December is a time of many celebrations all around the world.
Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, Eid-al-Adha, Diwali… some of us have never even heard of these holidays! But in cultures all around the world, and since the beginning of recorded history, humans have celebrated during this time of year, often using candlelight to symbolize the winter solstice. Even as far back as ancient Rome, the festival Saturnalia,celebrated on December 23rd , involved gift giving, elaborate meals and lighting candles.
Isn’t it interesting that similar traditions exist all over the world during the same time of year?
They have different names and may have slightly different dates, but the way families and communities come together during the final weeks of the calendar year to celebrate together is something rather remarkable when you think about it. These traditions with their different languages, locations, cultures and religions create a link between us all during the holiday season.
Of course in the Western world, Christmas is the most well-known winter holiday. And even though the Christmas holiday is rooted in the Christian religion, more and more non-religious people, and even people from other cultures and faiths, now celebrate Christmas.
Why is this, do you think?
The popular Western version of Christmas is now very well known thanks to television, film, and music that has been created since the beginning of the 20th Century. The Christmas celebration has taken on an identity of its own with such characters as Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer, The Grinch and many more who represent the holiday.
Have you ever seen or heard of these characters?
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