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.
Story Length: 4:55
Socrative users can import these questions using the following code: SOC-1234
December 21, 2017
1:47
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.
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 MoreOctober 12, 2015
4:58
Columbus Day celebrates an event from 1492, but it didn’t become a U.S. Federal holiday until over 400 years later. Some people think it shouldn’t be a holiday at all. To some, Columbus did not “discover” America. Instead he represents the beginning of European colonization of America. Some states and cities across the United States are renaming Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day and celebrating Native American tradition and culture. Listen to this interview with advocates who pushed Minneapolis to rename this holiday.
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.
Read More