish places of worship) praying and thinking about how to be kinder and more honest.
How Kids Can Celebrate: Kids can create holiday-themed art projects like greeting cards or decorations. Attending child-friendly services: Many synagogues offer special Yom Kippur services designed for children and families.
How to Greet: "G'mar Chatima Tova", "Tzom Kal"
Diwali (Oct. 31st - Nov. 1st) - India
Cultural Significance: Diwali, also called the Festival of Lights, is one of the biggest and most exciting celebrations in India and for many people around the world. It represents the triumph of good over evil, and the victory of light over darkness. It's also a celebration of new beginnings and righteousness. It's like a giant, happy party that lasts for five days!
How Kids Can Celebrate: Kids can join in the fun of Diwali by helping decorate the house with colorful lights and paper lanterns. They can create bright rangoli patterns using chalk or flower petals. It's a great time for them to learn about Indian culture through stories, songs, and games related to Diwali.
How to Greet: "Diwali Mubarak!", "Shubh Deepavali!"
Lord of Miracles (Oct. 20th) - Lima, Peru
Cultural Significance: The Lord of Miracles is a very special celebration in Peru, especially in its capital city, Lima. It centers around a painting of Jesus Christ that people believe has magical powers. The story goes that this painting survived a big earthquake long ago when everything around it was destroyed!
How Kids Can Celebrate: Coloring activities: Children can color images of the Lord of Miracles icon or related symbols.Craft projects: Kids could make small altars or decorations using purple (the traditional color of the celebration) paper or cloth.
How to Greet: "Feliz día del Señor de los Milagros", "Bendiciones en este día especial"
Halloween (Oct. 31st) - Britain & Ireland
Cultural Significance: Halloween is a fun holiday with ancient roots! Long ago, people believed it was a time when the spirit world came close to ours. They dressed up in costumes to confuse mischievous spirits. Today, we keep that playful spirit alive by dressing up, sharing treats, and celebrating the spooky and mysterious.
How Kids Can Celebrate: Dress up as your favorite character - maybe a spooky ghost, a brave superhero, or a magical creature. Get spooky-creative this Halloween! Make fun crafts like paper plate ghosts, toilet roll bats, or painted pumpkins.
How to Greet: 'Trick or treat!', ‘Boo!’
Travel around the world with Kaboo as we learn more about different cultural traditions and festivals celebrated in the month of October. Don’t forget to also check out the Kaboo cards celebrating these many occasions!
