Do you ever wonder how all the holidays around the world came to be? Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Dongzhi are celebrated by people all over the world. Many different cultures celebrate different holidays based on their culture and beliefs.
In 202 B.C the Dongzhi Festival was created. Family usually gets together and says the Nines of Winters which is a song that explains the nine different periods. The foods that are usually made are rice, wine, dumplings, and ginger rice. Today, Dongzhi is celebrated with a family reunion and dinner to worship and honor their ancestors.
Christmas Day originated in the fourth century. People show their love during Christmas by giving gifts to their loved ones. People go door to door and sing Christmas carols. “Christmas is a time that brings happiness, peace, family, and warmth together. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and to fill others with gratitude and love.” Ashley Enes spoke about how Christmas is a time when she and her family come together to celebrate life.
Hanukkah, which originated in the second century, is a celebration for the Jewish People! Each day a candle is lit until the eight candles are complete. The candles represent the amount of days the Temple lantern blazed. Families come together to light the candle and eat dinner all together. “The lighting of the candles represents a new beginning. It represents hope and life. It makes me feel free.” Ms.Silber. It is now the day when Jewish people come together and celebrate their freedom.
In 1966, Maulana Ron Karenaga created the holiday, Kwanzaa. Each day a candle is lit to represent all the amazing things about African Heritage. “Gifts are not purchased, they are supposed to be made. Celebrating makes me feel like my loved ones are appreciated.” Mrs. Island Chavez. Today, African people around the world come together to celebrate their culture and how far they have come over the years.
These holidays have been celebrated all over the world for over 2,000 years. It is amazing how the generations have continued this tradition over all these years.
