The festive season of Hanukah verses Christmas?
Blog 57 |
| It’s that time of year again, a period when people prepare for the festive season, full of hope; children to receive presents desired, some to put their feet up and relax while others with great expectations for the New Year and what it signifies. 2010 promises to be the beginning of another decade of progress, and no better way to celebrate than the World Cup in South Africa. |
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So much and yet so little England hosts the Olympic games in 2012 a time for celebrations firstly by the Brits for hosting this awesome event, secondly by the competitors who all have dreams to be accomplished, and thirdly by the spectators who all too often become fanatically enchanted while the games take place. Then Brazil hosts the World Cup in 2014 followed by the Olympic Games in 2016. It’s a full schedule, and if you are thinking of going along for the ride now is the right moment to start digging around to find the best way to do it! |
There are many ways to travel, but where does one begin? There are many websites to purchase tickets and that sell vacation packages to the World Cup, but which ones are reliable sources? When is the right time to book up? These are just a few of the question anyone considering going will be asking, so the best organization to get information from is FIFA – it stands for The International Federation of Football Association and is an association governed by Swiss law. It was founded in 1904 and has its HQ in Zurich. There are 208 member associations and its goal is to constantly improve football. It employs 310 people from 35 nations and it has a legislative body and Executive Committee. |
So why the festive season of Hanukah verses Christmas; for those who are unaware the Jews celebrate Chanukah for its military victory of the Jewish Maccabees over the Greek-Syrians. It also commemorates the re-dedication of the Second Temple in 164 BCE in Jerusalem. As quoted in the Wikipedia, “The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a special candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah or Hanukiah, one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. An extra light called a Shamash (Hebrew: "guard" or "servant") is also lit each night for the purpose of lighting the others, and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest. The "shamash" symbolically supplies light that may be used for some secular purpose.” |
While the candles are being lit chants are sung and blessings are recited. Afterward, families can sit down to a prepared meal, play games or exchange gifts. For Christians Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Christmas is widely distinguished and enjoyed by many non-Christians. There are many popular customs to celebrate pre-Christmas and it’s a time of year that for many is really exciting. Kissing under the mistletoe, Christmas trees and lights with wrapped presents beneath, or a stocking full of gifts at the bottom of the bed on Christmas day brings delight to all. For others it's the gathering of family and friends, or eating turkey and all the trimmings. It is one of those times when people let go and eat loads of food usually abundant, but for the poor it is time to donate and give from ones heart. Christmas is a gift-giving time. |
Whatever your religion it is time of peace, a time to reflect over 2009, and a moment in life to think about where you are heading in 2010. There are no limitations to what you can do when there is a will there is a way. Good luck! MAIN SITE
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