Written By Yael Lorberfeld, Blog Volunteer
As days become shorter during winter, there is a pattern among different cultures to celebrate holidays that adopt light for their celebrations – to use and create light, when it is darker. As Khalil Gibran wrote: "Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart."
Take a moment to learn about the diversity of winter holidays celebrated around the world with the following books!
Christmas is an annual festival that billions of people celebrate around the world. For some, it is a religious festivity, and for others, it is a cultural holiday. Some of the values around this holiday are kindness, giving to others, and emphasis on family time. Some books recommendations for Christmas are:
"Amazing Peace," by Maya Angelou (2008), an inspirational poem aiming to embrace peace and celebration in all religions, ethnic groups, and all ages.
"The All-I'll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll," by Patricia C. McKissack and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, (2007). A heartwarming story of the importance of family.
Hanukkah is a holiday celebrated by Jewish people all around the world. It commemorates a miracle that occurred 2,200 years ago. One of the traditions is to light the Hanukkiya, or candle holder, for eight nights. Other customs include giving to the less fortunate, exchanging presents, and unifying family and friends. Some books recommended for Hanukkah are:
"Latke, the Lucky Dog," by Ellen Fischer (2014), a fun and charming story about a dog that gets rescued the first night of Hanukkah, and has trouble learning house rules. Despite all, he remains a lucky dog.
"The Story of Hanukkah," by David A. Adler (2012), revises the history and celebration of the ancient miracle of Hanukkah.
Three Kings Day marks the travel of the three kings, Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar, who followed a star to Bethlehem, where they offered gifts to baby Jesus. One of the traditions is decorating the house with lights as well as eating the bread "Rosca de Reyes," and representing the birth of Baby Jesus with a scale model. A book recommendation for this holiday is:
"Why the Wise Men Came to Christmas Following Yonder Star," Len M. Allen (2015). It is a book that explains the meaning of the holiday.
Winter Solstice, the shortest day in the year, has been significant to many cultures as the symbolic death and rebirth of the Sun. It is observed in Iran and celebrates the victory of light and goodness over dark and evil. It is one of the most celebrated traditional events in Iran.
There is decorating the house with lights and candles, as well as gathering around the fire and dancing at night. Reading options for this holiday are:
"The Eve of Yalda," L. K. Bonabi (2012). A story that revolves around the night of Yalda, the longest night in the year.
"Winter Solstice," Elin Hilderbrand (2017), a story about a family reunion to celebrate the holidays.
St. Lucia Day, or festival of lights, is celebrated in Sweden, Norway, and Swedish-speaking areas of Finland, in honor of St. Lucia, one of the earliest Christian martyrs killed because of her Christian beliefs. This holiday represents hope and light during the darkest time of the year. A book that explains these traditions is:
"Lucia Morning in Sweden," Ewa Rydeaker (2002). It brings to life the preparations and celebrations of the St. Lucia festival in Sweden.
Kwanzaa it's a week-long annual celebration held in the United States, Canada, and other nations of the African diaspora. It honors African heritage. People light a Kinara or candle holder, symbolizing the values of the celebration. It observes ideas such as family, life, and unification. It includes a feast and exchange of gifts. Some book recommendations for Kwanzaa festival are:
"Together for Kwanzaa," by Juwanda G. Ford, (2000). It is an introduction to Kwanzaa traditions, as well as a story of family unity.
"Seven Spools of Thread, a Kwanza Story," by Angela Shelf Medearis and Daniel Minter (2000). A picture book about seven brothers who need to work together, and also about the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Las Posadas, originally from Spain, now mainly celebrated in Mexico, Guatemala, and part of the Southwestern United States, is a nine-day celebration. A procession moves from house to house, as people sing with a candle. It ends up in a church or a home where the party continues with feasting and piñata breaking, which is usually in the form of a star. When breaking it, all the goodies coming from it are shared with all, especially the children.
A book about las Posadas is:
"The Night of Las Posadas" by Tomie dePaola (2001), a book about faith and family.
Diwali is a five-day Hindu festival celebrated in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, among others. The festival is also referred to as "Festival of Lights." People share sweets with family and friends. Books recommendations for Diwali festival are:
"Lots of Lights," Kavita Sahai (2013), it is a story of each day of the Diwali celebration. It is an excellent introduction to the understanding of Indian culture.
"Diwali, The Magical Diyas," Anitha Rathod (2019), it's about how to understand the rituals and traditions associated with Diwali. The book brings a story with mythological significance related to the lights of their Diyass, which are oil lamps usually made out of clay.
When the hours of sunlight get shorter during the winter, festivals around the world coincide in the search for unity, love, giving, altruism, and the need to create light to overcome darkness. During your winter celebrations this year, make sure to pick up one of these books and learn about a new culture!