One of the most well-known non-Christian holidays is Hanukkah, the festival of lights. Hanukkah commemorates the story of when the Greeks entered the Jewish sanctuary and defiled all the oils, and after their defeat only one jar remained ­ enough to burn for one day only. But a miracle occurred, and the oil burned for eight days. A year later, Hanukkah was designated as a holiday. The Jewish Talmud tells that beginning with the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, eight days of Hanukkah are observed, during which no eulogies are delivered, nor is fasting permitted. This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Nov. 29. The Jewish calendar is lunisolar ­ that is, it follows the course of the moon but is corrected from time to time by the addition of an extra month to synchronize with the solar year, so Hanukkah falls on slightly different days each year.

Kwanzaa, the African-American cultural holiday conceived and developed by Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga, was first celebrated on Dec. 26, 1966. Kwanzaa is traditionally celebrated Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Derived from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits," Kwanzaa is rooted in the first harvest celebrations practiced in various cultures in Africa. Kwanzaa seeks to enhance a connection to African cultural identity, provide a focal point for the gathering of African peoples, and to reflect upon the principles that have sustained Africans. People of all religious faiths and backgrounds may practice Kwanzaa in addition to other holidays. Kwanzaa was born out of the social and political changes of the 1960s, during which the African-American struggle for freedom and self-identity reached its historical peak. Today, Kwanzaa is recognized by millions throughout America and the world. It is celebrated often in community settings provided by homes, churches, mosques, temples, community centers, schools and places of work.

In the Hindu world, winter is the time of Makara Sakranti, the winter solstice in the Hindu solar calendar. It is marked by the passing of the sun into the sign of Makara, or Capricorn. There are festivals on the day itself and on its eve to celebrate the coming of spring. There are several ways of calculating the Hindu solar calendar, so its date may vary by up to one day in various parts of India depending whether local custom dictates the use of the old or new Hindu calendar or astronomical tables. It usually occurs around Jan. 14 or 15. To celebrate the holiday, boiled rice or lentils and sesame seeds and oil are used in ceremonies. Food is colored with saffron and yellow clothes are often worn. Cattle are decorated and their horns painted. Bonfires are often lit and ritual bathing takes place to wash away old sins. Old clothes and bedding are burnt on the bonfires and new utensils are often purchased and first used on this day. Also, kites are flown all over India.

The Islamic or Hijra calendar is made up of 12 lunar months, so its holidays shift slightly from one Western calendar year to the next. In 2002, the fasting month of Ramadan takes place Nov. 6 to Dec. 6. During the month of Ramadan, practicing Muslims take no food, drink or tobacco from sunrise to sunset, and abstain from all sexual relations. In many cities, the start of the fast is marked each day by a drummer and ended with the firing of a cannon. Technically, the fast begins each day at dawn, which for Muslims comes nearly two hours before sunrise, which marks the end of the first period of prayer.

Other Muslim holidays this winter include: Nuzul al Koran (Nov. 22) - The Koran was first revealed to the Muslim prophet Mohammed on this day. The event is particularly significant in Malaysia. Lailat al Kadr (Dec. 2) - The evening of destiny, revelation of the Koran, in which Muslims pray that Allah will grant them a good destiny. 'Id al Fitr (Dec. 6) - This feast marks the end of Ramadan. It commonly lasts three days. Known as Seker Bayram in Turkish, Hari Raya Puasa in southeast Asia.

Thanks Roxy for research :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

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