Asian Countries Know How to Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day Too

It might not be the first places you think of- but countries in Asia actually have some pretty incredible St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Although, there is not a high Irish population throughout Asia, on St. Patrick’s Day everyone is Irish right? The holiday isn’t big everywhere in Asia but there are a few places that really get into the spirit of things and would be a great place to spend the holiday if you’re ever around the area in March!

Seoul, South Korea

It is a fairly recent addition to the list of Korean festivals, but since 2001 the Irish Association of Korea has been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with an annual parade that hosts up to 15,000 attendees. It is complete with everything you would expect for a St. Patty’s Day celebration, including bagpipes, Irish dancing, Celtic music, lots of green, and of course lots of beer! The Koreans love any excuse for a good party!

Tokyo, Japan

This may come as a surprise to you, but the Japanese have celebrated and embraced Irish culture for quite some time, and this includes- of course- St. Patrick’s Day. Each year, Tokyo hosts an amazing parade bringing 30,000 people to the streets to celebrate and several thousand parade participants. And like in Seoul, lots of green, music, food, and alcohol can be expected!

Singapore

Due to it’s strong associations with the British Isles, Singapore also has a connection to Irish heritage and with it, St. Patrick’s Day. In addition to a spectacular parade, Singapore also hosts an annual St. Patrick’s Day Ball. The celebrations stretch over a three day period. First begins the ball on the eve before the big day. Then on the 17th, the streets fill with green for the parade. And the fun continues on the 18th with street parties outside of local Irish pubs and Irish Festivals. 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

In previous years, Kuala Lumpur has had parties and festivals that have reached over 8,000 attendees. But Malaysia is making our list because of their public determination to host Asia’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, even making an online pledge to make it into the Guinness Book of World Records. And they take it one step further, wanting to make not just the 17th the day of celebrations- but all of March!

How Countries in Asia Celebrate Halloween

Halloween is the most popular holiday in the United States, but did you know that other countries celebrate it too? Countries around the world have ways of honoring and remembering the dead during this time of year. Even different countries in Asia like to celebrate Halloween, but not in the traditional costumes-and-pumpkins way we might think. 

Each October 31st, people across China celebrate Halloween, or Teng Chieh, by offering food and water to the dead. They also light lanterns with the belief that they will help to guide deceased loved ones as they make their visit to the "land of the living" in Halloween night. 

The Japanese also utilize lanterns for their Halloween customs. The lanterns are traditionally colored red and are hung in every house. These red lanterns are also placed on boats and float through rivers to guide the spirits of the dead back to the homes of their families for the night. It is also traditional for Japanese families to clean the gravestones of their ancestors and prepare special dishes to honor and remember them. These customs and traditions are all referred to in Japan as the Obon Festival. 

Halloween is not big in Korea, but offerings of food and flowers are still made to their ancestors to show respect. 

Hong Kong remembers their lost loved ones through a traditional festival known as the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts. During this time, pictures of fruits or money are burned with the belief that these images will reach the spirits of the dead and provide comfort. 

Although many of the Halloween traditions in Asia are different from those in the United States, certain countries are beginning to pick up many Western Halloween traditions. For example, Halloween recently arrived in Japan. Now around this time of year, decorations such as jack-o'-lanterns can be seen around town of in shop windows and every year Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan puts on extravagant Halloween shows and events. Trick-or-Treating is still not a common practice in Japan, but costume house parties aren't that uncommon. 

Besides the traditional and culture-rich Festival of the Hungry Ghosts, Hong Kong also likes to celebrate the more commercialized side of Halloween. Each year bars all across Hong Kong are decked out in Halloween decorations in an attempt to increase local interest in the holiday. Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park also host a Halloween Bash each year to promote and celebrate the holiday. 

The Legend Behind the Chinese Double Seventh Festival

The Double Seventh Festival, also known as the Qixi or Qiqiao Festival, is a Chinese festival celebrated annually around the beginning to mid August. The name, literally meaning Night of Sevens, comes from the holiday celebrations falling on the seventh day of the seventh month each year.

As with most festivals, there are traditions and rituals surrounding the yearly celebration, specifically for girls and newly weds. Girls make their way to temple to pray  and burn paper in hopes for attracting a loving husband in their future. To pray for a long and happy marriage, newly wed women are encouraged to make offerings of fruit, flowers, tea, and face powder to Niulang and Zhinu, the mythical couple this festival was created for.

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This Chinese festival is always one of my favorites to write about because of the legend and mythology behind it. Behind the Qixi Festival is an ancient forbidden love story between Zhinu and Niulang. 

Niulang, a young cowherd, fell in love with the Goddess’ seventh daughter, Zhinu, who fell for instantly for him. They were then married in secret, without the knowledge of Zhinu’s mother. They were happy for many years and had two children. But their happiness was cut short when the Goddess of Heaven found out her daughter had married a mortal and ordered Zhinu to immediately return to Heaven. Niulang tried to follow his beloved wife but was stopped by the Goddess scratching a river in the sky with her hairpin to separate the lovers forever. The only time they were allowed to see each other was on the seventh night of the seventh moon when a bridge forms in the sky to unite them for a single night. This night has since become known as the Double Seventh Festival. 

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Chinese Newly-Weds Pray For a Good Marriage During the Double Seventh Festival

The Chinese are welcoming the arrival of August through the celebration of the annual Qixi Festival. The festival, also known as the Qiqiao Festival, is celebrated by the Chinese every summer on the seventh day of the seventh month, which falls somewhere during early to mid August. Other names for this exciting holiday include the Double Seventh Festival, representative of the holiday’s occurrence on both the seventh day and seventh month. Qixi literally means the Night of Sevens. 

As one can expect with most Chinese holidays and festivals, many traditions and rituals are associated with the Double Seventh Festival. It is celebrated by all Chinese, but particularly important to girls and newly-wed couples. On this day, young girls go to their local temple to pray for wisdom. As they burn paper items as offerings, they wish and pray to marry someone who will be a good and loving husband. 

Newly-weds are to worship and pray to Zhinu and Niulang, the mythological couple the holiday is associated with, for a long and happy marriage. Offerings can be made to the famous couple of fruit, flowers, tea, and face powder. Once the offerings have been completed, half the face powder is to be put on the new bride and the other half thrown on the roof. It is an interesting tradition, but said to bind the woman with the beauty of Zhinu. 

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For these couples, the holiday represents the symbol of a successful marriage and shows that the bride is treasured by her new family. 

The Qixi Festival is associated with many traditions but there are century-old legends behind those traditions and celebrations. To learn more about the legend behind the Qixi, or Double Seventh Festival, keep a look out for the second part of this blog! 

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The History Behind One of Japan's Oldest Holiday Traditions: Girl's Day

With the ending of February and the coming of March, we can look forward to a transition from the long and cold winter into the beginning of the spring months. The coming of spring not only means welcoming warmer weather, but also a season full of fun and traditional festivals and holidays throughout Asia. One of the first spring holidays in Japan is just around the corner! On March 3rd, people around Japan will be celebrating the festival known as Girl’s Day. 

Also referred to as the Doll Festival or Hinamatsuri, Girl’s Day is one of the oldest known holiday traditions in Japan. The annual celebration first began during the Heian Period, which dates all the way back to 794! The people of the ancient villages began first by displaying the beautifully crafted dolls in their homes, believing that they possessed the capacity to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. It then became customary to engage in a custom known as hina-nagashi. This practice called for people to place the dolls into boats and push the boats out to sea, with the belief that the dolls would carry the bad spirits away with them. 

The Doll Festival has also become referred to as Girl’s Day because during the Heian Period, and still today, it was popular for many of the little girls to play with dolls. The dolls were so loved that they even became seen as the protectors or caretakers of the girls, even marriage. 

warding off bad spirits and keeping a watchful eye on their owner throughout her childhood, adolescence, courtship, and

Each year as the hand-crafted dolls are displayed, it reminds the people of Japan of an almost millennia-old custom. If you are looking to get a taste of the rich culture and history of Japan, there is no better time than during this beautiful display of Japanese history. 

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Koreans Celebrate Thanksgiving Their Way with Chuseok

One of America's favorite past times, Thanksgiving, is a time of gathering with family, sharing stories and laughter over mashed potatoes and turkey. This time of year is associated with many traditions that reflect American culture- but did you know that Korea has a Thanksgiving as well?

Like in America, Korean Thanksgiving, known as Chuseok, is also full of deep tradition and culture. Unlike American Thanksgiving which is one day, Chuseok stretches across three. The preparation begins the day before Chuseok and extends till the day after. 

One of the most important traditions associated with Chuseok is Beolcho, the clearing of weeds around the grave of ancestors and Seongmyo, visiting the graves of the ancestors. It is considered a duty and expression of respect and devotion to the family. Another tradition

that adds spark and excitement to the holiday is Ssireum, Korean wrestling. During Chuseok the strongest people in each village are selected to compete in a wrestling match. The last one left standing is considered the village's strongest man and rewarded cotton, rice, or a calf as his prize.

 The Korean circle dance, or Ganggangsullae, is another critical aspect of the Chuseok celebration. During this ceremony women dress in traditional Korean clothing, Hanbok, and dance in a circle singing and holding hands. This tradition is very significant in Korean history, dating all the way back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Clothing worn and food consumed is also very specific during the Chuseok holiday. Chuseokbim is the custom in which the head of each household would buy brand new clothes for everyone in the house, even the servants.

Like  turkey's importance in America, Korea also has a food that is representative during Chuseok. Songpyeon, the food of Korean Thanksgiving, is a ball of rice or rice powder filled with sesame seeds, beans, rice beans, and chestnuts. While they steam, pine needles are added to the top to create a beautiful and mouthwatering fragrance. It is tradition that whoever makes the best songpyeon will meet an attractive spouse, if single, or give birth to a beautiful daughter, if married or pregnant. 

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Golden Week Celebrations Continue with Greenery Day

The celebrations are still going strong through Japan as Golden Week welcomes its third annual holiday; Greenery Day. Originally, Greenery Day was the replacement holiday for the birthday of Emperor Showa after he passed away in 1989. 

The holiday was named Greenery Day because of the Emperor's great love and appreciation for nature.

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In 2007, April 29th was changed to Showa Day and May 4th became the holiday to celebrate all things green. 

To honor this holiday, people are encouraged to get outside and surround themselves with nature. This includes walks through the country's breathtaking parks and outdoor family gatherings and picnics. Annual tree plantings are held across the country and people come together to get their hands dirty for a good cause- restoring the beauty in our environment!

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Constitution Memorial Day: The Second Celebration of Japan's Golden Week

The second holiday in the collection of Japanese holidays, known as Golden Week, has officially begun! Today, May 3rd, is known throughout all of Japan as Constitution Memorial Day. 

The purpose of this national celebration is to acknowledge the promulgation of the Constitution of Japan, which came into effect on May 3, 1947. This day asks Japanese citizens to reflect on democracy and the Japanese government. 

Countless ceremonies throughout the country mark the importance of this day. In addition to participating in the ceremonies, thousands of people attend lectures on the role the constitution has played within the government over the course of the last fifty years. 

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In special celebration of this day, The Diet building is even opened to visitors. So many families will set aside some time on this day to explore the halls that are usually off-limits to them. 

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Japan Kicks Off Golden Week with Showa Day

Golden Week is one of the most looked forward to and important holiday weeks in Japan. It begins on April 29th with Showa Day and extends all the way through Children's day on May 5th. 

To get in the spirit of Golden Week, the Japanese begin by celebrating the birthday of one of their beloved emperors, Emperor Hirohito- also known as the Showa Emperor. He was the reigning emperor from 1926 through 1989. 

After his death on January 7, 1989 the celebration of his birthday was replaced by the holiday known as Greenery Day, which is also part of the Golden Week celebration. But in May of 2005, April 29th was renamed Showa Day and Greenery Day was moved to May 4th. 


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Emperor Hirohito's reign is so widely celebrated due to its association with the rise of Japan as an industrial and economic power. Showa Day is purposed to encourage the people of Japan reflect on their nation's recovery from a great many turbulent times that occurred during Hirohito's reign, including the rise of Fascism, World War II, and the post-war occupation. 

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Happy Easter from Asia!

In the west, when one is asked to list traditions that follow the beloved Easter holiday, symbols like eggs, chocolate, and the Easter bunny often come to mind. But if you were to ask Christians in Asian countries including South Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong, they would lack any understanding of such traditions. 

It is an interesting concept that Christmas receives such attention yet Easter almost none- this is most likely due to the heavily commercialized aspects of Christmas, where media coverage of the Easter season is limited to department stores advertising new clothes and candy stores selling chocolate eggs. Despite half the population being Christian in South Korea, you would still be hard pressed to find any kind of tribute to Easter when walking the streets of the towns and cities. 

However, take a trip down to China and it will be a completely different story. The passing of Spring is a time that holds a tremendous amount of significance to the Chinese, and Easter falls during this time- thus making it of importance to their culture. 

The three symbols associated with Easter in the west are also found in Chinese Easter traditions, the egg, the rabbit, and the baby chick. Painting and decorating eggs is a big part of the western celebration of Easter that is also found in China around this time of year. It is considered to be an art form and is taken quite seriously.

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The eggs are first drained in preparation to be painted, then images of women, scenes, and other beautiful images are carefully drawn on. It is also custom to use jade and wood to carve a dragon's egg, which is then given to children to represent growth and change. 

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Saint Patrick's Day- Is It Really Just For the Irish?

Even though St. Patrick's day is known as the holiday for the Irish, Ireland isn't the only cool place to be this March 17th. Much to one's surprise, serval different countries in Asia know how to kick up their heels and celebrate Irish history. 

A lot of green can be seen throughout Seoul, South Korea on this day. St. Patrick's day has been celebrated by the Irish Association of Korea since 2001. Since this place just loves an excuse to party, St. Patrick's day is no exception. Parades throughout the city have attendance numbers around 15,000 people- so if you're there you can expect plenty of folk dancing, singing, bands, and of course plenty of beer. 

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Plenty of St. Patrick's day celebrations make it to Singapore as well. Due to the large connection to British isles they also have a St. Patrick's Society. One of the most looked forward to events of the year is the annual St. Patrick's Day Ball, held on March 16th followed by the St. Patrick's Day Parade. People in Singapore really know how to keep a party going, even continuing the holiday celebrations through the 18th! On the 18th the parades and ball combine to form one giant street party, gathering outside the local Irish pubs. 

The cultural festivities have even spread to Tokyo, Japan- who has embraced the Celtic holiday for many years now. This year over 30,000 are expected to gather in the streets along with beer and green as far as the eye can see! 

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Chinese New Year- The Year of the Water Snake (Part four of five)

Everybody at ONCEkids wants to wish you a happy new year! Today is the first day of the fifteen day celebration for Chinese New Year. Also known as the Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year is one of the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. Last year welcomed the Year of the Dragon but beginning today, Chinese across the country are buzzing with excitement as 2013 welcomes the Year of the Water Snake. So with the coming of this change the question is raised- what does the Year of the Water Snake hold for you? 

We've gathered together a few tips from the pros on how you can maximize your good luck this year and minimize the bad. 

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The Snake is the sixth of the twelve signs of the Chinese Zodiac. The snake is considered to be a symbol of transformation, so expert Marites Allen reports that if you have any major changes to make in your life, this is the year to make them! This includes new loves, new careers, and new places. The reason why this year is expected to be such a good year and that it is a time for making changes is due to the fact that it includes a complete set of elements- two wood, two water, two earth, one metal, and one fire. Allen says people should feel very optimistic and excited entering into this year because it brings good luck all around, regardless of your sign. 

There are many ways you can maximize your luck during the holiday season. Anyone who wants to attract good luck during the year should begin by wearing this year's lucky colors, gold, silver, beige, yellow, brown, red, and whites with print. During the next fifteen days, it is advised that people refrain from getting any haircuts, doing so would jeopardize one's luck. 

To ensure a fully stalked kitchen over the next year, experts recommend placing onions with roots, cabbages, celery stalks with roots, and lotus roots tied with red ribbon inside of the rice container. To ensure happy and healthy relationships during this new year it is recommended that family members eat sweets, such as tikoy- something I have no problem doing! Prosperity can be brought into the home by placing fruits, including pineapple, pomelos, oranges, apples, and bananas, on the dining room table. These are the fruits that are thought to attract wealth. 

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Another thing- don't forget to wear your new slippers- and new underwear too! It may surprise you to learn that if you wear new shoes and underwear today it will help eliminate any remaining bad luck that was left behind after cleaning the house.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Chinese New Year: The Significance (Part One of Five)

Only a few weeks left until one of the most important traditional Chinese holidays: the Chinese New Year. This nationally celebrated event is the annual celebration that marks the beginning of the new year, according to the Chinese Lunar calendar. Always falling during January or February, the Chinese New Year also marks the end of the winter season, originally purposed to notify farmers when to begin their spring harvests. For this reason, it is also sometimes referred to as the Spring Festival. 

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Each year the day is different, but this 2013 the holiday will begin on February 10th. Up to two days at the beginning of the celebration are considered a public holiday, giving people time off work to kick off the new year with friends and family. 

In addition to being one of the most important holidays, it is also the longest- lasting for fifteen days. The much looked forward to festivities end on the 15th night with a celebration called Chap Goh Mei. Chap Goh Mei literally translates to "the fifteenth night". 

One of the most unique and exciting parts of the new year are the creatures of the Chinese Zodiac. There are twelve creatures of the Chinese Zodiac and each year one of them is selected to represent the year we are entering into. In 2012, it was the Year of the Dragon, specifically the Water Dragon. This year will welcome the Year of the Water Snake. 

How Asian Countries celebrate Halloween

Halloween is the most popular holiday in the United States, but did you know that other countries celebrate it too? Countries around the world have ways of honoring and remembering the dead during this time of year. Even different countries in Asia like to celebrate Halloween, but not in the traditional costumes-and-pumpkins way we might think. 

Each October 31st, people across China celebrate Halloween, or Teng Chieh, by offering food and water to the dead. They also light lanterns with the belief that they will help to guide deceased loved ones as they make their visit to the "land of the living" in Halloween night. 

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The Japanese also utilize lanterns for their Halloween customs. The lanterns are traditionally colored red and are hung in every house. These red lanterns are also placed on boats and float through rivers to guide the spirits of the dead back to the homes of their families for the night. It is also traditional for Japanese families to clean the gravestones of their ancestors and prepare special dishes to honor and remember them. These customs and traditions are all referred to in Japan as the Obon Festival. 

Halloween is not big in Korea, but offerings of food and flowers are still made to their ancestors to show respect. 

Hong Kong remembers their lost loved ones through a traditional festival known as the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts. During this time, pictures of fruits or money are burned with the belief that these images will reach the spirits of the dead and provide comfort. 

Although many of the Halloween traditions in Asia are different from those in the United States, certain countries are beginning to pick up many Western Halloween traditions. For example, Halloween recently arrived in Japan. Now around this time of year, decorations such as jack-o'-lanterns can be seen around town of in shop windows and every year Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan puts on extravagant Halloween shows and events. Trick-or-Treating is still not a common practice in Japan, but costume house parties aren't that uncommon. 

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Besides the traditional and culture-rich Festival of the Hungry Ghosts, Hong Kong also likes to celebrate the more commercialized side of Halloween. Each year bars all across Hong Kong are decked out in Halloween decorations in an attempt to increase local interest in the holiday. Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park also host a Halloween Bash each year to promote and celebrate the holiday.