Mexico Celebrates

Every year, citizens of Mexico remember loved ones that have died through a special celebration called "Dia de los Muertos" or "Day of the Dead".  On November 2nd people gather together in homes and cemeteries, they pray, make offerings and celebrate with a big party that involves lots of eating and drinking. 

Day of the Dead banners decorate the streets of Puerto Vallarta.

Similar to All Saints Day, which Catholics celebrate on November 1st, Dia de los Muertos is much more festive.  People will dress up in fancy clothing, some even in costumes.  Villages and homes are decorated with images of brightly coloured skeletons and skulls.  You can see these decorations for sale in Mexico all year round, they have become a symbol of the country and Mexican culture.

Day of the Dead figurines can be bought at most souvenir shops.

Photo from travelpod.com

Unfortunately I wasn't able to experience Dia de los Muertos firsthand as I arrived in Mexico at the end of November, but maybe we can have our own Day of the Dead celebration in our Canadian classrooms?  Any excuse for a party is a good idea by me!

Shichi-Go-San (Seven-Five-Three)

A busy Sunday at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.

Paper lanterns decorate the gates that lead you into the shrine.

Visiting the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo was a great day out.  Not only did I get to see the Shinto shrine up close, but I also got a chance to be part of a very special Japanese celebration known as Shichi-Go-San (or Seven-Five-Three).  This is when girls who are three and seven, and boys who are five (Japanese people believe odd numbers are good luck) visit a shrine on (or around) November 15, to cast away evil spirits and wish for a long, happy and healthy life.

Great care is taken with every little detail.  From head to toe the children
look perfect for their special day.

This is a special day and the children wear a traditional outfit called a kimono.  For some children it is the first time they have ever worn one of these.  They are followed around by family members who snap pictures of them posing in front of the shrine.

Posing with her mom and brother this little girl will always remember this special day.

The children also receive special treats on this day like chitose ame, a red and white long candy stick that is known as "thousand year candy".  Balloons can be seen floating around, a big teddy bear mascot is on hand to be hugged and there is even a play that is performed in the park for families to enjoy.
 

A five year old boy all dressed up for his big day.

Is there a time when you have worn special clothing or a traditional outfit?  Do you have any pictures of that special day?

Happy Halloween From Malaysia

I have really been enjoying my time in Kuala Lumpur.  There is so much to do, and so much to see. 

Today I spent the day at Suria KLCC.  No ordinary shopping mall, Suria KLCC has several different shops and activities spread over its five floors.  There is a science centre, several food courts and restaurants, a movie theatre, an art gallery, a medical centre, a stage for performances and an aquarium (take a breath) just to list a few of the things you might see.

Suria KLCC makes the shopping malls in Toronto look tiny.

As you can imagine, exploring Suria KLCC got me hungry for a morning snack, so I decided to stop at Boost Juice Bar for a smoothie.  The girls who work there were very friendly.  They asked me where I was from, and I told them Canada and they then asked me for some help.  They were in the middle of carving jack-o'-lanterns (for the very first time) and needed some help drawing scary faces.  I did my best sketching one that had a jagged mouth and slanted eyebrows.  I handed them my drawing and told them I would be back to see their finished pumpkins.  When I returned both pumpkins were carved, and I have to admit both look quite scary.

I think they should be proud of their scary jack-o'-lanterns.

Halloween isn't a big holiday in Malaysia.  Children don't dress up and go door to door in search for candy, but they might dress up and go to a Halloween party, or head to Suria KLCC in their costume.  If they show up wearing a costume on Halloween at Boost Juice Bar, not only will they get to see two scary jack-o'-lanterns, but they will also get a free juice!  Now that is a treat.

A store in the mall selling Halloween decorations and cards.

Instead of celebrating Halloween, some of the children in Malaysia will be celebrating Deepavali.  Do you remember what happens during Deepavali?  Is it anything like Halloween?

I look forward to hearing all about your Halloween adventures.