Concept in Definition ABC
Miscellanea / / November 13, 2021
By Carmen Lorenz, in Nov. 2010
The term festivity is used to refer to those acts or cultural events in which that the human being prepares to celebrate, thank, commemorate or honor certain circumstances. We consider it cultural since festivities always have to do with the way in which each society understands the world, with its spirituality, with its technology, with the development of an abstract mentality and emotional. Holidays are especially different from one society to the other, and this is exactly what that has to do with culture and not with the natural habits that all human beings develop.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when listening to holiday? For many people it is synonymous with a day off, a party and even vacations, but the truth is that some of the most important celebrations are taking place. becoming so commercial that our proud festivities are in danger of becoming trivial, for we lose sight of their true meaning.
The festivities are characterized in general terms as being large events in which a community participates in a complete or majority way. The purpose of the festivities is to demonstrate
gratitude, commitment or devotion, as well as commemorating a certain event, asking for something or simply meeting to enjoy an important date.As said, each society has very particular festivals and different from those of the others, which have to do with the way that society understands the world that surrounds it. Even the globally assimilated holidays of the West such as Christmas or New Years are celebrated and celebrated differently by each society or region. Many times, the festivities can be religious, many others have to do with the history of a region, with the men who built the future, as are national holidays.
Holidays matter
The festivities represent a fundamental piece of the culture of each region. They remind us that we are part of a story that defines our past, shapes who we are today and what we can become. If we ignore them we are damaging the foundation of our identity.
Commemorating historical events reinforces values such as freedom, faith, integrity, good education, the responsibility, the citizenship and ethics. It also gives us a forum to showcase role models and appreciate the things that really matter to a country, such as remembering important battles and their heroes. Another reason why it is important is that it offers us the opportunity to appreciate the contribution that someone has made in favor of society.
The festivities allow us to honor the principles of our founders, celebrate the diversity, come together as a country and create lasting memories for our families and friends. Finally, they offer us an excellent context to pause meaningfully and reflect.
A reflection of the identity of each society
The festivities are something specific to each society. While it is true that there are important dates that are celebrated almost everywhere in the world, such as the New Year or the Day of the Work, most countries and their communities commemorate different historical and religious events in a very particular; Such is the case of the Day of the Dead in Mexico, where families usually place altars with flowers, candles and food, in the belief that their deceased relatives will return on the night of November 2 to enjoy the food, to later continue on his way.
The holidays are not only public, they can also be private. Being the family the base of society, it is common to celebrate important dates for its members, such as birthdays or mourning anniversaries, among others, which are also a good reason to meet and share. Getting involved in our family parties is necessary to maintain our attachment to traditions and it is a way of knowing our personal history, thereby strengthening our identity.
What holidays do you usually celebrate in your family?
The festivities as tourist attractions
Just as our festivities are a source of pride for us, one of the main attractions when we visit another place are the popular festivals. Be it a wedding, the arrival of the harvest, a religious holiday or a national ceremony, witness them, get involved in them and above all understand their origin, is an excellent way to explore a new culture from a point of view local. These experiences are very enriching and make us appreciate diversity, as well as providing us with memories that will last a lifetime.
In addition, it is important to mention that these events contribute to generating economic spillovers in each destination, benefiting all its inhabitants.
As citizens we must strive to take advantage of every opportunity at our disposal to reinforce principles and beliefs. The consumer world in which we live today makes us sometimes take certain values for granted and as a result our identity has been diluted. It is important to promote respect for our festivities from home, because that is where the formation of the citizens of the future begins.
Finally, it is also important to mention that the festivities can also be public and private. Many parties and celebrations have to do with important dates within a family group: weddings, births, baptisms, graduations. And on many occasions, these events of great importance serve to bring together various members of the family and can even last several days of celebration.
Holiday themes