Why are festivals important for cultures around the world? Why don’t people like festivals?
In most countries of the world, festivals serve as a linkage among generations to share stories and experience and to inform community members of traditions and ethical values. Various types of festivals fulfill diverse purposes include religions, arts, food and drinks, seasonal and harvest. Some people argue that festivals have become a means of commercialized events in modern societies. Enormous amounts of money are spent on entertaining target audience and attracting international tourists. Losing its origin and identity seems a serious problem nowadays in many cultures.
Cultural, religious and historical significance is an essential element of festivals. Many religions adopt festivals in regard to honoring their Gods or thanking Nature. Christmas and Easter festivals are well known around the world as they are influenced by Christianity. Even though Taiwan is not a Christian country, Taiwanese people also celebrate Christmas. Furthermore, festivals are considered as a means for unity among families. It coincides with harvest and new year celebrations, such as Diwali festival for millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, and the Chinese New Year holidays for the Chinese people around the world. Festivals play a meaningful role in cultural connections across national boundaries. Many people believe that festivals are significant historical assets for conveying traditional values and being proud of cultural identities. These series of activities are not only for entertainment, but most importantly, for enhancement of community members’ relationships.Yet, the most worrying aspect of festivals is becoming too commercialized. It seems to me that to achieve sponsorships’ objectives are more crucial than to fulfil the original intentions. Take Christmas in Taiwan for example, most people regard it as a gift-exchange parties for fun, rather than a religious event for appreciation of the Lord. Another argument put forward is that some festivals seem like a cliché and not modernized with the current times. For instance, the Running of the Bulls has been debated for its cruelness and the historical traditions. The Lantern festivals in Taiwan has even been discussed due to the destruction and pollution of flamed lanterns. It might bring potential fire risks for the local residents and the forests in the mountains. They point out that festivals should be celebrated in different ways between the past and the present times.
In conclusion, nobody would suggest that festivals should be abandoned and be regarded as burdens. The fundamental learning is to understand the original meaning of each festival. The celebration should be related to connections between humans and building on their relationships. In particular, during this pandemic time, all human beings need to reconstruct not only their social life but also their bonds. Trust and belief could be delivered through these festivals.
