Passover, which is also called Pesach or Pessach, is one of the major Jewish holidays. The week-long holiday, which begins at sundown on the first day, follows the lunar calendar and thus takes place on different dates each year, often falling in March or April. It celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Ancient Egypt, under the guidance of Old Testament prophet Moses.

According to the Old Testament, God told Moses to command the Pharoah to free the Israelites. When the Egyptian ruler refused, God sent 10 destructive plagues to the Egyptians, including the death of every first-born child. God told Moses the Israelites would be spared if they slaughtered a lamb and smeared its blood on their doors — in this way, they were "passed over."

After the death plague, the pharoah initially let the Israelites go but changed his mind and sent the army after them. When the Israelites arrived at the Red Sea, Moses held out his staff and God parted the waters so that they could cross. The Egyptian army was engulfed by the sea. The scene has inspired many works of art, such as this illustration from the Byzantine era.

Many of the events from the biblical story are symbolized in the Passover meal, or seder. The most important seders take place on the first and second nights of the holiday. The meal is framed by the Haggadah (seen above), a text that recounts the Passover story and sets out the order of the proceedings. A seder's length can vary greatly depending on which Haggadah is used. Sometimes people sing.

At the center of the table is the seder plate with specific and symbolic foods upon it: a shankbone (for the sacrificed lamb); a hard-boiled egg (life and birth); bitter herbs like horseradish (the bitterness of slavery); a sweet paste called charoset (the mortar in the pyramids); and a leafy green like parsley (hope). A bowl of salt water on the table represents the slaves' tears.

Matzo, matza or matzoh: No matter how you spell it, one thing remains constant — there's no leavening agent in the thin cracker that is a key part of the seder. It's said that when the Israelites left Egypt, they left in such haste that there was no time to let the dough rise. Many Jews avoid leavened foods during all of Passover.

Ten drops of wine representing the 10 plagues are placed on each person's plate. Participants are supposed to drink four cups of wine, which represent the four terms of redemption made by God to the Israelites. A fith cup is set aside for the prophet Elijah; many open their doors to let him in. This is also a symbol of openness — strangers and the needy are meant to feel welcome at a seder.

The food served at a seder can vary greatly, depending on culinary traditions. Jews originally from Eastern Europe might eat a veal roast, those from North Africa might eat a tagine. There are many variations on how the sweet charoset is prepared. (This is an updated version of a gallery that was published on April 14, 2022)

Every year, millions of practicing Muslims across the world fast, pray and give alms in observance of Islam's holiest month, the exact dates of which change each year. From firing off cannons to lunar sightings, DW explores how Muslims mark the occasion and what it means to the faithful.

The sighting of the new moon of Ramadan is practiced by religious authorities across the globe to determine the beginning of the month of fasting. While some observe the new moon with telescopes, others use the naked eye, which is why Ramadan may begin on different days in certain parts of the world.

Prayer is often considered a fundamental part of observing the month of fasting. Ramadan traditionally begins with a special prayer known as "Tarawih" on the eve of the holy month. During Ramadan, practicing Muslims generally participate in communal prayer at their local mosque.

The month of fasting represents a period of spiritual discipline and purification. As such, reading and reciting the Quran, Islam's holy book, form an integral part of the traditional rituals observed during Ramadan. The Quran is believed to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during the month of Ramadan.

While Islam offers prescribed rituals to observe during Ramadan, many places have local traditions that coincide with the month of fasting. In Sarajevo, a cannon is traditionally fired to mark the breaking of the fast on each day of Ramadan. In Egypt, displaying a decorated lantern known as a "fanous" is part of the tradition.

After a long day without food and water, many Muslims traditionally break their fast with a date, the nutritious fruit with which the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have broken his fast. Afterwards, observing Muslims often partake in a communal dinner known as "iftar."

The celebration of Eid al-Fitr, or the festival of breaking the fast, marks the official end of Ramadan. From indulging in sweets to offering gifts to loved ones, Muslims celebrate the end of the fasting month with large meals prepared for friends and family. It is considered a joyful time in which to be generous and kind to others.