Our Religious Education lessons will continue to be based upon our “Love to Celebrate” projects. Basing the “Love to Celebrate” projects around festivals gives a real-life context to the children’s learning and a structure to the projects. However, the celebration itself is only a small part of each “Love to Celebrate” project. Each set of projects covers all major aspects of each religion including worship, belief, leadership and belonging.
Please view our “World festivals and Celebrations Calendar”.
Term 5: Hinduism – Holi
Holi is celebrated throughout India and beyond. Bonfires are lit on the first day of Holi to remind Hindus of the story of Holika and Prahlad. Coloured paint is thrown or squirted at friends, family and even strangers on the second day of the festival. This commemorates a story about the young Krishna and his beloved Radha.
The festival also marks the winter harvest, welcomes spring and celebrates love. For the key words and vocabulary associated with this topic, please view our “Holi Glossary”.
Term 6: Christianity – Pentecost
Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after Easter. According to the Bible, Jesus had ascended into heaven 10 days earlier and the disciples were waiting to receive power from God to help them spread Jesus’ message. When the Holy Spirit filled the disciples, they started speaking in different languages so that the people in the crowd could understand them. That day, 3000 people were baptised as Christians, therefore Pentecost is seen as the birthday of the Christian church.
Today, Pentecost is a popular time for Baptism and confirmation services. Church leaders may wear red to represent the flames that settled on the heads of the disciples and some churches may also serve a special cake after the Sunday service to mark the birthday of the church. For the key words and vocabulary associated with this topic, please view our “Pentecost Glossary”.