Dear Williston Community,
As you may know, December is quite a big month in terms of the many cultural and religious traditions that are observed. Our community is made up of many who celebrate them, and on behalf of the Diversity Committee, I would like to acknowledge these important events that enrich all of our lives.
On Saturday, December 8th Buddhists all over the world will celebrate Bodhi Day, the day in 596 BC when Siddartha Gautama achieved Enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. As a result of this deep meditation for the length of an entire night, Prince Siddartha transcended suffering, achieved Nirvana (freedom from the endless cycles of suffering, passion, and the external world) and from that point on, became known as the Buddha, or “Awakened One.”
As we look ahead this weekend, we will acknowledge and celebrate more traditions. December 8 – 16 marks the Jewish observance of Hannukkah, rededication of the Temple, or the Festival of Lights. Beginning at sundown this Saturday, this period holds little religious significance for Jewish people, but does reflect on the miracle of the oil for the Temple menorah lasting a full 8 days, when it was not expected to last even one. This time is remembered by the lighting of one candle on each of the eight nights, the preparation of special foods, the Dreidel game, and the reciting of the rededication story.
December 21st will mark the day of the Winter Solstice, and the beginning of Winter. For us in the northern hemisphere, the Winter Solstice marks the day with the least hours of daylight for all those who exist north of the Tropic of Cancer. For Pagan or Wiccan followers, the Winter Solstice (Yule) is celebrated as the rebirth of the sun and all life, as each subsequent day brings longer periods of sunlight. Many traditions are observed in this celebration including the gathering together of family and friends, decorating of evergreen trees, caroling, the Yule log, preparing special foods, and merrymaking.
December 24th is Christmas Eve – the beginning of the Christmas celebration for Christians around the world that celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The Bible explains that the birth of Jesus took place at night, and to reflect this joyous occasion, many Christians attend midnight or evening masses or services, in which the Nativity story is told, hymns are sung, and candles are lit.
December 25th is Christmas Day, the annual cultural and religious holiday celebrated by Christians to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings formed the basis of Christianity. Celebrations of this day vary greatly around the world, and incorporate traditions that are both religious and secular in nature. In western culture, Christians celebrate Christmas Day by attending religious services, gathering with family and friends, preparing special foods, singing carols, exchanging gifts, and offering prayers of gratitude and hope for the new year.
December 26 – January 1st is the period when Kwanzaa is celebrated, a cultural holiday festival honoring African-American heritage. Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga and first celebrated back in 1966, Kwanzaa was initially founded as a way to celebrate and remember African roots for African Americans. However, as time progressed, and the numbers of people celebrating Kwanzaa grew, the holiday evolved to incorporate those African Americans who also celebrate Christmas. As a result, Kwanzaa has become a cultural celebration welcoming all who wish to honor African heritage in their communities. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the Seven Principles of African Heritage: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).
Finally, the month wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention the global celebration of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. On December 31st, cultures around the world come together for New Years celebrations, to reflect on the year gone by and renew hope for the year to come. In the United States, many people make resolutions (promises for positive changes) and hold one another a little closer at midnight to usher the new year in with a special kiss or hug.
As you can see, our community is rich with traditions, and we are lucky to be able to share them with one another. If any student, faculty, or staff member would like to speak to the community about personal traditions and observances, please contact Bridget Choo. We all grow more connected when we share our stories! On behalf of the Diversity Committee, I wish you all a warm, safe, and peaceful holiday season.
-Laurel Raffetto