Alexis Moran ’29
EE Staff Writer
With the holiday season coming up, I think all of us are waiting for the latest gifts under our fir trees. Rainbow lights and that bright star at the top of it are always exciting, but not always for everyone. Different traditions all over the globe are celebrated, these traditions should be equally as important and recognized as what we know and love here.
One religious holiday represents the miracle of the burning oil that was only supposed to last one day, but provided eight days of light. Through this came the renowned holiday Hanukkah, celebrated by millions. Known as the celebration of light, freedom, and miracles; it is an eight day celebration. It is represented through eight candles, lit each day until reaching the final candle “Zot Hanukkah”
Furthermore, another tradition celebrated during the Christmas season is Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is a holiday celebrated from the days December 26th, to January 1st. It is a non religious holiday embracing African American and Pan-African heritage and culture in the U.S, Canada, the U.K and Caribbean. The holiday was founded by Maulana Karenga in 1966 to connect African Americans with their native roots. Through this, millions have seen this holiday as truly important to the black community and have also seen this holiday as a way to embrace and celebrate the love for their heritage and rich history.
In conclusion, there are millions of people who celebrate different holidays and religions. While millions of people celebrate the love for giving and togetherness, surrounded by the aroma of cinnamon and freshly baked cookies others are comforted by their beautiful candles and family laughter. Culture, religion, and many different aspects of everyone do not have to divide us during this joyous season, but make it perfectly unique for everyone to come together and celebrate our differences. During the holiday season, it’s a time to set aside our differences, come together with kindness and respect, and remember that what connects us as people matters more than what sets us apart.