In a rare course of events, Hanukkah, the Jewish eight-day festival of lights will be falling on the same day as Christmas. The first night of the eight-day celebration will be falling on the 25th of December marking the start of the festivities for Jews. This event has not taken place for over two decades and may not happen in the upcoming few years either. This article brings you all the details about how Hanukkah and Christmas fell on the same day this year and what you should do in order to celebrate both festivals.
What Is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is a popular midwinter festival that is celebrated for eight days in the months of November or December, depending on the lunisolar calendar. The celebration is known as the festival of lights and is inspired by the miracle that happened during the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 139 BC. According to the historians, Syrian soldiers descended upon Jerusalem and defiled the oil which was used in order to light up the holy temple’s menorah. Judah Maccabee, after reclaiming the temple, when the followers set out to clean the temple, lit a candle that could possibly last only a day but miraculously lasted for eight days straight.
What Is Christmas?
Christmas is a Christian festival that falls every year on the 25th of December and celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by millions of Christians all across the globe with people visiting churches, singing carols, and decorating their houses as well as the streets with lights and other decorations. The preparations for the festival begin on the first Sunday of Advent and then are followed by Christmastide. It is observed as a public holiday in many nations across the globe, and many non-Christians also enjoy the festival, making the time of Christmas the ultimate holiday season.
Why Does Hanukkah Date Change Every Year?
Unlike Christmas, which remains fixed on the 25th of December every year, the dates for the celebration of Hanukkah keep on changing. This is mainly because of the moon. The celebration of Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of the lunar month that falls in the midwinter. Hence, the dates of the festival keep on jumping around so much. In order to keep the festivals in the mid-winter season, a leap month was added to the Jewish calendar as well. This made sure Hanukkah falls in its season and does not jump around throughout the year.
Hanukkah And Christmas Fall On The Same Day: Hanukkah Dates For 2024
Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, is known to fall anywhere between the months of November and December. One year, it may begin as early as the 27th of November, while in the other, it may be as late as the 27th of December. The eight-day festival will kick-start on the 25th of December this year and will last up to the 2nd of January 2025. While in the upcoming year 2025, the celebration will begin on the 14th of December and end on the 22nd of December.
Hanukkah And Christmas Fall On The Same Day: The Rare Occurrence
Hanukkah and Christmas, despite being celebrated according to different calendars, will be falling on the same day this year on the 25th of December. The first night of Hanukkah will be on Christmas Eve. This rare occurrence will be taking place after almost two decades. The last time this happened was in the year 2016. The next time Hanukkah and Christmas will fall together might be in the year 2035 which will be another decade. Hence, the event is rare and important.
How Is Hanukkah Celebrated Across The United States of America?
Hanukkah, across the United States of America, is celebrated by the Jewish people by lighting up a candle at home on a window or in a doorway after reciting a blessing. The eight-day celebration is also marked by performing charity in order to honor the belief that the Jews were sent to the world in order to make it a better place for everyone. Some may also play with dreidels, tops that have 4 Hebrew letters, hay nun, shin, and gimmel etched on them. Oily foods like doughnuts, potato pancakes, and cheese are also eaten.
Hanukkah And Christmas Fall On The Same Day: How To Celebrate Both The Festivals Together?
For those who wish to celebrate both the festivals together or those in interfaith marriages, Hanukkah and Christmas can be celebrated together as well. But it would be better to celebrate both festivals in separate ways so that the cultural significance of both festivals can be safeguarded. The festivals can be celebrated by doing Christmas and Hanukkah decorations separately, as well as lighting up both the menorah and Christmas tree. The gifts and charities can also be done separately.
Conclusion
Hanukkah and Christmas will be falling together this year on the 25th of December and it would be lovely to see both the cultures celebrating festivities together at the same time. However, the people who will be celebrating both festivals together must ensure that the festivals are not mixed up together and the cultural significance of both Hanukkah and Christmas is maintained.
