Many cultures and religions around the world celebrate in some way during the winter months. However, many of these celebrations are forgotten next to more mainstream holidays. Here, are four holidays that are celebrated throughout December and January by different cultures across the globe!
Kwanzaa
○ Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday that was created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga to “remember the past and celebrate African American culture.” The holiday honors family, history, community, and culture. It is comprised of seven core values, expressed in Swahili, one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa. These values are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).
○ The holiday is observed from December 26th to January 1st. During this week, families and communities come together to eat, honor the past, and celebrate African and African American culture.
Yule
○ Yule is a Pagan holiday that coincides with the winter solstice. Yule has many different origin stories but is most often traced back to the Nordic Jul or Jol, which was celebrated on the solstice with feasts. Traditional customs of Nordic and Germanic Yule include the Yule log, decorated trees, and caroling or wassailing.
○ Today, Yule is synonymous with Christmas for many people. The holidays are said to have been merged in the 10th century under King Haakon Haraldsson, but other accounts claim the two were united to allow people to retain their customs when Catholicism became mainstream.
○ Today, the holiday is celebrated by Wiccans and Neo-Pagans on the solstice. Many of Yule’s traditions overlap with Christmas, such as feasts, Yule logs, and wreaths. Many also set intentions and resolutions for the new year on Yule.
Bodhi Day
○ Bodhi day is a Buddhist holiday that honors the day that Siddhartha Gautama, or the Buddha, achieved enlightenment. As the story goes, Siddhartha abandoned years of ascetic practice and sat under a peepal or Bodhi tree and meditated until he reached Nirvana.
○ Today, Bodhi day, observed on the 8th of December, is celebrated through many Mahayana traditions in China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Services and festivals vary among sects, but all such celebrations commemorate the Buddha’s attainment of Nirvana and how this affects modern day Buddhism. Individual Buddhists may choose to celebrate the day through study of Dharma, chanting of the sutras or Buddhist texts, additional meditation, kind acts, or traditional meals and readings.
Zartosht No-Diso
○ Zartosht No-Diso is a day of remembrance in the Zoroastrian religion - one of the oldest religions in the world. The holiday commemorates the death of the prophet, Zarathustra as well as the loss of loved ones. There is no mourning in Zoroastrianism, instead, there is remembrance and worship for those who have departed.
○ Zartosht No-Diso is observed on the 11th day of the 10th month or, according to the seasonal calendar, on December 26th. The holiday is celebrated with lectures and discussions of the life and works of Zarathustra as well as attendance to the Fire Temple.
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