Celebrate Our Sisters!

By Claire Ciszewski


Although some are quick to say that many American Holidays were created to continue Card Companies, it is so much more than that. Holidays are a great way to pay tribute cultural norms. For instance, there are holidays that may be celebrated in one country, and never heard of in another. The Mother’s and Father’s Day in America is practically unheard of in Japan where Boy’s and Girl’s Day is more popular. Holidays are important aspects in cultures because they are respective of values held in different societies. 

This August a not so well heard of holiday was noticed, Sisters Day. A Day to celebrate the joys that come with being and having a Sister. For all of those moments that a sister has been there for you. Whether it have been the lifesaving moment of TP rescue when you are in the bathroom or to cheer you on in your volleyball game, having a sister is definitely worth celebrating. This past August 3rd was Sister’s Day, and it comes with a unique and not so well documented history as well. 

All of KSM members from our Spring Initiation 2015.

For instance, some websites tote that the official Sister’s Day flower is a Lavender and the recipe is a Carrot cake (1), however the Hallmark Corporation page insists that the flower is a Gladiolus (2). I didn't know that holidays could have their own flowers or recipes, but it's still a pretty neat discovery. Overall, Sister’s day lacks true origins and a well recorded history, but is similar to other cultures holidays. Nonetheless, be share a special moment with your sister on this day!

White Gladiolus flowers.

Lavender flowers.

The Hallmark Corporation recognizes National Sister’s day as the first Sunday in August (2). The closest holiday comparable to Sister’s Day would be the Japanese Girl’s Day,Hinamatsuri (3). On this day special dolls called Hina-ningyou are placed around homes. The dolls wear traditional Japanese Kimonos and can be costly. The dolls are then arranged on stands to debut their beauty and tradition. However, Sister’s day is more of a toned down holiday where sisters may get together and celebrate one another. In addition to the dolls, Hishi-mochi, colored rice patties, are made during this holiday, this is culturally unique, sort of like the american cakes that are made for holidays. Additionally, paper dolls may be floated down a river, in a tradition called Hina-Okuri (3). Hinamatsuri is celebrated on March 3rd.

Children celebrate the Japanese Girl's Day, which is comparable to Sister's Day. Traditional dolls sit on a stand in the background.

Although we may look different and come from all walks of life, one thing is certain, my KSM sisters are just as special as my biological sisters!

Resources

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[1] Sister's Day at Holiday Insights. (2015). Retrieved September 9, 2015, from http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/August/sistersday.htm
[2] Holidays & Occasions. (n.d.). Retrieved September 9, 2015, from http://newsroom.hallmark.com/Holiday 
[3] Hinamatsuri - March 3. (2002, March 5). Retrieved September 9, 2015, from http://web.mit.edu/jpnet/holidays/Mar/hinamaturi.shtml 

Image 1
KSM original picture
Image 2
Megens, M. (2014, May 8). NEW at FiftyFlowers: Fresh Lavender! Retrieved September 9, 2015.
Image 3
White Gladiolus- a classic cut flower. (n.d.). Retrieved September 9, 2015. 
Image 4
Interesting Doll festival for Japanese girl-learn English lessons. (2014, November 25). Retrieved September 12, 2015.