The Compass: Holiday Edition – Turkey trivia, New Year’s in space, how Kwanzaa came to be, and more.

The Compass: Holiday Edition – Turkey trivia, New Year’s…

SEE BELOW, CAN YOU FIGURE OUT WHICH “FACT” ISN’T REAL?

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.

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

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

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!

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!

How the traditional Thanksgiving feast has evolved over centuries

Our favorite pictures of turkeys for Thanksgiving

How do Thanksgivings in America and Canada differ?

How wild animals eaten at the first Thanksgiving are faring today

PAID CONTENT FOR MAZDA

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.

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.

A “NEW DAY”

WHERE WILL WE JOURNEY TO NEXT?

Be sure to check your inbox next week to find out.

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The Compass: Holiday Edition – Turkey trivia, New Year’s in space, how Kwanzaa came to be, and more.

The Compass: Holiday Edition – Turkey trivia, New Year’s…

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