During the holiday season it can be easy to forget some of the different holiday traditions around the world, many people celebrate these holidays differently based on religion or even just personal preference. You may be blind sighted by the quiet hibernation mode that comes with winter, but a quick peek at the calendar might remind you that these colder months are a time of parties and celebrations. Learning about these holidays gives you an opportunity to learn real life lessons in religion, culture, and history geographically.
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday which lasts eight days each November or December. Jews will light a special candle holder called a menorah. This is done in remembrance of an ancient miracle where one day’s worth of oil burned for 8 days in the temple. During this holiday, many Jews also eat pancakes made of potatoes called Latkes, sing songs, and even spin a top called a dreidel to win chocolate coins, nuts, or raisins.
At the end of twelve days of Christmas comes a day called the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This was the day the three wise men first visited baby Jesus and brought him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In Spain, many children get their Christmas presents on this day. On Jan. 5 in Puerto Rico, children might leave a box with hay under their beds before they sleep so that the kings will leave good gifts. France makes a cake where bakers will hide a coin, jewel, or little toy inside.
The shortest day of the whole year is the Winter Solstice which occurs around Dec. 21. People all over the world use this opportunity to participate in festivals and celebrations. In the past, people would light bonfires and candles to coax back the sun.
Sweden also celebrates their own holiday where girls dress up as ¨Lucia Brides¨ in long white gowns with red sashes, and even a wreath of burning candles on their heads. They wake their family by singing songs and bringing them coffee and twisted saffron buns called ¨Lucia cats¨. This holiday honors Saint Lucia on Dec. 3.
Many people celebrate Christmas all over the world, it is celebrated by going to church, giving gifts, and sharing the day with family and friends. Christmas celebrations last from Christmas eve until Jan. 6 which is Epiphany.
Kwanzaa is a holiday based on ancient African harvest festivals and celebrates ideals such as family life and unity. Celebrations last from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. It includes many people dressing in special clothes, decorating their home with fruits and vegetables, and light a candle holder called a kinara.
The New Year is also celebrated all over the world, it is where people celebrate new beginnings and look back on the memories of last year.
Winter holidays happen around us all around the world. It is important for people to know about all the different traditions so that we can live peacefully while respecting each other’s traditions.
