Winter for many is associated with merry holidays. And if for Orthodox Christians this is the New Year's Eve , Christmas and Baptism , then for the Jews it is also Hanukkah's festival. Some believe that this is the New Year according to the Jewish calendar. This is an absolute misconception, although some external attributes are similar, but this is a completely different holiday. What does Hanukkah mean?
Jewish holiday Hanukkah
Let's start, of course, with the history of the Hanukkah holiday. The festival of candles - chanukah - is dedicated to the miracle that happened at the consecration of the Second Jewish Temple (about 164 BC) after the victory over the troops of King Antiochus. The oil, which was intended to kindle the menorah (temple lamp), was desecrated by invaders. I found only a small jar of pure oil, but it would last only for a day. And it took eight days to make a new oil. But, nevertheless, it was decided to light the lamp and - oh, a miracle! - He burned all eight days, and the Temple resumed service. Then the sages decided that from now on, and from the 25th of the month of Kislev for eight days, the lamps will light up in the temples, the prayer of thanks (Galel) should be read, and for the people these days will be days of fun. The holiday was called "Hanukkah", which means sanctification or solemn opening. There is a natural question, but when does the Hanukkah festival begin in the real chronology? This holiday has no fixed date. For example, in 2015 Hanukkah will begin on December 6 and will last, respectively, to 14. In 2016, Hanukkah falls on December 25 (from 17 to 25), and in 2017 a bright Hanukkah festival will be celebrated from December 5 to 13.
Traditions of the Hanukkah Holiday
Celebrations begin with sunset. First of all, the houses are lit Chanukiah or Hanukkah Menorah - a special lamp, consisting of eight cups, which pour olive oil (or any other, which when heated gives a steady glow without soot). You can use candles. The ritual of inciting chanukiah is very strictly observed. It is installed in a conspicuous place (not less than 24 cm and not more than 80 cm from the floor) in a house where they live permanently and in a room where they eat. For lighting, a separate wax candle is used - shamash. Begin to light the lamp after sunset (some sources indicate that after the rise of the first star), while saying the blessings. If it was not at this time that the chanukiah could not be lit, then it can be kindled until all family members sleep, also pronouncing blessings. If the family is already asleep, the chanukiah is kindled, not blessed. It should burn at least half an hour after the appearance of the stars. On the first day, one candle is lit (usually on the right), next day two candles are lit (at first a new candle to the left of yesterday's, and then yesterday's) and so every day, adding one candle, starting from the left to the right until On the eighth day, all eight candles will not burn. Only a man burns Hanukkah and only shamash. It is impossible to kindle one Hanukkah fire from another, to light from a Hanukkah fire shamash!
During Hanukkah - a fun and joyful holiday - abundant feasts with traditional treats are held. They are accompanied by hymns that celebrate this holiday. In the days of Hanukkah you can work, but not when the lamp is on. Another tradition of Hanukkah is to give children (regardless of age) money and gifts. Money they can spend anything, but necessarily some part should be given to charity.