Here are some suggestions for celebrating December. These holidays are celebrated in December on the last few days of the month. They represent freedom, hope, and faith. Festivus can also be celebrated along with Saint Stephen’s Day. What are the December global holidays you ask? Continue reading for more information. Other than these celebrated days, December also hosts many other celebrations.
Festivus
Festivus, although its roots are pagan, has strong ties both to the Anglo-Saxon Feast of Modraniht and the Norse God Odin. The secular holiday of Festivus is now widely known and celebrated all over the globe. It is usually observed with an aluminum pole. Festivus’ popularity was boosted by an episode of the sitcom ‘Seinfeld’, in which Daniel O’Keefe stumbled upon a reference. It is also known for its secular status, and its purpose is to raise awareness of materialism throughout the Christmas season.
Festivals are associated with the catchphrase, ‘It’s better not to regret than to be grateful,’Dan O’Keefe’s character explains how Festivus rituals in his family are different from their own. Instead of tying the family’s timepiece to a bag, they stuck it to a wall. This tradition was passed down to generations.
Bodhi Day
For many people, December is a season full of light. This day marks Buddha’s enlightenment. Bodhi Day is also known in Zen Buddhism under the name Rohatsu. The Sanskrit ‘enlightenment,’ which refers to the holiday’s name, is used by both Mahayana and Theravada Mahayana Buddhists. Bodhi is celebrated in selected Japanese monasteries as part of a week-long session.
Buddhists mark this day on the 8th of December when Buddha attains enlightenment. In 596 BC, the Buddha (a prince from Nepal) traveled the globe to find meaning in life. He discovered the suffering of humankind and decided to live a simple, happy life. To discover the meaning in life, he sought refuge in the Bodhi forest, where he meditated.
Stephen’s Day
Traditionally, the Feast of Saint Stephen has been celebrated by the Irish in the company of family and close friends. Christians celebrated by attending church activities as well as learning about St. Stephen. A few people might even take part in a pantomime. But, in France, this day does not count as a public holiday. Consider visiting Ireland during this period. There are plenty of reasons to celebrate if your decision is made to travel to the country.
Some Christians mark this day with special services at the church, while others celebrate it by going to pantomimes. Pantomimes can be described as musical-comedy productions, based on fairy tales. Many pantomimes incorporate audience participation and double entendre. This holiday sees children go door-to-door, sometimes in cages or with sticks, and they sing, dance, or dress up like wrens.
Saint Lucy’s Day
Lucia, which is also called ‘Lucy,’ has been a patron saint for both Scandinavia and Italy. This December global holiday signals the beginning of the Christmas season. The Scandinavian oldest girl wears an ornamental metal crown with nine CANDLES and whortleberry-leaf leaves. Other girls wear glittering, tinsel-haloed scepters, and ‘Star Boys,’ have star-topped crowns. Luciadagen also goes by the Swedish name of ‘Lucydagen’
The Swedish immigrants brought this custom to America and were eager to spread them. The holiday is being observed in many Swedish-American neighborhoods across the country. In addition, the Erlander Home Museum of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), holds a St. Lucy’s Day celebration. There are certain requirements for young women to be eligible to play the role of Lucia. They must have attended Swedish classes, been part of the Swedish culture, as well as belonging to local Swedish societies.
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve falls on December 31, the last day of the Gregorian lunar year. Some countries celebrate New Year’s Eve as soon as possible, while others wait several centuries until they can do the same. However, there are still some countries that celebrate the holiday with traditional parties and outdoor concerts. Religious groups can also use the night as a time to pray and give thanks. While others can simply enjoy the moment while reflecting on the important things in their lives, others do so to celebrate the occasion.
Germany, for instance, celebrates New Year’s Eve by throwing parties and lighting fireworks. Set (German sparkling wine) is often enjoyed by families in Germany. The lead is used by families to predict their year. It could be a happy marriage, a happy birthday, lots of luck, or even a good one, depending on how it looks.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa (an annual cultural holiday) is observed from December 26 to January 1 and celebrates the African culture. Its origins are African. However, it is enjoyed by all races, ethnicities, and countries. It ends in a feast with gifts and the pouring out of libations. Traditionally, liquids were offered to Gods during rituals. Liquids are usually made using a wooden unity cup.
Kwanzaa stands for ‘first fruits’ in Swahili which is the language of African people. Swahili has been considered the most common language in Africa and is considered a pan-African language. This holiday is intended to promote unity between Black cultures and Africans. It also celebrates and honors the diversity of cultures, such as Christianity. It is however not an official holiday.
