Learn about December holidays (there's more than Christmas) at the library
It's definitely December: In the past week, I have noticed more and more talk of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. This cross-generational and cross-cultural iconic holiday caricature has, for the past 50 years, captured the hearts and imaginations of children and adults. Why?
The reasons are many, but I think most people would agree Rudolph was portrayed as an outcast who, despite being shunned, welcomed the opportunity to help bring joy to countless children. Rudolph's spirit resonates within all of us, I daresay. Now, when Rudolph makes his annual mesmerizing appearance, we can be sure that Christmas is not far away.
Because I interact with the public daily, I have been reminded that not only are Santa and Rudolph close at hand, but myriad other December observations and celebrations are taking place as well. Though the list I have created is not exhaustive, I hope you come away with a better sense of the diverse December holiday landscape.
Ashura: Observed Dec. 5, Ashura is a Muslim holy day of fasting patterned on the Jewish Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). Among Shiites, Ashura is a major festival mourning the death of Mohammad's grandson.
Feast of St. Nicholas: Observed Dec. 6, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated as a Christian festival. In the United States, children may leave their shoes in the foyer or doorstep on St. Nicholas Eve in hopes that Saint Nicholas will place coins in the soles of their shoes.
Bodhi Day: A Buddhist holiday celebrated Dec. 8, Bodhi Day commemorates the day that Siddhartha Gautama experienced final enlightenment and was transformed into a Buddha.
Feast of Our Lady Guadalupe: Occurring Dec. 12, this Catholic celebration honors Jesus' mother, Mary. The Catholic feast has grown rapidly in the Southwestern part of the United States, primarily in Mexican communities.
Hanukkah: This eight-day Jewish holiday began Dec. 16 this year. It commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The most important custom of Hanukkah is the lighting of the menorah, a candelabrum with eight branches plus a holder for the shammash, or servant candle.
Yalda: Celebrated Dec. 21, Yalda is an ancient Persian festival dating back before the advent of Islam. Considered the longest night (it falls on the winter solstice), Yalda Eve is the night ancient Iranians celebrated the birth of Mithra, the goddess of light. Family members stay awake all night eating nuts, watermelon and pomegranate.
Yule: A pagan feast of the winter solstice observed on Dec. 22 by Germanic tribes and later absorbed by Christians. Yule is used to a lesser extent in English-speaking countries to refer to Christmas.
Christmas: A Christian festival observed Dec. 25 celebrating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Christmas is possibly the most recognized holiday worldwide. The word "Christmas" is derived from Old English meaning Christ's Mass.
Kwanzaa: A holiday affirming African family and social values celebrated primarily in the United States from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Each of the days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
Would you like to learn more about any or all of these December celebrations? Or maybe you need a holiday recipe, party theme or decorative inspiration. Visit one of the five Beaufort County Library branches or the Beaufort County website, www.beaufortcountylibrary.org, and explore our collection of books, e-books, audiobooks, movies, documentaries, music, newspaper and magazine articles, reference material, and scholarly articles. The discoveries will surely increase your awareness, understanding and knowledge of your own heritage and the heritage of your Beaufort County neighbors.
Armistead Reasoner is a reference librarian at the Bluffton branch of the Beaufort County Library System, at 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton.
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This story was originally published December 20, 2014 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Learn about December holidays (there's more than Christmas) at the library."