Benaiah Samuel

As the month of December arrives, so does the traditions and celebrations from multiple cultures and faiths. Though these holidays are celebrated around the same time, each is uniquely different. From the first Hanukkah in 164 BC to the more recent creation of Kwanzaa, here are the origins and traditions of the three major winter holidays: Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas. 

Hanukkah

The story of Hanukkah begins in the second century BC, commemorating the recovery of Jerusalem and the rededication of the Second Temple. In those times, the king of the Seleucid Empire, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, invaded Judea and raided the Temple, where Jews came to worship God. 

These actions led to a huge revolt, with a Jewish priest and his five sons leading a rebellion against Antiochus. By 164 BC, the revolt was successful. The Temple was liberated from the invaders and rededicated, meaning everything defaced was replaced. What’s special about this moment is that one jar of oil, used to light the menorah, lasted eight days till the new oil could be made. In honor of this, Jewish people light the menorah each day to signify the victory and miracle that occurred during the first Hanukkah. 

PPCHS AICE Media Studies and Global Perspectives teacher Mr. Schwartz cherishes Hanukkah as a time to spend with his family, specifically his nieces and nephews. 

“I’ve always seen it, in my opinion, as a children’s holiday. I get to celebrate it with my nieces and nephews, exchanging presents and saying prayers over the candles for eight crazy nights,” stated Mr. Schwartz. “I love this time of year because you can celebrate [Hanukkah] with friends and family.”

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a fairly new holiday in the backdrop of history, with its creation in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies at California State University. The holiday was made as a Black-centered cultural holiday separate from Christianity: a way for African Americans to reconnect with African heritage, reclaim cultural identity, and strengthen bonds of family and community. 

The concept of Kwanzaa draws on Southern African first-fruits celebrations, marking where many African cultures gathered the year’s first crops. The holiday begins on Dec. 25 and lasts for seven days, with each day dedicated to one of the seven principles Professor Karenga believed were foundational for African-American communities. Tables are decorated with meaningful items and assorted crops to symbolize their collective labor at the harvest, ears of corn to represent their children, and a candle holder that stands for a shared African heritage.

On each night, a candle is lit in a candleholder (the kinara), symbolizing that day’s principle. After lighting the candle, the principle is then discussed among family and friends. The last day of Kwanzaa is filled with music and dancing, symbolizing a time to rejoice and renew commitments for personal growth in the year ahead. Families often give children small gifts on this day. 

About 3% of Americans, or nine million people, celebrate Kwanzaa here in the United States. 

Christmas

Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Literally translated, Christmas is “Christ’s mass,” referring to a special church service to celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. 

The story of Christmas begins with the birth of Jesus. As recounted in the Bible, an angel visited a virgin living in Israel named Mary, telling her that she would give birth to a son named Jesus, who would be the savior of the world. 

Later in her pregnancy, Mary and her husband Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, but could find no inn to stay in due to the sheer number of people there for a Roman census. So the proclaimed Son of God was born in a humble stable, lying in a manger where animals would feed. 

The Bible goes on to describe angels appearing to shepherds, and later, wise men from the East following a star to Bethlehem, where they presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus. 

The actual celebration of Jesus’s birth began as early as the second century AD (101 AD to 200 AD). For reference, most historians agree Jesus was killed on the cross in AD 33. Not long after, different symbols and traditions started coming from the celebration of Christmas. 

Martin Luther, a priest in the 16th century, introduced evergreen trees as a picture of endless life in Christ. Candles are seen as a picture that Christ is the Light of the world. Giving gifts is a reminder of the Magi’s gifts, and according to Christianity, the ultimate gift of grace God gave us. Lastly, red, the color of Christmas, speaks of Christ’s blood and death.

Sophomore Noah Lopez loves to remember what Christmas stands for and celebrate the holiday with family and his church. 

“I love to be with my family sitting around the Christmas tree, just enjoying each other’s company. Then, going to church after really puts the bow on it,” states Lopez. 

As the end of December comes closer and the holidays grow nearer, let the warmth of celebration remind us of the importance of kindness and gratitude in our lives. This season brings a unique opportunity to connect with loved ones, embrace traditions, and create new memories that will last a lifetime.