moablaharet.livejournal.comHAPPY HOLIDAYS
and by THAT we mean...
Happy Hanukkah!
One candle of an eight-candle menorah is lit each day. The observance begins at sundown on DEC-19. It recalls the war fought by the Maccabees in the cause of religious freedom.
Happy Yule, Winter Solstice, or Tohji-taisai!
Dec 22nd, the day with the longest nighttime and shortest daytime of the year. It ocurrs at 7:03 UT or 2:03 EST. Many faith groups and secular groups celebrate on or near this day: Atheists, Druids, Native Americans, and various Aboriginal groups worldwide. Wiccans and other Neopagans often refer to this day as "Yule"; it is one of their four minor Sabbats. Followers of Shinto observe Tohji-taisai, the Grand Ceremony of the Winter Solstice. Many Atheists in the U.S. also celebrate on the solstices.
Merry Christmas!
Dec 25, the nominal birth date of Jesus Christ, is celebrated by the western churches which follow the Gregorian calendar. Most theologians believe that Jesus was born between 4 and 7 BCE, perhaps in the fall.
Happy Kwanza (also Kwanzaa and Quansa)!
Dec 26, It is an inter-faith Afro-American and Pan-African holiday celebrating family, community and culture. "Kwanza" is a Swahili word for "the first," or "the first fruits of the harvest". It continues until JAN-1.
There was no name listed for this one, but we honor any who observe it!
Dec 26, The death of the prophet Zarathustra is observed by Zoroastrians
Happy Boxing Day!
Dec 26, is celebrated in Australia, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. It is apparently related to an old custom of giving cash or presents to poor people. However, nobody really knows for certain why the "box" got into "Boxing Day." Theories abound. It is listed in the Canada Labour Code as a holiday.
And a Happy New Year!
-Love, Morgan and company