This Season’s Major Holidays: Embracing the Light and Dispelling the Darkness
As the days get shorter and the winter draws nearer, the time is approaching for some of the biggest and brightest celebrations of the year. With the arrival of the festive period comes a time of renewed hope, light, and joy. This season is often an opportunity for people to connect with family and friends and remember the things that are truly important in life.
Across the world, cultures and religions come together to celebrate the holidays in different ways. Commonly celebrated holidays during this season include Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali. Each of these represent their own unique customs, rituals, and traditions, yet they all share the same spirit of embracing the light and dispelling the darkness.
A key component of these holidays is the meaningful symbolism behind each one. Christmas for example is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the light of the world. To commemorate this extraordinary event, many traditions have been established, from the symbol of the star of Bethlehem to the practice of gathering around the Christmas tree and exchanging gifts of love and appreciation.
At Hanukkah, the holiday of lights is remembered with the lighting of the menorah, a powerful reminder of when a small amount of pure oil burned for eight days and eight nights. Families also gather to exchange presents, spin the dreidel, and eat traditional treats like latkes and jelly doughnuts.
Kwanzaa is a relatively newer holiday that promotes African American culture and unites people of all backgrounds. This day is comprised of seven core principles, each of which represents different values important to the culture—from unity to creativity. During Kwanzaa, families often come together to light the seven candles of the Kinara.
Diwali in India is the Festival of Lights that is celebrated by millions every year. This joyful day signifies the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Diwali is often symbolized by fireworks, and families come together to honor the inner light that exists within each one of us.
Cherished traditions aside, there is more to this time of year than meets the eye. As we observe each holiday and celebrate in its own unique way, the key underlying message is the same: to embrace the light and dispel the darkness. This could be interpreted in many ways—from giving to those in need to paying it forward to selflessly showing love towards others.
On a spiritual level, this season could also be a delightful reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope still remains. It’s a celebration of faith and a reminder that we can overcome all obstacles when we come together in unity.
On a more practical level, it’s essential to understand that the holidays embody a powerful message about taking a break from the stress and pressures of life. Invite friends and family over, light a candle, or do something special for someone. The holidays should be a time to recharge and recharge our energy.
Overall, the underlying message of this season’s major holidays reminds us that despite life’s struggles and difficulties, we still have the potential to create a brighter future. It encourages us to embrace the light and dispel the darkness, both literally and metaphorically. Through understanding and practicing the ideas behind these holidays, we can bring more light and joy into our lives and the lives of those around us. Let’s take this glorious opportunity to come together and remember the power of the season’s message. Happy holidays!