celebration

Sky lanterns, now banned in Md., illuminate winter celebrations

Sky lanterns, now banned in Md., illuminate winter celebrations

18 photos

Sky lanterns, essentially small paper hot air balloons, have grown in popularity recently after being used and made in Asia for years. In some festivals, hundreds of balloons float in the air, illuminating the night sky.

That won’t be the case in Maryland. Responding to increased use of the balloons, Maryland’s fire marshal has explicitly banned sky lanterns, citing their ability to start fires.

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Troops in Afghanistan celebrate Christmas

Troops in Afghanistan celebrate Christmas

24 photos

Miles away from their families and their homes, troops in Afghanistan held Christmas celebrations at military bases and outposts. Soldiers from the U.S., France, and other countries involved in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) shared each other’s company for a traditional Christmas meal at the Kabul International Airport on Christmas Day. German Bundeswehr soldiers, meanwhile, set up traditional Christmas markets at their military outposts in Afghanistan.

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Yuletide, worldwide: Holiday traditions around the world

Yuletide, worldwide: Holiday traditions around the world

39 photos

Baltimore has a monument lighting, New York has the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, and Washington has a national menorah lighting. Around the world, though, holiday traditions range from religious ceremonies (like nine consecutive masses in Manila) to contemporary takes on pagan traditions.

What’s your favorite holiday tradition? Tell us in the comments.

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70 pictures for the Day of the Dead

70 pictures for the Day of the Dead

70 photos

UPDATE: 30 more images have been added from this year’s Day of the Dead celebrations from all over world.

In some households, November 1st is All Saints’ Day. In others, it’s the Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead. Both focus on remembering those who have come before us but do so different ways. Where as All Saints’ Day is a Catholic tradition invoking a solemn and prayerful atmosphere, the Day of the Dead is a Mexican celebration filled with vibrant colors, decadent food and lively activities.

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