Bonfire night - November 5
Known variously as Bonfire night, Guy Fawkes' Day or Firework night, November 5 is not a religious festival but its roots are in religious and political history. It commemorates the foiling of the 'Gunpowder Plot', an attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. James I passed an Act of Parliament (remaining in force until 1859) appointing November 5 as an annual day of thanksgiving and the people celebrated with fires and street festivities. It is still the custom in Britain (not Northern Ireland) to let off fireworks and have bonfires on which guys - effigies of Guy Fawkes - are burnt. Children still sometimes exhibit their guys on the streets and collect money for fireworks, saying, 'Penny for the guy'.
Divali - November 14
Divali is a festival celebrated all over India and throughout the world by Hindu and Sikh people. The name comes from the Sanskrit word 'Deepavali' meaning a row of lights, and signifies people warding off darkness and welcoming the light. It also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. It is an important family festival, lasting five days, with each day having its own significance, rituals and myths, the most well known being the Rama and Sita story.
People send greetings cards, dress in new clothes and visit family members to exchange gifts and sweets. Houses are decorated with Rangoli patterns (as a sign of welcome), lights and Diva lamps - small clay pots traditionally filled with oil and a wick - and firecrackers and fireworks are let off.
Hanukkah - December 10
Hanukkah is a festival of light to celebrate the victory of the Jewish Maccabees over the Syrians and the subsequent reclamation and rededication of the Jerusalem temple. The Menorah (a candelabra symbolising God's presence) was rekindled and although it held only enough oil to burn for one day, the Menorah burned miraculously for eight. The Menorah, the most recognisable symbol of Hanukkah, is usually a nine-branch candleholder, eight candles of which are lit by a 'shammus' or 'servant' candle, which takes its place at the centre.
The Menorah is placed in a window or anywhere it can be seen by passers-by. On the first night, a single candle is lit on the far right side of the Menorah, and a candle is added from right to left, each night, and the newest candle is always lit first. People celebrate by sending greetings cards, usually showing the Menorah, and eating fried food, because of the significance of oil to the holiday.
Christmas - December 25
Lights and candles have been used in Christmas celebrations since Victorian times, when many of the traditions began. Fairy lights decorate Christmas trees and streets and buildings are lit up. Candles feature on many greetings cards and are significant as a symbol of light and the arrival of Jesus, seen by Christians as the 'light of the world'.
See Resources, pages 18-19.
