DEIB

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

This holiday season is a time of celebration, commitment to one’s faith and culture, and a reverence for one another. In our wonderfully diverse community, we share one another’s joy during these times. We invite you to learn about the various celebrations during this holiday season.

Christians of all denominations are preparing for Christmas; The commemoration of the birth of Christ. Getting ready for Christmas has its many cultural aspects such as decorating, spending time with friends and family, and gift giving, but many of these cultural traditions that we participate in are also celebrations of spiritual traditions associated with the holiday. It is a time or generosity, hope, and of “ great joy for all the people” - Luke 2:10

Three Kings Day (Epiphany) is an important celebration for the Latinx community, celebrating the visit of the Three Wise Men (also Three Kings) who found Jesus after his birth by following the path of a star across the desert for 12 days. Cultural and Religious traditions include parades, amity feasts, and gift-giving.

Our Jewish community members begin the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah (Also referred to as Festival of Lights), on December 13th, commemorating the liberation and rededication to the Temple of Jerusalem. Hanukkah is a time when Jewish families gather to light the eight-candle Menorah, symbolizing the eight days that candles were lit in the temple from only one jar of oil. They also share meals, stories, and give gifts. Religiously, Hanukkah is a time when Jews rededicate themselves to their faith.

Kwanzaa is an African American and pan-African celebration of family, community and culture, During this week-long celebration (December 26 - January 1), activities are organized around the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles) and include feasts, songs, dances, music, storytelling, and poetry reading.

Gita Jayanti is a Hindu celebration centered around the creation of the Bhagavad Gita, one of the holy scriptures of Hinduism, during which people reflect on living a better life. This holiday falls on 11th day of the waxing moon of the Margashirsha month of the Hindu calendar.

Eid Milad-Un-Nabii is a Muslim holiday where people remember the teachings of Islam, exchange gifts, and donate to the poor in celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth. The date follows the third month of the Islamic calendar and can vary from year to year.

The Winter Solstice is the Astronomical marking of the beginning of lengthening days and shortening nights, and is celebrated across the world by many. It is held on December 21st this year, symbolizing the return of light from darkness. Traditions include feasts, gift-giving, and festivals.

Depending on the country, the Buddhist New Year will be celebrated between December and April. This is a time for meditation and self reflection. Traditions vary by country, but can include warm greetings to one another, feasts, visiting temples on New Year ' s Day, and lighting candles for good luck and happiness.