The festival lasts for seven days. The two days following the festival are separate holidays, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, but are considered part of Sukkot. Sukkot has both historical and agricultural significance. These booths commemorate the 40-year period during which the children of Israel wandered in the desert. It must be placed sparsely enough that rain can get in and the stars can be seen.
Many families decorate their sukkah.
The six branches are bound together and referred to collectively as the lular.