Hanukkah is a beautiful celebration rooted in resilience, tradition, and a sense of community. For eight nights, Jewish families come together to light the menorah, share delicious foods, and reflect on a story that’s been told for generations. But despite its recognition, Hanukkah often comes with misconceptions, most notably being lumped in as the “Jewish Christmas.”
In reality, Hanukkah stands apart, with origins that predate modern holiday traditions. It’s a tale of triumph centered on a small group of people who fought to preserve their culture and faith against powerful odds. Add to that a miraculous twist involving oil, and you’ve got a holiday that shines—literally and figuratively.
If you celebrate Hanukkah every year or are just curious about its traditions, there’s always something new to discover. These 12 facts will take you deeper into the Festival of Lights, from its ancient roots to its modern celebrations around the globe.
1. Hanukkah’s Story Isn’t Found in the Torah
Unlike major Jewish holidays, Hanukkah isn’t mentioned in the Torah. That’s because the events it commemorates happened after the Torah was written, during the second century BCE.
The story is recorded in the Books of the Maccabees, part of the Apocrypha. These texts detail the Jewish revolt against Greek-Syrian rulers who had outlawed Jewish practices and desecrated the holy Temple in Jerusalem.
2. The Miracle of the Oil Sparked the Eight-Night Celebration
After reclaiming the Temple, the Maccabees sought to rededicate it by lighting the menorah. However, they found only one small jar of pure olive oil, enough for just one day.
Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, allowing time to prepare more. This event became the foundation for Hanukkah’s eight-night observance and the nightly lighting of candles.
3. The Hanukkiah Differs from the Menorah
While the menorah is a symbol of Judaism with seven branches, the Hanukkiah used during Hanukkah has nine. Eight of these branches represent the nights of Hanukkah, while the ninth, the shamash, is used to light the others.
This unique design reflects the holiday’s focus on the miracle of the oil and the act of spreading light.
4. Hanukkah’s Dates Change Every Year
Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, which doesn’t align with the Gregorian calendar. As a result, Hanukkah can fall anywhere from late November to late December.
This shifting schedule sometimes places it near Christmas, leading to comparisons. However, Hanukkah’s origins and traditions are entirely distinct.
5. Fried Foods Take Center Stage
Latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) aren’t just delicious—they’re symbolic. Fried in oil, these dishes honor the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days.
While latkes are often served with applesauce or sour cream, sufganiyot have become especially popular in Israel, with bakeries offering creative variations like caramel and chocolate-filled versions.
6. Dreidel Games Have Ancient Origins
The dreidel, a four-sided spinning top, has a backstory tied to resilience. When Jewish practices were banned, students used dreidels to disguise their Torah studies as gambling games.
The letters on the dreidel, Nun, Gimel, Hei, and Shin, stand for “Nes Gadol Haya Sham,” meaning “A great miracle happened there.” In Israel, the Shin is replaced with Pei, symbolizing “here,” where the miracle occurred.
7. Gelt Has a Long History
Giving gelt, or money, during Hanukkah dates back to Eastern Europe, where children received coins for studying the Torah. Over time, this evolved into the chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil that are common today.
These sweet treats add a playful touch to the holiday, often used as prizes during dreidel games.
8. New York’s Grand Army Plaza Hosts the Largest Hanukkiah
Each Hanukkah, a towering 32-foot Hanukkiah is displayed at Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan. It’s one of the world’s largest, requiring a cherry picker to light its candles.
The public lighting ceremonies draw crowds and celebrate Hanukkah’s message of light triumphing over darkness.
9. The Shamash Symbolizes Leadership
The shamash, or helper candle, plays a special role in Hanukkah traditions. It’s used to light the other candles, standing apart or higher on the Hanukkiah, to signify its unique purpose.
This act of lighting others reflects the holiday’s message of spreading light and positivity.
10. Public Menorah Lightings Unite Communities
Around the world, public menorah lightings bring people together. Cities host events complete with music, food, and speeches to celebrate Hanukkah’s themes of hope and resilience.
These gatherings have become a beloved modern tradition, highlighting the communal spirit of the holiday.
11. Hanukkah Music Spans Generations
From traditional hymns like “Maoz Tzur” to lively tunes like “Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah,” music is an integral part of the celebration.
Modern artists have also embraced Hanukkah, creating new songs that blend contemporary sounds with the holiday’s themes.
12. The Eight Nights Reflect Growing Light
Each night of Hanukkah, an additional candle is lit, symbolizing the increasing light brought by the miracle of the oil. By the eighth night, the Hanukkiah is fully illuminated, representing hope and faith at their brightest.
This gradual lighting reminds celebrants of the power of perseverance and the enduring impact of small acts of faith.
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Kwanzaa is a celebration unlike any other. It’s a thoughtful, purposeful gathering that deeply honors Pan-African heritage, culture, and community. Created during a time of social upheaval, it serves as a bridge between past struggles and the aspirations for a better future. For those who celebrate, Kwanzaa offers a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with values that transcend the season.
14 Interesting Facts About Kwanzaa You Might Not Know
14 Holiday Traditions From Each Decade That Show How Things Have Changed
Every decade brings its own flavor to the holiday season, shaped by trends, technological advancements, and shifting societal values. For instance, the cozy, homemade Christmas of the 1940s looks vastly different from the neon lights and plastic decorations that defined the 1980s. Yet, beneath these changes, the heart of the holidays, spending time with loved ones and celebrating goodwill, remains constant.
So, what do these changes tell us? They’re a snapshot of history, revealing how families and communities adapted to the cultural spirit of each decade. Let’s take a journey through 14 different holiday traditions, one from each decade, to see how they’ve evolved over the years.
14 Holiday Traditions From Each Decade That Show How Things Have Changed
15 Fun Holiday Traditions from Around the World
What’s fascinating is that some of these traditions go back hundreds of years, while others are surprisingly new, yet each has become deeply rooted in local culture. Some might be endearing, others a little strange, but all of them carry that same festive spirit. The world’s December traditions are as diverse as its people.
Here’s a peek at 15 of the most fun and quirky holiday traditions from around the world. Who knows, one of them might inspire a new tradition for you and your family this holiday season.
15 Fun Holiday Traditions from Around the World
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
