From December 18th through the 26th, people all over the world will celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah. While this ancient festival may seem foreign to many people in America, it’s full of fun and meaningful traditions that are worth learning about and embracing.
Cardinal Cleaning, we appreciate diversity in our state of Georgia and hope to heighten cultural awareness through our professional cleaning service’s platform. Here’s what you need to know about Hanukkah and its eight nights of festivities!
The History of Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah lasts for eight nights and starts on the 25th day of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar. During the eight nights of Hanukkah, a special menorah is lit. Each night, one more candle is added until all eight are burning. Hanukkah is also a time for gift giving and feasting. Families gather to eat fried foods, play games, and exchange gifts. There are many different types of foods eaten during this festival, but latkes (fried potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) are the most popular.
The Hanukkah Traditions
Hanukkah has similar traditions to Diwali, and is known as the Jewish festival of lighting lights, during the darkest time of the year. It celebrates rededication, rekindled spirits, hope and determination. Together, the community recollects on stories of the past and commemorates a historical event, as well as the diligence of their loved ones. They cherish these virtues and quality time with family and friends.
The Decorations
- Hang a star of David or dreidel somewhere visible in your home.
- Put up a menorah in each window.
- Cover your table with a white tablecloth and place a menorah in the center.
- Set out plates, napkins, and utensils for each person who will be celebrating with you.
- Fill a bowl with latkes or jelly donuts.
- Place candles around the room to add ambiance and light up the night.
- Hang strings of blue and white lights around your doorways and windows.
Dreidels and the Star of Davis are classic symbols. The colors blue and white are also used, like the red and green of Christmas. Blue is the chosen color as it is mentioned several times in Jewish religious texts.
The Recipes
One of our favorite recipes is to make the aforementioned Latkes, or potato pancakes. They are absolutely delicious and are a must try – whether you purchase them or make them. Here is a recipe you can try to taste and also share with your loved ones.
You will need potatoes, of course. Other key ingredients include flour, eggs, baking powder, pepper, and oil. You can also season as per your liking. This is the perfect savory snack to balance out your holiday sweet tooth!
The Festivities
Activities include lighting the menorah, praying, and cherishing their ancestors. There are dreidel games and contests, as well as several songs to sing along to. There are also lots of delicious snacks, as aforementioned. In addition, there are desserts and chocolates known as gelt, unique disc shaped, coin-like chocolates. There is also gift giving. Most importantly, there is lots of family time.
Instead of being celebrated in the Synagogue, Hanukkah is mainly celebrated at home. This reduces formalities and encourages people to slow down, show gratitude, and cherish time with their loved ones! No matter how you spend Hanukkah or your holiday of choice, Cardinal Cleaning is here to take chores off of your plate, so you can enjoy such activities!
Contact Us!
Need your home cleaned for Hanukkah or any other celebration? You know who to call!
Get your home ready for the celebration of Hanukkah and other holidays! Cardinal Cleaning will take care of what we do best – the cleaning! You can reach us at 404-920-8551 or email us at hello@cardinalcleaning.com for a free quote.
Cardinal Cleaning values consistent, quality service and trustworthy business practices. Our cleaners will use proper procedures and techniques to ensure you and your loved ones can enjoy cleanliness in your home. If you are in need of a cleaning service that provides consistent quality and service, we are your go-to local cleaning service serving Conyers, Georgia, as well as nearby areas including Covington, Loganville, Oxford, and Mcdonough. We would love to do the cleaning for you and yours this holiday season! Like we say, cleaning is for the birds!
