Around the world, holidays and cultural celebrations carry stories that connect people to their history, values, families, and communities. These are moments when cultures come alive through music, food, rituals, gatherings, and shared memories. Although every country celebrates differently, its customs often embody shared human experiences and values such as gratitude, solidarity, respect, and a sense of belonging. Within the IVECA Intercultural Exchange Program, students discover these cultural treasures directly from their international partners, transforming classroom interactions into meaningful global connections that foster understanding, empathy, and appreciation for diversity.
This spring semester, students in India, China, Korea, and Indonesia participating from Asia are engaged in intercultural exchange and collaborative learning through IVECA, bringing unique cultural perspectives and meaningful traditions. Shared by the IVECA schools, the following celebrations and cultural practices highlight how each one reflects values that connect communities across cultures despite their differences.
One of the universal values shared across many celebrations around the world is hope, and this spirit is beautifully represented in India through Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Celebrated between October and November, Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Families decorate their homes with lamps and candles, exchange sweets and gifts, wear customary clothing, and gather together in prayer and celebration. The bright lights and festive atmosphere create a sense of happiness and renewal, reminding people to spread kindness and positivity within their communities. Beyond its beauty, Diwali is not only a celebration but also a representation of cultural identity and shared values that continue to bring families and neighborhoods closer year after year. The themes of renewal and human connection, found in Diwali, can also be recognized in many other cultural celebrations around the world.
The importance of family bonds and new beginnings is also strongly reflected in China through the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, which takes place between late January and mid-February according to the lunar calendar. During this period, families reunite after long journeys, homes are decorated with red lanterns and symbols of good fortune, and fireworks illuminate the sky to welcome prosperity. Traditional meals are shared among relatives, while children receive red envelopes as a sign of blessings and luck. Beyond the festivities, the celebration emphasizes respect for historical customs, family connections, and the hope for a prosperous future. Similar to Diwali, the Lunar New Year highlights how celebrations can strengthen relationships between generations while preserving important cultural values and cherished memories. The holiday also creates a strong sense of belonging among families and communities as people come together to welcome a new chapter.
Gratitude and appreciation for family heritage are also central values in Korea’s Chuseok celebration, one of the country’s most cherished holidays. Often referred to as the Korean Harvest Festival, Chuseok is celebrated in September or October according to the lunar calendar. Families travel to their hometowns to reunite, honor their ancestors, and give thanks for the harvest season. People prepare meaningful dishes together, such as songpyeon, while many wear hanbok and participate in ancestral memorial ceremonies. Chuseok expresses gratitude, respect for heritage, and the importance of maintaining strong family bonds. Like Diwali and the Lunar New Year, the celebration demonstrates how cultural gatherings preserve traditions while strengthening a spirit of closeness and mutual appreciation among family members and communities. The occasion serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining relationships across generations and celebrating shared roots.
Cuci Negeri Soya in Indonesia
The value of harmony and collective responsibility is beautifully highlighted in Indonesia through Cuci Negeri Soya, celebrated each second week of December by people living in Negeri Soya in Ambon City. Recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Indonesia, this ritual and environmental cleansing ceremony aims to purify both the village and the people’s hearts. Community members gather to participate in rituals and acts of cooperation that reinforce solidarity and preserve cultural identity. As one teacher shared, “It is meaningful to us because it can strengthen brotherhood and become a forum for cooperation that strengthens the values of unity and togetherness among the citizens of Negeri Soya.” This powerful message demonstrates how cultural practices can serve as a reminder that communities become stronger when people work together and care for one another. Just like the celebrations in India, China, and Korea, Cuci Negeri Soya emphasizes social harmony, collective care, and cultural continuity for future generations.
Through IVECA, these cultural heritages become opportunities for global learning and meaningful exchange. Through their introductions, students from each country present themselves to their international partners by sharing about their culture, identity, daily life, and what represents them. Many students also choose to share their holidays, special occasions, family customs, and meaningful celebrations as a way to present an important part of their cultural background. By learning directly from one another, students gain a deeper understanding of the emotions and values behind each celebration rather than simply learning facts about another culture. These exchanges allow students to recognize both the uniqueness of each custom and the shared human values that connect them all.
The beauty of IVECA cultural exchanges lies in the opportunity to bring people together despite differences in language, geography, and background. As students share stories, customs, and celebrations, they build friendships rooted in respect and curiosity. Through these experiences, IVECA helps students become more globally aware, open-minded, and appreciative of diversity. In a world where cultural differences are often misunderstood or used to create division, these moments of cultural sharing remind us that understanding one another’s deeper life experiences can create stronger connections, deeper empathy, and a more peaceful global community.
