America has been called `the melting pot` of the world, a nation made of people from many other countries. The flavours of America really show as different ethnic groups celebrate their holidays. Here's a patchwork of the season's celebrations in USA.
Kwanzaa - is a non-religious celebration during which African-Americans honour their African heritage. It begins on December 26th and lasts for seven days. On each day, one candle is lit to symbolize seven traits: unity, self - determination, coolective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Groups of people gather in family reunions to share gifts, tell stories and read poetry.
Las Posades is a traditional festival in many Spanish - speaking areas of USA. It is a nine-night re-enactment of Mary and Joseph's journey in search of a place to stay. It's acted out in Spanish. People carry candles sing carols and play instruments. This travelling show also carries a Nativity scene and a manger. They visit two homes each night and ask if housing is available for Mary and Joseph. One of the homes houses the Nativity and manager scene until the next night.
The Swedish communities living in the northern states of USA, celebrate the Sancta Lucia Festival of Lights, which begins on December 13th. A girl dresses as Lucia, the Sicilian martyr with candles in her hair. Since Lucia brought food to the poor, the girl brings sweet rolls to family members. People decorate their Christmas trees with candles.
Hanukkah is the traditional Jewish holiday that lasts for eight days. A candle is lit every day on the menorah, a candleholder for nine candles. One candle, called the servant candle, is used to light the other eight. The candles symbolize a lamp that burned in a temple in Jerusalem. According to Jewish history, this lamp was never allowed to go out. One day it did, and the Jews were driven out of the temple, they lit the lamp. There was only enough oil in the lamp to keep it lit for one day, but miraculously, it burnt for eight days - thus the eight candles on the menorah.
January 1st is not the New Year for the Chinese and Vietnamese. For them New Year begins after the sun enters Aquarius. In Chinatowns across the nation, festivities include colourful parades, traditional feasts, costume parties and fireworks.
The Ukrainian communities all along the East Coast of USA celebrate Christmas as soon as the first star appears in the sky on Christmas Eve - that means it is time to have the Holy Supper. The table is decorated with hay in honour of Christ's birth in the manger. At the supper, twelve meatless courses are served to mark the twelve months of the year.
