A procession of people carrying a slender platform with clay figurines of Mary, Joseph, angels and stars moves from house to house, and they are refused entry. Finally, one house allows them in, where celebrations include refreshments and a pinata for the children. This re-enactment is done each day with a different family providing the refreshments. During the Edo period, the 20th of every month was designated as sacred to Ebisu, and business associations used to hold their monthly meetings on that day. Customs include lighting candles and special fires, decorating with evergreen, exchanging gifts, enjoying special holiday foods and attending church services.
Celebrations vary according to culture, ethnicity and family traditions.
In 1966, a professor who wanted to encourage blacks to celebrate their heritage introduced Kwanzaa in California. Patterned after an East African harvest festival, Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 to January 1. All Rights Reserved.