Top Religious Holidays In December
December is the most wonderful time of the year, possibly because of the many celebrations that come with it. All over the world, December is the time of the year when several holidays are observed,d and some of these holidays are religious. It is usually a sacred time as each holiday has its unique history and significance. The holidays in December present an excellent time for families to reconnect and bond. Now that December is fast approaching, here are some of the most celebrated religious holidays to expect:
5 Top Religious Holidays in December
Some religious holidays pose a time for solemn prayers, and others for joyous celebrations. These holidays have deep spiritual significance, from Christian and Jewish celebrations. Here are some of the top 5 religious holidays celebrated in December:
1. Christmas (December 25)
Christmas holiday is the most anticipated holiday in the world. Many people all over the world observe this holiday. Christians celebrate it around the world on the 25th of December. Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, and it is marked by various traditions, like festive decorations, gift-giving, and treating family members from all over the world to festive meals. Churches also hosted carols and regular services in this period, categorized by hymn singing and readings from the Bible. For most Christians, this is a time of reflection on the birth and gift of Jesus.
2. Hanukkah (dates vary, usually in December)
This Jewish celebration is typically celebrated in December, but the date varies according to the Hebrew calendar. Hanukkah is known as the Festival of Lights– this beautiful Jewish holiday spans eight days to celebrate the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. After the Jews defeated the Syrian Greeks who violated and desecrated their temple, Hanukkah became a holiday. Hanukkah celebration marks the miracle of the oil, where a small amount of enough for one day lasts eight days. Moreover, the celebration involves lighting the menorah, playing games with family, and eating traditional foods like latkes (potato pancakes).
3. Kwanzaa (December 26 – January 1)
While not strictly religious, Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration of African heritage and roots. It is a week-long holiday created by Dr. Maulana Karenga as an opportunity for African American citizens to gather together. It highlights the culture of Africans through games, dances, and storytelling. Each day of the celebration has significance, and it focuses on the seven principles of unity that promote self-determination and cooperative economics.
4. Bodhi Day (December 8)
Another religious holiday that is celebrated in December is Bodhi Day. Buddhists celebrate it as a commemoration when Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment under the bodhi tree in India. Bodhi Day is celebrated on the 8th of December in the East Asian tradition; however, some other Buddhist communities observe this holiday on a different day. Key aspects of Bodhi Day are festive decorations with lights around homes and temples. Other essential aspects of Bodhi day are the temple’s rituals and offerings of food and flowers. Buddhists observe this holiday through meditation, reflection, and the sharing of teachings.
5. Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8)
Like Bodhi Day, the Feast of Immaculate Conception is celebrated every year on the 8th of December. This event is a significant day in the Catholic Church, marking the belief in the conception of the Virgin Mary without original sin. Unlike most of the other holidays, this one has spiritual significance for Catholics around the world. Special masses and various community gatherings usually follow the feast. It signifies purity and grace, and as such, it is a holy day of obligation for members of the Catholic Church.
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All of these holidays symbolize a variety of religious traditions and beliefs celebrated in December. Families worldwide look forward to the end of the year to celebrate these holidays with their loved ones. If you want to learn more about significant holidays celebrated worldwide, follow Holiday Road’s blog page for various rich traditions and festivities!