2008 Woodie Awards
Happy Holiday(S)!
Ashley Moreland/Online Reporter
Issue date: 12/7/07 Section: Writers Outlet
- Page 1 of 2 next >
While most western societies will be celebrating Christmas this month, Santa and baby Jesus are not the only symbols of the season. Many will be decorating their homes with a menorah, celebrating their ancestors or even worshiping nature.
Hanukkah (Chanukah) is celebrated the eight days beginning on the 25th day of Kislev, the third month of the Hebrew calendar. This year it began on Dec. 5. Also known as the Festival of Lights and the Feast of the Maccabees, Hanukkah honors the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem. The Temple was taken over by the King of Syria, and then taken back by Judas Maccabee in 165 BC.
The menorah is one of the oldest symbols of Jewish faith. It was a seven-branched candelabrum lit by the Kohanim (descendants of Aaron) each evening in the sanctuary of the Temple. During Hanukkah a nine-branch menorah is used. Eight of the candles represent the eight nights of the celebration. The ninth, the Shamash, is used to light the other candles.
The dreidel is another popular symbol of Hanukkah. It is a four-sided top with a Hebrew letter written on each side which stand for "nothing," "half," "all," and "put," which are the rules for the game.
Kwanzaa, an African American/Pan-American tradition, is another holiday during this season. It is observed Dec. 26-Jan.1 each year, mainly in the United States. The holiday was created in 1966 by Ron Karenga to reaffirm African American culture and to celebrate the "Seven Principles of Blackness." Each day one of the principles is honored.
The first principle is unity and the idea of embracing an African American community. The second is self determination and the idea to provide for themselves. The third is collective work and responsibility. This is the idea that everyone needs to come together to complete the second principle. The fourth is cooperative economics. The fifth is purpose, which is providing for the next generation. Sixth is creativity in businesses. Finally, the seventh is faith which leads to positive thinking and action.
Hanukkah (Chanukah) is celebrated the eight days beginning on the 25th day of Kislev, the third month of the Hebrew calendar. This year it began on Dec. 5. Also known as the Festival of Lights and the Feast of the Maccabees, Hanukkah honors the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem. The Temple was taken over by the King of Syria, and then taken back by Judas Maccabee in 165 BC.
The menorah is one of the oldest symbols of Jewish faith. It was a seven-branched candelabrum lit by the Kohanim (descendants of Aaron) each evening in the sanctuary of the Temple. During Hanukkah a nine-branch menorah is used. Eight of the candles represent the eight nights of the celebration. The ninth, the Shamash, is used to light the other candles.
The dreidel is another popular symbol of Hanukkah. It is a four-sided top with a Hebrew letter written on each side which stand for "nothing," "half," "all," and "put," which are the rules for the game.
Kwanzaa, an African American/Pan-American tradition, is another holiday during this season. It is observed Dec. 26-Jan.1 each year, mainly in the United States. The holiday was created in 1966 by Ron Karenga to reaffirm African American culture and to celebrate the "Seven Principles of Blackness." Each day one of the principles is honored.
The first principle is unity and the idea of embracing an African American community. The second is self determination and the idea to provide for themselves. The third is collective work and responsibility. This is the idea that everyone needs to come together to complete the second principle. The fourth is cooperative economics. The fifth is purpose, which is providing for the next generation. Sixth is creativity in businesses. Finally, the seventh is faith which leads to positive thinking and action.
Be the first to comment on this story