Cultural Similarities?

Was speaking to mum today when I realised this coincidence. Completely different lands and religions but look at the similarity. One of the new Japanese girls had taken a cooking class on Friday because it was a Japanese festival called Jugoya. She told everyone how to make Mitarashi - Dango and Ohagi. They are made of rice and in the autumn season to celebrate the most beautiful full moon of the year.

http://www.ajinomoto.com/traditions/autumn_02.html

And then there is the Jewish festival of Sukkot for which they were selling the 7 spices at Rue des Rosiers, which is also celebrated on the same Friday.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukkot

And most importantly, the Indian festival of Sharad Poornima. The reason this commonality struck me when talking to mummy was that on my own, I had no idea about the festival or how it is celebrated (am not proud of it, I swear). It seems we consider the most beautiful full moon of the year also. You get together with friends in the open so that you can see the moon. Kheer is consumed and you are supposed to leave some in the open - it will turn into 'amrit'/ nectar. I know they are all antiquated beliefs but I just found the thought of it fun.......