Spring is a time of fresh starts. As the weather warms and the days grow longer, we're reminded of the many world holidays and celebrations happening this time of year. What better way to explore these cultures and traditions than through food? At Sticky Fingers Cooking, we believe that food is a powerful tool for learning and connection. Join us as we take a culinary journey through some major spring holidays and learn about the delicious dishes that make them special!
Holi is a Hindu holiday that celebrates love, the arrival of spring, and the victory of good over evil. Holi is also known as “the festival of colors” because traditions include throwing colorful, plant-based powders and colored water on friends and family as a symbol of love and friendship. Holi is a time of joy and celebration, where people come together to forget their differences and enjoy each other's company. It is a time to forgive and forget, and to spread love and happiness. Two traditional Holi foods are spiced milk (than-dai) and sweet dumplings (gujiya).
Nouruz (Persian New Year) is celebrated in many countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey. The holiday takes place on the first day of spring. Traditions include cleaning homes, visiting friends and family, and preparing a haft-seen table that features items that represent different aspects of life (growth, fertility, love, health, beauty, patience, and light). Popular Nouruz dishes include herbed rice (sabzi polo) and herbed frittata (kuku sabzi).
Ramadan is a very special time of the year for Muslims to celebrate being grateful, kind, and sharing with others. During Ramadan, Muslims fast, which means they don't eat or drink anything during the daytime, from sunrise to sunset. Families celebrate Ramadan by waking up early before sunrise to have a meal called 'Suhoor', then fast all day until the sunset. When the sun sets, they break their fast with a meal called 'Iftar'. During Ramadan, families also try to do good things like being kind to others, giving to charity, and spending more time praying or reading together. As for foods, during Ramadan, people often eat a lot of dates, a type of fruit, to break their fast because it provides them with energy quickly.
Passover is a Jewish holiday widely celebrated in the United States, especially among Jewish communities. The holiday commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt (Exodus). An important Passover tradition is the Passover Seder which involves a special plate called the seder plate. The seder plate features foods that represent different aspects of the Passover story. For example, bitter herbs for the bitterness of slavery and a hard-boiled egg for the cycle of life and hope of renewal.
Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter traditions include attending church services, feasting with family and friends, and, for kids, participating in Easter egg hunts! Easter egg hunts are when people hide decorated eggs around their homes or in public places, and children try to find them. The eggs are often made of chocolate or candy, and they are a symbol of new life and new beginnings. Springtime, Easterly foods include lamb, peas, and hot cross buns.
May the 4th – as in May the 4th be With You! is one of Sticky Fingers Cooking’s favorite non-denominational holidays! On this day, fans worldwide celebrate all things Star Wars in all kinds of ways! Some dress in Star Wars costumes, others watch the movies, and some even make Star Wars-themed snacks like Wookiee cookies and blue milk! How will you celebrate?
Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday commemorating the Mexican army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla. However, Cinco de Mayo is now more widely celebrated in the United States, where it has become a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. If you attend a Cinco de Mayo party in the United States, there’s a good chance you’ll be served enchiladas and chips + salsa. But if you’re ready to branch out and try something new.....?
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