Happy Holidays
By Rebekah Mulder
With the holidays fast approaching, many South Dakotans are preparing for time with family and friends. While some will be setting up nativities and Christmas trees, others will be celebrating in different ways.
Chanukah
Though South Dakota has the smallest Jewish population per capita of all 50 states, there are an estimated 75 to 100 Jewish families in the Sioux Empire who celebrate Chanukah, or the "festival of lights". Chanukah is a Jewish holiday which commemorates the miracle that occurred after the Jewish people were victorious in a revolution against the Syrians, who had oppressed the people for years, taking over their temple and forcing them to worship Greek gods. After their reclaiming the temple, the Jewish people wanted to rededicate the temple by lighting the eternal flame, which was to burn every day and night without going out. However, after the rebellion only a small amount of oil (only enough for a day) remained with which to light the eternal light. The miracle occurred when it burned for eight days straight, which was enough time for the leaders to prepare the holy oil that was needed. This is why the celebration of Chanukah lasts for eight days.
This historical holiday is celebrated by many Jewish families within the Sioux Empire, and occurs this year from December 26 through January 2. "Chanukah is not traditionally a major holiday in Judaism but it has gained importance, especially with the children, because it competes with Christmas. It is more historical than spiritual," said Marty Gallanter, president of Mt. Zion Congregation in Sioux Falls.
Some typical traditions of Chanukah are lighting the hanukiyah (the 9-branched menorah), eating of latkes (potato pancakes) and other fried foods (to remember the holy oil) and giving gifts. "The children like having gifts spread out over eight days, as opposed to just one day [Christmas]," says Gallanter.
"Las Posadas"
Another holiday that is celebrated among the Hispanic community in the Sioux Empire is that of "Las Posadas", which means "the inn". It is celebrated every evening from December 16 through December 24, and commemorates the long and cold journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
On each night before Christmas, people get together at a different home to eat and celebrate. The highlight of the evenings is the procession where children re-enact Mary and Joseph's search for a place to have the Christ-child. They wait outside the home carrying figures of Mary and Joseph, asking for a place to stay. They sing their pleas in song, and those on the other side of the door reply in song as well. The doors are opened, Mary and Joseph are given shelter and then the party begins.
After the procession, children break open a piñata--generally in the shape of a star to commemorate the star that led Los Tres Reyes Magos (the three wise men/kings) to find the baby Jesus. There is much food and celebration for adults and children alike, with the largest celebration usually occurring on Christmas Eve.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday celebrated for seven days, from December 26 through January 1st. Kwanzaa derives its name from "matunda ya kwanza", which means "the first fruits" in Swahili. It is a holiday that celebrates the African-American values of family, community and culture.
There are seven principles (called the Nguzo Saba) on which Kwanzaa is based, and each day of the celebration is dedicated to one of these principles. They are: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity) and imani (faith). For each day, there are also specific symbols to represent the principles, Much emphasis is placed upon upholding the traditions of Kwanzaa, ensuring that its observance represents the very best of African culture. The decorations include the national colors of Africa: black (to represent the African people), red (to represent their struggle) and green (to represent their hope for the future). There are also many traditional African art objects on display such as woven baskets and fabrics, harvest items and other heritage symbols.
Gifts are given to the children and most often include things that reaffirm tradition, such as books and heritage symbols.
No matter how we celebrate the holidays, time with friends and family are key. Each holiday demonstrates the importance of love and respect, despite the differences, and these are the attitudes embodied within the Sioux Empire. Gallanter agrees, "I appreciate the awareness when people say 'Happy Holidays' instead of 'Merry Christmas'. It's very respectful."
By Rebekah Mulder
With the holidays fast approaching, many South Dakotans are preparing for time with family and friends. While some will be setting up nativities and Christmas trees, others will be celebrating in different ways.
Chanukah
Though South Dakota has the smallest Jewish population per capita of all 50 states, there are an estimated 75 to 100 Jewish families in the Sioux Empire who celebrate Chanukah, or the "festival of lights". Chanukah is a Jewish holiday which commemorates the miracle that occurred after the Jewish people were victorious in a revolution against the Syrians, who had oppressed the people for years, taking over their temple and forcing them to worship Greek gods. After their reclaiming the temple, the Jewish people wanted to rededicate the temple by lighting the eternal flame, which was to burn every day and night without going out. However, after the rebellion only a small amount of oil (only enough for a day) remained with which to light the eternal light. The miracle occurred when it burned for eight days straight, which was enough time for the leaders to prepare the holy oil that was needed. This is why the celebration of Chanukah lasts for eight days.
This historical holiday is celebrated by many Jewish families within the Sioux Empire, and occurs this year from December 26 through January 2. "Chanukah is not traditionally a major holiday in Judaism but it has gained importance, especially with the children, because it competes with Christmas. It is more historical than spiritual," said Marty Gallanter, president of Mt. Zion Congregation in Sioux Falls.
Some typical traditions of Chanukah are lighting the hanukiyah (the 9-branched menorah), eating of latkes (potato pancakes) and other fried foods (to remember the holy oil) and giving gifts. "The children like having gifts spread out over eight days, as opposed to just one day [Christmas]," says Gallanter.
"Las Posadas"
Another holiday that is celebrated among the Hispanic community in the Sioux Empire is that of "Las Posadas", which means "the inn". It is celebrated every evening from December 16 through December 24, and commemorates the long and cold journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
On each night before Christmas, people get together at a different home to eat and celebrate. The highlight of the evenings is the procession where children re-enact Mary and Joseph's search for a place to have the Christ-child. They wait outside the home carrying figures of Mary and Joseph, asking for a place to stay. They sing their pleas in song, and those on the other side of the door reply in song as well. The doors are opened, Mary and Joseph are given shelter and then the party begins.
After the procession, children break open a piñata--generally in the shape of a star to commemorate the star that led Los Tres Reyes Magos (the three wise men/kings) to find the baby Jesus. There is much food and celebration for adults and children alike, with the largest celebration usually occurring on Christmas Eve.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday celebrated for seven days, from December 26 through January 1st. Kwanzaa derives its name from "matunda ya kwanza", which means "the first fruits" in Swahili. It is a holiday that celebrates the African-American values of family, community and culture.
There are seven principles (called the Nguzo Saba) on which Kwanzaa is based, and each day of the celebration is dedicated to one of these principles. They are: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity) and imani (faith). For each day, there are also specific symbols to represent the principles, Much emphasis is placed upon upholding the traditions of Kwanzaa, ensuring that its observance represents the very best of African culture. The decorations include the national colors of Africa: black (to represent the African people), red (to represent their struggle) and green (to represent their hope for the future). There are also many traditional African art objects on display such as woven baskets and fabrics, harvest items and other heritage symbols.
Gifts are given to the children and most often include things that reaffirm tradition, such as books and heritage symbols.
No matter how we celebrate the holidays, time with friends and family are key. Each holiday demonstrates the importance of love and respect, despite the differences, and these are the attitudes embodied within the Sioux Empire. Gallanter agrees, "I appreciate the awareness when people say 'Happy Holidays' instead of 'Merry Christmas'. It's very respectful."
