As we reach Christmas Day, holiday cheers patently reveal themselves within: prevalent candy cane lights on front yards, promotions for peppermint drinks and hot chocolate, red and green wool sweaters, the soothing covers of Michael Bublé, evergreen trees with their distinct citrusy smell, and lights so bright that their ricochets gleam in every eye. Across the globe, people jubilate with just the anticipation of Dec. 25.
However, while the prevalence of Christmas cheer perseveres, other cultural celebrations that are not as prominent evoke similar emotions in those who participate in them.
Feast Day of Our Lady Quadalupe
Mexican and Mexican-American communities come together Dec. 12 to celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady Quadalupe. All around Mexico, altars of Virgin Mary (Lady Quadalupe being the specific title) paintings surrounded by candles and flowers appear.
This celebration dates back to 1531 when Virgin Mary appeared to a peasant, Juan Diego. Upon her appearance, she manifested to bring hope to a village in persecution. So, at the breaking of dawn on Dec. 12, Virgin Mary instructed Diego to pick flowers from the top of a hill. After, Diego delivered the news to his Bishop who told him that he had seen an image of Virgin Mary in her cloak.
In today’s time, on the night before the Feast Day, Mexican communities unite for a vigil at a nearby church, where they pray, worship and cite stories of Lady Guadalupe’s prominent appearance to Juan Diego. On day of the Feast: families park their decorated pick-up trucks in an extensive circle, children reenact the story of Lady Quadalupe by dressing up as Lady Quadalupe and Juan Diego, the congregation prays a rosary, and the commencement of the fiesta full of atole, tamales, tacos, tortas and music of hymns sparks.
Dong Zhi
Related to the Winter Solstice, Dong Zhi is a Chinese celebration and is a time for families to reunite, worship their ancestors and feast on traditional delectables. Mostly, it celebrates the start of winter which is why the festival falls on the shortest day and longest night of the year: Dec. 21 or 22.
This celebration began as a harvest festival when farmers would gather various crops as offerings to their ancestors, the God of Heaven and as a wish for welfare. These concepts are evidently showcased in the shared good wishes for the years to come and the traditional dumplings with hot soup.
The origin of Dong Zhi comes from the Chinese concept of Yin and Yang, an ancient symbol of balance and harmony in the universe. Yin (cold) represents the cold climate of winter which is contrasted by Yang (warm) hot soup of dumplings that are specifically consumed. In addition to the belly-hugging warmth of dumpling soup, succulent dishes such as mutton hotpot, babao porridge, and glutinous rice balls are consumed.
Kwanzaa
From Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, Kwanzaa brings festivities to the African- American culture and heritage. Friends and families gather to share a feast, honor their ancestors, build stronger bonds, exchange gifts, and give thanks.
Throughout the 1950s and 60s, the civil rights movement labored itstheir way through the very acts that they strived to end – oppression, discrimination, racism, police brutality, etc. In 1966, educator and activist Maulana Karenga established a plan to rebuild neighborhoods affected by riots and boost pride within Black Communities, which was how Kwanzaa became known.
When celebrating Kwanzaa, families place woven mats, called mkeka, on their tables where they arrange baskets filled with arrays of fruits and vegetables and place a unity cup, called kikombe, to represent the traditions that the holiday is based on. Moreover, families light seven candles: one black, three red and three green, with the black candle in the middle to represent unity, the red candles on the left to represent the past and the green candles on the right to represent the future. On Dec.ember 31, families gather over dishes like peanut soup and shrimp gumbo and dance in African-style clothing. On the last day, Jan. 1, individuals spend a time pivoting over past success and future success.
Culture speaks to many in unique ways and celebration expresses that in incandescent camaraderie and union.
Written by Allisson Rodriguez of Springbrook High School