Research Guide of the Month

Our diverse campus community encompasses a tapestry of cultures and faiths. To foster inclusivity and respect, we encourage members of our community to gain knowledge about the various holidays and cultural celebrations that occur during this season. Learn about traditions and practices outside your own and be mindful of how your celebrations may impact others. Here's a concise overview of winter holidays observed globally from late November 2023 to early January 2024, along with resources for further exploration.

Hanukkah

• Dec 7-15, 2023
• Jewish Holiday
• Hanukkah, which is Hebrew for “dedication,” is the Festival of Lights. It commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greek army, and the subsequent miracle of rededicating the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and restoring its menorah, or lamp. The miracle of Hanukkah is that only one vial of oil was found with just enough oil to illuminate the Temple lamp for one day, and yet it lasted for eight full days. (source)

Bodhi Day

• Dec. 8, 2021
• Buddhist Holiday
• Bodhi Day marks the pivotal moment when Siddhartha Gautama, under the Bodhi tree, transcended suffering and attained enlightenment, laying the cornerstone of Buddhism's enduring legacy. On this day, Buddhists reaffirm their commitment to the path of enlightenment, compassion, and kindness, embracing the relevance of this timeless philosophy in today's world. (source)

Gita Jayanti

• Dec. 22, 2023
• Hindu Celebration
• Gita Jayanti Mahotsav possesses huge significance and importance as it is regarded as the birthday of Bhagavad-Gita which is considered as the most pious and influential scriptures of Hindu mythology. It comprises political, spiritual, psychological, practical, and philosophical values. Thus, to commemorate the sacred day when Lord Krishna offered his philosophical teachings to King Arjuna during the battle of Kurukshetra, people celebrate Gita Jayanti. (source)

Yule/Winter Solstice

• Dec. 22, 2023 ALL DAY
• Pagan and Wiccan Celebration  
• The longest night of the year is followed by the sun's "rebirth" and lengthening of days. In most traditions, Yule is celebrated as the rebirth of the Great God, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. Some pagans consider Yule to be the beginning of the new year. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals. (source)

Soyal

• Dec. 21, 2023
• Hopi (Native American tribe) Ceremony
• The Soyal Ceremony begins on the shortest day of the year and symbolizes the second phase of Creation at the Dawn of Life. Its prayers and rituals implement a plan of life for the coming year, ceremonially turning back the sun toward its summer path. The longest ceremony in the ceremonial cycle, lasting up to 16 days, sacred rituals are performed in underground chambers called kivas. Many ceremonies involve dancing and singing. (source)

Christmas Day

• Dec. 25, 2023
• Christian Holiday
• Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. (source)
• In countries with large populations of Orthodox Christians, such as Russia, Ukraine, and Romania, Christmas Day falls on January 7. (source)

Kwanzaa

• Dec. 26, 2021 – Jan. 1, 2022
• African American and Pan-African holiday
• Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga to: reaffirm the communitarian vision and values of African culture and to contribute to its restoration among African peoples in the Diaspora, beginning with Africans in America and expanding to include the world African community; and introducing and reinforcing the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles and through this, introduce and reaffirm communitarian values and practices which strengthen and celebrate family, community and culture. These seven communitarian African values are as follows: Umoja (Unity), Kuji-chagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). (source)

Three Kings Day

• Jan. 6, 2022
• Christian Holiday
• Celebrated most in Europe, Spain, and Latin America, ‘El Dia de los Reyes’, as it’s called in Spanish, marks the glorification of baby Jesus by the Three Wise Men. In Mexico and many other Latin American countries, Santa Claus isn’t as popular as he is in the United States. Rather, the Three Wise Men are the bearers of gifts and leave presents in or near the shoes of small children. This holiday is also named 'Epiphany. (source)

Resources for further exploration and learning:

• Interfaith Calendar 2023 - This calendar lists religious and national holidays and observances that involve special worship obligations or food or work restrictions. The listings are not exhaustive, nor do they represent all religious traditions in the Interfaith Action community. 
• Hindu Holidays 2023 - This calendar is a list of 2023 religious holidays declared in Hinduism which includes observations, religious days, holidays, and popular celebrations. 
• LA Mission College Calendar 2023-24 
• American Holidays - This calendar provides information about the 12 federal holidays recognized by the United States. Learn about federal, state, and cultural holidays celebrated in the U.S. 
• 12 Winter Holidays from around the world, not narrated by Morgan Freeman - In this video, we explore 12, unique winter holiday celebrations, (in honor of the 12 days of the Yuletide season or Christmastide) narrated by Morgan Freeman (or someone who sounds like him). To all you kids from 1 to 92, Happy Holidays
• Most Widely Practiced Religions in the World - This article provides background on the largest religions in the world. 
• Chinese New Year - Chinese New Year 2024 falls on Saturday, February 10th, 2024, and celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival on February 24th, 2024. Celebrations last up to 16 days, but only the first 7 days are considered a public holiday (February 10th–February 16th, 2024).
• Norooz – Iranian New Year - in compliance with the needs of those who are concerned with Iran/Persia and its issues, in April 2001 "The Iran Chamber Society" was founded as a non-partisan and non-profit organization to promote Iranian culture and history. "Iran Chamber Society" is a free source of information and abstains from all commercial concerns.