We’re all familiar with the Christmahanakwanzaa celebration during the winter season, but what are some other holidays that don’t quite reach the spotlight every December? Here are just a few of the many celebrations that occur near the end of the calendar year.
Bodhi Day – December 8th
This day remembers the Buddhist story where Siddhartha Gautama achieved Enlightenment and became the Buddha. Families celebrate by decorating with multi-colored lights and candles, meditating and making rice and milk (the first meal the Buddha consumed after Enlightenment).
Eid-al-Adha – early December
This day celebrates a day of faith, representing when Abraham was told by Allah to kill his son to prove his faith. Allah then put a sheep in Abraham’s path to kill instead, which families celebrate by dividing the slaughtered meat among loved ones and those who are less privileged. They also exchange gifts and attend services at mosques.
Las Posadas – December 16th
A nine-day celebration, this holiday remembers the nine days Mary and Joseph traveled around asking for a place to stay before Jesus was born. This is a Mexican holiday for which people sing a traditional song at someone’s house, asking for shelter. A song is then sung back, saying they have no room. At the third house, the innkeepers sing a different song, inviting them in. This process is repeated two more times until December 24. Children have a piñata for entertainment and everyone gathers with their loved ones to celebrate.
Junkanoo – December 26th and January 1st
Celebrated in the Bahamas, people throw large parades and parties to commemorate their ancestor’s traditions. Historically, slaves were able to celebrate on these days because these were their only days off, but now people dress up, dance, eat and are merry all through the night just to have some fun!
What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?
Source: http://www.whyzz.com/what-are-…