Every passing day in December brings us closer and closer to Christmas — one of the most celebrated holidays of the year. You can almost feel the cheer and festive spirit in the air! However, not everyone celebrates Christmas. Additionally, other cultures don’t necessarily celebrate Christmas the same way. Here are some other holiday traditions and celebrations that are observed around the world during this time of the year.
Hanukkah
In this Jewish celebration, Jewish people light a special nine-branched candelabra starting on the 25th day of Kislev, in accordance with the Jewish calendar (late November or early December). One branch is lit every night using the 9th candle known as the shamash. This is to commemorate an ancient miracle that occurred in an old Jewish temple, when a day’s worth of oil burned for eight days. Some other Hanukkah festivities include singing songs, reciting prayers, and spinning a four-sided spinning top called the dreidel. Since the original miracle included oil, it is customary to eat fried foods such as latke (potato pancake) and sufganya (jelly-filled donut).
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Kwanzaa
This spiritual holiday is celebrated from the 26th of December until the 1st of January. Kwanzaa, which translates to “first fruits”, is celebrated by people of the African diaspora. Each day is dedicated to the Nguzo Saba (the seven core African principles), symbolized through the lighting of the Kinara (candleholder). The Kinara holds seven candles: one black, three red, and three green which represents the people, the struggle and the future. Other Kwanzaa activities include decorating with colorful art and African cloths, displaying fresh harvest such as corn, and a feast (karamu). Many people celebrate Kwanzaa in addition to Christmas and New Year’s.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrAuCp-F1YU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_med…” data-instgrm-version=”12″ style=” background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% – 2px); width:calc(100% – 2px);”>https://www.instagram.com/p/BrAuCp-F1YU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_med…” style=” background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;” target=”_blank”>View this post on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/p/BrAuCp-F1YU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_med…” style=” color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;” target=”_blank”>Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration held in the United States that honors African heritage in African-American culture. We believe that these principles fit so well with business and entrepreneurship – https://1l.ink/S73LSPL #thinkbig #kwanzaa #rockford
Lunar New Year
Countries that follow the traditional Lunar Calendar (such as China, Malaysia, Taiwan and many others) celebrate Lunar New Year — the beginning of the Lunar Calendar. Lunar New Year festivities differ by culture, with some including exchanging red envelopes that contain money, fireworks, and a dragon dance. An annual family reunion dinner (Nian Ye Fan) is held on New Year’s Eve, wherein families enjoy traditional Chinese and other specialty food such as Niangao or Tikoy (a glutinous pudding), dumplings and a communal hotpot.
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Feast Day of Santa Lucia
A Swedish legend tells the story of Santa Lucia, a young girl who gave food to early Christians hiding in dark tunnels. To illuminate her path, she is said to have worn a wreath of candles on her head. Thus on the morning of December 13, the eldest daughter of each Swedish family wears an illuminated wreath as a crown and a white dress to bring a tray of food to her parents. This tradition is to remember the spirit of hope and compassion that Santa Lucia represented in the midst of dark times.
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La Befana
Instead of cookies for Santa, Italians leave out a plate of broccoli with spiced sausage and a glass of wine for Befana. Befana is said to be a kind (but ugly) old witch who flies around on her broom to give gifts to good children on the eve of January 5th (Eve of Epiphany). Children will wake up the following morning to see if Befana left any treats in their stockings.
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Krampus
In countries such as Austria, Germany and Hungary, bad children get a visit from a terrifying beast-like creature known as the Krampus. The Krampus shows up to punish naughty children and if he thinks the child is particularly bad, the Krampus will bundle up the child and take them away! Santa is definitely too nice compared to this one!
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KFC Dinner
Most of Japan doesn’t celebrate Christmas, but for over 40 years it’s been a Japanese tradition to have a KFC dinner on December 25th. This tradition started in the 1970s, when KFC was first introduced to Japan for visitors who wanted a meal that resembled a traditional holiday meal. This tradition has become so widely celebrated in Japan that KFC even asks customers to place their order months in advance.
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In an increasingly globalized and multi-cultural environment, it’s important that we are aware and respectful of everyone’s practices and traditions. Whether it’s Christmas, Kwanzaa or Krampus, I hope all of you enjoy the festivities and have a wonderful time this season!