The month of December is observed by people in many parts of the world as a time for observing many seasonal days. These winter holidays are associated with the winter solstice and religious holy days. The English word ‘holiday’ has been derived from ‘holy’ and ‘day’, because originally holidays marked special religious days. Here are some of the winter holidays that are celebrated around the world:
Bodhi Day: Celebrated as the most important holiday by Buddhists, December 8 commemorates the enlightenment of the Buddha.
Christmas: Christians all over the world celebrate this winter holiday on December 25. Although cultural traditions vary across countries, Christians typically go to church, decorate a Christmas tree, give each other gifts, and have a traditional dinner with families spending the day together.
Channukkah: Also known as Hannukah, this is one of the most important Jewish holidays. The history of this “festival of lights” chronicles the Jewish people celebrating the revolution against their suppression and assimilation. This weeklong holiday, which includes the nightly lighting of the menorah (seven candles), begins December 26.
Eid-al-Adha: A feast celebrated by Muslims celebrates their pilgrimage to Mecca and lasts for three days beginning January 10. This holiday is a commemoration of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, at the behest of God. Muslims consider Ishmael to be the Arabs’ forefather.
Hogmanay: A Scottish holiday celebrating the New Year, according to the Gregorian calendar. It begins on the night of December 31, lasting all through the night and carrying on until the ‘Ne’erday’ or January 1, and sometimes even carrying on to January 2, which is a bank holiday in Scotland.
Kwanzaa: Literally meaning ‘First Fruits,’ Kwanzaa, celebrated from December 26 through January 1, is based on an ancient harvest festival of Africa celebrating ideals like collective responsibility and work, self-determination, co-operation, purpose, creativity, faith, and unity. African-American families decorate their homes with vegetables and fruits, wear special clothes, and light the ‘kinara’ (a special candleholder).
St. Lucia’s Day: Celebrated December 13 in Sweden in honor of St. Lucia, who lived in the third century and is regarded as the patron of light, this day is marked by young girls wearing long white dresses with red sashes and a head-wreath with lit candles. The girls sing to wake up their families and bring them twisted saffron buns, known as ‘Lucia cats,’ and coffee.
St. Nicholas Day: Celebrated in Northern Europe on December 6, St. Nicholas Day honors this saint as protector of the weak against the rich and the strong. St. Nicholas is treated like Santa Claus, and is thought to be Santa Claus’ original name. Children place boots on their windowsills or at the fireplace so that St. Nicholas can fill them with candy.
Las Posadas: A traditional holiday celebrated in Mexico between December 16 and December 24, Las Posadas (“the Inn” in English) is a re-enactment of Joseph searching for a room at the inn on Christmas Eve. There is a street procession of celebrants carrying a doll, representing the Christ child, and portraying images of Mary and Joseph riding a small donkey.
Japanese New Year: A major event in Japan, New Year’s Eve is known as “Omisoka.” To symbolize getting rid of the past and starting fresh, the Japanese spend much time shopping and cleaning their homes in preparation for the new year. On New Year’s day “Shogatsu” is celebrated with decorated houses and giving children gifts and greeting cards to friends and family.
Source: DGE BRGwork partner