As the days grow shorter and the air becomes crisp, we embark on a journey to explore celebrations of light around the world. While many of our friends celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, we believe in embracing the rich tapestry of cultural festivities that illuminate the season.
Hanukkah: Put simply, Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration commemorating the miracle of a small amount of oil sustaining a menorah for eight days during a Maccabean revolt against religious oppression. Families light the menorah, play dreidel games, and enjoy special foods like latkes and jelly-filled sufganiyot. The Jewish festival of light is celebrated globally, fostering a sense of unity and shared joy among communities.
Diwali: Celebrated in November this year, Diwali is a celebration of the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Families decorate their homes with vibrant diyas (oil lamps), create intricate rangoli designs, and indulge in festive sweets. While based in Hindu tradition, the warmth of Diwali is often a major cultural celebration for those of Sikh and Jain diaspora.
Kwanzaa: A week-long celebration rooted in African American culture, Kwanzaa is rooted in honoring ancestral heritage. The holiday was created in 1966 based on African harvest festival traditions from West and Southeast Africa. Each day focuses on one of seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Families light the kinara, adding a new candle each night, in celebration.
Christmas: While Christmas has religious origins, its festive spirit has transcended borders and religions. The twinkle of lights adorning Christmas trees and festive decorations transform homes, streets, and towns into magical wonderlands. The shared joy of Christmas illuminates communities around the world in a ‘season of giving’ that encourages care and kindness toward those around you.
Winter Solstice: Embraced by cultures worldwide, the Winter Solstice marks the zenith of winter’s darkness. Festivities often involve lighting candles, bonfires, or lanterns to symbolize the return of light and longer days ahead. The solstice is a universal celebration of hope and renewal, representing a chance to begin anew.
St. Lucia’s Day: Celebrated in Sweden in December, the day honors martyr St. Lucia and heralds the arrival of light during the darkest days of winter. To celebrate, young girls don white robes with red sashes, crowning themselves with wreaths of candles. Processions and traditional songs fill homes and communities, creating a warm and ethereal ambiance.
Exploring the rich tapestry of global celebrations not only broadens our horizons but nurtures an appreciation for the distinctive qualities that make each culture special. This season of light, let’s be reminded that despite our unique traditions, there is a universal thread of unity connecting us all.
