Sometimes fate is kind. I had already typed the following before the whole back thing came up and as luck would have it, Marvelous Mo of Manic Monday has decreed that lights would be the December 8 word and December 15 would be candle. I also have something ready to go for candle as well.
Hanukkah is known as "The Feast of Lights". It is a minor joyful holiday that has taken on more importance because of its traditions of lights, gift giving and nearness to Christmas.
On the 25th of Kislev (evening of December 21 this year) begin the days of Hanukkah, which are eight... these were appointed a Festival with prayers of praise and thanksgiving. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem in 165 BCE after the Temple had been profaned by the Hellenistic Emperor Antiochus IV. At the time of the rededication, there was just one day's worth of pure oil left that was needed to keep the Temple menorah burning. But tradition says a great miracle happened: It lasted for eight days.
Maybe this year it takes on a little more importance because of its message of brotherhood and peace.
Light One Candle
Peter, Paul and Mary
(Click Title for Video)
Light one candle for the Maccabee children
With thanks their light didn't die;
Light one candle for the pain they endured
When their right to exist was denied;
Light one candle for the terrible sacrifice
Justice and freedom demand;
And light one candle for the wisdom to know
That the peacemaker's time is at hand!
Chorus:
Don't let the light go out,
It's lasted for so many years!
Don't let the light go out!
Let it shine through our love and our tears!
Light one candle for the strength that we need
To never become our own foe;
Light one candle for those who are suff'ring
A pain they learned so long ago;
Light one candle for all we believe in,
That anger not tear us apart;
And light one candle to bind us together
With peace as the song in our heart!
(chorus)
What is the memory that's valued so highly
That we keep it alive in that flame?
What's the commitment to those who have died?
We cry out "they've not died in vain,"
We have come this far, always believing
That justice will somehow prevail;
This is the burden, This is the promise,
This is why we will not fail!
(chorus)
Don't let the light go out!
Don't let the light go out!
DON'T LET THE LIGHT GO OUT!!
13 comments:
I love traditions such as this. I don't care what culture it is, as long as peace can reign, and bigotry is forgotten, traditions are the food of that society, and give the confidence to mingle with others.
Wow! I didn't know this.
I didn't even know Peter, Paul, and Mary did a song about it.
Thanks for the bit of knowledge. :)
Another great post, oh wise one... :o)
Very interesting. Since I don't celebrate Hanukkah I didn't know this. Thanks for sharing.
Happy Manic Monday ~ My Light
Beautiful post.
My son never says Merry Christmas without adding all the rest. All from Elmo and Blue's Clues.
I love this post! What great info! Thank you so much for sharing!
Beautiful. I love the picture....
My best friend growing up was Jewish and I loved celebrating Hanukkah with her.
And, yes, it was a miracle of light!
Thanks for the insight into Hanukkah!
A few years ago, my son brought home a book on Hanukkah from his school library. Although we knew the story behind it, I could hardly get through the book through the tear. I was such a great book...especially for children to understand the tradition. It was "One Candle" by Eve Bunting.
Fun picture.
Peace to you and yours this season.
Excellent, informative post as always! I had heard of the beginnings of Hanukkah and the miracle of the oil lasting for 8 days rather than just one but I think that most people mistakenly think it all has something to do with Christmas when that's not the cast at all.
It's always good to shed a little light onto beginnings and true meanings!
There are so many interesting traditions to learn about during the holidays.
And I really like your village banner!
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