Around the world; spring celebrations

Spring is synonymous with fresh, lighter days and new starts. Flowers are beginning to bloom; daffodils, crocuses and snow drops are appearing and the sunshine is just peeking through the clouds. It feels like an exciting month! In part, this is because lots of cultures and religions celebrate at this time of year. Though not always linked directly to spring, many of the celebrations that happen during this time have strong connections with the theme of new starts.

For example, Hindu families celebrate Holi. Holi is also known as the ‘Festival of Colours’ and is celebrated with singing, dancing and the throwing of paint and coloured water. Some Hindu families also hold special ceremonies to remember the Hindu god Krishna and the legend of Holika and Prahlad. This year, Holi will begin on Monday 25th March.

Nowruz, meaning ‘new day’, is celebrated by many families in Iran and other parts of the Middle East and Asia. It marks the first day of spring and the Persian New Year. Nowruz is usually celebrated with a big feast where 7 items beginning with ‘s’ in Persian are laid out on the table. Each item has special significance to those who celebrate. This year, Nowruz takes place on Thursday 21st March.

In the Christian calendar, families celebrate Easter. This marks the resurrection of Jesus, and is usually celebrated with a family meal. In modern times, the celebration has also become linked with the arrival of spring and many children receive chocolate eggs on Easter Sunday. This year, Easter Sunday takes place on 31st March.

Jewish families celebrate Passover in the spring. Passover is the celebration of the story of Exodus, where Jewish people remember their ancestors and the story of them leaving slavery as they were led out of Egypt. Passover is celebrated over a number of days, with various special rituals that re-tell and symbolise each part of the story. This year, Passover begins on Monday 22nd April.

Your class will likely have children who may be celebrating parts of these special festivals and events. It is a lovely idea to talk to the children about all the wonderful ways that families come together at this time, what this looks like around the world and how we can be respectful of the different ways people celebrate.

Here are some books which will help children to learn more these key events:

Festival of Colors by Surishtha Sehgal, Kabir Sehgal, and Vashti Harrison

Age range: EYFS

Learning about this beautiful festival is sure to be a delight for all readers in your classroom. In this book, children can follow the story of two siblings preparing for the fun.

The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith

Age range: EYFS and KS1

This is the Christian story of Jesus, but told through the eyes of the donkey – from the Last Supper all the way to the resurrection. A well-illustrated version of an important story, perfect for discussing the meaning behind the celebrations.

A Year Full of Celebrations and Festivals by Claire Grace and Christopher Corr

Age range: KS1 and KS2

A bright and engaging collection, filled with facts about celebrations around the world. Including many well-known festivities, and some ones you might not know about. A must for all classrooms!

My Persian Haft Seen: An Iranian Nowruz Tradition by Susanne Shirzad

Age range: KS1 and KS2

A fascinating look at what makes up a traditional Nowruz table setting.

British Museum: Celebrate!: Discover 50 Fantastic Festivals from Around the World by Laura Mucha and Hannah Tolson

Age range: Lower KS2

A vibrant British Museum book about festivals around the world. It is filled with facts and information about why celebrations are so important.