Celebrate Festival of Lights- Hanukkah

An eight-day Jewish holiday, Hanukkah is better recognized as Festival of Lights which is celebrated in order to commemorate the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem when the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE was taking place. For eight nights, Hanukkah is observed which initiates on the 25th day of Kislev as per the Hebrew calendar. It is by the kindling of lights of a special candelabrum that the festival is observed, with one light added each night of the holiday that finally progresses to eight on the concluding or final night. Speaking of the re-dedication, it is believed that it was followed by the victory of the Maccabees over Seleucid Empire and at this time there was only enough consecrated olive oil in order to fuel the eternal flame in the temple for a day. It is after recovering Jerusalem that Judah Maccabee and his brothers in order to celebrate the moment ordered that the temple be cleansed wherein a new altar was built and new holy vessels were made to be used. There are many rituals that have been carried on for years and some of the traditions are universally practiced like lighting the Hanukkiyah, eating fried foods and spinning the dreidel.

Lighting the Hanukkiyah- As per the customs it is necessary to commemorate the miracle of the Hanukkah oil which is done by lighting candles. For each night, that is eight days, it is lit.

Spinning the dreidel- It is a very popular game which is four sided top with Hebrew letters that are written on either sides. Also, chocolate coins covered in tin foils are a part of the game.

Fried foods- Since the occasion celebrates the miracle of oil, so it is a traditional practice to consume fried foods like latkes or sufganiyot whilst the holiday is on. Former are pancakes made of potatoes and onions. They are fried in oil and served with applesauce. The latter are donuts filled with jelly which too are fried and at times dusted with powdered sugar.

This season, celebrate and wish your loved with special cards, which could be created via some programs that are easily available in the market and personalize them with ready-made Hanukkah templates and embellishing features.