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  • Ava Aubin

Origins of Holidays

During the month of December, many holidays occur. Some of the most well-known holidays include Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.

Christmas, as defined from The Oxford Dictionary, is “the annual Christian festival celebrating Christ’s birth, held on December 25 in the Western Church.” The holiday originated from Rome but has developed new traditions as it rotated through different countries. Although Christmas did not originate from Germany, many of the well-known traditions associated with the holiday came from the country.

Hanukkah, as quoted from Oxford Languages is, “a lesser Jewish festival, lasting eight days from the 25th day of Kislev and commemorating the rededication of the Temple in 165 BC by the Maccabees after its desecration by the Syrians.” During this holiday, lighting the menorah guides the celebrations. The holiday originated from Judea around the time 200 B.C.

Kwanzaa is, according to the Oxford Languages, “a secular festival observed by many African Americans from December 26 to January 1 as a celebration of their cultural heritage and traditional values.” Families who celebrate Kwanzaa, celebrate it in their own way and can include much dancing, singing, storytelling, and more. For each of the seven days spent celebrating, there are seven principles that are emphasized throughout Kwanzaa.

Many of the holidays are unique in their own ways, and make the month of December very cheerful!


Works Cited

“December Holidays around the World.” WorldStrides, 8 Dec. 2020, worldstrides.com/blog/2015/12/december-holidays-around-the-world/.

Hillerbrand, Hans J. “Christmas.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 6 Dec. 2020, www.britannica.com/topic/Christmas.

History.com Editors. “Hanukkah.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 27 Oct. 2009, www.history.com/topics/holidays/hanukkah.

History.com Editors. “Kwanzaa.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 14 Oct. 2009, www.history.com/topics/holidays/kwanzaa-history.

 

About the Contributor

Staff Writer, Ava Aubin


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