As far as holidays are concerned December is usually associated with Christmas, which is observed by followers of Jesus, and Hanukah, the annual Jewish holiday.
During this season, Christians across the world celebrate the birth of Jesus with special church services, lights, pine trees and a pile of gifts which are exchanged among family and friends to honor the giving and selfless nature of Christ.
At around the same time, Jewish homes can be found with blue and silver decorations in observance of Hannukkah, which commemorates the successful Israeli revolt in the second century B.C. against Syrian oppressors. It also tells of the miracle in which a day’s worth of oil fueled the candelabra of the Jew’s rededicated temple for eight days.
Christian and Jewish methods of celebrating during the holidays are widely known, but as America becomes a more diverse society many observers and interfaith organizations are exploring what kind of activities people of other faiths have during the traditional holiday season.
“If we keep in mind that the origin of the term “holiday” is Holy Day, when we wish someone “happy holidays” we are, at the same time, honoring all spiritual traditions,” said Rev. John Heidel, a Hawaai based United Church of Christ minister who has written extensively on interfaith observance of holidays.
Here are a few holiday traditions from various faiths that have become more mainstream in the United States:
Muslims — During the late fall Muslims observe Eid al-Adha, which occurs immediately after the fasting of Ramadan. Eid al-Adha commemorates the sparing of Ibrahim (known as Abraham to the Jewish and Christian faiths) from sacrificing his son (Ishmael according to Islamic tradition, Isaac according to Christian and Jewish tradition) to G-d.
“It connotes people completely submitting to G-d,” said Imam Mongy El-Quesny of the Northwest Indiana Islamic Center, which recently held an Eid al-Adha service for hundreds of participants. “We get dressed in our best attire and celebrate and have fun.”
Many Muslim families decorate homes and mosques with green and white lights or materials, exchange gifts among family and friends, and give to those in need.
They also visit their mosque for special Eid prayers asking for forgiveness, mercy and help for mankind.
Jehovah’s Witness — They do not observe holidays in general and believe that Christmas is a holiday with pagan origins that is condemned by the Bible. The main celebration that is recognized is the Memorial, in which bread and wine is passed to remember Christ’s death.
Buddhists — Most Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day, which falls on Dec. 8. The holiday remembers the day in which Buddha (originally an Indian prince known as Siddhartha Gautauma) achieved enlightenment (Bodhi) while is sitting under a tree and decides to promote an honorable and humble lifestyle. Bodhi is often observed with tea, cake, meditation and readings of Buddhist material.
Some Buddhists also share in the joy of Christmas (although in a secular and not religious way) with Christian friends because they admire the social philosophy of Jesus.
“Although I have taken vows to follow the Buddhist percepts I go to a friend’s home to eat too much, exchange presents, and play killer Scrabble on Christmas,” said Yeshe Chodon, a Canadian based Buddhist writer who shared his thoughts on a religious Web page. “Why not? Would one cancel out the other?”
Hindus — Diwali (or Festival of Lights) is perhaps the best known of the later year Hindu holidays. It is a five-day celebration, which occurs on the 15th day of Kartika (November in our standard Western calendar).
During this time homes are thoroughly cleaned, windows are opened and diyas (small oil lamps) are lit as a greeting to Lakshmi, goddess of wealth.
The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance, although the actual legends that go with the festival are different in different parts of India, where Hinduism originated.
“The date of the celebration varies from year to year,” said Aruna Velury, president of the Tri-State India Association. “It celebrates the triumph of good over evil. We give a lot too, it is celebrated a lot like Christmas.”
Children love Diwali because gifts and sweet treats are exchanged for this holiday, which is also celebrated with fireworks displays and means as much to Hindus as Christmas does to Christians.
