By Tyra Mwai
During the holiday season, around December, many different people celebrate different holiday traditions. Variations may include Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Christmas, or a various combination of the three. Kwanzaa is typically celebrated by African-Americans, Hanukkah by the Jewish community, and Christmas by many Christians and non-Christians alike. Although people are not always actively practicing a faith they may still celebrate a religious or nonreligious holiday with friends and family. Each year in the United States there are about twenty-five to thirty million evergreen trees sold. Trees are commonly produced in the states such as, Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington.
Each different holiday tradition has various symbols and customs that are shared amongst them. Kwanzaa is a seven day celebration of African and African American culture and history, from December 26th to January 1st. Each day celebrates a different value. In Kwanzaa there is a usage of a kinara, which looks similar to a menorah. Each candle lit in the kinara symbolizes different principles including: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Hanukkah is an eight day Jewish festival, with a symbolic menorah lit every night. Each day before the lighting of a candle on the menorah it is common for special blessings to be recited. The Hanukkah candle is commonly placed in the doorway, with the idea that no matter how dark it is goodness can bring light. In Christmas traditions, it is common for Advent calendars to be used to countdown to the days until Christmas, often with candy or another form of a treat. Many gifts are exchanged among family and friends during the Christmas season. Christmas is very important to many people because of the celebrating of the birth of Jesus. Throughout schools, children celebrate with artwork and different crafts. All holidays are a way for friends and family to spend time together.
This picture depicts a kinara, with seven candles each representing a different principle represented. The black candle in the center is first lit, following an alternation between red and green candles.
In the picture there is a menorah with a dreidel. Each day a candle on the menorah is lit to represent miracle days and to bring light to others. The dreidels are common among the Jewish community, used as a toy during the Hanukkah story.
The Nativity scene depicts the reason for the Christmas celebration in the Christian community. In the scene baby Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem, with his mother Mary and Joseph. Although the exact date is unknown, December 25th serves as a united day of celebration.
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