By Lola Soto, Staff Reporter
Hanukkah-
Hanukkah is a Jewish, eight-day festival commonly known for its prayers, latkes, and the lighting of the menorah. Hanukkah celebrates the Jewish reclamation of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem and means “dedication” in Hebrew. A candle on the menorah is lit each of the eight nights and prayers are recited. Children commonly play a game called “dreidel” in which a dreidel, a spinning top, is spun for the chance to win coins.
Kwanzaa-
Primarily celebrated in the Americas, Kwanzaa pays homage to African heritage and its role in African-American culture. It lasts an entire week and includes traditional song, dance, poetry, storytelling, and a feast. Each day, a candle is lit in representation of the “Nguzo Saba,” or seven principles of African culture. These include unity, self-determination, responsibility, cooperation, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Diwali-
Deemed the “festival of lights,” Diwali is the largest festival in India. It is a five-day Hindu holiday celebrating spiritual enlightenment and the victory of peace over chaos and evil. Participants decorate the interior and exterior of their homes with oil lamps, have feasts with family members, light fireworks, and worship Lakshmi–the Goddess of Wealth.
Three Kings Day-
Three Kings Day is a Christian celebration of the tale of the three kings who visit the newborn Jesus, giving Him symbolic gifts. Predominantly celebrated in Spain and Latin America, children leave their shoes by the door in order to receive their own gifts from the three kings. Families in Mexico also celebrate by baking “Rosca del Rey,” a cake or sweet bread with a hidden baby Jesus doll baked inside.
Yule-
Yule is a 12-day Pagan celebration marking the Winter Solstice. Pagans and Wiccans believe magic is very powerful during this time period. The tradition of hanging mistletoe stemmed from this celebration, as celebrators decorated their homes with it to bring only visitors with good intent. The most popular festivity is the burning of the yule log, a ceremony meant to attract forces of light and symbolize new beginnings.
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