December holidays

_Elsa_

Elsa continues to read more about December holidays.

‘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 untainted oil to keep the menorah’s candles burning for a single day, the flames continued to burn for eight nights.

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar. 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.’ (Source)

Elsa can relate to this holiday since this is the celebration that her family traditionally celebrated each year. But, much to her surprise, she found out over the years that Americans think their children should get 8 presents, one for each night of lighting the candle and that’s not how her tradition was done in Canada. There was no such thing as getting 8 presents and all presents were given on the first night. She realizes that it has to only be an American tradition. She continues reading …………

‘Kwanzaa - Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 after the Watts riots in Los Angeles. He founded US, a cultural organization, and started to research African “first fruit” (harvest) celebrations. From there, he combined aspects of several different harvest celebrations to form the basis of Kwanzaa.

The name Kwanzaa comes from the phrase “matunda 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.’ (Source)

Elsa has seen Facebook members posting about this holiday ‘Kwanzaa’ but never looked up the details until today. She continues to read more about December holidays. 

Let’s continue - More December holidays

Start at the beginning - Not everyone celebrates Christmas