4. ⢠According to folk tradition, December 13th follows the longest
night of the year in Sweden. During the winter there are only a few
hours of sunlight each day. St. Lucia is honoured this day with her
wreath of candles.
⢠The oldest girl in the family is declared St. Lucia on December
13th. On this day she dresses up wearing a white robe with a red
sash and a wreath with candles on her head.
⢠The "St. Lucia" of the family serves everyone a special bun called
Lussekatter.
7. ⢠"Loy" means "to float" and a "Krathong" is a lotus-shaped vessel made
of banana leaves.
⢠The Krathong usually contains a candle, three joss-sticks,
some flowers and coins.
8. ⢠It is believed that the Krathongs carry away bad luck. The
wishes that people make for the new year will start.
⢠It is the time to be joyful and happy as the sufferings are
floated away.
11. ⢠Every year Berlin is turned in to a large light festival for 2 whole weeks.
⢠Artists from around the world light up over 70 famous landmarks
throughout the city.
⢠The festival is usually around October.
12. One of the worldâs largest illumination festivals introduces itself.
The festival transforms Berlin every October in an artistically
enchanting world full of light art and creative productions.
13.
14.
15. Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish celebration that begins on the
25th of the month of Kislev in the Jewish calendar. This festival
celebrates the triumph of freedom for Jewish people and the
miracle of the lights of the holy temple.
16. In Hebrew, the word "hanukkah" means "dedication.
" The name reminds us that this holiday commemorates the re-dedication
of the holy Temple in Jerusalem following the
Jewish victory over the Syrian-Greeks in 165 B.C.E.
18. Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held in the United States and
also celebrated in the Western African Diaspora in other nations
of the Americas. The celebration honours African heritage in
African-American culture, and is observed from December 26 to
January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving.
21. Diwali, also known as Deepavali or Deepawali is one of the
most important, hugely waited and immensely cherished festival
celebrated across India and in parts of Nepal.
The name was Deepawali, which has its origin from Sanskrit,
meaning "Rows of Deep".