National Day Preview Video

Christmas Day

Decoration Eg . Christmas Tree
The practice of putting up special decorations during Christmas had a history . From pre-christian times , people in the Roman Empire bought branches from ever green plants indoors during the winter . Christians incorporated such customs in their practices . In the fifteenth century , it was recorded that in London , during Christmas , it was a customary practice for every house and to be decorated with holm , ivy and bays . The heartshaped leaves of ivy were said to symbolise the coming to earth of Jesus while holly was seen as protection against pagans and witches , its thorns and red berries held to represent the crown of Thorns worn by Jesus at the crucifixion and the blood he shed .



Food
the food that we eat during Christmas is really , very delicious ! A special Christmas family meal is an important part of the celebration for many , and what is served varies greatly from country to country . Some regions , such as Sicily , have special meals for Christmas Eve , when 12 kinds of fish , are served . In England and countries influenced by its traditions , a standard Christmas meal comprises of turkey(bought from North American) , potatoes , vegetables , sausages , and gravy pies and fruit cakes .



May's experience
I went to Fananda's house to celebrate Christmas ! When i stepped into her house , i saw that the house was decorated with Christmas trees , lights , garlands ,mistletoe , nativity scenes and holly . I saw a lot of delicious food like turkey , log cake , ham and more . we waited for her family and guest to arrive then we sat at the table . I sat quietly while her family and the other guests prayed . After that , we started eating the food on the table ! Yummy ! Then we sat together and sang Christmas songs such as : We wish you a merry Christmas , jingle bell ...


Enjoy , Glam

Deepavali

A colorful fetival that is celebrate by all Hindus worldf wide is Deepavali which is also known as Festival of Lights . The festival is celebrated around late October and November . One important practice that the Hindus follow during the festival is to light oil lamps in their homes on Deepavali morning . By lighting the oil lamps , the Hindus are thanking the gods for the happiness , knowledge , peace and wealth that they have received .



The Legend
There is even an interesting legend behind this festival . The story goes that Narakasura , a demon , ruled the kingdom of Pradyoshapuram . Under his rule , the villagers suffered a lot of hardship as the demon tortured the people and kidnapped the women to be imprisoned in his palace . Seeing his wickedness , Lord Khrishna set out to destroy the demon and the day Narakasura died was celebrated as Deepavali , the triumph of good over evil !



Celebration
The Hindus usually awake early in the morning of deepavali around 3am and the first ritual will be having an oil bath , which is an important feature of Deepavali . Hindus will dress in their new clothes that they had purchased on the day itself . Hindus dislike dressing in black on Deepavali as they consuder black color an inauspicious color . Hindus would pay their respects to the elderly and most families would go to the temple after their breakfast . This is an important practice for them too . They go to the temple to pray is to get happiness and prosperity on Deepavali.



Decorations
The houses would be decorated with oil lamps and children will play with firecrackers to celebrate the festival .


Enjoy , Glam

Essential Information Of Hari Raya

Selamat Hari Raya to all the Muslims! :)

Hari Raya is greeted with great joyful life , the Muslims will dress themselve up with their traditional costume such as songkok , baja melayu (for the boys) , baju kurung and tudung(for the girls) and go to the Mosque .
Hari Raya is a time to forgive and forget past quarrels . Asking for pardon is done in order of seniority . The young members of a family will knee down in front of the elderly , and seek forgiveness from them . The elderly will stretch out their hand for hand shake and the young will kiss the hands of the older person .



Green Packets
Children and the old folks are given a packet gifts or money by relative or parents , in small green envelop . The children feel delighted upon receipt of these green as there is some money inside .



Lukman's Experience
Our friend , Lukman , has an experience to share with all of you !

Hari Raya is celebrated on the 1st of Syawal every year . It is a celebration for completing the fasting month . It is a joyous occasion when families visit their relatives and friends . We will wear our tradidional costumes and go for prayers in the morning . When we come home from the mosque , we will eat traditional food such as Redang and Lontong . We will seek forgiveness from our elders for mistakes made . After we do that , my family and i will go visit to our grandparents . I will play and chat with my cousins . We take pictures and eat lunch before we go to meet our relatives . Our grandparents , uncles and aunties will give us green packets . Usually our visiting ends at midnight . I had so much fun catching up with my cousins and friends . I will count my collection of money and buy something i like with it . This is my experience !



Enjoy , Glam