Why are festivals important to religious communities?

This half term, we are learning how different religious ways of life are shown through festivals and celebrations.

Learning objective: To think of reasons why some people choose to celebrate significant events. Can you think about any parties or celebrations that you have been to?

• What was the celebration for? • Who was it for? • Why did it take place?

• What celebrations happen in our school or in Scarborough?

• What celebrations happen in the world? What is the difference between a religious and non-religious festival?

Religious Festival - is a festival by a certain or specific group of churches or religions.

Non-religious Festival - is a festival with a group of people, community due to tradition and culture. What celebrations do you know about?

• Can you make a list of a selection of celebrations?

• Can you sort them into religious and non religious festivals? This is my list. Did you have the same as me? Did you think of any celebrations that I did not include?

Non-religious festivals Religious Festivals Valentine’s Day Eid Mother’s Day Christmas Father’s Day Easter Pancake Day Diwali Halloween Holi Bonfire Night Hanukkah Remembrance Day Passover Can you identify any differences and similarities between the different celebrations in your list?

• Are they celebrated by everyone? • Do they raise money? • Do you share food during the celebration? • Do you exchange gifts during the celebration? • Does the celebration remind people of their beliefs and values? Task: Complete the celebrations worksheet.

Extension: Explain the difference between a religious and a non- religious festival.