Customs and traditions
A custom is something people do in a special way, for example touching the feet of elders, taking off shoes at the door, or giving a gift with both hands. A tradition is a custom passed from parents to children over many years.
Customs show respect, remember history and make us feel we belong. They can change slowly over time.
Festivals around the world
A festival is a special time that a whole community celebrates. Some are religious, some are about seasons and harvest, and some are national or cultural days.
- Diwali: festival of lights in autumn; lamps, sweets, family visits.
- Holi: spring festival of colours.
- Lunar New Year: new year by the moon calendar; families meet, red decorations, dumplings.
- Eid: after the month of fasting; prayers, new clothes, sweet dishes, giving to others.
- Christmas: 25 December; gifts, cake, carols.
To describe a festival say: when it is, who celebrates, what people do, what they eat.
Why dates change
The sun calendar has 365 days, so a date like 25 December is fixed. A moon calendar has about 354 days in a year (12 moon cycles). That is about 11 days shorter, so a festival fixed by the moon moves about 11 days earlier each year on the sun calendar. Some calendars add a leap month now and then to keep festivals near the same season.
Family celebrations and special food
Families celebrate birthdays (candles, cake, songs), weddings (rituals, dress, music, feast), anniversaries and graduations. Naming ceremonies and coming-of-age days are also common.
Special foods tell a story. Sweets show joy, round foods may show togetherness, and shared meals show welcome. Always ask about food allergies and keep any guest's diet in mind (for example vegetarian or no pork).
To be a good guest: arrive on time, greet elders, bring a small gift, try the food politely, and say thank you.
Key formulas and definitions
- Sun calendar year = 365 days; moon calendar year = about 354 days
- Difference โ 11 days per year
- Describe a festival: when + who + what people do + food
- Key words: custom, tradition, festival, celebration, ritual, calendar, guest
Worked examples
1. Describe a festival you know in 4 sentences.
"Diwali is in October or November. Families light lamps and clean the house. They share sweets and visit friends. I love it because the whole street glows."
2. If a moon-calendar festival falls on 20 March in one year, about when will it fall 3 years later?
3 ร 11 = 33 days earlier. 20 March minus 33 days is about 15 February.
3. How do you politely accept food at a friend's festival?
Say "Thank you, it looks wonderful." Try a little of everything. If you cannot eat something, say kindly "I am not able to eat this, but thank you."
Common mistakes
- Saying only "it is fun". Name the day, the activities and the food.
- Thinking all calendars work the same. Some festivals move because they follow the moon.
- Calling someone else's custom strange. Say "different" and ask about it.
- Forgetting that guests may have food rules or allergies.