Now a children's holiday, Halloween was originally a Celtic* festival for the dead, celebrated on the last day of the Celtic year, October 31.
One story says that, on that day, the disembodied spirits of all those who had died throughout the preceding year would come back in search of living bodies to possess for the next year. It was believed to be their only hope for the afterlife. Naturally, those still living did not want to be possessed. So, on the night of October 31, villagers would extinguish the fires in their homes, to make them cold and undesirable. They would then dress up in all manner of ghoulish costumes and noisily parade around the neighbourhood, in order to frighten away spirits looking for bodies to possess.
The custom of 'trick-or-treating' (when children go from house to house on Halloween to get small presents) is thought to have originated with a ninth-century European custom called 'souling' where 25 early Christians would walk from village to village begging for 'soul cakes', made out of square pieces of bread with currants. The more soul cakes the beggars would receive, the more prayers they would promise to 30 say on behalf of the dead relatives of the donors. At the time, it was believed that prayer, even by strangers, could speed a soul's passage to heaven.

* Celts = ancient European people* Celts = ancient European people

Independence Day is the national holiday of the United States of America commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. At the time of the signing, the US consisted of 13 colonies under the rule of England's King George III. There was growing unrest in the colonies concerning the taxes that had to be paid to England. Consequently, King George sent extra 45 troops to help control any rebellion. In April 1775 as the King's troops advanced on Concord, Massachusetts, Paul Revere sounded the alarm that 'The British are coming, the British are coming' as he rode his horse through the late night streets. The battle of Concord would mark the beginning of the war for Independence.
By June 1776 a committee was formed to compose a formal declaration of independence. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the first draft which was presented to the Congress on June 28. And although the signing of the Declaration was not completed until August, the 4th of July has been accepted as the official anniversary of United States independence.
By the early 1800s the traditions of parades, picnics, and fireworks were established as the way to celebrate America's birthday. And although fireworks have been banned in most places because of their danger, most towns and cities usually have big firework displays for all to see and enjoy.

Diwali or Deepawali is a Hindu festival of lights symbolising the victory of righteousness and the lifting 75 of spiritual darkness. The word 'Deepawali' literally means rows of diyas (clay lamps). It is a family festival, celebrated 20 days after Dussehra, on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of the month 80 of Asvin (October-November).
This festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom after completing a 14-year exile. Twinkling oil lamps or diyas light up every home and 85 there are numerous firework displays. (Another view of the festival is that Deepawali is meant to celebrate the destruction of the arrogant tyrant Bali at the hands of Vishnu.) As part of this festive occasion, Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is worshipped in most Hindu homes. So, also, is the goddess Lakshmi, who is the symbol of wealth and prosperity. The occasion of Deepawali sees the spring-cleaning and white-washing of houses; decorative designs or 'rangolis' are painted on floors and walls. New clothes bought and family members and relatives gather together to offer prayers, distribute sweets and to light up their homes.

The origins of Carnival are unclear, but most agree that it started as a pagan celebration in ancient Rome or Greece. Carnival balls were exported from Italy in the late nineteenth century and had their golden age in the 1930s. In Brazil, Carnival rules the country for four days a year, It happens at the peak of summer, attracting thousands of visitors from all corners of the world. 'Carnaval' (as spelled in Portuguese) changes dates every year but it usually happens some time in February or early March.
Carnival is supposed to be a time to 'forget or recall an old love affair, to celebrate new passion or search for new romantic experiences'. It's also a time to 'protest against corrupt politicians, to complain about poverty and give creative suggestions for ways to turn the country into a fair place to live'.
According to history the first Brazilian Carnival is said to have taken place in 1641. Each festival varies depending on the location, but most main attractions are religious ceremonies, performances by the samba schools or huge parades.

In 1605, Guy Fawkes and a group of co-conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament* to kill the King, James I and the entire Parliament. The conspirators were angered because King James had been exiling Jesuits** from England. The plotters wanted to take power away from the king and return the country to the Catholic faith. However, in an attempt to protect a friend, one of the group members sent an anonymous letter warning him to stay away from the Parliament. The warning letter reached the King, and the conspirators were caught, tortured and executed. Guy Fawkes and his friends had rolled 36 barrels of gunpowder under the Houses of Parliament. These days, Guy Fawkes' Day is also known as Bonfire Night. The event is commemorated every year with fireworks and burning an effigy of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire. The effigies are simply known as guys'. Preparations for Guy Fawkes' Day and Bonfire Night celebrations include making the 'guys'. In some parts of England, children keep up an old tradition by walking in the streets, carrying the 'guy' and begging passers-by for 'a penny for the guy'.

Every February, across :-: the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we - celebrate this holiday?
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II " decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young, single men. However, Valentine, opposing the so decree, continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine was discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
According to another legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl - who may have been his jailor's daughter - who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine', an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasise his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure.