▷ What Is A Symbol Of Hanukkah?

The Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, is celebrated by Jews around the world to commemorate a miraculous event that occurred in the second century B.C. This holiday is marked by several symbols that are familiar to many, leading to a better understanding and appreciation for the story of Hanukkah.

Table of Contents

1 The Candles and Menorah

The Candles and Menorah

The most iconic of all Hanukkah symbols is the menorah. This special shaped candelabra is lit for eight days during the holiday with the traditional Hanukkah lights. According to the Talmud, the lighting of the menorah is to recall the menorah that was lit in the temple of Jerusalem, which burned for divinely-extended time with only one day’s worth of oil. As part of the holiday celebration, the Hanukkah menorah is used to remember and show honor to God and commemorate the miraculous victory of the Maccabees.

The Dreidel

The dreidel, a spinning top, has become a popular Hanukkah symbol. In Hebrew, the four-sided top is called a sevivon. Each side is inscribed with a different Hebrew letter that stands for the phrase “Nes Gadol Haya Sham” – a great miracle happened there. During the holiday, it is customary to play with the dreidel and attend dreidel parties. The usual form of the game includes the use of treats, such as coins, chocolate or gelt. Players take turns spinning the dreidel and the results of the turns determine whether the player can win or lose the treats.

Foods of Hanukkah

Hanukkah isn’t complete without the traditional foods associated with this holiday. The main symbol is latkes, which are potato pancakes fried in oil. Eating latkes is symbolic of the miracle of Hanukkah because according to the Talmud, oil was used to light the Temple’s Menorah when there was enough oil for only one night. By eating oily food, that miracle is remembered and celebrated. Latkes are usually served with applesauce or sour cream. Other traditional foods include sufganiyot, jelly doughnuts, charoset, a fruit mixture eaten at the Passover Seder meal, and cheesecake.

Color Symbols

Though there aren’t universally accepted colors associated with Hanukkah, many will associate green and blue with this holiday. Blue is seen as a reminder of heaven and of keeping the faith, while green can signify the promise of spring and the hope for a brighter future. Silver and gold are also accepted as traditional colors of Hanukkah, usually represented by decorations.

Hanukkah is a holiday that is filled with symbols, both old and new. From the menorah to the dreidel and from the traditional foods to the colors, there are numerous ways to remember the miracle that was celebrated long ago. Whether lighting candles, playing games or eating latkes, each symbol celebrates the courage and faith of the Maccabees and reminds us of the hope and the promise that lies within each of us.

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