Significance of Halloween Props

What is Halloween?

Halloween has dual spirit of both festive as well as superstitious feel. It is thought that the origin of Halloween is the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain in which people used to light bonfire and wear costumes to keep the roaming ghost away. Now Halloween, which is also known as All Hallow’s Eve is celebrated each year on 31st Oct. With time it has become more secular. The event is now celebrated with all the child friendly activities and fun. The most significant activities in Halloween are trick-or-treat, costume parties, making pumpkin’s jack-o’-lanterns, lighting bonfires, playing pranks and visiting haunted attractions. 

Artifacts and Symbols associated with Halloween

Jack o Lantern and Pumpkin:Jack o Lantern is a carved pumpkin and to make this, generally a very large pumpkin is used. As per the Irish folktale, the name “jack-o’-lanterns” has come from a man named Stingy Jack in Ireland. The same tradition had been brought to America by Irish immigrants. America is a home of the pumpkins and so pumpkin as Jack o Lantern became a tradition.

Turnip: In Ireland and Scotland, turnip was traditionally used on Halloween. There big potatoes and turnips were served as an early canvas. But then the immigrants to North America had started using Pumpkins which were larger and softer than turnips.

Trick or Treat :Children celebrate Halloween by playing trick-or-treat activity, which is also known as guessing. From house to house children go in the Halloween costumes and ask for a treat or trick. In treat, the house-owner has to give candies or money or anything as a treat and if not done then trick is played that includes some mischievous activity on the house-owner or his or her property.

Dunking or Apple Bobbing: It is one of the games associated with Halloween. The game is known as “dooking” in Scotland. In this game, apples are floated in tub or large basin and the participants have to remove them by using their teeth. In one variant of the dunking, the participants hold a fork in teeth and then kneel on the chair to get the apples out with fork.

Haunted Places: Haunted attractions add thrill in Halloween. There is no mention of using these in earlier history till the used by the Junior Chamber International (Jaycees) for fund-raising purposes. Haunted ideas generally include haunted houses, hayrides and corn mazes. During festive season it has become a very good business generating sector in USA.

Some Superstitious Associated with Halloween

There is one very interesting superstitious associated with Halloween. It dates back to 18th-century in Ireland and related to a matchmaking cook. The cook might conceal a ring in her mashed potatoes on Halloween night with the hope that her true love would find it on the dinner table.

There is also another story like this in which it was believed that if a woman eats a sugary concoction made out of walnuts, hazelnuts and nutmeg,  before going to bed on Halloween eve, then in her dream she would see her future husband.

Navratri

As the name suggests, “Navaratri” is formed by two words i.e. "nava" (for "nine") and "ratri" (for "nights"). So, Navratri is a 9-day festival observed in the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated two times during an year: one at the beginning of summer, and two at the onset of winters. The latter begins with the day of Ashwina of the bright fortnight. Seeds are sown, sprouting is observed under the blessing of the planets. The festival is celebrated twice a year because we thank the Almighty for maintaining the balance in nature.

Many legends are attached to this festival; all are related to Goddess Shakti and her many forms. The festival holds a special importance to Gujaratis and Bengalis; they celebrate the occasion with great fervor and enthusiasm. Raas Garba is the major attraction for tourist in this season. Dandiya (a form of Raas Garba) is jovially played by men and women during the Navratri.

Navratri is a festival of Goddesses. Just as the child looks to the mother for power, we the earthlings look up for our Goddesses as they are the source of power. While the first three days are dedicated to Goddess Durga, the Warrior Goddess, the next three days celebrate Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity. The last three days worship Goddess Saraswati, Goddess of knowledge. Thus, Navratri offers an invocation to Goddesses for a healthy and happy life.

In certain traditions, a way of celebrating Navratri includes observing fasts that breaks on the Mahanavami. On Mahanavami, people prepare delectable sweets and make an offering to nine young girls; representing the nine avatars of Goddess Durga. The tenth day marks Vijayadashami, or what is popularly called as Dusshera.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Lord Ganesha is a popular Hindu deity since He is invoked before the beginning of any auspicious journey. The diety with the countenance of an elephant is synbolic. The head of Lord Ganesha signify Atman or soul and his body suggests Maya or earthly and human desires for pleasures. ‘Ganesha Chaturthi’, thus is a holy day when the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha is celebrated ardently all over the nation. Another name for ‘Ganesha Chaturthi’ is ‘ Vinayak Chaturthi’. It is usually a ten-days festival, that falls in the Hindu month of Bhadra (mid-August to mid-September) and ends on Anantha Chaturdashi.

Believers of Lord Ganesha around the world warmly welcome the idols of Ganesha in their houses. They worship the idol for ten days from Bhadrapad Shudh Chathurthi to Anantha Chaturthi. On the eleventh day, Lord Ganesha is dressed up elaborately; and the idol of Ganesha is then set to be transported to a river or a sea. He is raised high on a platform, surrounded by a crowd of worshippers dancing and singing all through the way. This cheerful procession is a farewell to Lord Ganesha to his heavely abode to Kailash, taking away with himself the adversities in human life. The festival ends with the loud chants of the believers: "Ganpati bappa morya, pudcha varshi laukar ya" (Hail Lord Ganesh, return again soon next year).

The festival is celebrated largely in the Indian states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. People rejoice the festival as it is believed that Ganesha brings home good luck and prosperity. Ganesha Chaturthi is, therefore, considered an opportunity to wish your loved ones loads of good fortune. Greeting cards are a popular choice. Though, people who want to send their messages in no time go for E-greetings on the festival. Also, sending across charming gifts is another way to convey your blessings to your near and dear ones!

Happy Ganesha Chaturthi!

Teachers' Day (India)

Teachers' Day is a great expression to pay tribute to the teachers who spend their lives in nurturing the young citizens of the country. The role of a teacher in any society is remarkably significant: they inculcate good values and morals among their students, thus becoming helping hands in the building of a nation.

Teachers' Day is celebrated around the world on October 5 every year. Nations usually eulogize a native teacher and celebrate the occasion on their birthday or any other significant day associated with education. Hence, the day of celebration varies from one country to another. Around eighty nations all over the world celebrate the day; and 11 out of them share a common Teachers' Day on February 28.

Coming in a few days in India, Teachers' Day falls on September 5 every year. The day commemorates Dr. Sarvapali Radhakrishnan's since 1962. Dr. Radhakrishnan was the President of India during 1962; also, he was an accomplished philosopher and educator.

Indian schools organize a grand festival on the day. The ceremony usually begins with a speech dedicated to teachers. It is furthered by elaborated feast, dance and songs. 

Usually, students perform the role of the teachers in schools, to express their gratitude. The beauty of Teachers' Day is that it cultivates the bond between a student and their teachers.

Traditional ways of greeting one's teachers is by dedicating them a greeting card. In fact, these days there are so many creative gift ideas for Teachers' Day. Also, with changing times devotional messages to teachers can be easily sent through E-cards. Gifts and cards are beautiful way to articulate your affection and respect for your teacher.

We all have been students sometime in our lives; and Teachers' Day gives us a chance to dedicate a day to our honorable educators.

Onam

Onam is a Hindu festival, celebrated by the people of Kerala in India. Also known as Vamana Jayanti, it solemnizes the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the homecoming

of the legendary Emperor Mahabali. The festival falls in the month of Chingam and lasts for ten days. 

The festival is acknowledged for its colorful and vibrant celebrations like Onnapotan  (a Kerela art form), Puli Kali (Masked leopard dance), intricate flower carpets and the like. Besides these festivities, prayers are being offered in Hindu temples by Hindus and the non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the sacred temples. Onam is a venerated feast for Mahabali, a revered figure since the primordial times.

The celebrations of Onam begin on the Atham day, ten days before Thiruvonam.  The ten respective days of festivity start with 

Atham, followed by Chithira that makes way for Chodi, in succession comes Vishakam subsequently followed by Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradom and finally comes, Thiruvonam, also known as “Second Onam”. Colors, flowers, new clothes, performing various folk-dance and other cultural activities become the hallmark of Onam. It is the picturesque fervor that adds to the dramatic element in Onam.

It is amazing to see the legacy of Onam going in the modern times. It’s a ritual that marks the succession of the Keralite traditions and customs. People who cannot make it to the festival send their loved ones greeting cards, online and through mails. Greeting cards in Onam keeps the spirit of the festival alive in people near or far. The festival of color and flowers has gained immense popularity. Thus, the ongoing revelry and rejoice! 

Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr is a Muslim holy day that celebrates the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting in the Islamic belief. To understand it better, the Arabic words ‘Eid’ means ‘festivity’ and ‘Fitr’ implies ‘breaking the fast’. It falls on Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. The day was commenced by Prophet Mohammad. It brings an air of festivity in the Muslim communities, giving them a sense of brotherhood and unity. The day is observed with a salat i.e. Islamic prayer, usually performed in an open ground or a hall. The festival of Eid is an occasion to eulogize Allah and celebrate his ideals.

Eid also brings to light the humanitarian ideas delivered in the Quran. The festival allows the Muslim brothers perform acts of charity and make them empathize with the poor and the needy. The charity (also called Zakat) includes providing the poor with rice, barley, dates, rice etc, so that the poor can have their belly-fill on the holy day. Also, they need to go to Eid on foot and ask Allah for forgiveness; that gives them humility.

The festivity is furthered with sumptuous cuisines such as Murgh musallam, Mrouziya, Nawabi Biryani; and desserts such as Seviyan, Sheer Korma and the like. Eid-Ul-Fitr is called the ‘Sweet Eid’; for its famous for its sweet dishes. Eid-Ul-Fitr marks the climax of Ramadan, and hence fasting on this day is denied to Muslims. So, the Eid food is quite popular among the Muslim kinsmen. The Muslim brothers staying far greet each other with greeting cards and through the medium of social media. Eid can be understood as a thanksgiving to the mighty God. It is like celebrating Allah as a festival, singing His glory and His supremacy.

Independence Day

The date 15th August, 1947 has now become emblematic of freedom, independence and a shackle-free existence for every Indian. The day reminds the citizens of India of their liberty from an oppressive nation, turning into a self-ruling, peaceful democracy. Every year on the fifteenth day of August, the country flamboyantly monumentalizes the history. The president hoists the national flag jovially at the Red Fort in New Delhi, the capital of India. The Red Fort is further adorned with various cultural activities like folk dances, songs and folk-art. The tableau is indeed a reflection of the colors of India.

The pride in the Independence Day comes about with the commemoration of the struggles of the freedom fighters; they form the backbone of India. People all over the country celebrate the day with the national flag attires, sending each other greeting cards and gathering together; feeling the sense of community. Also, flying kites is yet another popular idea that runs across the nation. Flying kites together is a symbol of liberation and fraternity: the crux of an Independent nation.

Independence Day is a phenomenal experience for every Indian. It is a reminder for the citizens of India that we have to respect, protect and obey the constitution of our country. Moreover, in this age of globalization, the patriotic sentiments are expressed through patriotic poems, e-greeting cards, blogs, and especially through social media. Our nation is growing steadfastly, but we must not forget the hardships faced by our ancestors. We can widely spread our jingoistic spirits by proliferating it among our brothers and sisters across the world.