It’s the holiday season and Hanukkah is one of the most celebrated holidays among Christians. Many Christian families share this special holiday with their Jewish family and friends. But for those who are unfamiliar with the ways to celebrate Hanukkah as a Christian, it can be confusing. There are important elements to observe to make your Hanukkah celebration meaningful and meaningful for all, no matter your religious background.
Table of Contents
Celebrating Hanukkah As A Christian
The History
Hanukkah is a holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago during the rule of the Seleucid Empire. It was believed that the Maccabees lit one day’s worth of oil and it burned for eight days until new oil was available.
The Rituals
The most recognizable ritual that’s celebrated with Hanukkah is the lighting of the nine-branched menorah, or Hanukkah lamp. Each night for eight days, an extra light is added. This is often accompanied by poems, songs and stories about the brave Maccabees, Judah the Maccabee and the miracle of the oil.
Another popular activity for Christians celebrating Hanukkah are games. A traditional game is dreidel, in which each side of the top is etched with a Hebrew letter: nun, gimmel, hei and chai. Players compete to collect as many tokens as possible.
The Food
No celebration of Hanukkah is complete without the classic latkes and jelly doughnuts called sufganiyot. Latkes are potato pancakes deep-fried in oil to commemorate the miracle of the oil. Sufganiyot are fried doughnut-like dough with a raspberry, jelly, chocolate or other sweet filling.
The Gifts
Hanukkah gifts to family, friends and loved ones are not required, but are a nice gesture to share the joy of the holiday. Popular presents are books, toys, money and clothes. Traditional Hanukkah gifts are Hanukkah lamps or menorahs, playing dreidels and sheets of Hanukkah money.
No matter what religious background one has, celebrating Hanukkah can bring joy, understanding and freedom. This eight-day celebration is the perfect opportunity to learn about Hanukkah traditions and celebrate together. By understanding the history and traditions behind one of the oldest holidays in world, it can bring us closer together and celebrate the true spirit of the holiday season.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.