Apple and nut
mix represents the
mortar that held Egyptian
buildings together
During Diwali,
people take gifts
of sweets to the
houses of their friends
During Eid, children
enjoy sweets made with
pastry, nuts, and honey
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(^7) EID AL-FITR
This Muslim festival marks the
end of Ramadan, a month-long
fast. The celebration lasts for
three days, starting with the
sighting of the new moon. People
dress in their best clothes and
go to the mosque.
(^9) PASSOVER
In March or April, Jews celebrate
Passover to remember when Moses
led the Israelites from slavery in
Egypt. Passover lasts for seven or
eight days and includes a special
meal called a seder. Each part of
the meal has a symbolic meaning.
(^10) EASTER
The Christian festival of Easter
recognizes the resurrection of
Jesus on the third day after his
death. It falls between late March
and April each year. People attend
church and exchange Easter eggs.
(^5) MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL
This east Asian celebration, which
dates back more than 3,000 years,
falls near the traditional harvest,
when the Moon is at its lightest
and brightest. Family and friends
gather in the evening to eat
mooncakes, rich rounds of pastry
with lotus-seed fillings.
(^6) FEAST OF ST LUCIA
Each year, on 13 December, people
in Sweden and Norway celebrate
the feast of Saint Lucia (a Christian
girl who died for her faith). Early in
the morning, a young girl dressed
in white (often the youngest
daughter in the house) takes a tray
of hot saffron buns to her family.
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Chocolate or
painted eggs
are given as
Easter gifts
Matzoh, a flat,
cracker-like bread, is
eaten to remember
how Jews left Egypt
in haste, not waiting
for their bread
dough to rise
A roasted egg
reminds Jews of
sacrifices made in the
temple in Jerusalem
in Biblical times
Parsley is dipped
in salt water to
remember the
tears of the slaves
Horseradish
represents the
bitterness of slavery
Shank bone is a
reminder of the
lamb sacrificed
at the first
Passover
Green vegetable,
often lettuce,
represents new life
(^8) DIWALI
Also known as the Festival of
Lights, Diwali celebrates the
victory of good over evil. Hindu
families light oil lamps and put
them on ledges and balconies.
They also send cards with wishes
for a good year.
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