With all the unique cultures that shape America, it comes as no surprise that it is called the “melting pot.” As students welcome in the holiday season and luxuriate in sugar-coated candy canes, crispy turkey, fuzzy sweaters and an array of new presents, they begin to realize the different holidays celebrated at Palmetto and the exotic ways in which they are celebrated.
“I’ve learned a lot about other religions because of the diversity that Palmetto has,” sophomore Laxhmi Ramjit said. “I go with my friends to their churches and since I’m Hindu I always bring them to my our festivals and such.”
Ramjit’s Hindu holiday celebration also might provide insight to diverse religious obvservances.
“Our holiday is called ‘Diwali,’ which is in November. My family gathers to light candles, called Dias,” Ramjit said. “It’s the most beautiful holiday.”
The story behind Diwali, or ‘the festival of lights,’ is celebrated by another Hindu student.
“It’s the holiday that the goddess of wealth comes to the most lit house.” junior Ellora Sarkar said. “I love the company of having everyone over. We have such an amazing time.”
Sophomore Luna Ghraoui is quite excited to celebrate the Muslim holiday of “Eid,” a holiday that celebrates God’s gift to Abraham.
“We call all our family in Paris and Lebanon and we go out to dinner to the same restaurant every year,” Ghraoui said. “I don’t know that many people who celebrate it, but I like being different.”
Then there are students like sophomore Austin Abercrombie, who has the advantage of celebrating not one, but two holidays, as he is half-Jewish and half-Christian.
“Instead of learning about one religion, I get to learn about both of them and their customs,” Abercrombie said.
Sophomore Jasleen Chin-Sang embraces her Asian roots by going all out for Chinese New Year.
“I attend something called the Moon Cake Festival; it’s awesome!” Chin-sang said.
Chinese New Year takes place in February, right around the time when crops and moon cakes are the best, according to Chin-Sang.
“The festival is filled with different cultural things like dragons and origami. I look forward to it every year.”
Whether one is Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, or of another religion, faith or denomination, Palmetto gives students the opportunity to flaunt their unique traditions, but acknowledge the fact that in the end they’re all tied together as Panthers.