By Wenhan (Amy) Li

I am a Chinese girl who moved to the United States for high school. So I’m really into learning about culture. I am most familiar with the festivals that I celebrated back home: the Dongzhi Festival and the Lunar New Year. These two important festivals have been celebrated for thousands of years.

Here is some of what I’ve learned for this article.

Diwali - India

Diwali, celebrated in either October or November, is one of the most significant festivals for Hindus. During this time, families adorn their homes with decorations and illuminate their surroundings with candles and oil lamps, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. These lights also represent prosperity and happiness. The festival is a joyous occasion, with people exchanging gifts and reveling in spectacular fireworks displays.

Yi Peng - Thailand

The Lantern Festival, held in November, is highlighted by the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand. In celebration of the full moon, people release lanterns into the sky, each inscribed with personal wishes for blessings. This cherished tradition symbolizes the success of the harvest and the promise of happiness in the year to come. The act of releasing the lanterns represents the letting go of bad luck and the welcoming of good fortune.

Christmas - Various Asian Countries

Although Christmas originates in the West, it is widely celebrated across many Asian countries. In places like Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and even parts of India, Christmas is a joyful occasion with Christmas tree decorations, gift exchanges, and family gatherings.

Loy Krathong - Thailand

Loy Krathong, celebrated in November, is a traditional Thai festival where people release "krathongs," small banana-leaf boats, into rivers or lakes. The glowing lanterns, coupled with the soft melodies of traditional songs and the fragrance of flowers, create a romantic and joyous atmosphere. The festival symbolizes love and happiness, as the flickering candlelight reflects on the water, bringing an air of enchantment to the night.

Chongyang Festival - China

The Chongyang Festival boasts a rich history and is observed on the ninth day of the ninth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, typically falling in October or November. Also known as the "Double Ninth Festival," it is a celebration that intertwines themes of familial affection, harmony with nature, health, and cultural heritage. The festival encourages people to honor and care for the elderly, cherish family bonds, and express aspirations for the future through traditions such as mountain climbing and chrysanthemum appreciation. In some Chinese cultures, families visit cemeteries. It embodies the traditional Chinese values of reverence for family and a deep connection to nature.

Dongzhi Festival - China and East Asia

Dongzhi, a pivotal moment in the Chinese solar calendar, marks the winter solstice, the day with the shortest daylight hours and the longest night. Occurring annually between December 21 and 23. Beyond family reunions and culinary delights, Dongzhi holds cultural significance in diverse regions of China. In some areas, people may visit temples to offer prayers, participate in ancestral worship rituals, or engage in specific local customs.As a cherished festival deeply intertwined with Chinese culture and heritage, Dongzhi continues to be celebrated by Chinese communities worldwide, fostering a sense of belonging and perpetuating timeless traditions.