Top 5 popular december global holidays that make winter more beautiful
Many children’s eyes light up with Christmas lights. As they count down to Santa’s arrival, their minds dance with sugarplum fairies and reindeer images. It can take parents a few weeks to find the season’s most popular toy. We won’t even get started searching for a PlayStation 5 this season! Sheesh! Although Christmas is December’s most famous holiday, it’s not the only one.
This blog post will take you on a journey around the globe to highlight other December holidays and customs. This is our guide for December Global Holidays.
1.Hanukkah
Date Marked: November 28 – December 6
Category: Religious
Why It’s Marked: Commemorating the rededication in Jerusalem of the Second Temple
Where It’s Marked: Israel and other Jewish communities around the globe
Hanukkah, also known as the Jewish Festival of Lights, is a celebration that lasts for eight days. It marks the completion of the Second Temple’s rebuilding in Jerusalem after a period of internecine conflict in the Jewish community. The dominant view is that Hanukkah marks when we remember how the lamp used to light the Temple’s inner sanctuary was only able to hold enough oil for one day during the rededication. Amazingly, the lamp was believed to have been lit for eight days.
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that marks the occasion by lighting candles. Hanukkah’s traditional symbol is the menorah. In modern times, Hanukkah has become synonymous with gift-giving. Most non-Jews believe Hanukkah is one of the most important December global holidays in their faith. This is incorrect. Hanukkah is considered minor in Judaism.
2.Kwanzaa
Date Marked: December 26 – January 1
Category: Cultural
Why It’s Marked: To protect certain African values
Where It’s Marked: Internationally, especially in the United States
Kwanzaa, a multi-day celebration held every year between December 26 and January 1, is a multi-day event. Maulana Karenga established Kwanzaa in 1966 as an alternative to traditional Christmas celebrations. Karenga wanted to give the African-American community a chance to celebrate its rich traditions and history. Kwanzaa heavily draws on symbolism and practices from West and Southeast African harvest celebrations to achieve this end.
People who celebrate Kwanzaa are very personal and unique in their observances. You can recite traditional African poetry or songs, play traditional African instruments, and gather together for a big meal. Kwanzaa is also marked by lighting seven candles. Kwanzaa’s seven principles are celebrated by lighting seven candles on holiday. Kwanzaa is an important cultural holiday for the African-American community and marked as a key celebration in December global holidays list.
3.Boxing Day
Date Marked: December 26
Category: General
Why It’s Marked: Symbolism varies
Where It’s Marked: Worldwide
Boxing Day is December 26. The holiday is only celebrated in a handful of countries. It was established in the United Kingdom in the Middle Ages. This was when alms boxes, which were collection boxes for the poor kept in churches, were opened. The contents were distributed. It is a tradition that continues in some parts of the country. This was the day that servants were given the day off to celebrate Christmas with their families.
Boxing Day is now a national holiday in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. It is a popular day for horse races and soccer matches in England. Irish people refer to this holiday as St. Stephen’s Day. They also have a tradition called hunting the bird, where boys attach a fake wren on a pole to parade it around town. Junkanoo, a street festival in the Bahamas, marks Boxing Day.
4.Christmas
Date Marked: December 25
Category: Religious
Why It’s Marked: To remember Jesus Christ’s birth
Where It’s Marked: Worldwide
Most well-known in the records of December global holidays is Christmas. Christmas is the day that marks the birth of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Christians believe him to be the last prophet sent by God to save humankind from sin. All religions, even non-Christians, celebrate Christmas.
However, it is worth noting that Jesus’ actual birth date is unknown. Because Christmas coincides with the Roman winter solstice, it was chosen. Christmas is celebrated as a cultural event in many countries and not as a religious holiday. You can mark the occasion in many ways, such as leaving gifts for Santa Claus and Father Christmas. Many people attend Christmas Day Church services, while others choose to take a vacation.
5.Yule
Date Marked: December 21 – January 1
Category: Pagan
Why It’s Marked: To honor the Norse deity Odin
Where It’s Marked: Germany and German-speaking populations all across the world
Yule is a winter festival traditionally observed between December 21 – January 1. Yule has been associated historically with Germanic peoples. It is pagan and Norse mythology that explains why Yule was created. Yule, like many pagan traditions, is associated with important astronomical events. In this instance, it coincides with the winter solstice. The winter solstice is the darkest day in the Northern Hemisphere. Yule celebrations often include large gatherings and the lighting of bonfires or yuletide logs to celebrate the longest night of the year. Yule traditions and elements have been incorporated into Christmas celebrations for centuries. Yuletide is now synonymous with Christmas. The saying “Throw another Yuletide log on the fire” refers to this. Even though Yule celebrations are still held in Germany and Scandinavia today, they are now ancillary to Christmas.
At last
Many December global holidays take place to help you end the year on an optimistic note.
Remember that December isn’t just a month to enjoy your everyday life more. It is a great time to appreciate the value of those who make the end year worthwhile by giving them the best blessings. If you liked our information about “December global holidays”, then do share with others and if you have any queries regarding this topic, feel free to ask it in the comments section.