The Danes give thanks with Efterårsferie!

The Danes celebrate Thanksgiving in October with their holiday Efterårsferie!  This year's Autumn holiday will take place from Saturday, October 11 to Sunday, October 19, 2014.  It usually happens on the 42nd week of the year.  Another fun fact is that Efterårsferie used to be called Potato Holiday!  Can you think of why that is?

Thank you, Tatjana Knudsen from Randlevskolen, for sharing with us!  We will celebrate Efterårsferie with you in our own home.

Denmark is such a beautiful country.  Below are some pictures from my trip to Copenhagen and Århus from a few years ago.  If you haven't been already, you gotta go!

Murals in Christiana!

I loved the playgrounds in Denmark

Meet the Bog Man!

http://www.tollundman.dk/

That's me swinging!

Beautiful Copenhagen

I wonder what our friends in Denmark will do.  In any case, have a beautiful time!

With love,
Arlene

ps. As far as I can see, the original purpose for Efterårsferie was so that the children could help the families with the potato harvest.  Wow times have changed, but it's nice to see that the tradition is still alive and well!

Happy Double Ten Day!

Taiwan's National Day is also referred to as Double Ten Day.  It celebrates the start of the Wuchang Uprising of October 10, 1911, which led to the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in China and establishment of the Republic of China on January 1, 1912. 

If you will be in Taiwan, expect loads of fireworks, food, parades and singing!  Double Ten is also a lively celebration in Chinatowns across the globe.

Wishing everybody at U.S. Kids in Taipei, Taiwan a wonderful ++ holiday!  If you know of anything special happening, please let us know.

XOXO,
Arlene

Chinatown in Vancouver, Canada

http://www.tourism-review.com/travel-tourism-magazine-worlds-best-chinatowns-article1992

Chinatown in Melbourne, Australia

http://www.tourism-review.com/travel-tourism-magazine-worlds-best-chinatowns-article1992

Parade in Taiwan

http://www.theepochtimes.com/news_images/2005-10-10-taiwanparade.jpg

Have a great Dasara Fair in Mysore!

Wishing our Dear You friends in Mysore, India a Happy Dussehra on October 3rd!

"In the months of Ashwin and Kartik, Hindus observe a 10 day ceremony of fast, rituals and celebrations to honor the triumph of Lord Rama over Demon Ravana. Dussehra also symbolizes the triumph of warrior Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. Thus, it is a celebration of victory of good over evil." 

- Read more about the celebration here.

To learn more about how the Dasara Fair in Mysore is celebrated, please click here.

I hope to experience this colorful festivity in India one day!

Dussehra Festival is full of light! http://aboutfestivalsofindia.com/community-festivals/hindu-festivals/dussehra/

So many people are celebrating this holiday! http://aboutfestivalsofindia.com/community-festivals/hindu-festivals/dussehra/

Ramlila (Rama + lila) meaning the lifestory of Rama is the melodramatic presentation of Ramayana.

Happy Heijastinpäivä!

October 1 is Heijastinpäivä in Finland.  Heijastin = Reflector and Päivä = Day.  So happy Reflector Day to You!  That means we should get out our reflectors and prepare for darkness to fall.  Winter is coming!  Reflectors should even be given to your pets.  We want everybody to be safe on the street.

Have you ever heard of this kind of celebration?  I wonder if there is such a day in Estonia, Sweden, Greenland, Norway, or Denmark?

Moomintroll reflectors are really popular in Finland!