Throughout the year there are many occasions which we commemorate in different ways. Some festivals have religious significance, others remember historical events or mark the passing of time or the seasons. Throughout the world, even though we may follow different faiths, it’s pleasing to realise that we often celebrate in the same way. The lighting of candles is an important symbol of the Christian festival of Christmas, the Hindu Diwali festival and the Jewish Hanukkah or Feast of Lights. Lanterns also feature as part of Chinese New Year processions.

People in Japan swallow a long noodle without breaking it while Austrians try to touch a pig. Dutch people eat something in the shape of a circle while Spanish people eat 12 grapes—one for each month of the year. In Venezuela, people wear yellow underwear to bring good luck. As the world seems to get smaller due to communication technology, we are all more aware of each other’s celebrations and can choose to join in the festivities. I think such celebrations are a great way to forget differences and unite in the enjoyment of sharing, caring, and having fun. The old saying rings true that ‘the family that plays together, stays together.’

You might be surprised to learn that the year 2024 has been named the United Nations’ International Year of the Camelids. Camelids, such as camels, llamas, and alpacas, among others, are an important source of livelihood for many families in dry and mountainous ecosystems around the world. This announcement by the UN is meant to raise awareness and highlight the importance of the role of camelids in protecting ecosystems, biodiversity, conservation, and food security.

Camelids can be found often in our crosswords and puzzles. You perhaps might have seen camel clued as ‘Ship of the desert’ or ‘Bactrian beast’, or llama clued as ‘Alpaca relative’ or ‘Peruvian mammal’.