During the months of November and December, numerous faiths and religious traditions worldwide observe seasonal celebrations. Many are linked to the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. On that day, due to the earth’s tilt on its axis, the daytime hours are at a minimum in the Northern Hemisphere, and night time at a maximum. In the Southern Hemisphere this is reversed.
Symbolically, religious celebrations observe this time in the year as moving from darkness to light, from despair to hope, from death to re-birth.
The Season of Advent is upon us. We, as Christians, await in expectation the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. As Christians, we reflect on the coming of Christ who brings light into the world. In that light we leave behind the darkness of sin, walk in the light that shines on our path, and renew within ourselves the hope of glory to which he beckons us.
Diwali, known as the “Festival of Lights,” is a five-day festival in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The term “Diwali” translates into “row of lamps” and involves the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to symbolize the triumph of good over evil by Lord Vishnu in one of his many manifestations.
In Jainism, Diwali marks the attainment of Nirvana. In Sikhism, Deepavali commemorates the return of Guru Har Gobind Ji to the holy city of Amritsar after his release from detention. Since he was released on the day of Diwali (the Festival of Lights), Sikhs in Amritsar illuminate the city on that day.
Buddhists celebrate Bohi Day in early December. It recalls the day when the Buddha achieved enlightenment. Buddha had left all earthly comforts and affiliations at an early age and sought the meaning of life. On the morning of the eighth day of his self-imposed retreat he realized that humankind suffer due to ignorance which can be overcome through The Eightfold Path that he advocated. This day is generally regarded as the birth of Buddhism.
Jews celebrate an eight day Festival of Lights known as Hanukkah which recalls the war fought by the Maccabees in the cause of religious freedom. Antiochus, the King of Syria, conquered Judea in the second century BCE. He terminated worship in the Temple and stole the sacred lamp, the menorah, from the altar. Judah the Maccabee led a band of rebels and succeeded in retaking Jerusalem. They restored the temple and lit the menorah. Modern-day Jews celebrate Hanukkah by lighting one candle for each of the eight days of the festival.
It is humbling to note that at the core of our divergent faiths, beliefs and practices, is a yearning for humanity to bring light to our world. May it be so….
