Holiday Traditions
Hanukkah (Chanukah) is the Jewish Festival of Lights. Legend has it that during a battle against Syrian-Greek rulers, the Jews had just enough oil to light a candle for one night. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days. To commemorate this miracle, one candle is lit on the menorah on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah.
Christmas, celebrated December 25, honors the birth of Jesus of
Nazareth, revered by Christians as the Son of God. The traditions of
Christmas date back to long before the birth of Jesus, combining such holidays such as Yule, Saturnalia, and Juvenalia. Many cultures give gifts on Christmas, usually gathered around a decorated fir tree.
One of the best-known festivals in India, Diwali is often referred to as "The Festival of Lights. The word itself means "rows of lighted clay lamps." It is a five-day celebration marked with bright colors, oil lamps, feasts, and sparklers. Diwali occurs on the 15th day of the Hindu month of Kartika (during October/November).
Kwanzaa, a week-long holiday celebrating African American culture , was created in 1966 during the civil rights movement by Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga. It takes place from Dec. 26 - Jan. 1. and focuses on 7 principles (Nguzo Saba): Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Imani.
Winter Solstice - the shortest day of the year - usually occurs between December 20 and December 23 in the Northern Hemisphere. Many
cultures light candles to mark the passing of the darkest days of
winter. The longer days and extended hours of sunshine symbolize light and birth.
Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic for "Festival of Fast-Breaking") is a three-day
celebration following Ramadan, the holy month of fasting that falls
during the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar (what month is this on
our calendar?). As a sign of sacrifice and humility to God, Muslims do
not eat from sunrise to sunset and concentrate heavily on their prayers.
Hanukkah
Christmas
Diwali
Kwanzaa
Winter Solstice
Eid ul-Fitr
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Green Gift Guide
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