The Magic Behind the Holiday Season

At Christmas, not everyone is decking their halls in boughs of holly. In fact, there are plenty of holidays celebrated worldwide from November to January. Although our news feeds may be flooded with Santa and stockings, there are other holidays playing out across the globe.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah refers to an important holiday in the Jewish calendar. Also known as Chanukah or the Festival of Lights, this religious tradition is an eight-day festival that commemorating rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt. The celebrations include eating traditional food, lighting of the menorah and eight nights of games and gifts!

Kwanzaa

From December 26 to January 1, Kwanzaa celebrates African culture and community. The term Kwanzaa refers to “the first fruit of the harvest” in Swahili and is a time to focus on traditional African family values. It is based upon the celebration of seven principles or beliefs called the Nguzo Saba and celebrates traits such as collective work, creativity, and purpose. Communities join with feasts, music, dance, and a continued commitment to cultural values.

Santa Lucia (Saint Lucy’s Day)

Santa Lucia or Saint Lucy’s Day falls on December 13 every year. This feast day in the Christian calendar celebrates Saint Lucy - a martyr who is seen as a figure of light in the darkest part of the year. The day is marked by atmospheric concerts and processions, featuring singers dressed in white and wearing headdresses featuring actual flickering candles. A girl is selected to represent Saint Lucy and leads the procession through town, singing traditional songs.

Omisoka

Omisoka is the Japanese New Year and is celebrated on December 31. In Japanese culture, Omisoka is considered one of the most important holidays, second only to January 1 (Shogatsu). This celebration commemorates the end of an old year and beginning of the new one, with people hosting Bonenkai parties intended to help forget the past year. Cards and gifts are sent to friends and family and families gather for one last time in the old year to have a bowl of toshikoshi-soba or toshikoshi-udon - a tradition based on eating the long noodles to cross over from one year to the next.

Yuletide

Yuletide or Yule is an ancient Pagan celebration that technically falls within the Winter Solstice. In ancient time, people marked Yule by lighting a huge log in a bonfire and spending the long night outdoors. The custom of log burning is still practised today, but most people also mark this occasion by building a Yule altar, making an evergreen Yule wreath, or giving back to Mother Nature. Candlelit dinners and Yule tree decorations are also common, as are exchanging of naturebased gifts.

There are many more holidays that fall within this period. Is there one you celebrate that isn’t included here? Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #OracoEcoGiftGuide.

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