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CULTURE
December 2013
The holidays are here Caitlyn Whitman Staff Writer When the snow starts to fall, that is when you know the holidays are right around the corner. The day after Halloween commercial holiday spirit starts kicking in. Shopping starts and decorations are hung. Various holidays are celebrated around the world, students on campus are a great representation of the diversity during the holiday season. On the night before Christmas, children lay out milk and cookies for good ol' St. Nick. Before the sun rises on December 25, children start tip toeing to wake up their parents to open all their Christmas presents that are placed under the tree. The day many Christians wait upon all year is finally here, it's Christmas time. Christmas is an annual celebration for the birth of Jesus Christ, "The son of righteousness." Though the day of the actual birth of Christ is unknown, it is estimated to be around this day. Along with Christmas time comes Christmas carols. Some of the most famous songs ever known consist of "Silent Night, O Holy Night", 'Rockin' around the Christmas Tree", "Frosty the Snowman" and many more. But there's more to the holidays than Christmas cheer. The lighting of seven candles, also known as Kwanzaa (Kwahn-zahh) is another famous holiday celebrated around
ish people were led by Judah Maccabee, this time by many families. Kwanzaa is a who fought a king named Antiochus week-long celebration held in the United for the right to worship one god. When States and also celebrated in the Western the Jews won the battle they cleared African Diaspora in other nations of the the pathway of the Greek gods and celAmericas. ebrated for eight days. Much like Kwan The word Kwanzaa means "first fruits zaa, on Hanukkah they light candles on of the harvest." Kwanzaa is celebrated a stand, called a Menorah, but a menothe day after Christmas, December 26 rah holds nine candles compared and ends on January 1. This holiday is to Kwanzaa’s seven. The inspired by African traditions extra light is called and isn't meant to be a “The lighting a Shamash. religious holiday. ninth The During these of candles against the branch is the seven days, those who celebrate fowinter wind is involved in tallest branch located in the cus on their an each holiday.” middle. Even cestral values. The though there extra "a" on the word Whitman are nine candles was given to represent they only celebrate this the seven days that are holiday for eight days, singcelebrated. Kwanzaa was created ing and dancing in prayer. Jewish stars in the year 1966 by Maulana Karenga, are painted, woven and hung up around Ph.D, chair and professor of black studthe house for this holiday. This holiday ies at the California State University at is celebrated November 27 through Delong beach, and executive director of cember 5 this year. the Institute of Pan-African studies. This Each night a candle is lit for differholiday is meant to bring family together ent families traditions. Either they give and celebrate life and previous ancestors. their kids a different gift on each night of Families join together to celebrate the Hanukkah or they gift them with money beginning of the new planting season. for each night; one dollar on the first The final holiday that is celebrated night, two on the second, etc. ending up is called Hanukkah. Hanukkah is a celwith thirty six dollars at the end of the ebration of practice to the Jewish reliHanukkah holiday. gion. This Jewish celebration focuses The lighting of candles against the on the Festival of Lights and Feast of winter wind is involved in each holiday. Dedication, an eight-day Jewish holiday Even though the holidays may be differcommemorating the rededication of the ent, the company of family and joy in the Holy Temple. air makes the holidays more enjoyable. Hanukkah started when the Jew-
Festival of Lights Cara Clingin Staff Writer Cold can be the signal of many things: hibernation, hot cocoa, and even time to shop for the best deals of the season. The streets become paved with snow and houses get ready for the Christmas season. Downtown Battle Creek becomes a winter wonderland of lights as the Festival of Lights illuminates the streets like the Whoville Christmas Whobilation. For those new to our city or just never quite understood what exactly the International Festival of Lights is, this is the six week winter festival in Battle Creek featuring various light shows, concerts, Christmas displays, and even a Christmas parade. Downtown is decorated by various displays of the lights including the famous 12 days of Christmas behind the W. K. Kellogg Foundation building. Jolly music that will make you feel like a child again plays through the many different speakers along the streets. There are different stations around the city filled with hot cocoa, coffee, and treats to help keep the cold away. The festival begins November 23 and lasts all the way through December, so don’t feel rushed if you can’t make it to an event right away. For a full schedule of what’s going on downtown, check out www.bcfestivals.com for more information.
Vocal Arts Events for December Sounds of the Season
Branch County Community Chorus presents Gloria! by John Rutter.
KELLOGG COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Saturday, Dec 7 7:30 pm 27 E. Chicago St. Coldwater, MI Free-will donation
Coffeehouse Concert: Caroling Tuesday, Dec 10 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Central Walkway
Opera Workshop Performance: "Musical Madness"
Select semi-staged scenes from some of the best known operas and Broadway shows. Wednesday, Dec 11 7:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall 111 Capital Ave NE Free-will donation