The Many Holidays of the Season
During this time of year, members of our diverse CCA family celebrate many holidays with their co-workers, families and friends. These cultural and spiritual touch-points build connections, create lasting memoires and unite communities. Here’s a look at some of the holidays that are right around the corner.
Bodhi Day – December 8, 2012 Buddhists celebrate the “Day of Enlightenment” as the day that the Guatama Buddha experienced enlightenment (also known as “Bodhi”).
Hanukkah – December 8-16, 2012 Hanukkah is an eight-day, Jewish festival that commemorates the Macabbean rebellion against Antiochus IV Epiphanes and the subsequent rededication of the Jewish Temple. It is known as the “Festival of Lights,” as it celebrates the relighting of the Temple’s Menorah.
Yule – Date Varies
Yule is a Pagan winter festival that originated with the Germanic people. It marks the winter solstice and is often incorporated into other seasonal holidays. In recent years, it has seen resurgence in popularity, particularly among members of Neo-Pagan and Wiccan faiths.
Christmas – December 25, 2012 Traditionally, Christmas is an annual, Christian commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ. In modern times, it is celebrated as a religious and/or cultural holiday by billions of people around the world.
Kwanzaa – December 26, 2012-January 1, 2013 Kwanzaa is a Pan-African festival celebrated in the United States and Canada that highlights African heritage and culture. Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one community-building principle; unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, or faith.
Epiphany – January 6, 2013 Epiphany is a traditional Christian holiday that celebrates the visit of the Magi following the Birth of Jesus Christ. The actual date of the celebration varies by religious group, though the most common date is January 6.
Chinese New Year – February 10, 2013 The Chinese New Year is celebrated on the first day of the traditional Chinese calendar, which will be on February 10 in 2013. This holiday is celebrated widely throughout the Asia-Pacific region and among many people with cultural or historical ties to China. It also marks the start of the Chinese spring season.