1 st Grade World History

1. 1st Grade World History By Ashley Prieto Indicator 2: Evaluate the interaction of world cultures and civilizations, philosophies, and religions.

2. Cinco de mayo • Holiday of Mexico • Mexican soldiers over took the French and Mexican traitors in 1862 • Cinco de Mayo means May 5th in Spanish • This celebrates freedom and liberty for Mexico • Mexico and United States worked together to protect Mexico

3. Chinese New Year • For 2012 Starts January 23 • Animal Sign for the year 2012 is a dragon • The new year date changes from year to year like the new moon changes • Chinese people all over the world have parades

4. Holiday of Ireland • It celebrates when Christianity was brought to Ireland • Celebrated on March 17th • People normally attend church services, wear green clothing • Also celebrated in Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand

5. Kwanzaa • Celebrated from December 26 to January 1 • African American and Pan-African holiday • A cultural message about what it means to be African and human • A celebration of family, community and culture • Use a Kinara or candle holder • 3 red candles on the left, 3 green on the right and a single black candle in the center • Candles represent the principles • Lite one candle each day

6. Hanukkah • Is a Jewish holiday • Celebrated for 8 days and 8 nights • Starts on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev • Hanukkah means dedications • It commemorates the re-dedication of the holly Temple in Jerusalem • Lighting the hanukkiyah- every night for 8 nights • Popular game- spinning the dreidel • Jewish people eat fried food

7. Diwali • Wednesday October 26th • A festival of India • Known as the festival of lights • Common practice to light small oil lamps called diyas • Candles are placed in the home, in yards, gardens, and on rooftops and outer walls • Exchange of sweets and explosion of fireworks • Celebration’s meaning depends on where in India • It signifies the renewal of life

8. Japanese Children’s Day • Japan National holiday • Originally called Tango no Sekku and was a festival for boys • Families fly huge carp-shaped streamers (koinobori) • Carp symbolizes strength and success • Take baths sprinkled with iris leaves and roots thought to promote health and ward off evil • Rice cakes called kashiwamochi are eaten • Children’s Day

9. Ramadan • Happens in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar • Lasts 29 to 30 days • Participate in not eating, drinking, smoking during the daylight hours • Teaches Muslims about patience, spirituality, and humility • Qur’an is to be read and there are mosques held every night • Egypt and other Muslim countries celebrate this holiday

10. Christmas • Celebrated December 25th • To celebrate the birth of Jesus the Nazareth • History of Christmas • Celebrated in the USA, Mexico and more Christian countries • Customs are gift giving, music, Christmas cards, church celebrations • Decorations include mistletoe, nativity scenes, holly , lights, and Pine trees

11. Day of German Unity • This festival happens in Germany • Celebrated on October 3 • Commemorates the anniversary of German reunification • Called Tag der deutschen Einheit • Celebrated with a ceremonial act and a citizens’ festival • Celebration is hosted by the German state which presides over the Bunbdersrat • Common to broadcast films and documentaries about the history of the formerly divided states

12. 4th of July • Celebrated in the United States • Our Independence was won on July 4th, 1776 • Declaring the US’s independence from Great Britain • Fireworks, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, baseball games and parades are commonly associated • In 1820, the first Fourth of July celebration was held in Eastport, Maine • Revealing our patriotism

13. El Dia de La Independencia • September 16 • Mexico’s independence day • Mexico fought and won their struggle with Spain to become their own country • 1810 is the year Mexico won its independence • Celebrated like the 4th of July is celebrated in the US • Carnivals, games and fireworks are all customs in Mexico as well

14. Anzac Day • Holiday in Australia and New Zealand • April 25th celebration date • A day that pays respect to those who fought and some who died in military operations for their country • ANZAC stands for Australia and New Zealand Armed Corps • Parades of former and current military members televised • Also celebrated in Turkey New Zealand Flag Australia Flag

15. Carnivals • Take place in the month of February • Peruvian highlands are a joyful and cheerful • A big tree is planted somewhere full of presents and gifts • Idea is to cut tree so it falls down • People dance during this time

16. Valentine’s Day • Celebrated in many countries across the world • Some celebrate by attending church ceremonies for Saint Valentine • Other cultures celebrate by giving gifts and showing love to their significant other • Celebrated on February 14th

17. Dia de los Muertos • A Spanish holiday • Celebrated on November 2nd • Also called The day of the Dead • Families pay respects to friends and family members who have passed away • A Roman Catholic day • It was believed the souls of the dead returned for a meal with family members

18. A holiday based off of El Dia de los Muertos • Common in the US • Children dress in costumes • Go to houses and ask for candy • Decorate with Jack-o-lanterns, bats, pumpkins, goblins, ghouls

19. Earth Day • An internationally celebrated day • Started to help us understand to take care of our planet • Happens in April • Objectives of Earth Day • Trying to connect to the divine through nature • Taking care of the environment • Earth centered spirituality + =