Falling for Fall

Ways to take part in seasonal celebrations from around the world.

Brooke A.|October 14, 2022

Falling+for+Fall

Rachel A.

When asked to describe fall in a few words, JIS students said, “The warm colors of the falling leaves,” and “the bright colors of Diwali,” while others acclaimed it to be “that awkward space between summer and Christmas.” Some said “scary movies” or “a month dedicated to mourning summer.” These answers reflect the diverse student population here at JIS and how our cultural backgrounds affect our association with the seasons. Across nationalities, this particular time of year may trigger nostalgia for hometowns and the comfort of the changing colors. It also may spark an interest in fall traditions seen in other cultures and how we can part- take in new celebrations. Here are a few days that celebrate autumn from both hemispheres

Glossary

  • sugar skull – A small, skull shaped figurine used as a base for decoration. Although the name might be misleading, they are not edible; rather they are candy for the eye
  • altar – A display typically dedicated to honouring the deceased with decorations and offerings
  • krathrong – A small, decorated boat made from leaves, and flowers. Krathrongs represent the departure of the negative energy of the past year
  • jack-o-lantern – A face carved into a hollowed out pumpkin illuminated by a candle placed inside
  • rangoli – A large pattern displayed on the floor. A rangoli can be made out of sand, colored rice, lentils, beans or flower petals

Día de Los Muertos

During this Mexican holiday, translating today of the day, the gates between the human and spirit world open for 48 fleeting hours, allowing our late ancestors to come and be among us for a little while. In Mexico, Day of the Dead parades host millions of participants from across the globe. Here are some ways you can celebrate Día de los Muertos:

1. Decorate your own sugar skulls

2. Set up an altar and leave gifts, photos, and food such as tamales out for ancestors

3. Watch Coco, a movie about the Day of the Dead

Loi Krathong

This romantic Thai holiday is dedicated to embracing love and setting goals for the future It is a tradition to light floating lanterns to release along rivers or lakes. Here are some ways you can celebrate Loi Krathong:

1. Release your own floating

2. Make your own krathrong

3. Set some goals for the future

Halloween

Although originating in Celtic tradition, Halloween has become one of the most celebrated holidays, with participants from around the world. It is the spookiest holiday across seasons, embracing the scary and emphasizing sugar intake. Here are some ways you can celebrate Halloween:

1. Watch a scary movie and get in the Halloween spirit

2. Eat or drink anything contain- ing pumpkin, pumpkin spice, or a sweet treat

3. Carve a jack-o-lantern

Diwali

Otherwise known as the festival of lights, Diwali is a widely celebrated tradition, with roughly one billion people participating each year. Originating in South Asia, Diwali is widely celebrated across the globe, and many consider it the most important festival of the year. Here are some ways you can celebrate Diwali:

1. Embrace light and color and make and light your own Diwali lantern

2. Decorate the entrance to your house with a rangoli

3. Educate yourself on the rich history of this colorful holiday

Now that you have learned about all of these holidays, it is encouraged that you take some time this season to celebrate. Whether it be something you have never done before or a tradition dating back to before born, get together with friends and family for an evening of pumpkin pie, tamales, or single-wrapped candy and have a festive fall.