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Spotlight of the Month from SIRS
Discoverer and WebFind
December 2006INFOhio provides this information from the SIRS
Spotlights of the Month message and is not responsible for the content or the reliability
of Web links. Your INFOhio username and password may be needed to open some links.
December 2006 Spotlight: Winter Holidays Around the World
Different cultures and religions commemorate the winter season with special
celebrations and observances. For Christmas, Christians sing carols and decorate trees
with ornaments and lights. Children wait for Santa Claus to visit, and he leaves gifts,
money and other treats for them. Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights, and it
originates from the legend that a one-day supply of oil burned for eight days. The menorah
candles that Jews light represent each of these eight days.
Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday that began in the United States in 1966 to honor
cultural roots in Africa. The holiday lasts seven days and nights, each marked by the
lighting of a candle. In addition to these holidays, Las Posadas and New Year's are
celebrated during the winter months.
Explore the traditions and histories of these worldwide winter holidays and more, in such SIRS Discoverer articles as:
Discoverer WebFind: Winter Holidays Around the World
People around the world celebrate during the winter holiday season. Christmas, New
Years, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day and Hanukkah are just a few of the holidays of the winter
months.
Although diverse in practices and origins, the winter holidays share the goal of
reflecting on and rejoicing in the common histories and beliefs that bind people together.
Join SIRS Discoverer WebFind in
learning more about the history and current practices of the winter holidays.
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How We Celebrate
Hanukkah
"Many Jewish holidays commemorate events invested with historical and religious
meaning. Hanukkah means dedication and it commemorates the rededication of the
Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by foreign forces. The celebration also
reaffirms the continuing struggle to live by God's commandments and to lead Jewish
lives." (JOI) On this site, read about the blessings, traditions, history and
activities of Hanukkah. Also play an online version of Spin the Dreidel. Source:
Jewish Outreach Institute (JOI) |
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The
Legends of Christmas
"Many [Christmas] customs--caroling, Santa, stockings and gingerbread--originated in
Europe. Americans have embraced these customs and added their own special traditions to
them as they have been passed down through the generations." (HERBERT HOOVER MUSEUM)
This site discusses the signs, symbols and origins of the Christmas celebration, from
birds and fairies to Santa and snowmen.Source: Herbert Hoover Museum |
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The Official Kwanzaa Web Site
Dr. Maulana Karenga, creator of Kwanzaa, states "it is imperative that an
authoritative source and site be made available to give an accurate and expansive account
of Kwanzaa's origins, concepts, values, symbols and practice." This site does that by
exploring Kwanzaa's roots, branches, principles and symbols. Source: GlobalDrum.Net
Services |
Spotlight of the Month topics are selected mainly from Chase's Calendar of
Events. Articles are also accessible within the main database and remain in the SIRS Spotlight
of the Month newsletter
archives for one year.
Questions? Contact INFOhio at webmaster@infohio.org. |
