Multi-faith celebrations Our children come from, and mix with, children from a range of religious and cultural backgrounds, with different celebrations and special days.

A year of celebrations

Your children will learn about special days and festivals while at school. Your kids may come home singing special songs, or ask you questions about these events. It can be useful to prepare for your children's curiosity.

The following are some of the major religious and cultural celebrations throughout the year:

Winter

Eid ul Fitr - a public holiday in Islamic countries, this celebration marks the end of Ramadan (the spiritual month of fasting). Eid is a favourite among Muslim children, as they receive lots of presents.

Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev - Sikhs celebrate the birth of Guru Nanak Dev, founder of Sikhism.

Guy Fawkes' Night (Bonfire Night) - on 5 November, many people across the UK light bonfires and burn effigies in memory of a group of Catholic plotters, including Guy Fawkes, who were foiled in an attempt to blow up the (Protestant) Houses of Parliament in 1605.

Diwali - this colourful Festival of Lights, celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs, commemorates the ancient story of Prince Rama and Sita's homecoming after the defeat of Ravana (the demon king).

Hanukkah - this Jewish Festival of Lights happens over eight days in December, and recalls Jews' struggle for religious freedom. Families light one candle on the menorah (special candelabra) for each night of the celebration.

Christmas Day - on 25 December, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by going to church, sharing a meal and giving presents.

Hogmanay - celebrated on 31 December, often with public festivities and fireworks, this Scottish New Year celebration harks back to the pagan practice of sun and fire worship in deep midwinter

Eid ul Adha - this Islamic festival marks the end of Hajj (the holy pilgrimage to Mecca) and is celebrated by Muslims the world over. It lasts four to five days.

Paranirvana Day - a Buddhist festival that marks the anniversary of the death of Buddha.

Chinese New Year - taking place on a date determined by the solar/lunar calendar (varying from January to late February), this is an exciting celebration of the earth coming back to life with fireworks, lanterns and special meals.

Burns' Night - haggis is the traditional food with which to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Scottish poet Robert Burns on 25 January.

Spring

Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) - this is a day of penitence for Christians and the last chance to feast before Lent - usually on pancakes.

Ash Wednesday - for Christians, this first day of the fast of Lent is marked with special services where worshippers are dusted with ashes as a symbol of mortality.

Good Friday - during special church services, Christians remember the death of Jesus Christ and think about what it means for their faith.

Easter Sunday - Jesus' return to life is celebrated with church services and the sharing of Easter eggs - a symbol of new life.

Baisakhi/Vaisakhi - usually falling on April 13 (occasionally April 14), this festival marks the founding of the Sikh religion, in the late 15th century, by Guru Nanak.

Passover (Pesach) - this eight-day Jewish celebration commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Family and friends gather for Pesach Seder (ritual) meals.

Wesak - the most important day of the year for Buddhists, Wesak celebrates the anniversary of the birth of Buddha.

Summer

Pentecost (Shavout) - this Jewish celebration commemorates the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. Customs include reading the Torah, eating meals made from dairy products and bringing plants to synagogue.

Autumn

Rosh Hashanah - the two-day Jewish New Year festival commemorates the anniversary of the creation of mankind.

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) - the most important day in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur is marked by fasting and special services.

Halloween (All Hallows' Eve) - once regarded as the night when the spirits of the dead roamed the earth, October 31 is now a highly commercialised festival for children, with ghostly costumes and sweeties galore.

Disclaimer: The BBC Parenting site is provided for your general information only. The information contained on this site should not be treated as a substitute for medical, legal or other professional advice. The BBC is not responsible or liable for the contents of any websites of third parties which are listed on this site.