There is always light.
If only we are brave enough to see it.
If only we are brave enough to be it.
— Amanda Gorman
At this time of year – as the days get cooler and nights get longer, as we turn our clocks back and prepare to mark the close of another year – there’s always a certain stillness, an inherent quiet as the warmth of summer and the busyness of the fall harvest fall away to memory. And as the trees remind us of the beauty of vulnerability, renewal and new beginnings, nature seems to be urging us to stillness and reflection.
It is little wonder then that various communities of faith across the world use this time to reflect; and, in its absence, celebrate light and its capacity to dispel darkness.
As part of our mandate to create and maintain authentic, sustainable, and inclusive spaces, A Festival of Lights is hosted by the Office of Equity and is intentional about celebrating the cultural traditions of a diversity of identities represented at WCH.
In this spirit of spreading light, the festival will focus on five faith traditions for the end of the year:
- Diwali – November 12, 2023
- Hannukah – December 07 – 15, 2023
- The Winter Solstice – December 21, 2023
- Christmas – December 25, 2023 – January 06, 2024
- Kwanzaa – December 26, 2023 – January 01, 2024
The festival will showcase these five end-of-year traditions, in a way that offers opportunities to learn from and engage with our colleagues, hopefully bringing us all to the recognition that we are far more alike than we are different.
Winter Solstice: Embracing the Seasonal Transition
The winter solstice, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year, is a celestial event that holds cultural, spiritual, and astronomical significance across diverse cultures. It usually occurs around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and June 21st in the Southern Hemisphere. This astronomical phenomenon has been celebrated for centuries as a time of reflection, renewal, and the anticipation of the gradual return of longer days.
Historical and Cultural Significance: Throughout history, various cultures have marked the winter solstice with rituals and celebrations. The winter solstice is culturally and religiously significant to many groups of people in ancient times that seem to find their way to modern interpretations. Examples include:
- Stonehenge in England and Newgrange in Ireland demonstrate some awe-inspiring planned placement of stones in alignment with specific placement of the sun at that time of year.
- The Roman celebration of Saturnalia was celebrated with feasting, gifts, games and festive gatherings.
- The Norse jól or Juul, referring to the pre-Christian festival observed in Scandinavia at the time of the winter solstice, featured feasting and caroling, as well as ceremonial burning of the yule log over 12 nights to welcome the Sun back to the world.
- In China, the festival Dongzhi, or the “arrival of winter,” is an end-of-harvest festival, marked with a celebration of food and time spent with family.
- In Indigenous cultures, the winter solstice was a time to honour the natural cycles and patterns. First Nations around the Great Lakes perceive the winter solstice time for rest for animals and plant and a time for people to replenish this spirit, reflect and tell stories around the fire.
- In the nighttime sky, we can see the Seven Sisters constellation (the Pleiades), a favourite one of mine. Many cultures have stories around this constellation. In the Cree tradition, this star grouping is thought of as the hole in the sky and the place of origin to which the people would return.
Festivals, feasts, and rituals often accompany this astronomical event, symbolizing hope and the promise of the sun’s return.
Winter Solstice Traditions: Modern celebrations of the winter solstice embrace a variety of traditions. Lighting candles, creating bonfires, and decorating homes with evergreens symbolize the preservation of light and life through the darkest days of winter. Some cultures practice rituals that involve introspection, setting intentions for the coming year, and celebrating the interconnectedness of nature.
The winter solstice invites us to connect with the rhythms of nature and appreciate the cycles of life. Whether through ancient rituals or modern festivities, people worldwide acknowledge this astronomical event as a time to celebrate the interconnectedness of humanity with the cosmos. Embracing the winter solstice provides an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and a shared sense of wonder about the mysteries of the universe.
Resources – Readings & Videos:
Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights
Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah, holds significant cultural and religious importance in Judaism. The festival commemorates the miracle of the oil in the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, is an eight-day festival, memorializing the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C. It is often celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, and the exchange of gifts.
History and Origins: The story of Hanukkah dates back to the time when the Jewish people, led by the Maccabees, fought against the oppressive Seleucid King Antiochus IV. The miracle of Hanukkah occurred when a small quantity of oil, enough for only one day, miraculously lasted for eight days in the rededication of the Second Temple.
Lighting the Menorah: The central ritual of Hanukkah involves the lighting of the menorah, a special candelabrum with nine branches. Each night, one additional candle is lit, representing the eight days the oil miraculously burned. The ninth candle, the shamash, is used to light the others. Families gather around the menorah, recite blessings, and sing traditional songs.
Traditional Foods: Fried foods are a significant part of Hanukkah celebrations, symbolizing the miracle of the oil. Potato latkes (pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are popular dishes during this festival. Families come together to share these delicious treats and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Gifts and Games: The tradition of giving and receiving gifts is also an integral part of Hanukkah. Children often receive small presents, known as gelt, and play a game involving a spinning top called a dreidel. The dreidel has four Hebrew letters, representing the phrase “Nes Gadol Haya Sham” (a great miracle happened there).
Hanukkah serves as a time for reflection, gratitude, and unity among the Jewish community. The festival’s message of hope, perseverance, and the triumph of light over darkness resonates not only within the Jewish tradition but also offers inspiration to people of diverse backgrounds around the world.
Resources – Readings & Videos:
Christmas: A Time of Joy, Tradition, and Celebration
Christmas, celebrated on December 25th, is a festive holiday observed by many people around the world. Rooted in both religious and cultural traditions, Christmas is a time for joy, generosity, and the coming together of families and communities. The holiday has evolved over centuries, encompassing a diverse array of customs and practices that make it a global celebration.
Religious Significance: For Christians, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. The nativity story, involving the Holy Family, shepherds, and the three wise men, is a focal point of Christmas celebrations. Midnight Mass, carol singing, and nativity scenes in homes and churches are common ways Christians mark the occasion.
Cultural Traditions: Beyond its religious roots, Christmas has become a cultural phenomenon celebrated by people of various backgrounds. Decorations such as Christmas trees, adorned with lights and ornaments, are iconic symbols. Gift-giving, inspired by the Magi’s presents to the baby Jesus, has become a cherished tradition, as has the hanging of stockings for Santa Claus to fill with gifts.
Feasting and Festivities: Christmas is synonymous with festive meals featuring traditional dishes that vary across cultures. The Christmas feast often includes roasted meats, festive desserts, and special treats like gingerbread cookies. Families and friends gather to share meals, exchange gifts, and create lasting memories.
Christmas is a time of warmth and togetherness, fostering a sense of goodwill and kindness. It transcends religious and cultural boundaries, bringing people together to celebrate love, generosity, and the spirit of giving. Whether through religious observances, festive decorations, or cherished traditions, Christmas continues to be a widely celebrated holiday across the globe.
Resources – Readings & Videos:
Kwanzaa: Celebrating African Heritage and Unity
Kwanzaa is a vibrant and culturally rich holiday celebrated by African Americans and people of African descent around the world. Established in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a recognized educator and activist, Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that begins on December 26th and concludes on January 1st. Having modeled this holiday on traditional African harvest festivals, the name “Kwanzaa” emerged from the Swahili phrase, “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits.” It is a time for reflection, community building, and honouring African heritage through seven core principles, known as the Nguzo Saba.
The Nguzo Saba: Kwanzaa is centered around seven principles, each representing a core value and guiding theme for the seven days of celebration. These principles are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of these principles, emphasizing their significance in building strong and supportive communities.
Kwanzaa Symbols: Central to Kwanzaa’s observance are the seven symbolic items: the Kinara (candle holder), Mkeka (mat), Mazao (crops), Muhindi (corn), Kikombe cha Umoja (unity cup), Zawadi (gifts), and Mishumaa Saba (seven candles). Three of the seven candles are red, representing the struggle; three of the candles are green, representing the land and hope for the future; and one of the candles is black, representing people of African descent. Some families who celebrate Kwanzaa dress up or decorate their homes in those colors. Families come together to light the candles, discuss the principles, and exchange meaningful gifts that promote unity and purpose.
Celebrations and Activities: Kwanzaa celebrations include lively gatherings featuring traditional African music, dance, and storytelling. Families and communities organize feasts, known as Karamu, where traditional African dishes are shared. Artistic expression and creativity play a crucial role during Kwanzaa, with families engaging in activities that showcase the principle of Kuumba. In order to avoid over-commercialization, gifts handed out to family members on the last day of Kwanzaa are often homemade.
Kwanzaa serves as a time to honor African culture, foster unity, and reinforce the importance of community and collective responsibility. As a celebration deeply rooted in cultural pride and identity, Kwanzaa continues to be a meaningful and inspirational observance for individuals and families worldwide.
Resources – Readings & Videos:
PROMOTING INCLUSIVE HOLIDAYS AT WORK:
Celebrating With Everyone
Why is it important to be inclusive at work during the holiday season?
People come from a diverse range of faith and cultural identities. It’s important to take a look at which traditions are being highlighted, which ones might be missing, and who is being excluded because of the way our workplaces celebrate the holidays. Each person in your organization will celebrate holidays differently, so recognizing and supporting an inclusive environment shows that you and your team care about everyone and ensures that nobody feels left out. In other words, “holiday” is not synonymous with “Christmas.”
Communication and Awareness:
- Raise awareness about the diversity of holidays celebrated by different cultures and religions.
- Encourage open communication to understand and appreciate various traditions.
- Create a collaborative holiday calendar to connect and showcase what is being celebrated.
Use Décor to Encourage Diversity and Inclusion:
- Don’t decorate based on one holiday.
- Use inclusive decorations that represent various cultural symbols and traditions.
- Avoid exclusive symbols that may alienate certain groups.
Respectful Language:
- Use inclusive language in all communications and materials.
- Avoid assumptions about religious or cultural affiliations.
- Encourage participants to share their preferred holiday greetings.
Centre Holidays on Meal-Sharing:
- Offer a variety of food and drink options to accommodate diverse dietary restrictions and preferences.
- Clearly label dishes to indicate allergens and ingredients.
- Consider hosting potluck-style events to allow everyone to contribute.
Sensitivity to Time:
- Be mindful of the timing of events, taking into account different religious or cultural observances.
- Plan events at times that are accessible to a wide range of participants.
- Consider flexible scheduling to accommodate diverse needs.
Welcoming Feedback:
- Create a way to receive feedback from your team about your inclusive holiday efforts and keep improving.
- Actively seek input from diverse community members.
Mental Health during the Holidays
Holidays can bring up many emotions for people, including stress, grief, anxiety and depression. Sometimes, shortening days can impact people who have Seasonal Affective Disorder, or depression, and the holiday season can create pressure to “show up” when they can’t. It can also negatively impact people who are struggling financially who cannot celebrate the way others around them are, among many other factors. Being mindful of this as you enter the holiday season, and how it could show up in your workplace is important to be able to better support your colleagues and teams.
Resources for Further Learning
- Holidays, Workplaces And Inclusion: How To Set The Right Tone For The Year
- 8 Best Practices For Inclusive Holiday Celebrations In The Workplace
- How to make your work party accessible to everyone
- How to celebrate the holidays in a multicultural workplace
- Inclusive Holiday Parties
- How inclusive holiday celebrations in the workplace are bigger than ‘the season’