Celebrating diverse holidays

  • Published
  • By Capt. Yvonne Sorokin
  • 436th Airlift Wing Military Equal Opportunity
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFPN) --  While growing up, I loved decorating our Christmas tree and hanging the handmade pinecone wreath my mom, sister and I crafted each December. 

I also enjoyed lighting the Menorah and eating matzo ball soup at my grandparent’s house during Hanukkah. 

In the same way my family is comprised of different faiths, the Air Force is also a culturally diverse organization. Many Air Force members and their families will celebrate this holiday season in the United States, while others will be exposed to different holiday traditions while defending our freedom at a deployed location or stationed overseas. In every situation, it is important to know a little about the various holidays celebrated throughout December and the New Year. 

Although Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, is extremely prevalent in the United States. During the holiday season, other religions and ethnic groups have much to celebrate. One example is Hanukkah, the "Festival of Lights," which starts on the 25th day of the Jewish calendar month of Kislev and lasts for eight days and nights. In 2005, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 25. With blessings, games and festive foods, Hanukkah celebrates the triumphs -- both religious and military -- of ancient Jewish heroes. Hanukkah is a relatively minor holiday in the Jewish year. In the United States, however, its closeness to Christmas has brought greater attention to Hanukkah and its gift-giving tradition. 

Another holiday celebrated this time of year is Kwanzaa. The year 2005 will see the 40th annual Kwanzaa celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. It is estimated that some 18 million African Americans take part in Kwanzaa. 

Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, nor is it meant to replace Christmas. It was created by Dr. Maulana "Ron" Karenga, a professor of Black Studies, in 1966. At this time of great social change for African Americans, Dr. Karenga sought to design a celebration that would honor the values of ancient African cultures and inspire African Americans who were working for progress. Kwanzaa is based on the year-end harvest festivals that have taken place throughout Africa for thousands of years. 

Several of our deployed troops are probably aware of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the holiest time for Muslims. Islam uses a lunar calendar -- each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. Since the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar used elsewhere, Islamic holidays "move" each year. In 2005, Ramadan took place from Oct. 5 to Nov. 4. Sometimes it takes place in November or December. 

Ramadan is a special time of intensive worship, reading of the Koran, giving to charity, doing good deeds and purifying one’s behavior. The end of Ramadan is marked with a celebration called Eid-ul-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking). 

Two additional celebrations this time of year are Sankranti and the winter solstice. Sankranti is a festival that traditionally marks the end of southern Asia’s harvest. The word Sankranti means “to begin to move,” and the occasion encourages Hindus to be unselfish and forgiving. The festival takes place Jan. 14 each year and is the only Hindu festival that follows a solar rather than a lunar calendar. Many pagans celebrate the winter solstice on Dec. 21, a celebration of the coming of light after days of increasing darkness. 

While those without religious beliefs don’t spiritualize the holiday season, many choose to celebrate by spending time with loved ones. 

As we all enjoy the holiday season, it is important to remember that there are many different ways and reasons to celebrate. Regardless of where the next few weeks will take you, I wish you all a wonderful holiday season surrounded by family and friends, and a Happy New Year.