9781422276600

contents

Introduction: Celebrating Holidays & Festivals Around the World............ 6 Introduction: Ringing in the Western & Chinese New Year....................... 8 1: Origins of a Calendar Year . ................................................................ 11 2: Origins and Celebrations of Gregorian New Year’s Eve/Day (December 31/January 1) ................................................. 23 3: Origins and Celebrations of Chinese New Year .......................... 31 4: Celebrating in Asia ............................................................................... 53 5: Celebrating in Europe ......................................................................... 71 6: Celebrating in Latin America and the Caribbean ....................... 87 7: Celebrating in North America ......................................................... 101 Series Glossary ....................................................................................... 106 Further Resources ................................................................................. 109 Index ............................................................................................................ 111 Picture Credits ........................................................................................ 112