Horizon：Religious festivals

[2020.12.16] 發表

【明報專訊】In Hong Kong, we enjoy a relatively long Christmas holiday. As a hub where Eastern culture meets Western culture, we also celebrate Buddhist's birthday. It is a testament to the diversity of our society. Can you name some other holidays or festivals which are related to religions ?

Ramadan

RAMADAN (齋戒月) is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims refrain from eating between dawn and sunset during that month to show patience and submissiveness to God. This practice is called fasting. They usually enjoy their meal or ''breakfast'', known as suhoor, right before dawn. Then they enjoy another meal or ''dinner'', known as iftar, right after sunset.

Diwali

DIWALI (排燈節) usually falls within October and November, depending on the cycle of the moon. Hinduism is one of the largest religions, hence Diwali is widely celebrated around the world, especially in Hindu countries like India. It may last up to five days. Most people light up their houses with candles and oil lamps. It is a festival in celebration of the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

Easter and Good Friday - Christian holiday

IN Hong Kong, Easter and Good Friday are gazetted as public holidays. We are all familiar with these holidays, but do you know the origins of them? Good Friday commemorates the death of Jesus, while Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus from the death. Churches usually hold special services on these days, sing prayers and songs.

Besides celebrating holidays with gifts, we should rethink the origin and meaning of these festivals from time to time. Are they becoming too commercialized? Anyways, have a merry Christmas and wish you all the best in the coming year!

■Game crossword

Unscramble each of the clue words and take the numbered letter. Unscramble them for the message.

(See picture)

(Answers on next text)

■Glossary

diversity (n) 多元

religion (n) 宗教

gazette (v) 刊載

commemorate (v) 記念

[Smarties' Power English 第297期]