Skip to Main Content

Virtual Library Displays

Bodhi Day

When is it Celebrated?

Annually, Bodhi Day is the eighth day of the twelfth month. This differs between calendars, for Japan’s Westernized calendar, it falls on December 8th. While in China’s lunar calendar, it falls in January. Even though it is called Bodhi Day, it is celebrated for 30 days.

What does Bodhi Day Celebrate?

Bodhi Day (pronounced Bow-dee)* commemorates the day that the Buddha (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment or awakening (bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali). Buddhists honor the achievements of the Buddha and prevail over Mara (the symbolization of negative human nature like anger, jealousy, greed, hatred, desire, and lust).

*Also referred to as Rohatsu or Jodo-e in Japan

To learn about Bodhi Day and how different countries celebrate it Click HERE

Kwanzaa

When is it Celebrated?

Kwanzaa is celebrated for 7 days from December 26th to January 1st.

History of Kwanzaa*:

In 1966, Dr. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa. After the Watts riots in Los Angeles, he searched for ways to bring African Americans together Around the same time founded the cultural organization: US and started to research African “first fruit” (harvest) celebrations.

The name Kwanzaa comes from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” which means “first fruits” in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its their way, but celebrations can include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal.

*From History.com

The seven principles, or Nguzo Saba are a set of ideals created by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Each day emphasizes a different principle.

  1. Umoja (oo–MO–jah): Unity
  2. Kujichagulia (koo–gee–cha–goo–LEE–yah): Self-determination
  3. Ujima (oo–GEE–mah): Collective Work and Responsibility
  4. Ujamaa (oo–JAH–mah): Cooperative Economics
  5. Nia (nee–YAH): Purpose
  6. Kuumba (koo–OOM–bah): Ceativity
  7. Imani (ee–MAH–nee): Faith

Lighting candles


Part of celebrating Kwanzaa involves lighting a candle each night.

First, the elder of the family fills the unity cup onto the ground to remember the family’s ancestors. Then the cup is passed to each family member, who sips while everyone chants harambee (Swahili for "let’s pull together" and pronounced hah-RAHM-beh) seven times.

The kinara (kee-NAH-ruh) holds one black, three red, and three green candles.

The black candle (in the middle) represents all of the people of African descent.

The red candles on the left represent the blood of the ancestors.

The green candles (on the right stand) represent the land, life, and their future. These three colors are also the same as the Pan-African Flag.

Hanukkah

When is Hanukkah celebrated?

This year, Hanukkah begins on the evening of Wednesday, Dec 25, 2024, and ends on Thursday, Jan 2, 2025.

What does Hanukkah celebrate?

Hanukkah (alternately spelled Chanukah) is an eight-day celebration that, for many, falls during the coldest season of the year. 

Hanukkah, meaning "dedication" in Hebrew, commemorates the victory of Jewish rebels (known as “the Maccabees”) over the armies of Syria in 165 B.C.E. and the subsequent liberation of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Though many non-Jewish people associate Hannukkah as a "Jewish version of Christmas" it is a relatively minor holiday from the perspective of Jewish tradition. 

The Jewish tradition, though not defined, has "Major" and "Minor" holidays. Generally, holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot are the major holidays. This means that those of the Jewish faith do not work, write, drive, or use electricity. While a minor holiday, like Hanukkah doesn't require one to avoid those things. This doesn't mean it isn't important! 

Hanukkiyah: Lighting the Candles

This is the specific name for the menorah that is lit throughout the Hanukkah celebration. There is a difference between the two terms; menorah is the Hebrew word for candelabra(usually shown on Israeli money are a six-candle holder with a seventh helper candle in the middle), while Hanukkiyah is a menorah that specifically contains nine candles (one for each night, plus the helper candle).

In the story of the Maccabees, they found only enough oil to light a lantern for one day. However, the lantern blazed for eight full days.

When Jewish people light the eight candles of a Hanukkiah, they recite a prayer praising God for performing miracles. Each night, a candle is added being lit by the helper candle.

Now, these candles are lit after sundown, when it is dark. The one exception falls on the Shabbat or Sabbath as others may know it. Lighting a fire during Shabbat is forbidden so adjustments are made to Hanukkah candle lighting on both Friday and Saturday nights.

Dreidel

The four Hebrew letters on Dreidels stand for the saying, Nes gadol haya sham, meaning A great miracle occurred there. However, in Israel, the fourth letter shin is replaced with the letter peh, which changes it to say A great miracle occurred here.

Rules/GamePlay of Dreidel

  1. There is no limit to people who can take part.
  2. Each player begins the game with an equal number of game pieces (about 10-15) such as pennies, nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins.
  3.  At the beginning of each round, every participant puts one game piece into the center “pot.” In addition, every time the pot is empty or has only one game piece left, every player should put one in the pot.
  4. Every time it’s your turn, spin the dreidel once. Depending on the side it lands on, you give or get game pieces from the pot. 
    1. Nun means “nisht” or “nothing.” The player does nothing.
    2.  Gimel  means “gantz” or “everything.” The player gets everything in the pot.
    3. Hey means “halb” or “half.” The player gets half of the pot. (If there is an odd number of pieces in the pot, the player takes half of the total plus one).
    4. Shin means “shtel” or “put in.” The player adds a game piece to the pot.
  5. If you find that you have no game pieces left, you are either “out” or may ask a fellow player for a “loan.”
  6. When one person has won everything, that round of the game is over!