Our World. Our Traditions.
HomeSense is pleased to present: Our World. Our Traditions., a program that explores some of the many diverse festivals that are observed in our homes this holiday season. In the spirit of sharing, we celebrate with our customers and offer best wishes. Holidays in this program include: Muslim festival of Eid, the Hindu and Sikh festival of Diwali, the Jewish festival of Chanukah, Christmas and its various diverse traditions, Lunar New Year, and Persian New Year: Norooz.
Click on any of the links below to learn more about the holiday, how families celebrate at home and to get festive recipe ideas. Please also share your own holiday traditions with us by clicking here. We would love to hear from you!
EID (on or near September 20, 2009 – based on the lunar cycle)
Eid, which means re-occurring happiness, is a joyous celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, the holiest month on the Islamic calendar. Islam’s Holy Scripture, the Quran, was revealed during this month and many Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset in order to purify their hearts and minds, and practice self-sacrifice.
Click here for great recipe ideas and information on EID.
DIWALI (October 17, 2009)
Diwali, the festival of lights marks the Hindu New Year and is also celebrated as Bandi-Chhorh Divas (the day of freedom). Many South Asian religions and cultures observe this holiday including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists as well. Several legends are associated with Diwali, but one main custom defines the festivities – lighting rows of earthen oil lamps and candles at home. These lights are often offered in worship and are said to represent the victory of good over evil.
Click here for great recipe ideas and information on Diwali.
CHANUKAH (December 12-19, 2009)
Chanukah which means dedication is a holiday celebrated by Jews around the world. It is a wonderful holiday of renewed dedication, faith, hope and spiritual light. Chanukah celebrates the miracle of oil that took place in the Temple of Jerusalem in 165 B.C.E. Because oil, enough to burn for only one day, miraculously burned for eight days, Chanukah is celebrated as an eight-day festival and its focus lies in lighting the special Chanukah menorah.
Click here for more information on the Jewish festival of Chanukah.
CHRISTMAS (December 25, 2009/January 7, 2010)
Christmas commemorates the biblical account of baby Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. This holiday marks an historic moment when God came to earth to guide humanity and redeem sinful men and women. Christmas is most widely celebrated on December 25; however some communities celebrate it on January 6 or 7. While there are many unique Christmas customs, certain common themes such as prayer, charitable giving, love and family – unite Christians around the world during this time of year.
Click here for more information on Christmas and its various diverse traditions.
LUNAR NEW YEAR (February 14, 2010)
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival is observed by many Asian communities including those originating from China, Vietnam, Mongolia, Nepal and Korea. The festivities are full of rich, symbolic traditions at home that signify best wishes for happiness, longevity, prosperity and good luck. This holiday represents a re-birth, celebrating new growth and strong relationships. It’s a time to focus on togetherness and to usher in the New Year sweetly, with good fortune.
Click here for more information on the Asian festival known as Lunar New Year.
PERSIAN NEW YEAR (March 20, 2010)
Persian New Year, also called Norooz (meaning “new day”), falls on March 20th, 2010. This holiday ushers out the cold winter and welcomes in a lively and hopeful spring. Norooz is one of the most important holidays of the year for many families of Persian heritage across various religious backgrounds. The holiday brings family and friends together with poetic traditions symbolizing renewal, awakening, cleanliness, newness, and the re-birth of nature.
Click here for more information on the Persian celebration of Norooz.
