Religious festivals and diversity

Citizenship KS2/KS3/Levels E&F
Race and religion

Overview

Many religious festivals take place in December and January.

Students look at the common aspects of different festivals.

Learning aims

• Similarities and differences between religious festivals

Ice-breaker

Ask the class:

• What religious festivals do you celebrate?
• How do you celebrate them?
• Can you spot any similarities between the celebrations.

Main activity

Guide: Religious festivals Click here for guide

Students research the various religious festivals in December and/or January and add to the example table below with details of other festivals.

In December, Christians celebrate Christmas Day, Jews celebrate Hanukkah, Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day and Zoroastrians celebrate Zartusht-No-Diso.

In January, Buddhists celebrate Shinran and Honen memorial days, Christians celebrate Epiphany, Hindus celebrate Makar Sankrant, Jews celebrate Tu B'Shevat, Muslims celebrate Eid-Ul-Adhr, Rastafarians celebrate Christmas, Sikhs celebrate the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh.

Students may wish to use our guide to religious festivals to help them.

Example table:

Religion - Judaism

• Name of festival - Hanukkah
• Date(s) - 26 Dec to 2 Jan
• Rituals - Lighting eight branched candle holder
• Food eaten - Potato pancakes
• Other information - Singing hymn called Maoz Tzur

Religion - Christianity

• Name of festival - Christmas
• Date(s) - 25 Dec
• Rituals - Lighting candles
• Food eaten - Turkey
• Other information - Carol singing

Extension activity

Students use photographs and images from magazines, websites and newspapers to design a poster that celebrates the UK's multicultural society.

Plenary

Ask students:

• What differences did you find between the religious festivals?
• What similarities did you find between the religious festivals?
• Are there any rituals/food from a particular religion you would like to adopt/taste?

Curriculum relevance

National Curriculum Citizenship Key Stage 3

1b. The diversity of national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding

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