A World of Celebrations

The holiday season is my favorite time of the year because everyone is spirit filled and looking to lend a helping hand. I celebrate Christmas, but there are several cultrual and religious holidays during this time. Below you'll find some info on some of them. I think the media should attempt to integrate the unique and special aspects of all holidays, and share them with all Americans, as oppose to trying to minimize aspects of holidays, i.e. calling a "Christmas tree" a "holiday tree" and trying to force people to turn their backs on aspects of their religious and cultural celebrations in the name of being "politically correct."

Here are some often celebrated holidays:

Bodhi Day – December 8, 2005 – "May the serenity of the Buddha's be yours."
The day of Buddha's enlightenment. Budu Saranai
Colored lights represent the many pathways to enlightenment.
Four Noble Trust:

1. All beings are subject to suffering. No one escapes...suffering is universal.
2. The cause of suffering is ignorance. And ignorance of oneself is the greatest ignorance.
3. Ignorance, the cause of suffering, can be overcome.
4. The way to overcome ignorance is the Eightfold Path.

Christmas – December 25, 2005 – Matthew 1:18-25
Christian holiday celebrating the birth of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

The Day of Our Lady Guadalupe, Mexico’s Patron Saint – December 12, 2005
Celebrates the sighting of the Virgin Mary on a hill near Mexico City by Juan Diego. People often place candles, pictures, and statutes of the Lady of Guadalupe in their windows.

Diwali – Festival of Lights
Well-known Indian festival signifying the renewal and celebrations of life and the strengthening of relationships. Celebrated in five consecutive days in the Hindu month of Ashwayuja. Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Deepwaali meaning “row of lighted lamps”. These lamps or “diyas” are lit in Hindu homes on Diwali as a way of welcoming the goddess Lakshnmi in to their homes and lives.

Hannukka – December 25-January 1,2006 – The Festival of Lights
Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem and the oil that burned for 8 nights (instead of just one).

Kwanzaa – December 26-January 1, 2006 – First Fruit
Seven day African-American celebration stressing the unit of the Black family and the importance of community.

Ramadam – October 2-November 2, 2005
Time of worship and contemplation. Focus on strengthening the family and community. Celebrated during the ninth month of the Muslim calendar.