Religious festivals: attraction of faith

Added: 01/07/2006

Religion is, perhaps, the oldest sign of human culture. It appeared along with the ancient people and is now still one of the most important elements of the mankind's cultural life. Thus, religious ceremonies dedicated to god worshiping are considered the oldest in the history of the world. Now they live only in historical works and legends. The festivals timed by various religious holidays have occupied their place.

In ancient centuries when people did not know and understand the nature religion was their ray of light in the world full of mysteries and secrets. As people could not explain the natural phenomena they had to believe in gods and divine powers, which controlled all their thoughts and actions. The gods were also those to send harvest, rain, sun, health, death, happiness, and more, so their favor was very much important for the ancient completely dependent on nature. To appeal for the gods` kindness and support people began to run holidays, during which they prayed, sang and made offerings to the saint. Such were the first religious festivals.

Nowadays these events are much more famous, bright and popular. They are celebrated all around the globe this way uniting completely different people, who follow the same religion. Actually, there are three world religions: Christianity, Islam and Buddhism, each inspiring particular religious festivals.

The most famous religious festival of Buddhism is Vassa, or Rains Retreat. The event lasts three months of the rainy season (from July to October), and all through this period Buddhist monks remain in single places (usually in their temples) and accomplish intensive meditation practice. The key purpose of each Muslim, according to his religion, is to give his life to the Allah and the Prophet Muhammad`s wishes. And the best ways for this are declarations of faith, regular praying, fasting, and pilgrimage. Buddhists believe in getting free from suffering by developing kindness and awareness.

As for Islamic religious festivals, the main is Mawlid - a great celebration of the birthday of Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam. The festival enjoys immense popularity among people of the whole world. Houses are decorated, delicious food is cooked and merry and loud processions along the city streets are made during this holiday. It is also a good tradition to tell stories about the life of Muhammad and learn and recite poems through the event.

Christian religious festivals count in dozens all around the Christian Orthodox and Catholic world. Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Advent, and a lot of other holidays fill the life of each believer with faith, happiness and love to the humanity.

As well as religious festivals 2005 those of 2006 promise to be fascinating and admiring. In fact, each religion is interesting in itself, and religious festivals are a great chance to show its beauty and attraction to everybody on the planet. Fantastic parades, enchanting music, touching words and remarkable traditions are waiting for you a year round.

Every religious festival is a small step along the way to immortality. At least, believers think so. And they always do their best to make the festivals truly bright and memorable. That is why you will surely get plenty of good emotions and vivid impressions when visit the event of the kind. Your faith makes no difference - just watch and enjoy any festival you like, thus saying 'no' to religious chauvinism.

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