By Suvi Carlile
Students are back from winter break, which means the “holiday season”, as we like to call it, has just passed – but aren’t there holidays every season?
In the Western World, “the holidays” often refers to the many celebrations that span late November to early January, including Thanksgiving (US), Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s. The gift-giving associated with these festivities often marks the peak sales season for the retail sector, as shops buzz with customers spending large sums on gifts for loved ones. What’s interesting is that several new holidays have snuck their way into the renowned “holiday season”, as stores stock up on gifts in preparation for the swarming customers: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day are just a few of these newcomers. Known as “shopping days”, these holidays are a win-win for both buyers and sellers – buyers get their favorite items at significantly discounted prices, while sellers get to boost sales and clear their inventory. In 2023, UK consumers spent a whopping £9.42 billion during Black Friday sales, and this number is expected to keep growing.
As wonderful as the popular holidays of the Western World are, you’re probably already pretty familiar with them. So don’t worry, I won’t bore you with stories of Santa Claus that you’ve likely heard hundreds of times already. Instead, I wanted to share with you some unique celebrations from around the world that you might not currently celebrate, but should absolutely experience the magic of – and in order to celebrate in a respectful way, it’s important to learn about the roots and significance of each one. I hope their joyous nature sparks happiness across St Andrews as classes resume and reminds everyone that literally anything, from the grass to the sky, is worth celebrating.
Holiday 1: Holi
What? Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated each year in March. The exact day varies according to the Hindu calendar but always falls around the same time, marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring, love, and new life. Holi honors the god Krishna (of protection, compassion, tenderness, and love) and the legend of Holika and Prahlad, whose story commemorates the victory of good over evil. Holi has been celebrated in India and Nepal since ancient times and is observed today by over one billion Hindus and people of all religions. It is said that during this festival, the gods turn a blind eye, allowing people to party freely and dance as if no one is watching (literally).
How? Known as “The Festival of Colors”, Holi is one of the most lively and vibrant celebrations you’ll ever come across. On the first night, people light bonfires to symbolize burning away the bad and giving life to the upcoming future. The second and final day is where the fun really ramps up; people run through the streets, throwing colorful powder dye all over the place and creating a rainbow in the crowd. These vibrant colors reemphasize the welcome of new life, and washing them off afterward symbolizes washing away past sins and starting anew.
When and where? If you want to take part in this fabulous celebration, I recommend Vrindavan (where the color ritual began), Malthura, Delhi, Mumbai, or Jaipur. Immersing yourself in communities where these holidays are consistently celebrated will give you a truly authentic experience. However, as with traveling in general, make sure you stay safe by going with trusted friends or family. This year, Holi is on March 4, but if you plan to go next year, check the dates to avoid missing it.
Holiday 2: Up-Helly-Aa
What? Up-Helly-Aa is a tradition celebrated annually from January to March to commemorate the end of the Yule season in our very own Scotland. This celebration evolved from an older Yule tradition of Christmas tar barreling, during which young men would drag barrels of burning tar through the streets to relieve boredom after returning home from the Napoleonic Wars. However, the tradition of tar barreling was banned in 1881 and replaced by a torch ceremony.
How? Today, Up-Helly-Aa is celebrated with a torch procession through town to a replica Viking ship, where the torch is thrown. As the ship burns, crowds sing a traditional song, “The Norseman’s Home”, before going off to party for the rest of the night.
When and where? Up-Helly-Aa has actually just begun! On January 27, processions in Shetland began. The good news is that it’s not too far – you’ll just have to make your way up to the Shetland Islands, just north of mainland Scotland. You can take a bus, ferry, or a plane… just don’t miss this amazing opportunity to dive deep into Scottish culture. Perhaps your next reading week adventure?
Holiday 3: Inti Raymi
What? Inti Raymi is a traditional Incan celebration held annually in Peru. It is often revered as the most important festival in Incan tradition, honoring the ancient sun god, Inti. It was created in 1430 to celebrate the new year in the Andes during the reign of Inca Pachacutec, the creator of Machu Picchu.
How? Known as “The Festival of the Sun”, Inti Raymi has three stages, all of which consist of traditional songs, dances, and clothing from the Inca era. At the end, the Inca arrives on a gold-plated platform, carried by a group of people, to the spot where he delivers a speech of gratitude to Inti and the Inca for their sources of life, harvest, and protection.
When and where? Inti Raymi is celebrated in late June, drawing thousands of visitors from around the world to Peru. Stage 1 is celebrated at the Qorikancha Temple, Stage 2 in the Cusco Main Square, and Stage 3 at Sacsayhuaman’s esplanade. This year, Inti Raymi will be celebrated on June 24th, so book those tickets soon to experience the fiesta of a lifetime.
The thing about holidays is that many of them are religious. Most people don’t think about celebrating anything new, but the truth is, nearly every holiday centers on the same thing: joy and community. While you do have to respect their religious foundations, you don’t need to believe in the same gods or saints to celebrate happiness. No matter where you grew up or where you live now, holidays are about coming together and being with the people you love. All the holidays I mentioned in this article celebrate something different: good over evil, the Yule season, and the sun. All I’m trying to say is that I hope this article inspires you to embrace and celebrate the differences among countries, cultures, and religions, whether through travel or research online. In the end, it’s about cultivating the joy you deserve to experience, and seeing that through the lens of a different culture will help you realize how much there truly is to celebrate in the world.