6G Celicas Forums

Happy Hanukkah!

(Started last night)

Yay! I'm not the only one!

Happy hanukkah!

im not jewish, i just believe that everyone should beable to celebrate. and not be "held down" by social norms that make Xmas, the holiday of december.

This post has been edited by nyhotmama: Dec 6, 2007 - 10:22 PM

Heh -- if we're going to talk about social convention and partying in December, you'll have to go back a lot further than Christian influences in Europe. Winter solstice feasting was a big thing for ancient cultures (think Rome, Greece, Celts, etc).

I'm not saying that Christianity MADE december what it is. Im just saying that in todays world, everything is xmas trees, xmas lights, xmas etc.

I really dont wanna get into religion debates cuz they always blow up on here.

the point of the thread was to wish those who celebrate Hanukkah, a happy holiday, because I bet they dont hear it as much as we'd all like to believe.

Happy Yule (sp) to u Galcobar (you still have 2 Weeks)

Well I for one appreciate the thought. Christmas is rammed down our throats, especially with the massive commercialism and the Fast and Furious need to Shop Shop Shop! It's hard to avoid, being a product of American society... I know I've got a tree in my front window at home now (my g/f celebrates Christmas) but I've also got a FABULOUSLY TACKY electric menorah in the window, on which I screw in another light bulb each night of Hanukkah! It's gloriously tacky and in the stereotypical spirit of my ancestors, I am proud to say I did NOT pay retail for it!

Anyway, thank you for the acknowledgement and the gesture.

Lol! I love it!

happy halloween

isnt kwanza around the corner also?

What's kwanza?

Yes it is.



Copied from History.com

Kwanzaa is a non-religious African American holiday which celebrates family, community, and culture. It is celebrated for seven days: December 26 - January 1.

Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, created Kwanzaa in 1966. After the Watts riots in Los Angeles, Dr. Karenga searched for ways to bring African-Americans together as a community. He founded US, a cultural organization, and started to research African "first fruit" (harvest) celebrations. Karenga combined aspects of several different harvest celebrations, such as those of the Ashanti and those of the Zulu, to form the basis of Kwanzaa.

The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits" in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal. On each of the seven nights, the family gathers and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (candleholder), then one of the seven principles is discussed. The principles, called the Nguzo Saba (seven principles in Swahili) are values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing community among African-Americans. Kwanzaa also has seven basic symbols which represent values and concepts reflective of African culture. An African feast, called a Karamu, is held on December 31.

The candle-lighting ceremony each evening provides the opportunity to gather and discuss the meaning of Kwanzaa. The first night, the black candle in the center is lit (and the principle of umoja/unity is discussed). One candle is lit each evening and the appropriate principle is discussed.

Lest we forget Eid, which also begins this month (I'm not sure when though, but I think it falls around Christmas this year).

Quoted from about.com:
"Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month which follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is a time to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.

Before the day of Eid, during the last few days of Ramadan, each Muslim family gives a determined amount as a donation to the poor. This donation is of actual food -- rice, barley, dates, rice, etc. -- to ensure that the needy can have a holiday meal and participate in the celebration. This donation is known as sadaqah al-fitr (charity of fast-breaking)."