As we unwrap the presents and tuck into the mince pies, we’re surrounded by the traditions of Christmas. Perhaps your firm hosted a Christmas party to celebrate a successful year or perhaps your team organised a Secret Santa gift exchange. What about lighting candles to celebrate Kwanzaa? Or did you decorate the office with beads for Bodhi Day?
December is a month packed with both religious and spiritual days of celebration which can sometimes be overshadowed by the arrival of reindeers and elves. Whether you celebrate a holiday in December, or more than one, or none at all, this month is a great opportunity to learn more about other cultures and appreciate the moments of enjoyment, reflection, and gratitude that December brings.
So, why not grab a cuppa and explore some holidays being enjoyed around the world this month…
Bodhi Day
Bodhi Day, also called Buddha’s Enlightenment Day, commemorates when Siddhartha Gautama attained awakening – or enlightenment – some 2,600 years ago, becoming the Buddha. Japan follows the Western calendar and celebrates this day on December 8th, whilst it varies elsewhere in East Asia. Generally, the holiday falls between the winter solstice and the lunar new year.
Not all Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day and it is most common in East Asia’s Buddhist Mahayana traditions found in Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Observances of Bodhi Day also vary, but celebrations typically include praying and reading scriptures of the sutras. Some decorate trees with colourful lights or candles, symbolising Buddha’s enlightenment, and have special family meals. Others engage in acts of kindness and generosity known as dana, to reflect on the Buddha’s teaching and improve their karma.
Learn more about Bodhi Day here.
Hanukkah
The Jewish festival of Hanukkah, meaning “Dedication” in Hebrew, begins on Kislev 25 (typically in December) and is celebrated for eight days. Hanukkah recognises the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem.
Grown to be one the most popular Jewish religious observances, families come together each day of the celebration to light the candles of the Hanukkah lamp (menorah). Other traditions include a daily reading of Scripture, recitation of some of the Psalms, almsgiving, and singing of a special hymn. There’s a number of nonreligious customs associated with Hanukkah as well, including festive meals, songs, games, and gifts to children.
Learn more about Hanukkah here.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community and culture that runs from December 26th to January 1st. The event was created as a non-political and nonreligious holiday in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies at California State University.
The 7-day celebration is not considered to be a substitute for Christmas, but an additional event in the calendar for African-American families. Each day is dedicated to one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa and each day families come together to light one of the candles in the kinara (candleholder) and to discuss the principle for the day.
Here are the seven principles with their Swahili translations:
- Unity (umoja)
- Self-determination (kujichagulia)
- Collective responsibility (ujima)
- Cooperative economics (ujamaa)
- Purpose (nia)
- Creativity (kuumba)
- Faith (imani).
Whilst the annual holiday is celebrated primarily in the United States, it is gaining recognition around the world and is an important affirmation of African family and social values. Each year has a theme which the celebrations focus on, with 2023’s theme being “Kwanzaa, Freedom, Justice and Peace: Principles and Practices For A New World”.
Learn more about Kwanzaa here.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Guadalupe Day, or Our Lady of Guadalupe Day, on December 12, is celebrated across Mexico and other countries and would traditionally see millions of Catholics pay pilgrimage to see an image of Mary in the Basilica of Guadalupe – the site of her apparitions to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatz in 1531 and now the most visited Catholic site in the world.
The observance is also known as the Feast Day and celebrations typically include gathering at a vigil the night before the Feast Day to recite prayers and recount the story of the appearance of Mary to Juan Diego. Following the vigil is usually a large fiesta with food and music.
Learn more about Gaudalupe Day here.
Posadas Navideñas
December 16th marks the beginning of the annual Posadas Navideñas in Mexico. Posada is a Spanish word for “inn,” and the Posadas Navideñas, which recall events leading up to the nativity of Jesus, are a focal point of Christmas traditions in Mexico. The occasion typically consists of local street processions that re-enact Mary and Joseph’s search for an inn on their way to Bethlehem.
Participants carry candles and sing the posada song, which asks the neighbourhood if there is ‘room at the inn’. A Posada Party typically follows the street procession where there is food, music, and a piñata.
Learn more about Posadas Navideñas here.
St. Lucia Day
St. Lucia’s Day, known as the festival of lights, is celebrated in Sweden, Norway, and the Swedish-speaking areas of Finland on December 13. The occasion honours St. Lucia, one of the earliest Christian martyrs, who was killed by the Romans in 304 CE because of her religious beliefs.
The festival begins with a procession led by the St. Lucia designee, who is followed by girls and boys dressed in white costume singing traditional songs. The festival marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Scandinavia and is meant to bring hope and light during the darkest time of the year.
Learn more about St. Lucia Day here.
We’ve selected just a handful of celebrations to explore, but we’re sure there are many more taking place around the World. Are you celebrating a holiday this month that we haven’t mentioned? We would love to hear about it!
