The holiday celebrates a romantic legend of Vega and her husband Altair which originated in China. It was combined with the Japanese story of Princess Oto-Tanabata, a weaver who offered her wares to the gods. The cities of Sendai and Hiratsuka have major celebrations. During the festival, bamboo trees are decorated with strips of colored paper inscribed with prayers and wishes.

SEPTEMBER
September 12, 2000
Zhong Qiu Jie, China

The "Full Moon Festival" is celebrated with paper lanterns and sweet pastries called mooncakes. Cakes are sold weeks in advance, and there’s hot competition to have the most elaborate package or filling. In 1998, a Shanghai company purchased 3 tons of U.S. almonds for its mooncakes. Haagen-Daazs’ frozen mooncakes reportedly caused a sensation in past years.

Sundown September 29 through October 1
Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur
Israel and Jewish Communities Worldwide

This is the Jewish New Year–also known as the ten days of awe. People eat apples and honey for sweet new year. It’s also a good time to export cake mixes and nuts. Meats, fish, wines and sauces also have opportunity. Frozen U.S. blueberries, fruit purees and syrups are popular cake toppings. Yom Kippur is a fast starting Sunday October 8 and ending at sundown on October 9.

A religious festival with agricultural ties. U.S. wines, dried fruit and nuts. People eat their meal in traditional wooden huts with branches across the top. It’s similar to U.S. Thanksgiving.

October 26, 2000
Diwali-India

This Hindu "Festival of Lights" is celebrated by exchanging gifts of nuts, sweets and dried fruits. Diwali is the peak almond season–that’s the leading U.S. agricultural export to India.

NOVEMBER
November 2, 2000
Day of the Dead, Mexico

This is a time to honor the dead, with more solemn overtones of facing life’s transience. Skull-shaped candies and cakes abound, and U.S. pumpkins and pears find a market.

November 5, 2000
Guy Fawkes Day, United Kingdom

Recalls an infamous uprising between Catholics and their Protestant king. Guy Fawkes, a captured rebel who was executed, is burned in effigy in a bonfire. Children run through the street calling "A penny for the Guy" and people throw coins. Grilled meats and other campfire foods are the main treats.

November 15, 2000
Shichi-go-san (7-5-3), Japan

Celebrates children who turn seven, five or three years old within that calendar year. Parents dress their children in a kimono or party clothes and take them to a Shinto shrine to pray for their health and good fortune. Outside the temple, vendors sell candy and toys, including 10-inch, red or white chitose ame, or thousand-year candy.

The Maccabees reclaimed a temple from Syrian invaders, but found only a tiny amount of lamp oil, enough for a day. Miraculously, it lasted 8 days. U.S. pancake mixes, maple syrup, donuts, candies and oils have an opportunity. Foods fried with oils take leading role.