Most Popular December Global Holidays and Their Symbolism

 

Christmas Eve (24th Dec)

It’s the day before Christmas and this December holiday is celebrated on 24th Dec. In some European countries, it is traditionally a day for large family dinners and in others, the main meal takes place on Christmas Day.

Christmas Eve was also a time to remember those who have died, much as All Souls’ Day has been observed in Catholic lands since early times.

Christmas Day (25th Dec)

This December holiday is celebrated on 25th Dec and it’s the day when Christmas festivities traditionally begin. It was a time for gift-giving, feasting, and drinking.

Diwali/Deepavali (11th Nov)

It is also known as the ‘Festival of lights which celebrates the triumph of good over evil. In Hinduism, this December holiday is dedicated to the worship of Lakshmi and her various aspects.

Hanukkah Eve (27th Dec)

This December holiday looks back to the events in 165 BC when Judea was ruled by Antiochus IV Epiphanes who tried to suppress Jewish religious observance.

On 25 Kislev 164 BC, the Seleucid army entered Jerusalem

Hanukkah Day (28th Dec)

This December holiday is celebrated on 28th Dec which commemorates the rededication of the Temple in 165 BC. It lasts for eight days because that was how long it took to clean and purify the temple sanctuary from pagan desecration and defilement.

Holiday (25th Dec)

This December holiday is celebrated on 25th Dec which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It has grown to become a worldwide festival celebrating peace, joy, goodwill towards men and wishing happiness to others by sending gifts or cards.

Kwanzaa(26th Dec)

This December holiday is a seven-day African American festival that falls between Christmas and New Year. The name Kwanzaa comes from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” in Swahili, meaning ‘first fruits of the harvest. It’s celebrated by lighting candles each day to represent principles such as unity, self-determination, collective work, and responsibility.

L’Aquila Day (13th Dec)

This December holiday is the day of remembrance for those that lost their lives during an earthquake in L’Aquila, Italy on April 07 2010 at 03:32 local time. It’s a global day to remember every person who died as a result of a natural disaster.