Global Holiday Flavor

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The winter months are full of important holidays for different cultures. Christmas is one of the largest traditions for December, but there are many other customs that are being celebrated around the same time. These are just three of nearly 30 different traditions that bring cultures together and show the variety of ways the holiday season can be celebrated. And when we look at different cultures and traditions, we see we are much more similar than we are different.

Food can be a bridge to connecting cultures. Plus, it’s always fun to try new foods. Get a taste of other traditions by trying out a new recipe this winter.

1. Hanukkah:

Hanukkah, often called the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by the Jewish culture. Candles are placed on a menorah and lit for eight straight days to commemorate an ancient miracle for the Maccabees, in which one day’s worth of oil burned for eight days. During this tradition the Jewish people celebrate by singing songs, eating potato pancakes called latkes, spinning a dreidel, and praising. The tradition is not about receiving gifts, but to honor their Maccabee ancestors during a tumultuous time in Jewish history.

Find recipes here to savor this season.

2. Kwanzaa:

A holiday tradition formed around African cultures and celebrated in December is called Kwanzaa. Candles placed on a Kinara is lit by a child for seven nights, with each night representing a different principle. These seven principles represent different African values which together reinforce the sense of community among African Americans. A large feast is celebrated on December 31^st and celebrations often include singing and dancing, poetry readings, and African drums.

Explore this diversely flavored menu.

3. Las Posadas:

A holiday celebrated by people mainly in Mexico and Guatemala is Las Posadas. Las Posadas is a holiday tradition that commemorates the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem by Mary and Joseph, parents of Jesus. The tradition begins on December 16^th and lasts until December 24^th, with each day celebrating the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy. Singing songs and searching for lodgings, as Mary and Joseph did, is part of the tradition and prayer is important too.

Spice up your winter menu with these Mexican holiday recipes.