Hanukkah (or Chanukah) is the Jewish winter-time Festival of Lights, which spans eight days, from the 28th of November to the 6th of December.
The word translates to “dedication”, as the Jewish people use this moment for rededication and to light their menorahs (9 stemmed candlesticks). This is done in succession across each night of the festival and lit from left to right, using the old burning light to ignite the new.
A Menorah and doughnuts for Hanukkah
There are lots of funs things you can do to engage in and celebrate the Jewish festivities, with your family, such as playing games and eating doughnuts. Follow these links for more ideas on celebrating Hanukkah:
- Ideas to Celebrate Hanukkah.
- Fun and games (spinning the Dreidel).
- More about the Jewish Festivities.
Fun Fact: Hanukkah is one of four nationally known celebrations in December, along with Christmas, the Winter Solstice and Kwanza, although Hanukkah and Kwanza (the African American ‘harvest’ celebrations) are more broadly recognised and celebrated in the US, Africa and other places around the world, but not so much in the UK.
Such a lovely piece Patrice. Hanukkah is often overlooked in the UK because of its proximity to Christmas so its lovely to see it get the space it deserves