COMPILED BY STEVE HILL/TIMES STAFF
What unique cultural tradition do you practice?
Oliver Fredriksen
Age: 24
Major: English
I observe Saturnalia. It’s a pagan ritual where you spend time in nature. Sometimes you hunt your own food like rabbit, elk or deer, or get a belly full of wine.
Erick Soto
Age: 20
Major: Film, radio, Television
For winter break I go home to Los Angeles. My family and I make Salvadoran pupusas and give them to the day laborers.
Noe Torres
Age: 31
Position: English instructor
We make a traditional drink called Ponche. It’s made with sugarcane and different kinds of fruit and left to ferment for a few days. It is usually served hot on Christmas Eve.
Joe Andrade
Age: 29
Position: Facilities Manager
Most people give out candy or fruitcakes at Christmas. I give out tamales instead.
Ang Huhaoxi
Age: 20
Major: English
I party with friends for the Chinese New Year, then we go shopping.
Soheil Samiee
Major: Web Design
When we celebrate Norouz, the Persian new year, we give money to younger people as a blessing for the new year. If you keep the money, you will be blessed.