The winter holidays are a special time of year when many people gather with family and friends for a joyous celebration. As a diverse nation filled with many people, religions, and cultures, we want to recognize the many different reasons for celebration this season. It is through this recognition that we continue to advance the values of equity, social justice, and inclusion. By saying “Happy Holidays!” we demonstrate awareness and acceptance of the diverse traditions held and people who hold them. Additionally, this phrase unifies us under a wish of happiness that we extend to friends and strangers alike. The following are just some of the many winter season celebrations that we strive to acknowledge and appreciate in this nation’s season of coming together.
Diwali, or Deepavali, is a cultural and religious festival, namely a festival of lights, that is commonly celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. However, variations of the festival are celebrated in other Indian religions. This year Diwali began on November 12th, and for most, it lasted for five days. This spiritual holiday signifies “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.” Diwali is India’s largest and most important holiday of the year, comparable to the significance of Christmas to Christians. The festival is named after the custom of lighting a row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) outside of the home to symbolize an inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.
Kwanzaa is a celebration typically observed by Black and African Americans from December 26th to January 1st. Each day a candleholder called a kinara is lit to highlight one of seven principles. The seven principles are: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Additionally, the meaning of the principle is further invigorated by carrying out many different activities, such as reciting Black thinkers and writers, reading poetry, performing African drumming, and sharing a meal of cultural foods.
Omisoka (大晦日), or ōtsugomori (大晦), is a Japanese celebration of New Year’s Eve and takes place on the last day of the year, December 31st. A popular custom of this holiday is Osoji or Ōsōji (大掃除), “the big cleaning.” Osoji is done in preparation for a new year and includes creating a clean slate by purifying the home and removing the year’s clutter by cleaning thoroughly. Celebration also includes a giant feast of traditional Japanese foods with friends and family. People may also go out to celebrate or stay home and watch a nation-wide New Year’s talent competition until it’s time to count down to midnight. For many, Omisoka is a spiritual event that includes visiting Shinto shrines at midnight.
Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah, is a religious festival typically celebrated by Jewish people. This year Hanukkah started on December 7th and ended on December 15th. Nightly, a candleholder called a menorah is lit, special prayers are recited, and fried foods are eaten. This occurs for eight days to reaffirm the ideals of Judaism and commemorate the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem, a temple which contained an ancient miracle of oil that burned for eight nights.
Yule is historically observed by the Germanic peoples and was incorporated into Christmas during the Christianization of the Germanic peoples. Now, it can be celebrated independently of Christian festivities. It is thought that Yule was originally a celebration of the re-appearance of the sun.
Lunar New Year is a fifteen-day celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in China but is widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, and in other countries with large Chinese populations. The official dates vary by culture, but celebrations are typically done by reuniting with immediate and extended family members. 2024 is the year of dragon!
Christmas is an annual holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. This is typically observed on December 25th as a religious and cultural celebration that is celebrated by people around the world. It is thought that the festive traditions of this holiday date back to the Romans and Ancient Egyptians.
Los Posadas is a nine-day festival that is celebrated in Mexico and other countries in Latin America. It begins on December 16th and ends on December 14th. To celebrate, many reenact the story of Mary and Joseph by having children dress up as angels and march though towns, where they lead their families and others. At each home, they sing Christmas carols and ask for a place to stay.
Bodhi Day, St. Lucia Day, Makar Sankranti, Boxing Day, Krampus Night, and Three Kings Day are also on the long list of celebrations people with backgrounds from all over the world celebrate. Awareness, recognition, and appreciation of all the various things people celebrate is important to creating an equitable and inclusive county where all feel they are welcome and belong. Although these winter celebrations are very different, the excitement of gathering with loved ones and partaking in cultural and spiritual customs is universal. So, we wish happy holidays to all in King County and beyond, and hope your festivities are filled with joy and love.