holidays - METEA MEDIA

A decorate pine tree for Christmas. (Struan Somerville)

Christmas

Christmas, celebrated on Dec. 25, is celebrated to remember Jesus Christ’s birth. But many non-religious people enjoy Christmas for fun and celebrate through simple gatherings. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, the first written record of a decorated Christmas tree was in 1510 in Latvia. This tradition was spread throughout Germany throughout the following centuries. In the 17th century, Germans and Austrians started to use apples, gilded nuts, and red paper strips to decorate trees. The Christmas tree tradition was brought to the United States by Germans. However, Americans used glass ornaments instead.
Three Kings Day

Three Kings Day, also known as Epiphany, is the Eastern Christian holiday that is celebrated at the end of the twelve days of Christmas. It celebrates the Biblical story of the three kings who followed the star of Bethlehem to bring gifts to Christ’s child. Common traditions include feasts, parties, and parades. The holiday is commonly celebrated in Spain and Central/South America. Rosca de Reyes, a flaky pastry with dried fruits, is commonly eaten during this time The pastry has Baby Jesus hidden in the cake. The holiday is commonly enjoyed on day 12 of Christmas.
Foods and the Hanukkiah shown for Hanukkah. (Struan Somerville)

Hanukkah

Hanukkah is the Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple, freedom from oppression, and the miracle of oil. This festival’s holidays include lighting menorahs and giving gifts, food, gelt or money. Today, either a menorah or a hanukkiah can be used. A menorah has six branches whereas a Hanukkiah has nine. Each candle on the hanukkiah represents the number of days the temple lantern blazed with the ninth being the helper candle. Hanukkah is usually celebrated sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Hogmanay

Hogmanay is the name for the Scottish New Year celebrated on Dec. 31. The name originates from the French word “hoginane,” which means “gala day.” When the clock hits midnight, people celebrate with family and gatherings. The first guest to visit your house should be a tall man who is carrying a lump of coal, an item of food, and a beverage. This tradition is known as the first footing and blesses you with prosperity for the upcoming year. Robert Burns wrote “Auld Lang Syne”, a popular poem sung on this day. It represents the remembrance of past times and memories.
The Kinara represented during Kwanzaa. (Struan Somerville)

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is the African-American holiday celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. There's a communal feast called Kumaru, commonly celebrated on day six. Each day of the tradition has different meanings, Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). A symbol that represents Kwanzaa is the kinara, which has seven candles for all seven principles celebrated. During the Kumaru, foods commonly eaten are jerk chicken, cornbread, fried plantains, and gumbo.
Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year will be celebrated on Jan. 29 this year. The date is decided by the lunisolar calendar, so it differs from year to year. It celebrates the end of the winter season and the beginning of spring. Chinese New Year is 16 days long. People trade red envelopes filled with money and celebrate the Lantern Festival held on day 15. There are also decorations, fireworks, feasts, and markets. Spring cleaning is done during this holiday to welcome new luck for the year. Common foods for the holiday include chicken, spring rolls, yi mein, and nian gao.