Hannukah/ Chanukh

The incredible festival of light celebrated by Jews is Hannukah/ Chanukh. This is very popular in Jerusalem and also in other parts of the world. The time of family gatherings and feasts of Hebrews makes the rededication of their holy shrines and temples.

Gather more information on this amazing festival which is known as Hannukah/ Chanukh and is very famous worldwide. Explore the special celebration ways and history behind this unique festival.

Introduction to Hannukah

The Hebrew word Hannukah/ Chanukh means rededication. The festival starts on the 25th day of the Kislev month in the Jewish calendar. As per the Gregorian calendar this is observed in November or December month. Chanukh is popularly known as Festival of Lights. It is to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, purity over impurity and spiritualism over materialistic world. It is eight days celebrations by Jews to commemorate rededication of the holy shrine in Jerusalem.

The festival is celebrated by lighting up candles on special candelabrum. This is known as Menorah or Hanukiah and has nine branches. From the day one of Hannukah one extra candle is lit which is known as Shamash. The extra light is like guard to the main candle lit on that day.

This is symbolically very sacred to lit up candles on all the eight night of Hannukah celebrations.

Hanukkah history and origin

Chanukh or Hannukah dates back over 2300 years ago when in Israel many Hebrews/ Jewish people lived. There was a wicked King named Antiochus who forbidden all the Jews to pray to their gods and worship only Greek gods. All the temples and shrines were destroyed by him but, people protested against this.

One of the Jews namely, Judah Maccabee with his four brothers formed an army. After three years of battle with the Syrians, Meccabees finally won and rebuilt all the temples in Jerusalem.

The Jews started cleaning and rededicating the temples. In this process they found some small amount of oil but, it could not suffice to light lamps for one evening. Miracle happened when Jews found that this oil could light the lamps for eight nights.

This way the ritual of Menorah (lighting of nine candles for eight nights) came into pictures. People started believing that the ninth candle is servant to other eight and is lit to safe guard the candles for eight nights.

Hannukah celebrations

Olive oil is given preferences in preparing any of the Hannukah food items. Fried and baked cuisines are the traditional feast items prepared by Jews. Potato pancakes and doughnuts filled with jam of different flavors are some of the very famous Hannukah dishes.

People play many different fun filled games also on these days. ‘Dreidel’ or ‘Sevivon’ is very famous game played during Chanukh. This is a four sided spinning top with Hebrew letters written on it. This spin is liked by children and is also, gifted to kids by adults during the festival time.

During Hannukah several songs are played and people have fun singing along with these famous numbers. The most famous Hannukah song is ‘Dreidel Dreidel’ and ‘Chanukah, Oh Chanukah’. Jewish people are very fun loving and believe in enjoying all the eight days with their families and loved ones.

Wishing you all very happy Hannukah/ Chanukh! Hope you enjoyed discovering the various customs and details of origin behind this lovely festival of lights.