8th Grade Written by: Sam S. (8th Grade Student)
You surely know Christmas, right? It’s arguably the most widespread winter holiday in the world. Santa Claus and his reindeer deliver presents to children on his “nice” list. Naughty children, though, get only coal in their stockings. But many cultures celebrate much differently than the Christmas tradition. I’ll explain three of the vast majority of holidays celebrated worldwide.
One you may have heard of is Hanukkah, (also known as Chanukah.) Hanukkah lasts 8 days and children light one candle on a “menorah” daily. Kids also receive presents all 8 days. Hanukkah-themed dishes include latkes, which are fried potato pancakes, and kugel, which is a casserole. The origins of Hanukkah date back to 168 B.C. There was a temple named Temple in Jerusalem. It had been cleared out for rededication after a war. A few Jewish people found some oil to light their menorah, but it was only enough for one night. Incredibly, it lasted for eight nights. Today, this is still celebrated, but foods and many traditions have emerged from a base story.
Another holiday is called Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa lasts seven days, spanning December 26th to January 1st. Like Hanukkah, A candle is lit each night, with each candle either being red, green, or black. Each candle also has a meaning in the African language. The first is Umoja meaning unity. Second is Kujichagulia meaning self-determination. Third is Ujima meaning responsibility. Fourth is Ujamaa meaning cooperative economics. Fifth is Nia meaning purpose. Sixth is Kuumba meaning creativity. Last is Imani meaning faith. Kwanzaa started in 1966 and it was created by Maulana Karenga. He created this after the Watts riots and believed that black people needed an alternative to the very Christian-based Christmas, for exclusively African-Americans to celebrate. On the sixth day of Kwanzaa, (or the 31st), a large feast is held called Karamu. Many dishes are served including many types of corn.
Finally, we have Las Posadas. Las Posadas runs for 9 days, running from December 16th through December 24th. Las Posadas has been celebrated for over 435 years dating back to 1586. Every day, Two people dressed as Mary and Joseph, (from the bible), form a crowd of angels, pilgrims, and shepherds, and go to designated houses, and pray. One person leads the way by carrying a candle inside a paper shade. Many celebrations are held during, before, and after Las Posadas including pinata destroying, and of course, many, many dishes. Some of these dishes are tamales, roast turkey, and Romeritos, which are baked shrimp. Many countries celebrate Las Posadas including, but not limited to, Cuba, Nicaragua, and the Philippines. Some places also celebrate in different ways. Portland, Oregon has Santa Claus and gifts for homeless children. In the Philippines, the Mary and Joseph actors sing traditional songs in the Philippine language. In Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela, families and friends pray instead of Mary and Joseph.
To sum it up, many holidays are celebrated in December, not just Christmas. These are Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Las Posadas. So whether you need another holiday to celebrate, or if you don’t have a holiday to celebrate at all, consider trying out the traditions of these three holidays. Eating latkes and kugel for Hanukkah, lighting the Kinara for Kwanzaa, or praying and singing for Las Posadas.
Reminders for 8th Grade Families:
Algebra Semester Final Exam on January 10th.
9th Grade Enrollment at Nicolet. Please be enrolled prior to the January Course selection date. Currently only 21% of Glen Hills 8th graders are enrolled. Follow this link to the Nicolet New Student Online Enrollment website. Should you have any questions or require assistance with the new student online enrollment process, please contact the following Nicolet High School personnel:
Alexis Terry, alexis.terry@nicolet.us, 414 351-7522 for general questions
or
Amy Lee, amy.lee@nicolet.us, 414 351-7520 for residency questions
All 8th grade parents/guardians need to complete new student online enrollment for Nicolet High School by Sunday, December 17th.
Space is still available for the 8th-grade Washington, DC, field trip - don't miss the fun! Sign up today at worldstrides.com/signup by using Trip ID 210948.
