Today begins the week before Christmas. Last year, I admitted that I didn't know as much about other cultural holidays and celebrations, so I researched. I found that even though the names may be different, they hold similar values and traditions, and the feature bears repeating. What follows is from resources, and I apologize if they're not 100 percent accurate.
'First fruit'
Kwanzaa, from the Swahili word meaning "first fruit of the harvest," is a celebration of family and culture, and social, cultural and spiritual renewal. Historically grounded in agricultural celebration, it gives thanks for well-being and prosperity of the family and community, celebrates the common good, pays homage to ancestors and commits to life-affirming values which hold the community together.
Today, the seven principals represent the best of who we are and echo our highest ideals. They are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
In a nutshell, Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, culture and being the best you can be. Kwanzaa is celebrated Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.
'A great miracle'
Hanukkah, or Chanukah, meaning "to dedicate," is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century B.C. The Temple was purified and the wicks of the menorah miraculously burned for eight days, even though there was only enough sacred oil for one day's lighting.
According to Jewish law, Hanukkah is one of the less important Jewish holidays. However, Hanukkah has become much more popular in modern practice because of its proximity to Christmas.
Lighting the candles, spinning the dreidel and eating fried foods are some traditions that are almost universally practiced throughout the holiday. Some are family-based and others communal. In North America and in Israel, it is common to exchange presents or give children presents at this time.
Hanukkah lights are not for the "lighting of the house within," but rather for the "illumination of the house without," so that passersby should see it and be reminded of the holiday's miracle. After lighting the Hanukkah menorah, it is customary in many homes to play the dreidel game, the dreidel being a four-sided spinning top where each side is imprinted with a Hebrew letter that is an acronym for the Hebrew words "a great miracle happened there."
There is a custom of eating foods fried or baked in oil (preferably olive oil) to commemorate the miracle of a small flask of oil keeping the flame in the Temple alight for eight days.
It's observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev. This year, it's held from Dec. 8 to today.
So, Hanukkah is an observation of culture, family and tradition.
Christ's Mass
Christmas, the compound word meaning Christ's Mass, is a commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of Christianity. Celebrated on Dec. 25 as a religious and cultural holiday, it celebrates the coming of God into the world in the form of man to atone for the sins of humanity. Over time, Christmas celebrations have developed that incorporate regional and local cultures.
Popular modern customs include family reunions, gift giving, an exchange of Christmas cards, church celebrations, a special meal, caroling, and Santa Claus bringing gifts to children. Displays of various decorations, including a Christmas tree and parades are also common.
Therefore, Christmas was historically a religious celebration that has modernized into many family and community-centered traditions including reflection and the common good.
It appears that although they may look different on the surface, these religious and cultural holidays share some common characteristics. Family-oriented and children-centered days of peace and nostalgia, traditional foods, ancient and modern cultural customs, winter (post harvest) themes, community and family values, spirituality and the idea of trying to be the best person that you can be are all shared themes. We're not so different after all.
Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to all.
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