▷ What Are The Symbols Of Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights, and is traditionally celebrated with many different symbols that hold deep significance for Jews around the world. The eight candles that make up the menorah are perhaps the most iconic, but more symbols of the holiday exist than just this one. In this article, we’ll explore various symbols of Hanukkah, from the religious to the decorative.

Table of Contents

1 Menorah
2 Dreidel
3 Oil
4 Gelt
5 Decorations

Menorah

The menorah is a candelabra of nine branches with eight candlelike cups. One candle is lit on each night of Hanukkah, and together, they are called the hanukkiah. The ninth branch, referred to as the shamash, is used to light each of the others. Candles are usually added from right to left, and from up to down. Traditionally, the menorah is placed in a window on each night of Hanukkah so that as many as people as possible can see it and become reminded of the holiday.

Dreidel

Perhaps the second-most well-known symbol of Hanukkah is the dreidel. This four-sided top bears four Hebrew letters, usually נ (Nun), ג (Gimel), ה (Hei), and ש (Shin), signalling the phrase “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham,” which translates to “a great miracle happened there.” Dreidel is a game that is traditionally played during Hanukkah.

Oil

Oil is associated with Hanukkah in the story of Judah Maccabee, the leader of the Maccabees, a Jewish army. The Maccabees were able to defeat the Greek forces and reclaim the temple, and only found a small flask of oil, which lasted for eight days, enough for a rededication. As a commemoration of this story, the annual Hanukkah celebration includes eating foods cooked in oil.

Gelt

Gelt is chocolate coins that are traditionally given as gifts and used in the game of dreidel. Pronounced “gellt” in Yiddish, these coins represent the money given to the Maccabees by their supporters so they could rededicate the temple. Nowadays, instead of for dreidel, gelt is often given as presents from family and friends during Hanukkah.

Decorations

Other decorations associated with Hanukkah include food-shaped decorations, such as dreidel-shaped cookies, or small wooden menorahs. Many families also hang paper or cloth decorations in their homes, in windows, or from the ceiling. Decorations can include everything from the colors blue and white, to stars and lion images, and serve to further brighten the atmosphere of the holiday.

The eight days of Hanukkah are full of meaningful symbols, from oil to the menorah to the dreidel. Each of them has a deep significance within the Jewish faith and provides deeper insight into the history and traditions of Hanukkah. Together, these symbols work to make the holiday a festive and joyous one.

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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.