Christmas
The Christian holiday of Christmas represents the birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Mary, Jesus' earthly mother, was first visited in a dream by an angel, telling her she was to bear a child, and his name was to be Jesus. The Virgin Mary got her name because she gave birth to a child without having intercourse with her husband, Joseph [a carpenter]. The birth of Jesus occurred while Mary and Joseph were heading back to their hometown of Bethlehem to register for the census, ordered by Caesar Augustus, the current emperor of Rome. But as the couple grew nearer to Bethlehem, Mary went into labor. The nearest inn was full, but the innkeeper allowed them to stay in the stable with the animals. It was there, that Jesus Christ was born in a manger. This is what is depicted in what we call "nativity" scenes today.Nowadays, Christmas is the day when everyone is delivered presents by the mystical Santa Claus [who's existence has not been confirmed]. However, Santa Claus didn't just come out of nowhere, there is a very real story behind him. Saint Nicholas, the bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, was a very knowledgeable man who was known for his charity [and giving money/presents to the poor]. Saint Nicholas would die in 340 AD and buried in Myra. In the 11th century, his remains were brought back to Bari, Italy where the church of Saint Nicholas was erected in his honor. Soon, Christian pilgrims from all over the world came to visit the church and learn of the legend of Saint Nicholas. These pilgrims brought the story of Saint Nick back to their home countries where it became twisted and skewed by the native peoples. During the 12th century, Germany, France, and Holland declared December 6th a religious holiday where gifts were traditionally given. As the Dutch immigrated to America, they brought with them their Sinterklaas, an austere bishop with red robes who rode atop a white steed. Thus, the first image of Santa was born in the United States. After centuries of evolution and publishings of poems/drawings, Santa Claus was born.
Channukah
The Jewish holiday of Channukah [Hannukah] has an interesting story behind it and is celebrated over a period of 8 days. The celebration of Channukah begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar [approximately corresponds with December on the Gregorian calendar]. The holiday commemorates the rededication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Jews overran the Greek-Syrians. However, in 168 BC [3 years later] the temple was seized by the Greek-Syrians again. Antiochus, the Greek King of Syria, ordered the Jews to cease their worship of their own God and follow the Greek gods. When they refused, the Greeks attacked, and many fled to the neighboring mountains where they rallied under the leadership of Judah Maccabee. After a period of guerrilla fighting from the mountains, the Jewish forces came down out of the mountains and back to their temple, which had been converted into a temple of Zeus, a Greek god. Once the Jews had refurbished the temple [including repairing the golden menorah], they searched for oil with which to light the giant menorah. After an extensive search, the Jews were only able to come up with a small flask, enough for one day. Through nothing short of a miracle, the menorah remained lit for eight days, which was enough time to find more oil in order to keep the menorah lit [following the eight days with one flask]. So today, Jews celebrate Channukah in eight days, lighting one candle of the menorah each night to represent the eight days the menorah remained lit in the Temple. Accompanied with the story and celebration of Channukah, many games and traditional foods are also scene throughout the eight days. Things like dreidels and potato cakes called latkes are traditionally seen around this time of year.Kwanzaa
The holiday of Kwanzaa [unlike Christmas and Channukah], isn't associated with any one religion, but rather, a culture. Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza", which means "first fruits". Kwanzaa occurs from December 26th until January 1st. Kwanzaa celebrates the "first harvest" and is a time to reaffirm bonds amongst Africans worldwide and acknowledge their rich history as a people. Established in the midst of the Black Liberation Movement in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa symbolized the strong African culture that was still very much alive along with serving as a communal celebration to allow the African people to take part in a much needed fellowship at the time. The seven green, red, and black candles on the "kinara", a menorah like candle holder, represent the seven values of Kwanzaa: cooperation, creativity, faith, purpose, responsibility, self-determination, and unity. As Kwanzaa approaches its 42nd celebration, it is estimated that 28 million Africans and African immigrants will be taking part in the traditions of Kwanzaa this year.So there's the big three December-time holidays for you. I hope you learned something about these three different cultures. Feel free to comment your thoughts, opinions, or other holidays of interest.
Thanks to:
holidays.net
history.com
officialkwanzaawebsite.org
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