By Lesli Baker
Happy Holidays! There are many Holidays this time of year!
I thought that I might share a few with you, as each of our valuable YMCA members may observe a holiday different from each other! A wonderful way to celebrate our diverse community to know and appreciate the Traditions of our neighbors.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah, or Chanukah, is an eight-day Jewish celebration that commemorates the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt. Those who took part in the re-dedication witnessed what they believed to be a miracle. Even though there was only enough oil to keep the menorah’s candles burning for a single day, the flames continued to burn for eight straight nights.
Hanukkah celebrations revolve around lighting the menorah. On each of the holiday’s eight nights, another candle is added to the menorah after sundown. The ninth candle, called the shamash (“helper”), is used to light the others. Typically, blessings are recited and traditional Hanukkah foods such as potato pancakes (latkes) and jam-filled donuts (sufganiyot) are fried in oil. Other Hanukkah customs include playing with dreidels and exchanging gifts.
Kwanzaa
The name Kwanzaa comes from the phrase “mutanda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal. On each of the seven nights, families gather and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara, then one of the seven principles, values of African culture, is discussed. An African feast, called a Karamu, is held on December 31.
Christmas
In the Christian faith, Christmas is the historical celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Whether celebrated for this religious reason or solely as a cultural celebration, Christmas traditions vary around the world. Americans celebrate with Christmas trees, visits from Santa Claus, and dreams of snowy landscapes.
Other Days of interest that are observed in December are:
- Dec 1 – World Aids Day
- Dec 2 -International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
- Dec 5 – International Volunteer Day
- Dec 7 – Pearl Harbor Day of Remembrance
- Dec 10 – International Animal Rights Day
- Dec 13 – St. Lucia Day
- Dec 18 – International Migrants Day
- Dec 21 – Winter Solstice
- Dec 21 – National Homeless Persons Remembrance Day
- Dec 31 – World Peace Meditation Day