By Yvonne Girard, Staff Writer
On December 9 in Rivers, join the Western New England University Community to celebrate The Festival of Lights! Our event on campus will feature all holidays, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Diwali! The event will be hosted by Spiritual Life.
Hanukkah this year is from November 28 until December 6. This holiday is celebrated with a menorah, a decorative piece with eight candles. Each night, a new candle is lit. This symbolizes when the Jews sought light for their menorah in the Temple and only had enough oil for one day. By a miracle, the oil lasted for seven days.
Christmas, celebrated by Christians, is a symbolism to the birth of baby Jesus. On December 25, Jesus was born to the Virgin Mother Mary. Celebrations tend to include exchanging gifts on Christmas day, especially gifts from Santa Clause for children. Christmas trees will be lit up, and houses decorated with lights.
The term “Festival of Lights” is also known as Diwali and is celebrated each year between October and November. This year, the dates fell from November 2 to November 6. People celebrate by decorating with small oil lamps, or any form of lights really. It is a time for joy and feasting.
Each religion that celebrates does so for various reasons. Hindus celebrate the return of deities Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after they were exiled for 14 years. Sikhs celebrate the sixth guru Hargobind Singh being released from prison in 1619.
The Festival of Lights event here at Western New England University will be an exciting event for everyone of ALL religions. Don’t miss out on an evening of fun and joy with friends and peers!
