Unique Holiday Traditions Around the World | Graphic by Kayli Thompson | The Wright State Guardian
This time of year, different holidays are celebrated around the world in their own unique ways. While many traditions have to be modified this year due to the global pandemic, the spirit of these holidays is still very much alive.
Hanukkah (Chanukah)
Hanukkah or sometimes known as Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day celebration of the Festival of Lights. Judaism is the fourth largest religion in the world with Jewish holidays and traditions being practiced all around the world.
The country with the highest Jewish population is Israel, and they do not take Hanukkah lightly.
It is a national holiday there with school and many workplaces closed. In a normal year, they would hold large public celebrations and hold mass family gatherings, and even display their menorahs to celebrate the eight days, this year, however, more events are going to be moved to virtual formats.
Christmas
Christmas is the most widely celebrated holiday all around the world, whether for its Christian meaning or for its fun festivities. Europe celebrates this historic holiday quite similarly, take France for example.
Christmas or Noël in France starts with Avent which is the celebratory month-long lead up to Noël. Avent is celebrated via calendars, wreaths and candles. Followed by shopping in Christmas Markets, like Metz in Lorraine, which sells local goods and crafts.
On Noël Eve, families gather for a midnight feast called Le Reveillon, or revival. This has historic and religious meaning. The French finally end the holiday season with Epiphany on Jan. 6.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a holiday celebrating African American history and communities. It was created in America in 1966, at the height of the Civil Rights movement, by Dr. Maulona Karenga.
This holiday celebrated mostly in the U.S. and Africa goes on for seven nights, starting on Dec. 26 and ending on Jan. 1. Each night celebrates a different African principle based on community and camaraderie, each with a corresponding candle lit on the Kinara or candlestick. Each family and community celebrate different versions of Kwanzaa based on their heritage.
New Years
While most countries in Europe go all out for Christmas or Hanukkah, Belarus chooses to bolster the celebration of the new year.
Catholics in the country celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25, while orthodox Christians celebrate on Jan. 7. In order to create a more unified holiday season Belarus focuses on the holiday that is between these two dates, New Years.
Instead of Christmas trees, families have New Year’s trees, they exchange gifts on New Year’s Eve, sing New Year’s songs, and hold a feast on Dec. 31.
