The holiday known as Kwanzaa celebrates African heritage and culture and is observed for seven days, ending on January 1. The holiday includes lights, a feast, and gift-giving, and surrounds the holidays of Christmas and Hanukkah. Kwanzaa was created within the last century and has gone through changes in who celebrates it and how it is observed. Now, more religions are celebrating the holiday than initially intended. Listen to learn about how Kwanzaa began and how it has changed.
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March 23, 2016
3:17
As part of Native American Heritage night, a women’s high school basketball team wore traditional Navajo hair styles. They wore a tsiyeela—a bun tied with yarn. Then a referee told them they couldn't play because he believed the hairstyle broke regulation. The students ended up taking out their buns. After the team received an apology, they wore their traditional hairstyles at the next game. And so did many in the audience. Listen to hear more about this event that highlights the issue of cultural sensitivity.
Read MoreDecember 7, 2015
4:55
The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, the festival of lights, is celebrated this week. It is eight days long, and is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah. According to the legend, Jews rebelled against Greek-Syrian oppressors during the second century B.C. and rededicated a Temple in Jerusalem. At that time, Jews were living in an ancient Greek civilization and were trying to stay true to their religion while living in another culture. The story has been rewritten for political reasons. The rabbis declared this holiday unofficial, and created a story of national liberation to be celebrated. Listen to hear more about the political history of Hanukkah.
Read MoreNovember 17, 2015
2:39
Oil lamps light up hundreds of millions of Indian homes during Diwali, a festival celebrating the victory of good over evil and “finding the light within.” This religious celebration is a public holiday in many countries. There are prayers invoking the Hindu goddesses and stories are told of Hindu gods fighting between good and evil, symbolizing every person's struggle. Families decorate with colorful decorations and lights, and perform ritual prayers. Listen to learn more about this holiday from a family that celebrates this tradition in the United States.
Read MoreDecember 16, 2014
3:59
Today marks the first night of Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights. Hanukkah comes with many traditions both ancient and modern. This story explores the historic origins of foil wrapped chocolate coins given during Hanukkah, known as gelt. Listen to hear how migration to urban areas to and to America changed the traditions of Hanukkah.
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