What are the possible similarities of Hanukkah and Christmas? …
Light
:Both Hanukkah and Christmas incorporate the use of light in their celebrations. The Jews light their candles in the special menorah during Hanukkah, while the Christians light their decorative tree during Christmas.
What do Hanukkah Christmas and Diwali have in common?
It's interesting to see the similarities to the many celebrations and festivals around the world. Diwali, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa all include
the giving of gifts
. Both Hanukkah and Diwali are called the “Festival of Lights,” and stringing decorative lights is also a big part of Christmas.
How are Christmas Kwanzaa and Hanukkah alike?
1. Although they both use candles,
Kwanzaa lasts seven days while Hanukkah lasts eight
. In Hanukkah the light from the candles is significant; in Kwanzaa so are the red, black and green colors of the candles.
Why does Kwanzaa use a menorah?
Early enthusiasts wanted to distance themselves from Christmas and Christianity, which some saw as a white religion. In Hanukkah, each candle on the candelabra represents a day of the holiday; in Kwanzaa,
each stands for a life principle
. … And so the first Kwanzaa menorah, or kinara, was born.
Why are there 7 candles for Kwanzaa?
This chalice symbolizes the
principle of unity
, ‘which makes all else possible.” ‘ The seven candles (Mishumaa Saba): These represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa – unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
Is Kwanzaa the same as Christmas?
Kwanzaa (which translates to “fruits first” from Swahili) is a seven-
day holiday
that is celebrated by African Americans and Africans throughout the world. Unlike Christmas and Hanukkah, Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, but a cultural one.
Does Kwanzaa have a menorah?
Doesn't Kwanzaa use a menorah
or candelabrum? A kinara (seven-branched candleholder) is used in Kwanzaa celebrations. Some confuse it with a menorah, which is used in Hanukkah celebrations. “Candelabrum” is a generic name for a branched candlestick.
Is a kinara and menorah?
A kinara (seven-branched candleholder) is used in Kwanzaa celebrations. Some confuse it with a menorah, which is used in Hanukkah celebrations. “Candelabrum” is a generic name for a branched candlestick.
Menorah and kinara
are two types of candelabra.
What religion is Kwanzaa?
“Thus, Africans of all faiths can and do celebrate Kwanzaa, i.e.
Muslims, Christians, Black Hebrews, Jews, Buddhists, Baha'i and Hindus
, as well as those who follow the ancient traditions of Maat, Yoruba, Ashanti, Dogon, etc.” According to Karenga
Why is December 26th called Kwanzaa?
The name Kwanzaa comes
from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” meaning “first fruits” in Swahili
. Swahili is considered a pan-African language, and also happens to be the most widely spoken language in Africa. Basing the language of the holiday in Swahili represents unity throughout the African and Black communities.
What do the 7 principles of Kwanzaa mean?
The seven principles (nguzo saba) of Kwanzaa utilize Kiswahili words:
unity (umoja), self-determination
(kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba), and faith (imani).
Does Kwanzaa have a Santa?
Kwanzaa's official edicts say it
was specifically created as a cultural and not a religious observation
, although the holiday's official Website states that “one can accept and revere the religious message and meaning [of Christmas] but reject its European cultural accretions of Santa Claus, reindeer, mistletoe, …
What is Kwanzaa candle called?
Included in the celebration is a 7-prong candle called
the Kinara
. During each of the seven nights of Kwanzaa, a candle is lit. Each candle represents one of the seven principles that are celebrated and that represents a special value in African-American culture.
What is the golden menorah?
The menorah (/məˈnɔːrə/; Hebrew: מְנוֹרָה Hebrew pronunciation: [menoˈʁa]) is described in the Bible as the
seven-lamp (six branches) ancient Hebrew lampstand made of pure gold
and used in the tabernacle set up by Moses in the wilderness and later in the Temple in Jerusalem.
What order do you light the kinara?
- First day: Light the black candle on the first day of Kwanzaa.
- Second day: You'll light the black candle and the far left red candle.
- Third day: You'll light the black candle and the two far left red candles.
What color is a kinara?
The word kinara is a Swahili word that means candle holder. The seven candles represent the Seven Principles (or Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa.
Red, green, and black
are the symbolic colors of the holiday.
