Resumo de Book Of Facts - Reader's Digest

CUSTOMS AND FESTIVALS ? I

BEANS MEAN SPRING
Shouting ?Good luck in! Evil spirits out?. Japanese families throw beans around their homes every February 3. Each person throws one bean for every year of his life. The origin of the custom is unknown, but in many cultures beans are thought to possess magical properties ? perhaps because they resemble human kidneys and testicles, symbols of renewal and fertility. The festival, known as Setsubun, or Bean Throwing Night, celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring, and is also observed in shrines and temples.

FLYING THE CARP
Giant kites depicting red and black carp are flown every May 5 by Japanese families in honour of their young sons. This ancient festival, known as Tango-No-Sekku, meaning ?Boys? Festival, is intended to encourage the development of manly qualities in small boys. Carp were chosen as symbols of strength and virility because the fish battles its way up fast- flowing rivers to mate and breed.

LIVING DOLL
Dolls are honoured in Japan as a way of encouraging the development of feminine qualities in young girls. During the Festival of Hinamatsuri, meaning ?Girls? Festival?, dolls are arranged in a special alcove, known as the Tokonoma, in family living rooms. The dolls often represent a medieval emperor, empress and retinue of courtiers. Along with family guests, the dolls are offered fruits and vegetables on miniature dishes by young girls dressed in their finest kimonos. The ceremony takes place every March 3.

QUEENS OF THE LIGHT
Every December Swedish girls dispel midwinter gloom by placing small electric candles in their hair to honour St Lucia, the patron saint of light. Long white dresses, scarlet sashes and evergreen garlands complete their costumes, and communities throughout Sweden elect their own St Lucias, or Queens of the Light. Candles are also burnt in homes, shops and offices during the day and special saffron buns- shaped like cats for luck- are eaten.

GIVING THANKS
Turkey, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie are the traditional menu for dinner on Thanksgiving, which takes place annually in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November. The custom originated in 1621 when the Pilgrim Fathers invited neighbouring Indians, who had helped the fledging colony survive, to a celebratory feast for their successful harvest. In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln declared the tradition a national holiday, and today it is marked by spectacular parades and special church Thanksgiving services. The holiday is also observed in Canada.

CHIVALROUS INDIANS
Indian men pledge their lives and swear loyalty to their women in return for a bracelet made of cotton, silk, a coloured material, or gold thread. The Hindu custom originated in ancient times when a Rajput Princess is believed to have sought help by sending part of her silk bracelet to a Muslim emperor in Delhi. After providing assistance the emperor kept her bracelet as a token of loyalty between them. The deed is celebrated in Rakhi Festival, which takes place in the Indian month of Sravana in July and August.

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