Holidays Around The World

Saint Lucy’s/Lucia’s Day

Saint Lucy's Day- also known as Saint Lucia’s Day- is an annual celebration on December 13th. This holiday holds special significance as it pays tribute to Saint Lucy, a revered Christian martyr. This observance, deeply rooted in Scandinavian traditions, serves as the inaugural festivity marking the commencement of the Christmas season. In countries like Sweden, the day takes on a particular tradition- with a chosen girl embodying the spirit of Saint Lucy in processions. This symbolic figure wears a white gown and a crown adorned with candles, creating a visually striking representation of light overcoming darkness. The day's overall theme revolves around bringing illumination to the winter gloom. Saint Lucy's Day is a prelude to Christmas and a cultural event that captures the essence of warmth and togetherness during the chilly months. The celebrations include various traditional foods and customs, fostering a sense of community and festivity beyond the typical Christmas cheer, making it a cherished occasion in Scandinavian cultures.

Diwali

Diwali, primarily known as the festival of lights, is a five-day long significant holiday celebrated in multiple parts of South Asia. Diwali is symbolized as a celebration of the light glowing over the darkness. The roots of the holiday date back to more than 2,500 years ago, in which people of different religions and cultures interpret the origins of the holiday based on their beliefs. Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists celebrate this as a big festival known as Deepavali. The Sanskrit word deepavali is defined as “row of lights.” In southern parts of India, Diwali is a celebratory holiday on the victory of Lord Krishna’s elimination of the demon Naraka. In contrast, the northern regions of India celebrate the festival for the defeat of king demon Ravana, and Prince Rama and his wife Sita’s return from exile. Aside from the differences, the common theme in aligning all beliefs together is the nature of choosing good over. Diwali takes place every year on the 15th lunar day on the Hindu calendar, usually around late October or early November every year. In honor of the festival, families come together and decorate the house with illuminating candles and glowing lights to conceal the gloominess in life. During the holiday, people often exchange gifts, goods, and coins. To celebrate the five-day period, fireworks are set off, oil lamps are in work, and families pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The festival brings families together and focuses on the beauty of love and warmth.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah/Chanukah, additionally referred to as the festival of lights, is the Jewish holiday that takes place for eight days, beginning on Kislev 25 (usually around December). This year, it will be from December 7, 2023 - December 15, 2023. The Hebrew word, Hanukkah, means “dedication”. This holiday is celebrated to commemorate the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem. One of the most important traditions during Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah each night. A menorah is a type of candelabra that presents eight branches, plus one more for the shamash (servant) candle, which is used to light all the others. The candle on the far right is lit on the first evening, and an additional candle is lit on each successive evening until eight candles are burning on the last evening. The reason for lighting candles on Hanukkah originates from Judas Maccabeus (Judah Maccabee) and his miracle. When Judas Maccabeus entered the Temple, he found only a small jar of oil that had not been destroyed by Antiochus - the Seleucid king. The jar contained enough oil to burn barely even for one day, but miraculously the oil burned for eight, establishing the criterion that the festival should last eight days. Besides several other religious traditions, Hanukkah is also the time for delicious potato pancakes (latkes), jelly-filled doughnuts (sufganiyot), and other treats fried in oil. Additionally, children play a game with a four-sided top called a dreidel (sevivon). On each side of the top is a Hebrew letter, which forms the initials of the words in the phrase nes gadol haya sham, meaning “a great miracle happened there.” Of course, the dreidels in Israel were changed to translate to “a great miracle happened here.” Enjoying this magical holiday with family and friends is easy when songs, festive meals, games, and especially gift-giving are involved every night!

Reyes Magos

The “Reyes Magos” which translates to “The Three Wise Men” in English, is a holiday that is celebrated in places such as Argentina, Spain, and many other Spanish-speaking countries. Reyes Magos is celebrated every January 6 of each year. 

The Catholic religion taught that the three wise men followed a star that showed them where Jesus of Nazareth was born. After Jesus was born, the three wise men arrived at that place and brought presents for Jesus. 

On January 6 of each year, the three wise men leave one present under the Christmas tree for each child. The day before January 6, there are many festivals and parades. The tradition is that the children need to leave their shoes, and gather grass, and water to feed camels belonging to the three wise men. On the morning of January 6, the children wake up and open their gift, and sometimes the three wise men leave money inside the shoe. This day is mainly special for the children, but also for those who grew up on the tradition.