Season’s Greetings, everyone!
Although Christmas may be the most talked about end-of-year holiday in North America, it’s important to remember that other cultures among us observe different celebrations around the same time.
Here are some classic TV episodes about Hanukah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan and Chinese New Year. Whether you celebrate those holidays or just want to learn about another culture’s traditions, they’re definitely worth checking out. Happy Holidays, y’all!
1. “A Rugrats Chanukah” tells the story of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights that lasts for eight days. The holiday commemorates a rededication to their God and the Miracle of the Oil that took place during the Maccabean Revolt over 2,000 years ago.
This year, Hanukkah will be celebrated from December 12-December 20.
2. In the “Diwali” episode of The Office, the cast celebrates the Hindu Festival of Lights. Spiritually, the holiday celebrates good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair.
This year, Diwali was celebrated on October 19.
3. In The Proud Family’s “Seven Days of Kwanzaa,” they meet a homeless family and explore the importance of love and not being too attached to material wealth. Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration based on African principles.
This year, Kwanzaa is observed from December 26 to January 1.
4. In Arthur’s “Is That Kosher?” episode, the characters discuss fasting during Judaism’s Yom Kippur and Islam’s Ramadan. Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement and Ramadan commemorates the first revelation of the Muslim holy book.
This past year, Yom Kippur was celebrated September 29-30 and Ramadan from May 26-June 4.
5. In Fresh Off the Boat’s “The Year Of The Rat,” the Huangs ring in Chinese New Year away from their extended family. The Spring Festival (also known as the Lunar New Year) is a time for family and friends, colorful displays, feasts and fireworks!
6. We also got to learn more about Chinese New Year in a recent episode of “Andi Mack,” when Andi invited Jonah to join her family’s celebration.
The upcoming Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 16, 2018.
Did we leave out any holidays? What do you celebrate? Let us know by tweeting @YSBnow!