


Terry Cullen
Dec 21, 2021
Worldwide
Categories:
Culture, Holiday, Diversity
The world is much more globalized than when I grew up. Back then, it was expensive to fly by airplane, call anyone internationally, find foodstuffs from other countries except in specialized stores and markets, or hear more than one or two languages being spoken in everyday life unless you were in an ethnic neighborhood.
In a few short decades, that has changed dramatically. Airline connections to other parts of the world are regularly scheduled, more affordable, and people from around the world are coming to communities I live in to experience my culture and my country. I have had the good fortune to travel to various countries on different continents, and I marvel at the history, the food, the art, the natural beauty of their landscape, and the warmth of the people. On a beautifully sunny day in a plaza in Shanghai, I met two Chinese women who wanted to practice their English language skills with me. They spoke about their desire to provide a good life for their children to grow up and thrive. I reflected that this was one of many things that people worldwide had in common. I like the racial, cultural, and ethnic diversity of people in this world and the many beautiful experiences it has afforded me.
Now, I know there are many different holidays throughout the entire year, each with deep meaning, rites, and traditions. I wondered, though, how do people in different cultures greet each other during their holidays? I started some online research and quickly discovered a wealth of information. This particular article from diversityresources.com articulated various holiday greetings from around the world. It's not exhaustive, but it does reflect a diverse mix.
Many Christians worldwide will be greeting others with 'Merry Christmas' in many different languages on December 25. Orthodox Christians will use the same greeting, too but on January 7.
Earlier this month, Jewish people were expressing 'Happy Hanukkah.'
As the clock turns from December to January, millions will be wishing each other 'Happy New Year.' Not everyone, though, because New Year may be on a different date. The Chinese will welcome New Year, the year of the Tiger, on February 1, 2022. The Chinese may greet each other with 'Gung Hay Fat Choy' (Cantonese pronunciation) or 'Gungshi Shin Nien' (Mandarin pronunciation), which translated to English is similar to 'Happy New Year.' Whereas Western cultures may celebrate the New Year for one day, the Chinese celebration is 16 days in length.
A significant holy time for Muslims is Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Adha for the year 2022 is celebrated/ observed on sundown of Saturday, July 9, ending at sunset on Sunday, July 10. Eid al-Adha is held around the 10th to the 13th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah and commemorates Ibrahim's sacrifice of his son to God. Traditional greetings include: 'Eid Mubarak; Happy Eid; Congratulations; May every year bring more good things to you.'
Hindus have many holy days throughout the year. Their greetings are the same for each, 'God bless you with prosperity and happiness or I wish you happiness and prosperity.'
Each of the many holiday greetings spoken from one person to another are sincere good wishes, an expression of benevolence in many forms, such as prosperity, happiness, congratulations, peace, for example. No matter your culture, your beliefs, there are intrinsic values common to all of us, values we aspire to and that bond us together as humanity, as one.
Sadly, our world is rife with violence and angry rhetoric. We founded im4u.world to test the idea that each of us yearns for something different. One of our core beliefs, "It is time to interact with the world in a completely different way," gets to the heart of the matter. Together we can change the world. It begins with you, me, I. Look inwards to your community today. What groups of people do not belong to the mainstream culture? Now, make a concerted effort to reach out to one of those groups today with some act of giving. Let them know you appreciate their presence in the community and the contributions they make.
The cross-cultural connection will help us rid ourselves of the angry fears that falsely guide our beliefs and drive us to isolate and polarize. We become better versions of ourselves when we reach out to help or express gratitude for another. You cannot be unchanged from such an encounter.
Have a wonderful holiday season. May all that is good in you come to fruition and be a light to others.
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Catalog #:
1221.100.01.122121