Ep 2. Around The World (Birthdays)

Around The World (Birthdays) is the second episode of season 9 of the popular children's show Hi-5. In this episode, the Hi-5 gang takes the audience on a global journey to explore how different cultures celebrate birthdays.

The episode starts with the group helping each other out to create their own unique instruments. They sing and dance together before Kellie asks the group if they have any upcoming birthdays. Once they realize that nobody does, they decide to explore how birthdays are celebrated in different parts of the world.

First, the group visits America and learns about a popular birthday tradition there - blowing out candles on a cake and making a special wish. They then fly to Spain to discover how people celebrate birthdays in that country. They visit a market, where they watch a baker make a special birthday cake known as a "tarta de cumpleaños." They learn that in Spain, it's more common to celebrate Saint's Day than people's actual birthdays.

Next, the Hi-5 gang travels to India, where they learn about a Hindu festival called Diwali. This festival is often celebrated around the time of people's birthdays, so it's common to receive special gifts and eat lots of sweets during this time. They also learn about a tradition where a child's first birthday is celebrated with a special ceremony where their head is shaved and their hair is offered to the gods.

In Japan, the group experiences a traditional tea ceremony and learns about the significance of the number 3 in Japanese culture. They learn that turning 3 years old is a special milestone in Japan and that children receive a special haircut to mark this occasion. In Mexico, they discover the importance of piñatas in birthday celebrations and learn how to make one.

The final destination for the Hi-5 gang is Australia, where they celebrate Kellie's birthday on a beach. They show how Australians celebrate their birthdays with barbecues and outdoor activities. They also demonstrate a popular Australian birthday song called "Happy Birthday To You," which is sung at many birthday celebrations in the country.

Throughout the episode, the group learns about the similarities and differences in birthday celebrations around the world. They also highlight the importance of love, joy, and unity in every culture when celebrating a birthday. The episode is filled with fun music, dance, and educational moments that will entertain and educate children of all ages.

In conclusion, Around The World (Birthdays) is an excellent episode of Hi-5 that offers a glimpse into how people around the world celebrate birthdays. With its engaging and interactive approach, this episode is sure to capture the attention of young viewers while teaching them about different cultures and traditions.