Hanukkah is a Jewish festival that runs for eight days at around late November and late December based on the Kislev calendar. Â The term “Hanukkah” literally means dedication and this is the reason why this festival is also known as the Feast of Dedication. The dedication message of this festival relates to the re-dedication of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. Â At the time of the Maccabean Revolt, the Jewish community became victorious against the Syrians and Greeks back in 2nd century BCE and celebrated at the original temple. Â With this Jewish victory, Hanukkah is celebrated by Jewish people across the globe for eight straight days.
Hanukkah is also known to be the festival of lights. Â This is due to the fact that the festival is often celebrated with the lighting of a unique 9-branch candelabrum called the menorah. Â This menorah typically has 8 candles arranged with 4 on each side representing the 8 days of celebration. Â An extra or ninth candle is typically positioned above or at the center and this represents a practical addition to the menorah. Â Using the 8 candles is considered forbidden if they are not intended for the celebration. Â The candles are lit one by one each single day of celebration and Jewish people congregate to pray and sing praises or songs that relate to the Jewish victory in the Maccabean Revolt. Â Children also play traditional games during Hanukkah season.
With its proximity to the Christmas or holiday celebrations of Christians across the globe, Hanukkah is also one of the most popular Jewish holidays or feasts. Â Part of the Hanukkah celebration is the giving of chocolate coins to children and this is also likened to the gift-giving during Christmas time. Â With these connections, many Jewish people often mix Christmas or Western traditions during their Hanukkah celebrations. Â This is especially true for families were formed through mix marriages involving both Jewish and Christian members.
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