Primary Catalogue

Easter is usually full of chocolates and bunnies – but what are the origins of this celebration? And why is it considered the most important celebration in the Christian religion? And how did chocolate eggs end up being so popular? This Miniclip explores the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the symbolism of eggs in relation to Jesus’ burial tomb, and why Holy Week’s events are so significant. Show Less

Diwali is known as the celebration of lights and the triumph of good over evil – but what is the origin of this colourful Hindu celebration? Who are Rama, Sita, King Dashratha, Hanuman, and the ten-headed demon King Ravana? Why are homes cleaned, illuminated with diyas, and windows opened to welcome the goddess Lakshmi? This Miniclip tells the story of Ramayana, introduces some of the most popular traditions involved in this celebration such as rangoli, and explains how the festival occurs during the holiest month on the Hindu calendar – Kartik. Show Less

Islam is the second largest religion in the world – but what exactly is involved in commemorating the holy month of Ramadan? What role did Muhammed play in the beginning of Islam? What is the purpose of observing Ramadan? And what does fasting actually include? This Miniclip provides an overview of how the Qur’an came into existence, explains the purpose of observing Ramadan, introduces the role of suhoor and iftar in Ramadan, and Eid—the fabulous celebration that marks the end of the month. Also included are a few helpful Arabic phrases to help you celebrate this time of year as a community! Show Less

Chinese New Year is full of fireworks, the colour red, and delicious food – but how did this celebration begin? Who is Nian and how does Chinese New Year prevent him from terrorising villages once more? What are some traditions observed during the celebration? And what is the significance behind the colour red? This Miniclip tells the story of how this event began, includes the significance of red envelopes, includes some popular traditions like the reunion feast, and provides some simple phrases to help you celebrate this time of year as a community! Show Less

Hanukkah is known as the celebration of lights in the Jewish faith – but how did it begin? Who is Antiochus and what did the Maccabees do to defeat him? What is the symbolism of the menorah and how is it different to the hanukkiah? Find out all this and more in this Miniclip, which introduces the religion of Judaism, tells the story of the miracle of the oil, explains how latkes and jam donuts celebrate this miracle in delicious ways, and provides some Hebrew phrases to help you celebrate this time of year as a community! Show Less

Christmas is a hugely popular and fun celebration – but how did it begin? What happened on the day we now know as Christmas Day? And what are some traditions observed during the month of December? This Miniclip will take you back to the birth of Jesus Christ, introduce the role of the angel Gabriel, the importance of the celebration for Christians around the world, and explain some of the symbols that are prominent during the "holiday season". Show Less

Christianity is the most widespread religion in the world. Our young Christian presenter shares what it is like to be a Christian and some of the religion's core beliefs. This is an introductory look at Biblical accounts (Old and New Testament) relating to God, creation, the Ten Commandments, and Jesus' teachings and crucifixion. Reasons for different Christian denominations and versions of the Bible are also explored in this easy to follow programme. Show Less

In this clip we follow Naomi, a young Jewish Australian, as she prepares for her Bat Mitzvah - a Jewish coming of age ceremony. Naomi describes each of the important elements she needs to prepare herself, and we are allowed into the synagogue to witness this special event in her life. Show Less

In this clip we follow Mohammed and Jasra as they share the beliefs of the Muslim religion. This short video discusses Islamic belief in Allah and his last messenger, the prophet Mohammed. We are also introduced to the Qur'an and its teachings. Jasra explains the reasons for wearing a hijab and the effect her religion has on her school life, while Mohammed discusses the important things in his life such as praying and soccer. Show Less

We are introduced to Judaism with the help of two practising Jewish teenagers, Naomi and Anton, and their families as they go about everyday life. The meaning and importance of their faith as well as significant festivals, rituals and beliefs are shared. This is an ideal resource for anyone unfamiliar with Judaism. Show Less

In this clip Naomi and Anton, young Australian Jewish teenagers, share with us the rituals and history of important Jewish holy days: Passover (Pesach), Sukkot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Hanukah. This is a helpful overview for anyone who wants to know more about Judaism. Show Less

Young Australians Jasra and Mohammed share their knowledge and experience of Muslim worship and rituals. They describe the five pillars of Islam including the essential practices of Shadadah, Salah, Sawen, Hajj and Zakat, and what these mean to them and their religion. Show Less

In this short clip, our young presenter introduces us to important Christian rituals and practices that are widely observed among most denominations. Specific rituals like communion and confirmation and important calendar dates (Christmas, Easter) are described alongside general practices such as the importance of prayer and Christian ethics to live by. Show Less

Naomi and Anton are young, Australian and Jewish. They share with us the rituals and history of the holy day Shabbat. Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest which lasts from sundown on Friday to nightfall on Saturday, symbolising that God made the world in six days and on the seventh day he rested. This is an insightful look at the meaning and observances of this day. Show Less

Follow Mohammed and Jasra, two young Muslim Australians, as they discuss the Islamic festivals of Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Asha and why they are important to the Muslim community. Next we explore sacred places including mosques, Medina, Jerusalem and Mecca where the Ka'bah (house of God) is located. This is an informative and easy to follow introduction to important aspects of Islam. Show Less

In this programme students take an in-depth look at Islam, the religion practiced by over one billion Muslims in countries worldwide. Students investigate the history of this religion by learning about Muhammad, the prophet whom Muslims believe received God's message and shared it with others. By visiting a mosque, or masjid, and learning about the five pillars and the daily Muslim prayer ritual of salah, students learn about the core beliefs of Islam. Students also gain understanding of Muslim traditions and beliefs by visiting a family as they celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Fitr. Show Less

Religions around the world have practices and beliefs that help people understand the meaning of life and give people answers to the important questions that they have about life, death and the existence of God. In this programme, students learn that despite their many differences, world religions have elements in common like systems of basic beliefs, holy writings, sacred places and special holidays and celebrations. As a result of the vast religious diversity in the world, students gain an appreciation for the need to respect people of all faiths. Show Less

This programme provides a basis for developing respect and understanding for Judaism, a religion practiced by about 14 million Jews around the world. Aspects of the religion's history are presented, from the story of Abraham, a patriarch of the Jewish faith, to the establishment of the nation of Israel. Students explore the prayer rituals of Judaism through a visit to a synagogue and the account of a boy preparing for his Bar Mitzvah ceremony. A visit with a family preparing for Passover helps students gain insight into the holidays and celebrations of the Jewish religion. Students also learn about Jewish traditions and beliefs through discussions with rabbis from different branches of Judaism. Show Less

About 900 million people around the world practice the family of religious traditions known as Hinduism. In this programme, students learn about the history of the Hindu faith with its roots in the ancient Indus River Valley civilisation. Students gain insight into the worship practices of Hinduism by visiting a temple, or mandir, and seeing a Hindu priest perform a prayer ritual called puja. Visiting a family celebrating the holiday of Diwali, a festive celebration of lights, helps students to develop respect for Hindu traditions and beliefs. Hindu dancers also help to tell some of the important stories of the Hindu religious tradition through movement. Show Less

Explore the religion practices by about two billion people around the globe with this program. To gain insight into Christianity, students investigate its history and learn about Jesus, the man whose teachings provide a basis for Christianity. Students also have an opportunity to visit with a family as they prepare for a Christmas celebration. To better understand the worship practices of Christians, students visit a Christian church and learn about the sacrament of Communion. Students develop respect for Christian traditions and beliefs through fascinating interviews with ministers and priests, the spiritual leaders of Christianity. Show Less

Over 360 million Buddhists practice the religion of Buddhism in countries all around the world. In this programme, students take a detailed look at this religion and its rich history of over 2,500 years. Students gain insight into this religion by investigating its history and learning about Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, whose teachings provide a basis for Buddhism. To develop respect for the worship practices of Buddhists, students follow a family as they visit a Buddhist temple and worship in their home shrine. Students also gain an understanding of Buddhist traditions and beliefs through interesting interviews with monks and nuns, the spiritual leaders of Buddhism. Show Less