By Zoey Gibson
Photos by Zoey Gibson
The fireworks show their joyous sparks throughout the year—fitting for most holidays. The candles provide warmth for present and past visitors, loved ones gathering around to celebrate tradition. Even though customs and cultures differ, holidays around the world share common themes, unifying the world under things like family, faith, and light.
To welcome the new year, many around the world celebrate by cleaning their homes, igniting fireworks, and maybe even eating 12 grapes under the table at midnight. In the Americas, Europe, and Australia, New Year’s Eve and Day are celebrated through traditions like watching the ball drop in Times Square, making New Year’s resolutions, and sharing a midnight kiss. In East and Southeast Asia, Lunar New Year is celebrated through giving red envelopes, parades with dragon and lion dances, and the Lantern Festival.
In Japan, they celebrate Omisoka, or Japanese New Year’s Eve, by eating cold soba, ringing a large bell in Buddhist temples, and waiting for the first sunrise of the year. People around the world value renewal and hope, gathering to symbolically and physically let go of the old and welcome the new.
Light over darkness is a common thread woven into many global traditions. Diwali, celebrated across South and Southeast Asia, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, with families lighting diyas(festive candles), exchanging sweets, and praying for prosperity. In Mexico and Central America, Día de los Muertos honors loved ones who have passed, welcoming their spirits back through colorful altars, candles, marigolds, and offerings—transforming mourning into a celebration of remembrance. Halloween, celebrated in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, also stems from older Celtic traditions about warding off harmful spirits through costumes, lanterns, and gathering together. Whether spiritually or symbolically, these celebrations show remembrance and transformation, using light, color, and creativity to push away darkness.
As winter approaches, many cultures find comfort in honoring the Winter Solstice, celebrating the slow return of the sun. In East Asia, Dongzhi marks the longest night of the year with warm foods like tangyuan to symbolize unity and hope. In the Middle East and Central Asia, Yalda Night is celebrated by gathering with family to read poetry, eat pomegranates and nuts, and stay awake until midnight to welcome the rebirth of light. In India, Lohri brings communities together around bonfires, singing folk songs and sharing sweets to celebrate warmth, new beginnings, and the lengthening days. These traditions center on resilience and light—welcoming brighter days with warmth, family, and reflection.
Winter solstice traditions also merge with Christmas celebrations, creating overlaps of candles, feasts, and hope. Kwanzaa, celebrated in parts of Anglo-America, the Caribbean, and Africa, honors African heritage and principles of community through candle lighting, reflection, and gift-giving. Hanukkah, celebrated in Anglo America, Europe, and Israel, commemorates perseverance and the miracle of the oil through lighting the menorah, playing games, and sharing traditional foods. In Northern Europe, the ancient Celtic Yule celebrates the solstice with evergreen decorations, feasts, and fires, many of which have influenced modern Christmas traditions. Saint Lucia Day, also celebrated in the Nordic region, honors light through candle crowns and community processions. All these holidays uplift hope and perseverance during the darkest time of the year.
Finally, Christmas and its related celebrations highlight themes of giving and goodwill. Christmas, now celebrated around the globe, centers on compassion, charity, and gathering with loved ones through exchanging gifts and sharing meals. In India and Bangladesh, Big Day brings communities together to attend church services, exchange treats, and share festive meals. Boxing Day, observed in the U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, emphasizes generosity—traditionally a day to give to those in need, now often celebrated through community events and time with family. These celebrations highlight kindness, reflection, and acts of giving that help strengthen communities.
The more people know about the similarities between traditions and holidays, the more people can share the common human experience of craving to gather, hope, and find joy. Across countries, cultures, and belief systems, these celebrations remind us that people everywhere seek renewal, connection, reflection, gratitude, unity, and light—threads that weave humanity together through every season of the year.
