The Significance and Fun Traditions That Make Up Hannukkah
Hannukah is a very important holiday within the Jewish religion and therefore has some deep meaning and traditions to go along with it. To the Jewish culture this is the celebration of independence and of reiteration in the religion and faith. Hannukah is known as the “Festival of Lights” and so this notion and theme is carried throughout the holiday and all of its traditions.
When this holiday comes about on the Jewish calendar, this is a very important celebration where the family all comes together. For eight nights the family celebrates Hannukah and lights a candle on their Menorah each night to pay homage to the “Festival of Lights”. The Menorah is a very ornate candle holder that has been passed down from generation to generation, and it holds the candles lit each night.
A Time For Being Together and Sharing Rich Traditions
Amongst the many traditions are reading special passages from the Torah and sharing stories amongst family and loved ones. There are also delicious foods that are traditionally made during Hannukah such as brisket, potato latkes, and matzo ball soup. Every family has different traditional foods, but the idea is that there is a feast each and every night. This is yet another way that the family comes together and enjoys this time.
Gifts are given each night of the eight day celebration and given especially to the children. There are often smaller trinkets that work up to bigger gifts as the eight days progress, all in keeping with the fun. Kids also spin traditional tops known as dreidels and play games with this for small prizes. Hannukah is one of the most special times for people in the Jewish religion!