Intercultural Center Monthly Events

Holiday Celebrations  

As we move through the season, the Intercultural Center would like to take some time to recognize some meaningful cultural and religious observances during these coming weeks that center on: 

 light, reflection, community, and renewal  

Hanukkah 

Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration beginning on the 25th day of Kislev, the Hebrew calendar, typically from late November to late December starting on December 14th this year . It commemorates the Maccabees’ victory against the Greek Syrian empire as they were able to reclaim their holy Temple and practice their faith freely. In the Temple, they found a single day’s oil which miraculously burned for eight days. Thus, to celebrate this miracle, a menorah is lit nightly, there are special prayers, and gift giving. 

Traditions: Eating foods fried in oil, like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), is a central way to remember the miracle of the oil. 

 

Winter Solstice 

   

Observed on the longest night of the year, Winter Solstice falls between December 20-23, and on December 21st this year, is celebrated by many cultures around the world marking the rebirth of the sun and the return of light after the year's darkest days. Historically, the winter period is a time for reflection, strengthening community bonds, or simply gathering for a cup of hot coco. 

  

Las Posadas 

Las Posadas is a nine-day Latin American tradition starting from December 16th and ending on Christmas Eve, reenacts the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Processions, songs, and community gatherings emphasize hospitality, faith, and togetherness. 

Traditions: Each evening often includes moments of prayer, readings, or blessings before the celebration begins. This connects participants to the spiritual meaning of the holiday. 

 

Christmas 

A Christian holiday on December 25 th  that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ symbolizing hope and peace. It is also celebrated by many as a cultural holiday with gatherings around a Christmas Tree, gift exchanges and other unique traditions that each community practices during this holiday. 

Traditions: Families and communities decorate an evergreen tree with lights and ornaments. Merging ancient pagan traditions of evergreens for winter solstice with Christian meaning through lights and ornaments representing Christ as the light and eternal life. 

 

Kwanzaa 

Kwanzaa is a secular, week-long celebration of African American culture, community, and heritage, observed from December 26 th to January 1st . Created in 1966 by activist and professor Maulana Ron Karenga following the Watts Riots, the name comes from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning "first fruits," and is based on traditional African harvest festivals. 

Traditions: Each evening, families gather to light one of the seven candles in the kinara (candle holder) and discuss the corresponding principle of the day. The black candle (for unity) is lit first, in the center, and then alternating red (left) and green (right) candles are lit over the remaining six days. 

 

We recognize that winter brings with it many diverse traditions and holidays that members of our campus community may observe. We would love to hear about your wintertime traditions! 

 

Please use the link below to share about your holidays/traditions 

 

Wishing you all a Happy Winter Break!