Other Holidays at Christmas Time

Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, lasts for eight days, beginning on the 25th of the Hebrew month of Kislev (November-December). Because the Hebrew calendar does not correspond to our modern day Gregorian calendar, the days when Hanukkah are celebrated vary every year, usually sometime near Christmas. It is a celebration of the victory of Judah in a battle with Syria, over 2,100 years ago, and the subsequent miracle of the temple menorah oil lamp which burned for eight days on one day’s supply of oil. Each night of Hanukkah, the menorah candles are lit, gifts are given, and a game is played with the wooden dreidel top.

Ramadan, the month of fasting and celebration, is celebrated by the Muslims of the world, marking the month the Prophet Mohammed received his revelations for their holy book, the Koran. Ramadan, usually near Christmas time, is the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which varies from the Gregorian calendar. Muslims fast during the daylight hours, and celebrate at the setting of the sun, sharing special desserts and treats. The days are spent in prayer and reflection. At the end of Ramadan is Eid al-Fitr, the festival of the breaking of the fast.

Kwaanza, a cultural African heritage festival, was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana “Ron” Karenga, a college professor and African-American leader. Honoring the festivals of many African groups of people and celebrating the harvest, Kwaanza is gaining popularity among people of African-American heritage. The word kwaanza is Swahili meaning “the first fruits of the harvest”.

Divali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, is celebrated near Christmas time in India. Clay lamps filled with oil are put up everywhere – along the roof, in the windows, and along the roads. These lights are to help guide Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of good fortune, back to the earth. Wreaths are hung on front doors, and good luck designs are drawn. Gifts are exchanged, special sweets are eaten, and there are firework displays.