Holidays Around the World!

[U4ea]

So I do this unit with my class every year, but I thought it might be fun to do it here, too!

 

Last week, we focused on Hanukkah at the beginning of the week, and merry old England at the end!

 

Let's get the Kin caught up!

 

I'll post questions, you answer them! The person to answer the most questions directly wins!

[U4ea]

 

Today's focus: Hanukkah!

 

Hanukkah is celebrated by one group of people. Who are they?

It is celebrated for how many days? Why that number?

It is a celebration in honor of the rededication of which temple?

Why did it need to be rededicated?

Who rededicated it?

Why is it called The Festival of Lights?

What traditions are commonly associated with the celebration?

[Ryrin]

Hanukkah is celebrated by one group of people. Who are they?

     

The Jewish people.

It is celebrated for how many days? Why that number?

     

Eight Days.  When the Macabees (Jews) liberated the Temple, there was only enough oil for one day to light the menorah.  Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days and nights.  (Jewish days start at sundown.)

 

It is a celebration in honor of the rededication of which temple?

     

The Second Temple/Holy Temple.

Why did it need to be rededicated?

 

The Greeks invaded and had desecrated and defiled the Temple.

     
Who rededicated it?

 

The Maccabees (Jews.)
 

Why is it called The Festival of Lights?

 

Because the chanukiah is lit, one candle for 8 days.

What traditions are commonly associated with the celebration? 

 

Each night, for eight nights, Jewish people light a candle on a chanukiah from left to right.  The middle candle is raised ( the shamash..it is used to light the others.)  The chanukiah is often called a "menorah" or "Chanukah menorah."  The menorah holds 7 candles, the chanukiah holds 9.   

 

Foods cooked in oil are eaten.  (Latkes and sufganyiot-donuts.)

 

Gifts are exchanged.

[Ryrin]

double post.

[U4ea]

He he, is that considered cheating???

 

Thanks, Ryrin!

 

 

Today's focus: England!!

 

What name does Santa go by in England?

 

What noisy addition to dinner comes with a paper crown inside?

 

What in the world is wassail?

 

What do kids do with their letters to "Santa" rather than mail them ?

 

Where do they hang their stockings?

 

What was the original purpose of Boxing Day?

 

What do people usually do on Boxing Day, nowadays?

 

It's bad luck if you don't get your Christmas decorations down within how many days?