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Home , Cambodian New Year, Enkutatash, Korean New Year, Nowruz, Songkran, Songkran (Thailand)

Volume No. 11 January - February 2020 Issue No. 1

From the Editor’s desk… Dear colleagues, New 2020 is around the corner. An attractive number. A new beginning. Writing new/ fresh chapters in our book of life. New resolutions. Renewed and new hopes. Fresh experiences. Opportunities to put behind our misses and failures. Learning from the past – both our successes and mistakes and making sure we do not repeat them! Hoping to find ways to alleviate pain and sorrow and grow stronger. Surging ahead, treading tough paths and overcoming bottlenecks. Finding new ways of doing things. Looking for improvements all the time. Not getting bogged down when knocked out – to stand up! To run! Turning dreams into reality. Taking some ‘me’ time, at least once in a while, and rejuvenating. Making a difference! Playing the various roles, we don, well! Taking every day and every minute as an opportunity that should not be missed! Treading towards success! All of these and more are my wishes for you and your families for 2020. Enjoy our Special with information on and New Year celebrations around the world.

God Bless! g s rin a sha stmand hri ing C f car ival o The fest

Come December and what and carols and the jolly old Santa comes to one’s mind is the figure Claus – the mystical character who Christmas of Santa and Christmas! distributes gifts for children? Christmas symbolises the spirit of While historians claim that the isn’t a season. generosity, unselfish love, charity first Christmas was celebrated in and forgiveness. Rome circa 336 AD, there is still It’s a feeling. All of us know that Christmas controversy on the exact date of falls on the 25th of December Christ’s birth. But, it was decided every year to commemorate the to celebrate Christmas on the birth of Lord Christ, the 25th December after a consensus central figure of Christianity. was reached by Christian leaders While celebrations begin on the and this was gradually accepted eve of Christmas on the 24th by the Western World and the of December, they continue till Eastern churches as well. the New Year’s Day on the 1st of The history of Christmas can be January. traced to some popular During this period, people across celebrated by early civilisation the world make merry, and – Mesopotamian New Year, exchange season’s greetings and Persian and Babylonian Sacaea, gifts. winter by the Europeans, And what is Christmas without Yuletide of Scandinavia and the the star, Christmas tree, cakes Roman Saturnalia.

 The story of Christmas The story dates back to some When Augustus 4000 ago to the Roman era, Caesar declared with Augustus Caesar as the ruler that every person and , governed by King in the entire Herod. Roman empire In the small village of Galilee should register at in Nazareth, Israel lived Mary the place to which a young virgin, engaged to be they belonged, married to Joseph, a Jewish Mary and Joseph carpenter. Story goes that an had to go to angel visited Mary in her dreams to a son. They named him Jesus, Bethlehem to register and Mary and told her that she was chosen as the angel had said. was close to giving birth. They to bear the Son of God and his When Jesus was born, there travelled many days and nights, name was to be Jesus. And thus appeared a shining star over were turned away from many Mary miraculously became Bethlehem and an angel appeared places and finally reached an inn, pregnant through the Holy Spirit. before the shepherds and said, An angel also visited Joseph in when the inn-keeper directed “Fear not. For I bring you tidings his dream and verified that Mary them to the nearby caves where of great joy. For unto you is born had conceived miraculously and shepherds would stay with their this day in Bethlehem – a Saviour he took Mary to be his wife. cows and sheep. Mary gave birth who is Christ the Lord.” Christmas traditions Decorating the Christmas tree is celebrations as well as of the family the day of Christmas. Gifts are one of the most popular traditions unit since time immemorial. The placed under the tree, as family of Christmas. The fragrance and celebrations usually begin with and friends gather around to essence of the Christmas trees the selection of the tree, and celebrate the birth of Christ. have been an integral part of the proceed with the decorations till Fir trees play a symbolic part because they stay green and alive when other plants appear dead and bare during winter. They represent everlasting life and hope for the return of . The Christmas star has traditionally been associated with the spirit of the celebration and the significance of the star can be found in the story related to the birth of Jesus Christ. The Christmas star symbolises high hopes and high ideals.

 This plays an important role grew leaves out of season in order as it is believed to bring good to hide the Holy Family from luck.The Christmas symbol of Herod’s soldiers. Since then, it ivy stands for the eternal life in has been evergreen as a token of pagan religions, whereas Romans Christ’s gratitude. believed laurel was sacred to the The Poinsettia flower is small, Christmas God Apollo. Rosemary was green or yellow and situated in symbols used during the Middle Ages by the middle of the bracts. The Mistletoe is a symbol housewives to spread on the floor Poinsettia is named after Joel R. of love, peace and at Christmas. Poinsettia, who served as USA’s goodwill; it is an aerial The evergreen Holly symbolises first minister to Mexico, from parasite that has no roots eternal life. Druids believed 1825-1829. of its own and lives off the the Holly or Ilex was sacred. The Glastonbury thorn legend tree that it attaches itself to. They thought this plant stayed ties in Christ’s death as well as It is believed that the plant green year round because it was the celebration of his birth. has special healing powers especially favoured by the Sun. for everything from female Christian legend says one winter infertility to poison ingestion. night, the Holly miraculously

Widely known, the customs of Christmas wreath come from the traditional celebration of the birth of Christ, which was later on combined with the harvest and festivals in ancient Rome. Children anywhere in the world are excited and joyous on receiving Christmas toys as a gift. Available in almost infinite variety of choices, Christmas toys are for every age of childhood, and there are many different kinds for each age. And who else can bring gifts to children but – whose personality is well etched out and is a very attractive icon of children. Christmas is a festivity most awaited by Christmas tree, children and this has immensely helped Santa and gifts in the survival of the legends of Saint Children all over the world Nicholas or Santa Claus and particularly continue the tradition of hanging his reputation as a bringer of gifts. The Christmas stockings. Originally, American version of St. Nicholas, or children simply used one of their Santa Claus originally came from the everyday socks, but eventually Dutch version called Sinterklaas. The special Christmas stockings were Dutch settlers in New York brought this created for this purpose. fun and lively tradition to America.

 Christmas cake The story of the plum cake begins was abundant in raisins, hence in medieval England, where it was the name. The cake has come to a popular tradition to observe a stay, even though it was very close period of self-denial, fasting, and to being lost in the reformation abstinence from every kind of period of the late 19th century indulgence in the weeks leading when Queen Victoria banned to Christmas. The abstinence the feast of the twelfth night. and occasional fasting was In the last two centuries since supposed to prepare the body for it first travelled out of England, the overindulgence and excesses the plum cake has reached every of Christmas. With the passage corner of the world. of time, and as more ingredients Christians actively participate in made their way into the porridge, midnight Christmas Mass and it started to resemble its current the joyous Christmas carnival. form. Christmas evening is the time to It is not clear, however, how relish some traditional Christmas it came to be called the plum food especially the Christmas pudding, or plum cake. Some Cake. Tradition of singing believe that raisins, or currants, Christmas carols and songs is were also referred to as plums (or also practised with faith and plumb) in England. The recipe dedication. Christmas Feast ‘Christmas’ is said to be a shortened some connection with the English such as Goan Catholics have pork form of ‘Christ’s mass’ and is often Christmas dinner involving roasted and beef dishes as part of their associated with festivity right meat and pudding. The Christmas main course. These include Pork from to the end of pudding and Christmas cake Vindaloo and Sorpotel. For dessert, Christmas Day. The meals are often evolved from this tradition. a dish called Bebinca is popular. particularly rich and substantial, In , we in the tradition of the Christian cook a variety of feast day celebration, and form a non-vegetarian significant part of gatherings held to foods, including celebrate the arrival of Christmas. Biryani with is a must add dish in many chicken or of the western countries for the mutton, chicken Christmas feast. and mutton The actual meal consumed varies curry, followed in different parts of the world by cake or sweets with regional cuisines and local like Kheer. Long traditions. In many parts of the e s t a b l i s h e d world, particularly in former C h r i s t i a n British colonies, the meal shares c o m m u n i t i e s

 Message of Christmas The crucifixion of Jesus Christ and Christmas festivities by providing His resurrection are the two most presents, food and shelter for the important events in Christianity. homeless. Jesus died on the Cross and His hat is And Christmas can be a season suffering and redemptive death by of great joy too. By far, the most WChristmas? It crucifixion are the central aspects important aspect of Christmas is is tenderness for the of Christian theology concerning that it unites family and friends, the doctrines of salvation and even if it means travelling from past, courage for the atonement. the other side of the world to be present, hope for the Hence, let’s remember that with their nearest and dearest. future. this is a time for giving and The goodwill of the Christmas sharing. It can also be a time of celebration unites loved ones and healing and renewed strength. enables everyone to gather in one Charities play a pivotal role in room at the same time to enjoy a ensuring that no one is left out of traditional Christmas dinner.

Christmas Facts

• “Jingle Bells” was written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas. • In Germany, Poland, and , finding a spider or a spider’s web on a Christmas tree is believed to be a harbinger of good luck.

• The first artificial Christmas Tree wasn’t a tree at all. It was created out of goose feathers that were dyed green.

• In Germany, Heiligabend, or Christmas Eve, is said to be a magical time when the pure at heart can hear animals talking.

• Though Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, there is no mention of December 25 in the .

 ‘Our Lady of Guadalupe’ Celebration at Acerlan-Matrix Metals

‘Our Lady of Guadalupe’ is a Catholic title of the Blessed Virgin Mary associated with a Marian apparition and a venerated image enshrined within the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. The Basilica is the most visited Catholic pilgrimage site in the

world, and the world’s third Christmas Celebration most-visited sacred site. On 12 December 2019 On 14 December 2019, Acerlan Matrix Metals LLC employees Matrix Metals employees celebrated the Christmas celebrated Guadalupe. Like every Holiday with a staff luncheon. year, the event started with a Stefan Drambarean led the mass at the plant’s facility, and a prayer over a blessing of the food, breakfast sponsored by the Union which contained many different members with tamales and atole. delicacies.

 Different kinds of New Year celebrated across the globe The beginning of a new year celebrate the New Year with a cannot come and go without some three - to - four - day - long water new year is sort of celebration. Many . The Thais have a custom another chance have religious foundations; some of pouring water on the elders A calendars are based on the lunar of the society in order to receive for you to get it right. cycle, some on the solar cycle. The blessings for the New Year. celebrations differ across cultures. Likewise different countries have The Balinese welcome the New different ways of celebrating their Year by spending the entire day New Year. Here is a compilation in absolute silence. That’s much of few of the celebrations and different from the Burmese, who traditions.

Korean New Year Sõllal marks the first day of the year based folk games. Additionally, children often receive money on the Korean Lunar . It is one from their elders after performing a formal bow. of the most important traditional Korean holidays. During the celebration, adults wear traditional clothes. also have , a traditional soup eaten for the New Year. A more recent ritual is the ringing of the Boshingak Bell, which was constructed in 1396. In modern times it is only rung on midnight of New Years. The celebration usually lasts three days: the day before , the new year’s day, and the day after. During this time, many Koreans visit family, perform ancestral rites, wear , eat traditional food, and play

 Chaitya, the stupa at Tavatimsa where Buddha’s hair and diadem are buried. There is another tradition called Sraung Preah where youngsters pour water or liquid plaster on elder relatives. This new year is also a time to prepare special dishes. One of these is a ‘kralan’ which is a cake made from steamed rice mixed with beans or peas, grated coconut and coconut milk. The mixture is Choul Chnam Thmey, meaning of the harvesting season, when stuffed inside a bamboo stick and “Enter New Year” is the name farmers enjoy the fruits of their slowly roasted. of the Cambodian holiday that labour before the rainy season celebrates the traditional Lunar begins. In temples, people erect New Year. The holiday lasts for a sand hillock on the grounds. three days beginning on New They mound up a big pointed Year’s Day, which usually falls on hill of sand or dome in the 13 or 14th, which is the end centre which represents Valuka

Sri Lankan New Year Usually, Sinhala and Hindu New Year (Avurudu) New Year dish, Kiribath—a rice pudding of sorts—is falls on April 13th and 14th, symbolising the prepared. ending of the old year, and the beginning of the Once the rituals are over, celebrations spill out into the New Year. The first signs of spring remind Sri streets. These traditional games and are the highlight of Lankans that it is time for a spectrum of festivities, the day for many, and include havari hengima (hiding which encompass rhythmic beats on the rabana (a the wig), kotta pora (pillow fighting), Lissana gaha one-sided traditional drum), sweet delicacies, and nageema (climbing the greasy pole) and kamba adeema the melodies of the koel, a stringed instrument (tug of war). played during the New Year. A day before the New Year, as the Sun sets, people take their final bath of the year. This is often infused with herbs and oils like gingelly and mustard, which are thought to purify the body. It is also important to view the moon on this evening. On New Year, the women of each household light the hearth facing the designated direction which varies every year. Over its flames they boil milk in a new earthen pot, allowing it to bubble over as a symbol of prosperity. After this, the traditional

 ‘gift of jewels’. To celebrate New Year’s, Ethiopians sing songs unique to the day and exchange bouquets of flowers. Of course, there is plenty of eating and drinking, too. New Years in are bound to make most people feel a pinch in their pockets, because of the feast. Slaughtering animals is mostly done at people’s homes, and men usually assume the traditional role. The national dish Doro wot (chicken stew), which takes at least half a day to prepare, is rarely missed from the holiday menu, and is served along with local alcoholic drinks such as tej (honey wine) and tela. The doro wot is served Ethiopian New Year with injera (a flatbread) on a large platter; everyone marks the day of the New Year in can dine together, and it is common to see people Ethiopia. By this time, the lengthy rainy season comes feeding each other as a way of showing affection to a close, leaving behind a countryside flourishing and love. When visiting families, neighbours and in yellow daisies. That’s fitting because in friends, savouring every holiday dish is the order Amharic, the native language of Ethiopia, translates to of the day.

A l t h o u g h you can taste, like xio (sticky rice), Tet can be a thit ga (steamed chicken), very exciting giio cha (Vietnamese sausages) time to travel and a lot more. to , Tet is typically celebrated for it is also the three days with some traditions busiest time of observed for up to a week. The the year to be first day of Tet is usually spent with immediate family, the there. Millions second day is for visiting friends, of people travel and the third day is dedicated to through the teachers and visiting temples. country to One of the most important share reunions traditions observed during Tet is Vietnamese New Year with friends and family. Lion the emphasis put on who is the Considered the first day of spring dance performances, a lot of first to enter a house in the new and most important of the bells, drums and gongs are year. The first person brings the national holidays in Vietnam, sounded. The locals dress in luck (good or bad) for the year! Tet is the Vietnamese New Year beautiful outfits in colours of The head of the house — or celebration, coinciding with red and yellow, which signifies someone considered successful — the celebrated prosperity and success. Moreover, leaves and returns a few minutes throughout the world in January there will be a lot of traditional after midnight just to ensure they or February. Vietnamese New Year food that are the first to come in.

10 Traditional food for includes sweets such as and a special noodle soup. Among other traditions, Iranians place a mirror on the table as a symbol for people to reflect on the past year. Growing wheatgrass is one of the most common traditional preparations for Nowruz. Nowruz is the day of the vernal , and marks the beginning of spring in the . It marks the first day of the first month () of the Iranian calendar. It Iranian New Year usually occurs on 21 or the previous or following day, depending on where it is Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, is a combination of observed. The moment the Sun crosses the two Persian words that mean “new day.” Before the celebration, members of the household prepare the celestial equator and equalises night and day is “haft-seen” table of seven items that start with the letter calculated exactly every year, and families gather S. These items can be fruits or spices. together to observe the rituals.

Balinese New Year In Indonesia, on the day of , Nyepi is a day reserved for self- The day following Nyepi is instead of shuffling around hung reflection, and as such, anything celebrated as New Year’s Day. On over from the previous night’s that might interfere with that this day, the youth of Bali in the adventures, the Balinese spend the purpose is restricted. The main village of Sesetan in South Bali day in utter silence. Those who restrictions are no lighting fires practise the ceremony of Omed- follow the religious traditions in (and lights must be kept low); omedan or ‘The Kissing Ritual’ full stay home, don’t work, and no working; no entertainment to celebrate the New Year. The avoid engaging in any pleasurable or pleasure; no traveling; and, for same day is celebrated in India as activities. Nyepi, a public holiday some, no talking or eating at all. . in Indonesia, is a day of silence, fasting and meditation for the Balinese. The objective is to spend the entire day reflecting, meditating, and fasting. Balinese ‘Day of Silence’ is commemorated every Isakawarsa (Saka New Year) according to the Balinese calendar (in 2020, it falls on March 25). It is a Hindu celebration mainly celebrated in Bali, Indonesia. Observed from 6 am until 6 am the next morning,

11 , , India, and . The celebration is rich with symbolic traditions. Mornings begin with - making. Visiting local temples and offering food to the Buddhist monks is commonly practised. On this specific occasion, performing water pouring on Buddha statues and the young and elderly is a traditional ritual. It represents purification and the washing away of one’s sins and bad luck. As a festival of unity, people who have moved away usually return home to their loved Thai New Year ones and elders. Paying reverence Songkran, the Thai New Year, the 13 April every year, but the to ancestors is an important part means ‘passing’ or ‘approaching’ holiday period extends from 14 of Songkran tradition. in . And the traditions to 15 April. The holiday is known for its water of the day make for one truly The word ‘Songkran’ is also festival. Major streets are closed refreshing experience. One New known as transformation or to traffic, and are used as arenas Year’s tradition involves the gentle change. The term was borrowed for water fights. Celebrants, pouring of water on elders of the from Makar , the young and old, participate in this community. Doing so is a way of name of a Hindu harvest festival tradition by splashing water on paying respect and, in return, they celebrated in India in January each other. Traditional parades bestow their blessing. Sprinkling to mark the arrival of spring. are held and in some venues water onto images of Buddha is It coincides with the rising of “Miss Songkran” is crowned, also a custom to receive blessings Aries on the astrological chart where contestants are clothed in for the New Year. and with the New Year of many traditional Thai dress. In , New Year is now calendars of South and officially celebrated on 1 January. Southeast Asia, in keeping Songkran was the official New with the . Year until 1888, when it was The New Year takes place switched to a fixed date of 1 at virtually the same time as April. Then in 1940, this date the New Year celebrations was shifted to 1 January. The of many countries in South traditional Thai New Year Asia like ( Songkran was transformed into a of Yunnan Province), , national holiday. Songkran is on , ,

12 when the main High Street of the northern town fills up at midnight with a procession of around 45 fireball swingers, holding chains encased in flickering balls of fire. Afterwards, the burning ‘wire cages’ are taken to the harbour and thrown into the water, prompting the beginning of a stunning New Year firework display. Kirkwall’s Ba’, a mass game of football played in the streets of the Orcadian capital on New Year’s Day, is a sporting tradition hailing from the 1800s. The aim of the many participants who get involved in the Ba’ is to keep Scotland hold of the elusive leather ball, Hogmanay in Scotland is a sight cross hands at the midnight hour with two teams competing for to behold – and an exhilarating include shortbread, black bun (a ultimate victory – the Uppies celebration if you’re a tourist traditional Hogmanay fruit cake and the Donnies – with the team attending one of the traditional topped with pastry) and whisky. you join historically being based New Year fire festivals, or a local One of the more bonkers Scottish on what part of the island you’re bundled up in all your thermals traditions to mark the year ahead from. The Ba’ is thrown into the at Edinburgh’s famous street is the frankly shiver-inducing crowd of several hundred, and party, waiting for the midnight practice of sprinting into the the game finishes when it reaches to go off with a bang waters of the Firth of Forth on the goal of either team. alongside 80,000 other revellers. 1st January, to take part in the Definitely one of the most famous annual Loony Dook. Alongside ew Year - a Hogmanay traditions, first- the stunning backdrop of the Nnew chapter, footing sees friends and family Forth Bridge, hundreds of Scots heading over to each other’s take a quick dip in the sea, with a new verse, or just homes just after midnight on the sound of celebratory bagpipes the same old story? New Year’s Eve. The first person as they test their resistance to the Ultimately we write to cross a house’s threshold in the chilly temperatures. it. The choice is ours. New Year is known as a first-foot, Traditionally performed to and must bestow a Hogmanay symbolise the casting away of evil offering, or else the homeowner spirits for the year, Stonehaven is at risk of bad luck for the rest is renowned for its dazzling of the year. Popular gifts that Hogmanay fireball ceremony,

13 China

Chinese New Year, also known as Every street, building, and house 1. Fish Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, where Spring Festival is celebrated (an increase in prosperity) is China’s most important festival. is decorated in red. Red is the 2. Chinese dumplings It is also the most important main colour of the festival, as red (great wealth) celebration for families and a week is believed to be auspicious. Red of an official public holiday. Chinese lanterns hang in streets; 3. Glutinous rice cake (a higher income or position) The date of the is red couplets are pasted on doors; determined by the : banks and official buildings are Billions of fireworks go up in the holiday falls on the second new decorated with red depicting China at 12 am on New Year, moon after the winter solstice on images of prosperity. the most anywhere at any time December 21. Thus, each time the The New Year’s Eve dinner is of year. The most common New New Year in China falls on different called ‘reunion dinner’, and is Year gifts are red envelopes. Red dates of the usual Gregorian believed to be the most important envelopes have money inside, calendar, between January 21 and meal of the year. Food for the New and are believed to bring good February 20. Year emphasises lucky symbols luck because they are red. They are given to children and retirees. In many Chinese cities, from New such as fish, which sounds like the Chinese word for ‘surplus’. These Customarily only employers give Year’s Day, traditional performances red envelopes to working adults. can be seen: dances, lion foods are eaten during the 16 day dances, and imperial performances festive season, and particularly for Each new year is marked by the like an emperor’s wedding. A great the New Year’s Eve family reunion characteristics of one of the 12 variety of traditional Chinese dinner. animals: the , , , products are on offer. City parks The luckiest Chinese New , dragon, , , and temple fairs are the places to Year foods (and their symbolic sheep, , , and go for this. meanings) are: . 2020 is the year of the rat.

14 Denmark

The Queen Margrethe’s New For dessert, they make the famous tradition, this brings good luck, Year’s Eve speech at 6 pm signals Kransefagen, a Danish invention so the more smashed plates, the the beginning of a long and festive from the 1700s. Like champagne, more luck you’ll get. night. It is a live broadcast from it is one of the regulars on New Shortly afterwards, people gather Fredensborg Castle, an annual Year’s Eve. It is a towering cake in the streets to set off fireworks. essential that first started with made with layer-upon-layer of Danes traditionally celebrate New King Christian XI in the 1880s. marzipan rings. The cake’s turret- Year with lots of fireworks. It was The Queen takes this opportunity like shape promises happiness and only around 1900 that fireworks to summarise the year’s main wealth for the coming year. began to become something that political events, both global and At the midnight countdown, it is a ordinary people could buy. Before local. The speech always concludes tradition for everyone celebrating that, New Year was celebrated by with a salute to the nation with the indoors to stand on a sofa or a using guns to fire shots into the words “Gud behave Denmark” chair and jump into the new year. air. It was done because of an (God preserve Denmark), which It symbolises the hope for better old belief that loud noises and signals that it is time to begin the time, eases the transition and fireworks keep spirits and negative meal. then everyone wishes each other a energies away. New Year’s Eve menu consists Happy New Year. At this point, a of boiled cod, served with choir performs the Danish anthem homemade mustard and all and the Danish Monarch song. the trimmings. However, Danes The biggest tradition involves are less traditionally bound to the smashing plates against your food when it comes to New Year. friends’ front doors. It is a measure So, many Danes prepare exotic of popularity to find a heap of and alternative specialities for broken china on your doorstep their New Year’s dinner. at midnight. According to the

15 Indian New Years

Clockwise from top left: Poila Boishakh, , , Designed by Kalamkriya, Baisakhi, , Losoong, Thamizh , Ugadi. 9, Cathedral Road, Chennai 600 086. Ph: + 91 44 2812 8051 Editorial team: For Internal Circulation Only. Sarada Jagan, Ramadevi Ravi, Shilpa Senthilkumar, Harini Sekar, Leena Bose