CELEBRATIONS

Ramadan (Sept. 13 - Oct. 12)
Eid-al-Fitr (Oct. 13) - Islamic

Fasting from sunup to sunset during Ramadan commemorates the month when Mohammed received the Qur'an from Allah. Lanterns are lit on the last night to celebrate the end of the fast.

Diwali (Nov. 9) - Hindu/Sikh/Jain

In Nepal and India, homes are outlined with special oil lamps to welcome Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity. Sikhs commemorate the founding of the Golden Temple and the release of Guru Hargobind. For Jains, it marks Lord Mahavira's attainment of Nirvana, the establishment of the dharma and the beginning of the new year.

Loy Krathong (Nov. 24) - Buddhist

Celebrated in Thailand and also known as the Festival of the Floating Leaf Cups. Krathongs, leaf shaped boats with candles burning on them, are launched into rivers to take away sins of the last year and wishes for the next.

Advent (Dec. 2 - Dec. 24) Christmas (Dec. 25) - Christian

Celebrated to honor Jesus Christ's birth. Lights and candles are used to symbolize that Christ is "The Light of the World".

Hanukkah/Chanukah (Dec. 4 - Dec. 12) - Jewish

Celebrated to commemorate the struggle between the Greeks and the Jews for religious freedom in the year 167 B.C. A candle called the Shamash or servant is lighted each night to light other candles on a candelabra called a menorah as blessings are said.

Saint Lucia Day (Dec. 13) - Scandinavian/Christian

Celebrated in Scandinavia to honor Saint Lucia. The eldest daughter wears a lighted advent wreath of five candles on her head to serve her family, as Lucia served the poor.

Las Posadas (Dec. 16 - Dec. 24) - Latino/Christian

Celebrated in Mexico and parts of the United States. Candlelit processions go door to door to symbolize Mary and Joseph's search for lodging in Bethlehem.

Yule (Dec. 22) - Wiccan

Ancient Druid festival celebrated on the shortest day of the year; bonfires and yule logs symbolize the return of the sun.

Kwanzaa (Dec. 26 - Jan. 1) - African American Interfaith

New holiday based on old African harvest celebrations. It includes a candelabra called a Kinara, with one candle lighted each night for the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Chinese New Year (Feb. 8) - Buddhist

Festivities last for 15 days culminating with the full moon. According to legend, fire crackers, lanterns and fireworks were used to chase away the dragon that came out of the Yellow River to attack farms and homes.