Tis the SeasonKatherine DelesalleHamilton College

Clinton, NY

Yule • A winter festival that celebrates the winter

solstice (December 21st)• Initially celebrated by the historical Germanic

people as a pagan religious festival• Began the tradition of burning a Yule log in

the hearth during the holiday season• People would go Wassailing

• Walk from house to house singing songs, similar to the Christmas caroling performed today

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule

Hanukkah• Also known as the Festival of Lights is an eight-day

Jewish holiday• Commemorates the rededication of the Holy

Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE.

• Observed by lighting the candles of a unique candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah– One additional light on each night of the holiday,

progressing to eight on the final night.Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanukkah

Christmas• Observed on December 25 to commemorate the birth of

Jesus, the central figure of Christianity• Popular modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving,

music, an exchange of Christmas cards, church celebrations, and a special meal

• People often display various decorations; including Christmas trees, lights, garlands, mistletoe, nativity scenes, and holly.

• Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, and Santa Claus, among other names, are associated with bringing gifts to children during the Christmas season.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas

Kwanzaa• A week long celebration held in the United States

honoring universal African-American heritage and culture

• Observed from December 26 to January 1 each year.• It features activities such as lighting a candle holder

with seven candles, and culminates in a feast and gift giving.

• It was created by Maulana Karenga and was first celebrated in 1966–1967.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa

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