We now live in modern times, and yet some traditions can’t be easily erased—not in a superstitious country like the Philippines. Filipinos’ celebration of New Year’s Eve remains to be a remarkable one because of the combination of traditional ways with modern trends. It creates a celebration that is full of life, vibrancy, and familiarity. For expats, it’s not that
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Christmas in the Philippines (Filipino: Pasko sa Pilipinas), one of two predominantly Catholic countries in Asia (the other one being East Timor), is one of the biggest holidays in the island. The country celebrates the world’s longest Christmas season, with Christmas carols heard as early as September and lasting variously until either Epiphany, the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, or the Feast of the Santo Niño on the third Sunday of
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Shichi-Go-San (七五三, lit. “Seven-Five-Three”) is a traditional rite of passage and festival day in Japan for three- and seven-year-old girls and five-year-old (and less commonly three-year-old) boys, held annually on November 15 to celebrate the growth and well-being of young children. As it is not a national holiday, it is generally observed on the nearest weekend. History Shichi-Go-San is said to have originated in the Heian period amongst court
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City Average Daytime High Average Nighttime Low Rainy/Snowy Days Early Month Late Month Sunny Days Early Month Late Month Sapporo 16 C (62 F) 7 C (45 F) 35% 40% 60% 50% Tokyo 22 C (72 F) 15 C (59 F) 35% 30% 40% 55% Takayama 20 C (68 F) 9 C (48 F) 35% 30% 45% 55% Osaka 23 C (73 F) 15 C (59 F) 30% 25% 55% 65% Fukuoka 23 C (73 F) 15 C (59 F)
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Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日, Shūbun no Hi) is a public holiday in Japan that usually occurs on September 22 or 23, the date of Southward equinox in Japan Standard Time (autumnal equinox can occur on different dates for different time zones). Due to the necessity of recent astronomical measurements, the date of the holiday is not officially declared until February of the previous year. Autumnal Equinox Day became a
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Health and Sports Day (体育の日, Taiiku no hi), also known as Health-Sports Day or Sports Day, is a national holiday in Japan held annually on the second Monday in October. It commemorates the opening of the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, and exists to promote sports and an active lifestyle. History and current practice The first Health and Sports Day was held on October 10, 1966, two years after the 1964 Summer Olympics. October was chosen
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The cherry blossom (sakura) has been celebrated in Japan for many centuries and holds a very particular place in Japanese culture. Although there are many varieties of cherry trees in Japan, most bloom for just a couple of days in spring. The Japanese celebrate this time of the year with Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties: friends, family or work colleagues
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