The Cook Islands in the South Pacific Ocean comprise 15 islands covering an area of about 240 square kilometers. The spectacular scenic views and the pristine natural grace of this region, make for an exotic location for the tourists. Every year quite a commendable amount of vacationers visit the Cook Islands for an exciting holiday.
The Cook Islands were established first by the Polynesians who migrated from Tahiti. The islands were given different names by various navigators. The Spanish sailor Alvaro de Mendana referred it as San Bernardo, Pedro Fernandez de Quiros called it Gente Hermosa, and later on the British navigator identified the islands with the name Hervey Islands. It was after him, that these islands derived the name of Cook Islands. It was in 1965, when the Cook Islands turned out to be a self-governing region. Albert Henry was the first Prime Minister of these islands.
Holidays in Cook Islands
The inhabitants of the Cook Islands enjoy several holidays all round the year. Some of the major events in these islands on which people get holidays include Christmas, New Year, Good Friday, Easter Monday and Constitution Day.
Cook Islands Christmas is enjoyed and celebrated by following several customs and traditions. The local Cook Islanders from other parts of the world return to their native place and join their families to observe and celebrate this eminent event. On the Eve of Christmas on the 24th December, the natives gather in the churches and cathedrals. They perform several religious rites. The Christmas mass is a significant part of this festival in the Cook Islands. The Midnight Mass is accompanied with hymns and chants and prayers dedicating and honoring the birth of Jesus.
Christmas in Cook Islands is celebrated in a traditional way. After the midnight mass gets over, the people wish and greet each other by saying "Merry Christmas". On the Christmas Eve, people decorate the Christmas trees with lights, colored balls, candles, stars, bells and ribbons. The wreath made of holly is hung in front of the door. The leaves of the holly are regarded to be sacred. The streets, houses, shops and every nook and corner are adorned lavishly with lights.
25th December is the day for jubilations to mark Christmas, Cook Islands. People invite their friends and relatives for an elaborate and traditional Christmas dinner. It comprises turkey, ham and the very special Christmas pudding. People on the islands also prepare cakes and serve them with wine. Christmas in Cook Islands are also enjoyed further. Gifts are exchanged among the near and dear ones. Soft and light music including Christmas carols are played in the houses.
In the modern times, various resorts arrange for a lavish seafood spread. Parties are organized for the youngsters. Food, fun and music mark the Christmas in Cook Islands. various dance shows and live concerts are organized in the hotels and resorts. Various competitions related to music are held in at the hotels and resorts. There are lucrative prizes too for the winners.
The Cook Islands were established first by the Polynesians who migrated from Tahiti. The islands were given different names by various navigators. The Spanish sailor Alvaro de Mendana referred it as San Bernardo, Pedro Fernandez de Quiros called it Gente Hermosa, and later on the British navigator identified the islands with the name Hervey Islands. It was after him, that these islands derived the name of Cook Islands. It was in 1965, when the Cook Islands turned out to be a self-governing region. Albert Henry was the first Prime Minister of these islands.
Holidays in Cook Islands
The inhabitants of the Cook Islands enjoy several holidays all round the year. Some of the major events in these islands on which people get holidays include Christmas, New Year, Good Friday, Easter Monday and Constitution Day.
Cook Islands Christmas is enjoyed and celebrated by following several customs and traditions. The local Cook Islanders from other parts of the world return to their native place and join their families to observe and celebrate this eminent event. On the Eve of Christmas on the 24th December, the natives gather in the churches and cathedrals. They perform several religious rites. The Christmas mass is a significant part of this festival in the Cook Islands. The Midnight Mass is accompanied with hymns and chants and prayers dedicating and honoring the birth of Jesus.
Christmas in Cook Islands is celebrated in a traditional way. After the midnight mass gets over, the people wish and greet each other by saying "Merry Christmas". On the Christmas Eve, people decorate the Christmas trees with lights, colored balls, candles, stars, bells and ribbons. The wreath made of holly is hung in front of the door. The leaves of the holly are regarded to be sacred. The streets, houses, shops and every nook and corner are adorned lavishly with lights.
25th December is the day for jubilations to mark Christmas, Cook Islands. People invite their friends and relatives for an elaborate and traditional Christmas dinner. It comprises turkey, ham and the very special Christmas pudding. People on the islands also prepare cakes and serve them with wine. Christmas in Cook Islands are also enjoyed further. Gifts are exchanged among the near and dear ones. Soft and light music including Christmas carols are played in the houses.
In the modern times, various resorts arrange for a lavish seafood spread. Parties are organized for the youngsters. Food, fun and music mark the Christmas in Cook Islands. various dance shows and live concerts are organized in the hotels and resorts. Various competitions related to music are held in at the hotels and resorts. There are lucrative prizes too for the winners.
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