Every school is diverse in its own way, varying from language differences like dialect, to cultural and traditional differences. The IB side of the XV. gimnazija is extremely diverse, as the program is taught in English. For this article, students from the IB program were interviewed and asked about their culture and family holiday traditions. Here are some things we found out through our research.
For example, most students celebrate Christmas with large meals and presents, Easter with egg painting and New Year with fireworks and staying up until midnight. There may be minor differences like egg fighting and eating pancakes at Christmas. However, in China, people celebrate Chinese New Year, which was on the 29th of January this year, with dumplings, rice cakes, fireworks and red envelopes with money.
Photo: Chinese New Year by Stefano Borghi Cartier
In India, people celebrate Diwali, a festival of lights, by lighting candles all around their houses to welcome the gods. On Diwali, people dress in traditional clothing, sing religious songs and pray to the gods. They wash a coin with an engraving of Lord Lakshmi in milk, water, then put garlands on it, red powder and then add rice to the bowl. On this day, everyone is presented with one new article of clothing to wear that day. Additionally, on this day, boys and men cut off the bracelets that were previously tied on their wrists by their sisters or cousins. Traditionally, this day marked a time when women, who often had little financial independence, would receive money from their brothers as a gesture of support. Over time, it has evolved into a broader celebration of family and mutual appreciation. Then, people bless the house and others with a lit candle stuck in a mandarin and pray for a happy year ahead.
Photo: IHCL
In Geneva, Switzerland, people celebrate Escalade, because on the night of the 12th of December 1602, the Duke of Savoy set out to take over Geneva. Thousands of troops attacked the city, unbeknownst to the residents. While they were scaling the surrounding wall, an old woman saw a soldier climbing up a ladder leading towards her window and she dropped a boiling cauldron full of vegetable soup on him. This is why in every Swiss classroom on December 12th, the oldest and the youngest smash a chocolate “marmite” (cauldron), which is then enjoyed by the whole class.
Photo: Taste of Savoie
This article highlights only some traditions celebrated by different cultures, while there is a myriad of diverse traditions. By being in a multicultural school, one can learn so many things about the different aspects of a culture, and even learn about one’s own customs. It is important to embrace one’s culture since it makes up one’s identity. We should celebrate diversity, instead of counting our differences.
