As The Linsly School concludes its second semester and enters winter break, many of the dorming students have the opportunity to return home.
The holiday season varies for each of these students, with many celebrating different traditions and customs that reflect their culture. Two boarders, Minh Tue Pham, and Martina Hortas, have offered to share a piece of their home life during this season.
First, Minh shares that it is typical in Vietnam for her family to gather to celebrate the Lunar New Year. This event lasts seven days. Throughout this week, Minh spends time visiting family and friends, commonly enjoying a traditional food item, Banh Chung. Banh Chung is a special Tet dish served almost every holiday. It consists of banana leaves wrapped around a sticky rice cake. Minh also participates in a traditional game called Bau Cua Ca Cop. In this game, there are six animals and each player is to guess the combination of the animals that will appear on the dice.
Similarly, Martina shares Spanish customs that include traditional Spanish foods, Three Kings Day, and special events that happen throughout December and January. Martina spends time with each side of her family over the holiday. On Christmas Eve, she visits the North of Spain where seafood is very popular. After the New Year, on the 6th of January, Martina and her family celebrate Three Kings Day. Traditional desserts are made and presents are given. Lastly, the majority of cities in Spain hold events such as carnivals for the public.
As winter break begins, Martina and Minh’s holiday customs remind us of the joy of family, friends, and culture. On behalf of the Linsly Line, we hope you have a wonderful holiday!
By: Marlee Smith
Photo credit: Pin and Travel
