The history of Hanukkah is a story of survival and victory. The festival commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the forces of the Ancient Greeks over two millennia ago and the subsequent rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. It is a holiday of religious significance, celebrated in Jewish homes around the world. An important question, however, is when did Hanukkah start being celebrated?
Hanukkah predates the establishment of the modern State of Israel and thus there is no single definitive answer to this question. The festival appears to have had its beginnings during the 2nd century BCE, during the period of the Hasmonean dynasty. The Hasmoneans were a small Jewish state established in the region that is now known as Israel and the West Bank during the early days of the Hellenistic period. The Hasmoneans were ruled by the Maccabees, led by Judas Maccabeus, and in 164 BCE they succeeded in defeating the Seleucid Empire, reclaiming the region for the Jewish people. It is at this point that the Hanukkah celebrations are thought to have begun.
The victory of the Maccabees and the subsequent rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem is recounted in the Books of the Maccabees which are included in the Apocrypha. The Talmud, which was written during the Rabbinic period, also mentions the celebration of Hanukkah. According to the Talmud, it was a custom to celebrate Hanukkah by lighting candles and by reciting certain hymns and prayers. There is also evidence to suggest that by this time the festival was also associated with gift-giving and enjoying feasts.
The modern-day traditions of Hanukkah, such as the lighting of the Menorah, the spinning of the Dreidel and the eating of traditional dishes, had their origins in the 19th century. It was during this period that these practices began to be popularized in the diaspora as well as in the Land of Israel. The practice of lighting the Menorah in the home for eight nights in a row also appears to have been established, as well as the custom of singing the song “Maoz Tzur” during the festival.
In conclusion, when did Hanukkah start being celebrated? Hanukkah is an ancient festival with its roots in the 2nd century BCE and has been celebrated ever since. In the 19th century, the celebration of Hanukkah began to take on the form we recognize today, with the lighting of the Menorah, spinning of the Dreidel and the eating of traditional dishes. Hanukkah continues to be celebrated around the world as a festival of religious significance, with each night of the festival bringing different customs and practices that are unique to the Jewish community.
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Last update 2023-11-27. Price and product availability may change.