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Thursday, November 22, 2001

'Tis the season Holiday traditions vary around the world

By CORA HUCKINS | News-Journal Correspondent

DAYTONA BEACH — Important holiday celebrations and observances by the major religions of the world occur each year in November and December. Here is a brief look at holiday traditions celebrated by Jews, Christians and Muslims:

Hanukkah, an annual festival of the Jewish people, is celebrated on eight successive days during Kislev -- the third month of the Jewish calendar, corresponding approximately to December in the Gregorian calendar.

Hanukkah (Dec. 9-17) commemorates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem in 165 BC. When Judas Maccabee and his followers recaptured Jerusalem from Antiochus IV, a new altar was put up in place of the one desecrated by the king of Syria who dedicated the temple to the worship of the pagan god Zeus Olympius. The temple was rededicated to God with festivities that lasted eight days. According to tradition, only a one-day supply of nondesecrated olive oil could be found for the rededication, but that small quantity burned miraculously for eight days. Jews commemorate this event by lighting candles for the eight nights of Hanukkah.

To Jews and non-Jews alike, the menorah, or Hanukkiya, is the most recognizable symbol of Hanukkah. It's usually a nine- branch candelabrum whose candles are lit by a service candle which then takes its own place at the center of the menorah. By the eighth night, with all eight candles lit, the menorah makes a spectacular sight as it is placed in a window where it can be seen by passers-by.

Hanukkah is a festive family occasion, with special foods and songs. Children generally receive small gifts or money, known as Hanukkah gelt (money). Foods fried in oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and doughnuts, commemorate the miracle of the oil that lasted for eight days. Songs also play a part in the festivities and remind the family of the events commemorated.

A newer tradition in the United States is the baking of butter cookies or pretzels in the shape of Hanukkah symbols while relating the stories.

The tradition of receiving a gift on each of the eight days of Hanukkah is fairly recent. Since Christians exchange gifts at Christmas, Jews have come to exchange gifts at Hanukkah, which comes at the same time of the year.

More Jews observe Hanukkah than any other Jewish festival. However far someone may be from their Jewish roots, a menorah usually can still be found burning in their windows during this important time of the year.

Historians generally agree that the first celebration of Christmas took place in Rome in 336 A.D. It is both a holy day and a holiday and today is the biggest holiday of the year (especially for children) in America. There are 1.8 billion Christians in a total world population of 5.5 billion.

Few holidays are more sacred to Christians, even though Christmas has become highly commercialized through the years. According to Daniel Boorstin in his book "The Americans," Christmas was largely a non-event in America until New York City department stores featured Christmas-themed window displays in the late 1800s.

For most Americans and other Christians throughout the world, few times are more sacred than Christmas. It is a time rich in traditions -- Christmas trees, the manger scene, the music and carols, the lights shining in the winter darkness - all joyfully proclaiming and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Christmas season's rich traditions vary by country. Christmas Eve in France is a "night of miracles," and extraordinary things can happen. The dead, some believe, come back to their old homes in Brittany during the period of time it takes a clock to ring 12 strikes at midnight. And in Corsica, elderly people tell their children and grandchildren the secret of ritual prayers to guard against the "evil eye."

Holiday traditions come from many sources. The custom of decorating a tree with ornaments came from Germany. Christmas cards originated in England. Ireland contributed the ancient Gaelic custom of putting lights in windows. The jolly character of Santa Claus was born in the United States.

Canadians and the English also observe Boxing Day on the day after Christmas, Dec. 26. During the Victorian era, those who had provided services during the year were remembered. "Because the public aspect of the Christmas season was charitable, Boxing Day was a time to do things for people either dependent upon you or less fortunate than you," according to Donald Gray, professor of English at Indiana University and editor of a journal dealing with Victorian life and literature.

Kwanzaa was first celebrated Dec. 26, 1966, by the African-American community. It is a festive and joyous celebration in which each day is focused on Nguzo Saba (seven principals) rooted in harvest celebrations and practiced in various cultures in Africa.

Traditionally celebrated from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, Kwanzaa celebrates African cultural traditions and provides a focal point for holiday gatherings.

According to the Kwanzaa Information Center, Kwanzaa "is a way of life, not just a celebration." It is a week of "remembering, reassessing, recommitting, rewarding and rejoicing."

Today, millions across America and throughout the world recognize and celebrate Kwanzaa in homes, churches, mosques, temples, community centers, schools, and places of work.

Ramadan, the most religious time of the year for Muslims, began Nov. 16 this year for followers in the United States. The date varies around the world depending on the sighting of the crescent moon that marks the beginning of the Islamic month. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is compulsory for every Muslim adult.

It is believed that during this month the Holy Qur'an (Ko-ran) was received by Muhammad who, it is believed, was alone near Mecca when the Angel Gabriel appeared before him. The angel told Muhammad to read, but he could not. So the angel taught him verses over the next 10 days. These verses are known as the Holy Qur'an and are believed to be the exact words of God.

For more than one billion Muslims throughout the world, this is a time for inner reflection and devotion to God.

Fasting, the third "pillar" or religious obligation of Islam, helps followers learn self- restraint. Ramadan also is a time of intensive worship when Muslims make daily prayers, read the Qur'an, give to charities and do good deeds. During fasting periods, which start at dawn and end at sunset, Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and marital sex. They usually have a pre-fast meal (suhoor) before dawn and a post-fast meal (iftar) after sunset. Muslims traditionally eat dates to break their fast at sunset, following the custom of Muhammad.

The Islamic lunar calendar is 11 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Ramada can begin on Jan. 20 or 21 one year and Jan. 9 or 10 the next year. Consequently, the fasting period varies in length from place to place from year to year.

Concentrated spiritual observances and practices take place in the last 10 days of Ramadan as Muslims attempt to come closer to their God through devotions and good deeds. The Night of Power (Lailat ul-Qadr), generally the 27th night of the month, is when the first verses of the Qur'an were believed to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Many Muslims spend the entire night in prayer.

The end of Ramadan is a joyous occasion. Known as Eid-ul-Fitr, or the festival of ever-recurring happiness, it typically lasts three days and is celebrated with prayers, feasts and gift giving.

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