Term 3: Festivals And Customs From A Variety Of Religions Flashcards
What is a festival?
A festival is a time of celebration where people belonging to a religion remember something important to them.
Name two festivals celebrated by Christians and what they are celebrating that is important to them.
Christmas : birth of Jesus
Easter : death and resurrection of Jesus
Ascension day : when Jesus was taken to heaven
Pentecostal day : when the Holy Spirit was given to Christians
Name two festivals celebrated by Judaism and what they are celebrating that is important to them.
Shabbat : weekly time of rest from Friday night to Saturday night remembering the day of rest taken by God after creating the world to reflect and give thanks.
Passover : annual event where we remember how God freed his people from slavery in Egypt using Moses.
Hanukkah : remembering the re dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. It is held for 8 days and nights.
Name two festivals celebrated by Islam and what they are celebrating that is important to them.
Hajj: is done once a lifetime and is a pilgrimage to Mecca and is a show of solidarity to Muslims around the world and their submission to God.
Ramadan : remembers the first revelation of the Quaran to Muhammad. Muslims are required to fast between sunrise and sunset for one month.
Enid-il-fitr : celebrating the end of Ramadan.
Name two festivals celebrated by Hindus and what they are celebrating that is important to them.
Diwali: celebrates the driving out of darkness by light. People forgive one another. It is a 5-day festival where many lights are lit everywhere.
Holi: festival of colors. Celebrates the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, the end of winter.
Name two festivals celebrated by African traditionalist and what they are celebrating that is important to them.
Birth : children are believed to come from the spirit world with a special mission. It is the responsibility of the community to discover the mission and name the child.
Adulthood : at puberty children are taken out of society to be taught their responsibilities as adults In their community and reaffirm their mission. This is often accompanied by circumcision for boys.
Marriage: considered a joining of families and communities where the groom pays labola for his bride.
Eldership: older person considered to have lead a purposeful life and is considered qualified to guide the community.
Ancestorship: these respected elders who have died in the community are selected to represent the communities requests to God.
Name one custom from each religion.
Judaism: circumcision of 8 day old boys, men wear yarmulke during worship services, wearing a tallit for prayer.
Christianity: lent special 40 day fast before Easter, holy communion, baptism of children or adults.
Hinduism: wash and remove shoes before worship, cows are sacred, have shrines in their homes.
Islam : naming ceremony at 7 days old, boys circumcised between 5 and 7 years old, pray 5 times a day, do not eat pork.
African traditionalist : circumcise boys at puberty, consult sangomas and ancestors, sacrifice animals at ceremonies.
What do Christians believe?
There is one God who created all things. His Son Jesus came to earth and died for our sins. Whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life. Holy book is the bible.
What do Jews believe?
There is one God who created all things. Jews are God’s chosen people who must serve as a light to other nations. Holy book is the Torah.
What do Muslims believe?
There is only one God who created all things. Muhammad was the last special prophet from God. Holy book : Quran.
What do Hindus believe?
One supreme God with many other gods. Universe goes through many cycles of creation and existence (reincarnation). Believe in Karma i.e do good and good will be done to you. Holy books: 4 Vedas and hymns.
What do African Traditionalist believe?
They believe in one God with ancestors and helper gods. Believe some people can perform magic and heal.
