Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates a great miracle of survival and religious freedom. It is celebrated for eight nights and days, and holds special religious, historical, and cultural significance. Each year, millions of people around the world take part in lights, songs, and special foods to commemorate the holiday. So, what does Hanukkah symbolize?
Table of Contents
Religious Freedom and Survival
At the heart of Hanukkah is the idea of religious freedom. The holiday celebrates the Jews’ victory over their oppressors and the reclaiming of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. After the revolt, the Jews were allowed to practice their religion in their homeland of Israel once again.
It also celebrates the “miracle of the oil,” which happened during the victory. As the Jews were trying to rededicate the temple, they only found enough oil to keep the “eternal light” in the temple burning for one day. Miraculously, it stayed lit for eight days, which is still celebrated today.
Light and Candles
Light is a significant symbol during Hanukkah, representing both the historic miracle of the oil in the temple and the need for good deeds and kindness. A main celebration of Hanukkah is the lighting of the Menorah or candelabrum, which holds nine candles. Each night of Hanukkah, one more candle is lit, and a specific blessing is said. The shamash, an additional candle used to light the other eight, is also lit each night.
The Dreidel
Another popular tradition during Hanukkah is the playing of the Dreidel. The four-sided spinning top symbolizes luck and and is said to represent how when Jews were practicing their religion in the temple, that they had to play in order to disguise their activities should anyone come near. A dreidel is typically made out of wood or plastic, and features the Hebrew letters nun, gimmel, hei, and shin which together form the phrase “a great miracle happened there.”
Gifts and Treats
Gifts are also a part of certain Hanukkah traditions, in remembrance of the Talmudic story of Judah Maccabee that when the temple was reclaimed, there were only enough gifts for one day, but they miraculously lasted for eight days. The holiday also includes special foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), which are traditionally fried in oil — just like the miracle of the temple’s oil lasting eight days.
Hanukkah is a celebration of religious freedom, light, hope, and new beginnings. Through celebrations of religious practices, special foods, and meaningful traditional symbols such as the Menorah and Dreidel, people the world over are able to grow closer in their faith and community, and honor the miracle that has brought them together.
Related Products:
- What Does The Hanukkah Menorah Symbolize?
- What Do The Fried Hanukkah Foods Symbolize?
- Why Is Hanukkah Celebrated Simple?
- What Does Each Day Of Hanukkah Represent?
- What Happens In Hanukkah?
- How Long Is Hanukkah Celebrated For?
- What Is The Feast Of Hanukkah?
- What Is First Day Of Hanukkah?
- What Is Hanukkah Really About?
- Tonight Is What Night Of Hanukkah?
- What Is Hanukkah And How Is It Celebrated?
- Why Is Hanukkah Known As The Festival Of Lights?
- What Is Hanukkah Celebrating?
- What Is The History Behind Hanukkah?
- When Is The First Candle Lit For Hanukkah?
Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.