December Holidays Around the World Holidays celebrated longer than one day

Advent Advent is a Christian holiday that begins 4 weeks before Christmas on November 30 or the nearest Sunday to it. Advent is considered the New Year’s Day for the church year. Colors associated with Advent are purple, royal blue, white, and pink. Advent wreaths are used as decoration. On each of the four Sundays before Christmas a candle is lit on the Advent wreath. Each of the four Sundays has a theme: God’s people—the advent hope The Old Testament prophets John the Baptist Mary, the mother of Jesus Other symbols of advent are an empty manger, St. John the Baptist, and the 10 virgins. Advent is a joyous and holy holiday, yet somewhat somber and humbling as people reflect on the birth of Jesus and His future coming. Advent means “arrival.”

Traditions Advent calendars are a popular way to mark the days of advent with children. They can have religious messages or seasonal pictures. Some advent calendars have a little door or pocket with a treat inside. Lighting of the candles on the advent wreath—the first, second, and fourth candles are traditionally purple and the third is rose-colored or pink. A fifth candle is often lit on Christmas day in the center of the Advent wreath. Nativity scenes illustrate the birth of Jesus. Another word for nativity is crèche (a French word). Decorating with evergreens (evergreen boughs, holly, mistletoe) is a reminder that life continues even when things seem to be dying and the days are short and dark. Image sources: http://www.woodcraftplans.com/u7cstC.jpg; www.abergwiliparish.org.uk; www.emmabridgewater.co.uk; http://www.hedgerows.com/images/02-01jan00/429-71.jpg

Hanukkah Hanukkah is a celebrated by Jewish people in honor God saving the Jews from their enemies, the Syrian-Greeks in 165 B.C. The word Hanukkah comes from a Hebrew word that means “and they rested.” Hanukkah lasts for eight days. Another name for Hanukkah is “Festival of Lights.”

Traditions A special candlestick called a menorah which holds eight candles is used in the home. A candle is lit each day during Hanukkah. Gifts wrapped in blue and white paper are given. A special food served during Hanukkah is latkes—a fried potato pancake—which is served with sour cream and applesauce. A game that is played during Hanukkah is Spin the Dreidel (a four-sided top). Each side has a Hebrew letter on it. Depending on which side the dreidel lands, you win candy or coins or nothing. Photo sources: http://www.slashfood.com/media/2006/1/latkes_and_applesauce.jpg; http://www.jkids.com/jkids/emanuel/hanukkah/spin_and_win.jpg; www.giftbasketvillage.com; http://detroitjcrc.org/uploads/10139menorah_boys.jpg

Ramadan Ramadan is a Muslim holiday that takes places during the 9th month of the Muslim calendar at the beginning of a full moon. It is a time for worship and contemplation. Muslims fast during daylight hours during the month of Ramadan. At the end of the month, there is a 3-day feast called Eid-al-Fitr. Fasting means that no one eats, drinks, or smokes during that time. When the next full moon appears, the fasting time is over. On the 27th day of Ramadan, people celebrate Laylat-al-Qdar (“Night of Power”)—the night that is believed to be when Mohammad received the revelation of the Holy Koran. Id-al-Fitr means “Happy to Break the Fast.”

Traditions People spend time praying in mosques during Ramadan. People beat drums to mark the end of Ramadan and begin the Eid-al-Fitr feast. The traditional first meal of Eid-al-Fitr is held at midday annd includes lamb, goat, spicy vegetables and thin noodles cooked with milk, sugar and coconut (Saiwiyan). For dessert there is candy made of ground nuts, honey sesame seeds and grated cheese. These three days are work holidays. This time is spent with the families. The children receive presents of new clothes either hand made or store bought. Girls wear bangles on their wrists and paint red designs on their hands. There are fairs and special holiday shops. In the evening there are fireworks displays. On the last day of the celebration, families visit relatives and friends. The children receive gifts and coins on this day. Image sources: lc.rkwc.hct.ac.ae; http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/drummer2.jpg; http://www.dubaiplanner.ae/assets/DWF15-497228.jpg; www.timesanddemocrat.com

Las Posadas Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration from December 16-24th that takes place in Mexico. “Posada” means lodging or shelter. It is a religious and cultural celebration that acts out Mary & Joseph’s search for shelter. People in the procession wear costumes and carry brightly decorated báculos (walking staffs) or faroles (paper lanterns). Image source: http://www.mexicochile.cl/ninos.gif

Traditions A piñata is hung at the end of each night for the children to break open. People say a prayer of thanks each night. Parties are held each night with lots of food and drink. At night people watch processions in the street that reenact the journey of Mary and Joseph searching for a place to stay in Bethlehem. Image sources: http://offthebroiler.files.wordpress.com/2006/04/IMG_3674-1.JPG; http://www.nphamigos.org/?page=page.php&path=news/archive/2005/nicaragua/posadas.php&lang=en; www.sanbenito.k12.tx.us; www.posadas-project.com

Kwanzaa Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration that began in 1966. It begins on December 26th and last for seven days. During this time seven principles are honored. Red, black, and green are the official colors of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is rooted in African harvest festivals called First Fruits. The seven principles are: Umoja (unity) Kujichagulia (self-determination) Ujima (working together and responsibility) Ujamaa (cooperative economics) Nia (purpose) Kuumba (creativity) Imani (faith) Black symbolizes the African people. Red symbolizes blood that has been shed. Green symbolizes hope and the motherland, Africa.

Traditions Candles are lit on a candleholder called a kinara—a candle for each day of Kwanzaa. A prayer is said by a member of the family. People wear traditional African clothing. Handmade gifts are given. Fruits and vegetables are placed in a basket to symbolize a successful harvest. An ear of corn is placed on the table for each child in the family.

Sources http://www.acadiawreath.com/t-advent-traditions.aspx Let’s Celebrate Christmas by Peter & Connie Roop http://www.acadiawreath.com/t-advent-traditions.aspx http://www.msichicago.org/scrapbook/scrapbook_exhibits/catw2004/traditions/countries/ramadan.html http://www.archaeolink.com/kwanzaa_traditions.htm http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/christmas.html