Michelle Criss, AINS®’s Post

Songkran, also known as the Thai New Year, is Thailand's biggest and most important annual festival. It's a vibrant celebration that marks the start of the traditional Thai solar calendar, usually around mid-April. Here's a breakdown of what Songkran is all about: Water Splashing: The most famous aspect of Songkran is the water splashing! People take to the streets armed with buckets, water guns, and hoses to playfully drench each other. This tradition symbolizes washing away bad luck from the previous year and starting fresh in the new year. Temple Ceremonies: Songkran is also a time for religious observances. People visit temples to make merit, offer prayers, and participate in merit-making activities. Respecting Elders: Younger family members traditionally pay respect to their elders by performing a ritual called "Rod Nam Dam Hua." This involves gently pouring water mixed with fragrant flowers over the hands of elders to ask for blessings and forgiveness. Family Reunions: Many Thais travel back to their hometowns to celebrate Songkran with family. It's a time for bonding, sharing meals, and strengthening family ties. Overall Significance: Songkran is a joyous festival that combines traditional rituals, water fights, family gatherings, and a sense of renewal. It's a time to celebrate life, culture, and the start of a new year. Here are some additional details you might find interesting: The exact dates of Songkran can vary slightly from year to year, but it usually falls around April 13th. Songkran festivities can last for several days, with the most intense water fights happening on the first day. Colorful decorations and traditional music add to the festive atmosphere. People often wear bright clothing and flower garlands during Songkran. If you're ever in Thailand during Songkran, be prepared to get wet! It's a fun and unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Thai culture.

How Midsummer celebrates in Northern Europe? While #Midsummer festivities share some common threads across Northern Europe, there are interesting variations between countries. Here’s a glimpse into how some countries celebrate Midsummer: Sweden: Midsummer ( #Midsommar ) is a much-anticipated public holiday. Swedes head to the countryside, adorn themselves with flower crowns, and raise a decorated maypole (midsommarstång) for dancing around. Traditional foods like pickled herring and strawberries are enjoyed alongside singing and merriment. Finland: Known as #Juhannus, Finnish Midsummer is another public holiday. Bonfires are a central feature, believed to ward off evil spirits. Finns often retreat to summer cottages for barbecues, sauna sessions, and playful games like mölkky (Finnish skittles). Denmark: The Danish Midsummer, called #Sankthansaften, is on June 23rd. Bonfires are a mainstay here too, often accompanied by the burning of a witch effigy made of twigs and cloth. Danes enjoy traditional meals, lively music, and games. Latvia: #Jāņi, #Līgo the Latvian Midsummer, is a two-day celebration. People gather for outdoor festivities around bonfires, singing folk songs and enjoying a traditional cheese dish called Jāņi cheese. Elaborate headwear made of oak branches and flowers is a unique feature here. Norway: #Sankthansaften (meaning St. John’s Eve). Key elements: Bonfires are lit to ward off evil spirits and symbolize the summer sun. People gather for singing, traditional foods like grilled fish and strawberries, and games like egg rolling. Estonia: #Jaanipäev (meaning John’s Day. Key elements: Bonfires are a focal point, around which people sing folk songs while swinging on swings. Competitions in swinging are a fun element! Flower crowns are worn, and some Estonians believe Midsummer is a time for divination. Lithuania: #Joninės (also called Rasos). Key elements: Bonfires are central, and people jump over them for good luck. Wearing oak wreaths is a tradition, and some Lithuanians light torches and carry them around fields to symbolically burn away negativity. Special foods like cheese pastries are enjoyed.

Understanding gift-giving etiquette and traditions is essential when living across cultures, as it reflects respect, sensitivity, and awareness of the values held by different communities. In many cultures, gift-giving is more than a simple exchange; it symbolizes relationships, status, and gratitude. Knowing what types of gifts are appropriate, how to present them, and when to give them can significantly impact personal and professional relationships. Missteps can lead to misunderstandings or even offense, while thoughtful adherence to local customs can foster trust, build goodwill, and deepen cross-cultural connections. In globally mobile lives, being attuned to such nuances ensures smoother interactions and demonstrates genuine cultural respect. #CQ #CulturalIntelligence #GlobalMobility #globallymobile #coaching #traditions #InterculturalTraining #CrossCulturalTraining

Discover gift-giving traditions from around the globe as you embark on a journey through diverse cultural practices. Whether navigating the delicate art of presenting gifts in East Asia or embracing the gratitude-driven customs of Asia and Russia, each destination offers its own set of guidelines to ensure a harmonious exchange. From the insistence on politeness through multiple refusals in China, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan to the significance of hand gestures in India, Africa, the Middle East, and East Asia, every detail matters. Be mindful of taboo objects like sharp items in East Asia, Brazil, Italy, Peru, and Switzerland, or the cultural nuances of colors in gift wrapping, where white, black, and blue signify mourning in Asia while yellow carries different connotations in India and China. Understand the significance of numbers in gift-giving, with even numbers deemed lucky in East Asia and odd numbers favored in Europe and India. In Yemen and Saudi Arabia, receiving gifts from anyone beyond close friends can be considered embarrassing, while in Italy, certain colors like purple are deemed unlucky. Through these customs and traditions, one gains insight into the intricate tapestry of global gift-giving etiquette, ensuring meaningful exchanges across cultures. Read full article: https://lnkd.in/g48Mq2gk #globalgiftgiving #culturaletiquette #gifttraditions #worldlycustoms

Loud celebrations often bring joy to some but discomfort to many. In India, festivals, weddings, religious gatherings, or even personal functions are a vibrant part of our culture. But in residential areas, when these celebrations spill over into the streets with loud music, crackers, and endless announcements, it’s not just a matter of celebration—it becomes a matter of consideration. Imagine a neighborhood where an elderly person struggles to rest because of the noise. A newborn baby startled awake during their nap. A student burning the midnight oil for exams, unable to focus. These aren’t just rare occurrences; they’re the hidden cost of our celebrations. It’s not about one religion, one culture, or one community—this is across all spectrums. Loud wedding processions, community events with deafening speakers, or festivals celebrated with unregulated fireworks have become a common sight in India. The question is: Have we stopped asking ourselves how our celebrations impact others around us? True joy lies in sharing happiness, not disrupting lives. Celebrations can be meaningful and enjoyable without compromising the peace of others. What if we encouraged more thoughtful ways to celebrate? - Using venues with proper soundproofing. - Keeping volumes in check in open areas. - Scheduling events during reasonable hours. The essence of any celebration is togetherness, but let’s not forget that togetherness includes being mindful of the entire community. What are your thoughts? Can we balance cultural vibrancy with community harmony?

National Holidays in Chile: The Origin and Meaning of the Celebrations of September 18 🇨🇱 Every year, Chile celebrates its Fiestas Patrias on September 18, a date full of tradition, joy, and national pride. But what is the origin and significance of this important holiday? The 18th of September marks the first meeting of the Government Junta in 1810, an event that initiated Chile's process of independence from Spain. It symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter in Chilean history, one where the nation would gradually gain its autonomy. Today, the celebrations last several days and include: 🎉 Traditional Dances: The cueca is the national dance, performed across the country during the celebrations. 🥩 Food and Drinks: Chilean barbecues (asados), empanadas, and traditional drinks like chicha and pisco are central to the festivities. 🎶 Festivals and Parades: From local Fondas (festive markets) to official military parades, the streets fill with people celebrating their culture and history. This holiday is not just about remembering the past but also celebrating the rich traditions and vibrant spirit of Chile. How do you celebrate Chile’s Fiestas Patrias? Share your thoughts below! 🇨🇱 #FiestasPatrias #Chile #September18 #ChileanIndependence #Traditions #Cueca #NationalHolidays #Celebración

*Maha Kumbh 2025* A magnificent event and gigantic congregation spread over 45 days with expected count of 400 million+ people from across the world. This is one of the largest gathering in the history. Visited the place over the weekend and had fortune to have "Snaan" at 4:30 AM at Triveni Sangam. It's a special feeling with people chanting "Har Har Gange" and "Ganga Maiya ki Jai" at top of their voice. It's a must visit sacred place during this period to witness our culture, spirituality and deep faith of people. Hundred thousands of Sadhus, Gurus, their followers and visitors having eagerness to have Snaan at wee hours makes it even more special. People carrying water in different cans from Triveni Sangam have an unbelievable faith. Supposedly the next such Maha Kumbh will occur after 144 years, may be 2-3 generations will pass by that time. So, I call it once in a generations' experience. The overall place is a huge one spread over many thousand acres of land and hosting huge number of tents across 25 sectors and 44 ghats. Thousands of ground staff and policemen managing the whole show in an auto pilot mode. Changing rooms at Ghats and cleanliness around was unexpected despite millions of people visiting everyday. Overall process is smooth and crowd makes it even more smoother as you simply need to move with the flow once you enter Mahakumbh Nagar. There are multiple things to mention but I believe post holders have done a commendable job by managing the entire event successfully so far. I think if people start following driving rules then the job will be even easier for everyone around. Believe me, everyone should experience this event at least once and definitely will have life time memories to cherish. PS - A place to stay should be arranged in advance if you're planning a night stay otherwise you may not find a place on the spot and avoid taking kids at least up to 9-10 years of age. Har Har Gange 🙏

𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬 - 𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 This guide will explore various types of #birthday venues, give you considerations for selecting the perfect spot, and give you tips to make the most of your chosen location https://rb.gy/h4w8wh

This #EidAlAdha, make the best of every moment by sharing and caring for everyone around you. Find out in our latest blog about the festivities of this #Eid and prepare accordingly! 🐑🐄🐫 Read Blog 📝:

Many festivals originated as rituals to ward off evil spirits, reflecting a universal desire for protection and good fortune. Celebrations often include loud noises, like fireworks during Chinese New Year, thought to scare away malevolent forces, while seasonal events connect prosperity with protection. In the UAE, National Day features fireworks and festive displays that symbolize good fortune and honor. Festivals across religions share this theme: Christmas lights and Easter’s renewal symbolize hope, while Hanukkah’s candles represent resilience. These traditions—Diwali lamps, protective symbols during Passover, and lucky foods in Lunar New Year—unite people worldwide in the pursuit of positivity, comfort, and well-being. Shabana TajassumNikhil KataraAthiti SubramaniamNarin ChauhanPushkin ShanivYash GangwaniHimanshi Kaur