Malaysia (Kedah) : public and bank holidays, closure of banks, stock exchanges, school vacations

Catholic or protestant : Since pre-historic times in Europe, festivities (bonfires, offrerings) were marking the beginning of longer hours of daylight with fires and ritual. The Roman festival of Saturnalia lasted several days in December (gambling and offerings). Germanic tribes also celebrated mid-winter (drinking and rituals). The Bulgarian (with Koleduvane) and the Polish (with Gwiazdka) perpetuate this tradition. Jesus of Nazareth was probably born in springtime (Reformists favour autumn). But in the 4th century, December 25th was chosen for the celebration of his birth by Pope Julius I (Bishop Liberus is also mentioned in 354 A.D.). Thus, a Christian element was introduced in the long-established mid-winter festivals. Before 1582, the Papal States and other Italian city states celebrated New Year’s Day on Christmas Day.

Hinduism : Tamil celebration. Marks the end of a 10-day fasting period during which people go to the local temple and get themselves pierced with various needles attached to various object.

Muslim, Sufi :

Secular holiday :

Secular holiday :

Secular holiday :

cards/flowers :

Muslim, Sufi : The month of Ramadan enjoys a special importance in the Islamic calendar. It is the chief of all months and the most glorious one. Ramadan is the month of fasting, intensive prayer, sacrifice and Divine worship. Throughout this month a devout Muslim fasts during the day in the true sense of the word, that is, he does not merely deny himself food and water, but as explained by Islamic Scripture, he exercises strict control over his tongue, eyes, ears, thoughts and deeds and does everything possible to seek the pleasure of G-d. The month of Ramadan, besides being the month of worship and Divine blessings, carries a historical importance as well. The revelations of the Qur'an commenced in this month as did the epoch-making 'Battle of Badr' and the 'Conquest of Mecca'.

School holidays :

School holidays :

Muslim, Sufi :

Secular holiday :

School holidays :

Buddhism (Theravada) :

Secular holiday : Yang di-Pertuan Agong, a Malay title usually translated as Supreme Head , Supreme Ruler or Paramount Ruler , is the official title of the constitutional head of state of the federation of Malaysia. The position is often categorized as King in English, since from a Western political science perspective, Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with a monarch as head of state. Since 1993, the full title in Malay has been, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Prior to that the honorific Ke Bawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia was also used. The consort of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is called the Raja Permaisuri Agong. Both are referred to in English as His/Her Majesty .

School holidays :

Secular holiday :

Muslim, Sufi : Also written Id al'Adha (or Eid Al-Adha) is the Feast of the Sacrifice , the second main celebration of Islam. It takes place on the tenth day of the twelfth -- last month of the Islamic calendar and celebrates Abraham's (also written Ibrahim) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Muslims make their annual pilgrimage, or the Hajj , to Makkah (Mecca) in Saudi Arabia.

Muslim, Sufi :