Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Eid al-Adha – almost every week around the globe different faiths and religions are marking the passage of the year by celebrating significant occasions, preparing traditional foods and feasts, and spending time with friends and family.
As well as punctuating that continuous cycle of time, these festivities are a crucial part of maintaining social cohesion and family ties. Despite instant communication and a shrinking globe, the importance of community is increasingly under threat, with family units splintering and more and more individuals feeling isolated.
Making the time and effort to continue celebrating these festivals is imperative of that sense of community, no matter how wide and scattered, is to continue. The benefits are manifold. We highlight below the many ways in which annual celebrations contribute to and improve social cohesion.
Shared Identity and Belonging
Most celebrations often revolve around cultural, religious, or national identities, allowing individuals to connect with their heritage and community. Participating in these events reinforces a sense of belonging and pride in one’s cultural or national identity.
As a result, family and community bonds are strengthened. Many families today live disconnected lives, moving to different towns, cities, even countries to follow individual dreams and jobs. Despite the interconnectedness of online communications, it is all too easy to lose that closeness, diluting the bonds that might once have tied you together.
Annual festivities, such as Christmas or Easter, give us all the excuse to take the time and effort to get back in contact and spend time with those we are connected to through family and community ties. It can help you appreciate the paths you have chosen, and often give you an opportunity for reflection and gratitude.
Passing Down Traditions and Values
Annual celebrations are a means of transmitting cultural and societal values from one generation to the next. They educate younger members about their history, traditions, and the importance of maintaining these practices, thus ensuring cultural continuity.
Within a multicultural environment, it is important that each culture reconnects with its core values, creating teaching moments for those of other cultures, showcasing some of the foods and traditions that drive your own communities. This fosters an understanding across different demographics, promoting social harmony and acceptance.
Creating Collective Memories
How many conversations with loved ones start off with those immortal words ‘Do you remember when…’? Shared experiences during celebrations create collective memories that contribute to group identity. These memories are often cherished and recounted, strengthening the emotional ties among community members.
But as well as this, celebrations can bring joy and relief in an often stressful and overwhelming world. Regularly scheduled celebrations offer a break from routine, an enforced holiday which stops the phone from ringing, allows you to break away from the demands of a highly pressurized work environment. This positive atmosphere can improve mental health and overall well-being, which are essential for the health of you and your family.
Economic Benefits and Shared Prosperity
What is often overlooked is the significant contribution to the economy made by these festivities. Many celebrations have significant economic impacts, generating business for local vendors, artisans, and service providers. This economic boost can enhance community welfare and provide a sense of shared prosperity. Research indicates that Americans will spend more than $1 trillion on their Christmas celebrations.
Opportunity for Reflection and Renewal
Whatever the economic benefits, this only adds to the overall contribution to an individual’s emotional and physical wellbeing. Whether that is reconnecting with the rituals and symbols associated with annual celebrations, or re-evaluating the deep meanings these carry, people often experience a renewed a sense of stability and continuity in a rapidly changing world. This can be reassuring and strengthen communal bonds, as well as improve wellbeing.
