Celebrating the many holidays around the world
Friday January 29th, 2021
Given that there are 68 religious holidays alone, here are a few cultural and religious occasions where you might want to gift and how to approach them.
Eid al-Fitr – At the end of a month long fast, this festival celebrates “breaking the fast” by giving each other small gifts and charitable donations. It is a spiritual time where you can reflect on your life and gratefulness for your blessings. Children may be given small cash gifts called “Eidi” and other gifts like new clothes, music or food are an expression of love.
Diwali – The most important Hindu holiday of the year, the exchange of gifts is time to celebrate family and community. The Hindu festival of lights, which lasts for four days and represents the triumph of good over evil, is the opportunity to gift thoughtfully and creatively. A well-crafted pen to home accents like a luxury candle or natural stone infuser are a beautiful way to let someone know that you appreciate them and their sense of style.
Purim – Traditionally an important Jewish holiday associated with gift exchange, the Hebrew Bible describes Shalach Manos as a Jewish obligation to give gifts of food to benefit their community, and especially the poor. Gifts were commonly given in baskets or bags often containing Hamentashen, which is a traditional baked good. Traditionally, gifts should be as generous as one can afford them to be. Many children enjoy this holiday because they are given Purim costumes according to Jeremy, a thirty something Israeli resident in Hong Kong. In Israel Purim is a very big holiday well-planned out in advance, whereas Jewish people living overseas will encourage children to enjoy it as a day to dress up and play. He advises that for a home visit, thoughtful gifts like a European gourmet food basket have become widely accepted.
Hanukkah – This is a festival and celebrated for 8 days in the month of December which traditionally had no tradition of exchanging gifts. However, over time, Hanukkah has evolved to be celebrated differently depending on which country you reside in. For example, a family in Hong Kong or France may celebrate it similarly to the Christian Christmas while in Israel this is not the case. Depending on the budget of the family, children can receive a PlayStation, phone, clothes or a book if it’s an intellectual family. Some families and relatives will also gift young children a little bit of money. For a get-together or visit, a gift like gourmet donuts inspired by sufganiyah, a jelly-filled doughnut traditionally eaten during Hanukkah in Israel would be very well-received.
Happy gifting even if it is not your holiday, it is nice when we are curious and learn about other important cultural and religious holidays.
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