Difference between Christmas and Hanukkah
Since Christmas and Hanukkah come so close together, it is only natural that comparisons would be made between the two holidays. Many in the Jewish community actually hold Hanukkah up to the level of Christmas, while others tend to downplay it so as not to confuse it with the Christian holiday. Let's see what the two holidays have in common and how they differ.
Definition
Christmas is a Christian holiday that is celebrated by many other faiths as well. The holiday falls on December 25, which is the universally accepted date of birth of Jesus Christ, who is Christianity’s central figure. Although there is no clear indication that this is in fact the exact date of birth of Jesus, it corresponds with the winter solstice in the Roman calendar, which according to Christian teaching is the date on which Jesus was conceived.
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that is also known as the Festival of Lights. The holiday actually lasts for eight days, and it is held to commemorate the re-dedication of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt in 168-165 B.C. the start of the Hanukkah celebration is on the 25th day of Kislev, which varies from the latter part of November to the latter part of December according to the Gregorian calendar.
How It Is Celebrated
Although Christmas is a Christian holiday, it is also celebrated by many people of different faiths from around the world. This isn't really that surprising, since many of the customs associated with Christmas are secular on origin, and many have been practiced before Christianity was established. In any case, Christmas is typically celebrated with the exchange of gifts and greeting cards, as well as a church celebration. There is also a special meal held on either the day itself, the night before or both. In addition, people typically put up a Christmas tree along with lights and various other decorations associated with Christmas. Christmas is also associated with Santa Claus, who is a mythical figure whose origins can be traced to St. Nicholas.
Hanukkah is celebrated with the lighting of the Menorah, which is a candelabrum with nine branches. This is reflective of the holiday’s association as the Festival of Lights. One candle is lighted on each day of the holiday, and by the eight day, all 8 candles will have been lit.
Overlap
Hanukkah has achieved increased prominence over the past several years, particularly in North America, where many Jewish families have sough to establish a holiday that serves as an alternative to Christmas. While the holiday was traditionally marked by the giving of coins to children, this was later changed to gift-giving customs that more closely resembled the Christmas tradition of giving gifts.
Similarities and Differences
Christmas
- A Christian holiday celebrated by many other faiths as well
- Falls on December 25; the universally accepted date of birth of Jesus Christ
Hanukkah
- A Jewish holiday also known as the Festival of Lights
- Held to commemorate the re-dedication of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt in 168-165 B.C.
