ARCHIVED Year 2 Blog 2024/25

   In our RE workshop today we learnt about the worldview of Humanism and its annual festival of World Humanism Day. Humanists are people that believe they do not need religion to help them live good and happy lives and turn to science for answers. They don't believe in any God, have a religious book or sacred place, consequently there are no set ways in which to mark special occasions or even World Humanist Day itself. There may be events like picnics, conferences, parties or even protests to mark the day but it would depend on each cultures preference.  To mark this day and as a reflection of all the festivals we have already learnt about this year, we worked in teams to design our own perfect celebration, thinking about the food, venue, activities, decorations and clothes we would want. 

  Vesak is the Buddhist festival that celebrates the birth, enlightment and death of Buddha. Wesak is a very colourful and happy celebration. Homes may be cleaned and decorated. In many countries, Buddhists will visit their local temple for services and teaching. They will give offerings to the monks of food, candles and flowers. Chanting and praying are an important part of Wesak. Today we made 3d lilies as this is an important symbol for Buddhists. When the man we now know as Buddha was born he was thought to walk 7 steps straight away and lilies grew under his feet, this was thought to be a sign that he was special and meant to lead his people. 

 Today we looked at the Pagan festival of  Spring Equinox that is a celebration of new life.  It is held to mark the coming of spring and the daylight being equal to the night. Many pagans will celebrate by visiting monuments at sunrise or sunset, spending time quietly, making alters or singing. In this Pagan festival an egg is often seen to be a symbol of new life, so you may see nature themed decorated eggs around at this time, much the same as the traditional way Christians would have used eggs at Easter time. We had a go at decorating our very own eggs filled with nature and all the signs of spring.