Hanukkah and Kwanzaa Explained

Hanukkah and Kwanzaa Explained

What is Hanukkah? What is Kwanzaa?

We know about Christmas. But we fail to significantly acknowledge the other holidays that happen during this month. Let me educate you.

Basically, Hanukkah is an event that lasts eight days celebrating the big victory of the Maccabees over a larger army—a David versus Goliath sort of deal. It also celebrates a miracle, which is a big part of Hanukkah, where just one day’s supply of oil lasted eight days which kept the menorah in the Temple of Jerusalem lit, hence, the eight days.

Hanukkah in New Hampshire is a whole lot different than Hanukkah in different parts of the United States. Although there is more of an emphasis on diversity and inclusion for Hanukkah and Kwanza, it fails to reach the less diverse depths of the country in NH.  In my family, we rush to any place that has any amount of shelves for anything Hanukkah-related. We get very excited over any commercial that includes “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” It’s a tradition that we go to Brooklyn for the New Year. Although, regardless if it falls through the New Year or not, we celebrate a very reform-modified Hanukkah celebration. Sometimes we’ll light the menorah at home four out of eight nights. 

Similar to Hanukkah in New Hampshire, there doesn't seem to be much awareness or recognition of Kwanzaa.  Contrary to popular belief, Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, it is a cultural holiday specifically celebrated by Africans, and it is observed by millions. Kwanzaa is a week. Unlike Hanukkah, it falls on the same days every year: December 26th through January 1st. A candle is lit every day of Kwanzaa signifying a different principle of Kwanzaa. The seven principles are Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). 

I hope you learned something new from this! Happy Holidays!