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THE COMPASS

As the holiday season kicks off we take a look at some other holidays that take place around the globe throughout the year. Discover how the soulful marigold became an icon at events as diverse as Diwali and the Day of the Dead, learn how an ancient revolt sparked the Festival of Lights, and see how Kwanzaa celebrates African-American heritage, how it came to be, and what it means today.

Flower seller's booth filled with yellow, orange, and pink flowers

PHOTOGRAPH BY MATTHIEU PALEY, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

How the soulful marigold became an icon, from Mexico to India

See our photographers' best images of the flowers, which abound at events as diverse as Diwali and the Day of the Dead.

HUMBLE FLOWER TO ICON

On the walls of Jerusalem's Old City, a colorful menorah lights up the night during Hanukkah.

PHOTOGRAPH BY YONATAN SINDEL, FLASH90/REDUX

How an ancient revolt sparked the Festival of Lights

Celebrated over eight days and nights, Hanukkah commemorates a people’s uprising and holy miracle from more than 2,000 years ago.

ORIGINS AND CELEBRATION

Two people stand behind a table with kwanza candles and food on it

PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT ABBOTT SENGSTACKE, GETTY IMAGES

Kwanzaa celebrates African-American heritage. Here’s how it came to be—and what it means today.

Since its founding in 1966, the weeklong holiday has been observed with candle lighting ceremonies, feasts, and reflections on past struggles and future hopes.

THE RISE AND EVOLUTION

ONE OF THESE FACTS ABOUT TURKEYS ISN'T REAL. CAN YOU FIGURE OUT WHICH ONE? CLICK TO SEE IF YOU'RE RIGHT AND READ OTHER FUN FACTS ABOUT TURKEYS.

A. THEY CAN FLY AT 40-50MPH

B. A PRESIDENT ONCE DECLARED IT THE "KING OF AMERICAN GAMEBIRDS"

C. "GOBBLE GOBBLE" IS THE ONLY SOUND TURKEYS ARE CAPABLE OF

CLICK TO SEE IF YOU'RE RIGHT!

Earth and part of a spaceship from space

PHOTOGRAPH BY SCOTT KELLY, NASA

How astronauts celebrate holidays in space

Space veteran Scott Kelly says there’s only one holiday all nations on Earth celebrate together.

CELEBRATING TOGETHER

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

1.

How the traditional Thanksgiving feast has evolved over centuries

2.

Our favorite pictures of turkeys for Thanksgiving

3.

How do Thanksgivings in America and Canada differ?

4.

How wild animals eaten at the first Thanksgiving are faring today

PAID CONTENT FOR MAZDA

A photo of two people standing next to a car, gazing at a tall, snowy mountain range.

Finding balance and umami in the Olympic National Forest

Nature is in a constant state of renewal. Its cycles of birth and decay ignite our senses and pique our curiosity season after season. It can make us feel grounded, balanced, and inspired. Join as chef Melissa King heads to Washington’s Olympic National Forest with Nat Geo Explorer Korena Mafune to hike, bike, forage mushrooms, and create a dish inspired by the spirit of the place.

People dancing in traditional dresses in downtown Chicago

PHOTOGRAPH BY HOSSEIN FATEMI, PANOS PICTURES/REDUX

This ancient festival is a celebration of springtime—and a brand new year

Nowruz, also known as Persian New Year, has been observed for more than 3,000 years as the victory of spring over darkness.

WHERE WILL WE JOURNEY TO NEXT?

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