December Global Holidays:
December serves as the perfect month to spend time with your family and friends. For many, it is the month that they have the most fun while contemplating all the things which happened during the year. No wonder some will save up money from the start of the year to get the most from the activities and festivals in December. But before you switch to a festive mood, you ought to know what the month brings. After all, you don’t want to miss out on any festival in December.
Here are six of the most celebrated December global holidays that lighten up this month.
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December Global Holidays -Hannukah
One of the most widely anticipated holidays in December is Hannukah, otherwise called Chanukah. A religious festival celebrated in Israel and by different Jewish groups worldwide, the Festival of Lights lasts eight days. Depending on the Gregorian calendar, the start of this festival varies year in, year out. In 2021, the festival will start on 28th November and run until the 6th December.
Hannukah aims to commemorate the re-devotion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. As the name suggests (Festival of Lights), the celebrants light candles every night. Furthermore, they sing along to songs reciting the Hallel prayer and exchange gifts. Other activities that mark this festival include trade blessings and playing with dreidels.
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December Global Holidays- Santa Lucia
Santa Lucia is undeniably one of the famous religious December global festivities celebrated on the 13th day of this month. The religious festival is marked in Scandinavia and Italy to pay tribute to Lucia of Syracuse. In a nutshell, Santa Lucia was an Italian Saint who died as a martyr.
Santa Lucia acts as a symbol of light and hope, especially during the darkest parts of the year. For this day to be a success, celebrants take part in environmental shows and processions as they sing their hearts out. The singers wear white clothes and headdresses while holding candles.
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December Global Holidays- Asarah B’Tevet
December 14th is also one of the most honored festivals in this month. Otherwise referred to as Asarah B’Tevet, this day involves fasting, mourning, and repentance. Marked by the Jewish communities worldwide, fasting on the 10th of Tevet starts at daybreak and ends at nightfall. During the fasting, celebrants partake in penitential prayers.
The end of the fast is signaled by three-medium-sized stars that appear in the sky at night. You might be wondering why the celebrants of Asarah B’Tevet fast in the first place. Well, it aims to mourn the seizing of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylonia. That explains why it happens to be one of the most highly regarded December global festivities.
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December Global Holidays- Yuletide
Yuletide, also called Yule, is a global December festival mainly celebrated in Germany in honor of the Norse God Odin. Yule happens to be one of the oldest and widely celebrated winter celebrations by pagans from different parts of the world. The festival takes place on the 21st December every year, making it one of the most popular December global festivities worth noting.
To make this day special, celebrants from Germany and other German communities around the world light a huge log in a bonfire and spend the night outdoors. Some decide to give back to Mother Nature or build a Yule altar. It is also common to come across candlelit dinners and Yule tree decorations that light up the festival.
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December Global Holidays- Christmas
Christmas is undeniably one of the most popular December global holidays celebrated worldwide. A special day in the Christian community, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. What makes this holiday fascinating is the fact that even non-Christians are also part of the celebrations.
Celebrated on 25th December, there is no specific way celebrants can partake in this cultural celebration. However, it is common for people to attend Church services and leave gifts for Father Christmas. Furthermore, families and friends prepare food before eating together.
Despite being celebrated in different parts of the world, you should remember that no one knows when Jesus Christ was born. That may make you wonder why December 25th then? Well, this day corresponds precisely with the winter solstice as noted in the Roman calendar.
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December Global Holidays- Boxing Day
Even though it is also one of the most popular December global holidays, there is a dividing opinion on how people should celebrate Boxing Day. Marked worldwide on the 26th of December, how you decide to commemorate Boxing Day depends on the part of the world you reside in.
For instance, some view it as the day to give alms boxes to the poor in society after celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Others celebrate it by giving different types of workers a job well done. In short, there is no precise way on how you should celebrate Boxing Day.
Either way, this does not stop from being one of the most famous December global holidays. In some countries, the 26th of December is honored as a National holiday. To enjoy this day, you can partake in sporting activities with your friends and family members. Keep in mind how you choose to commemorate Boxing Day is entirely up to you and the people close to you.
The Bottom Line
December is by far the best month for many people worldwide due to the numerous holidays and festivals. From Christmas and Boxing Day to Hannukah and World Aids Day, be rest assured a holiday or religious festival is awaiting you in December. To enjoy these and other December global festivities, it is in your best interest that you find out more about their origin and meaning.
You want to join in the fun and enjoy each festival as much as possible, and that can only happen if you know the meaning behind the celebration. In short, be sure to determine what the different festivities in December stand for before you can join in the celebration. Hopefully, this guide will come in handy when looking forward to enjoying the month of December.