Celebrate December Your Way
Winter Celebrations at the Government House
In the month of December REM is sharing traditions and celebrations of the season. We are starting off with Christmas traditions. One European tradition that has been brought to Regina is Christmas Markets. Beginning in November there are many different craft markets for visitors to prepare for the holiday season. One that stands out is the Christkindl Market held by the German Club. Saskatchewan has had German immigrants holding traditions alive since 1884, and they continue to bring European celebrations to Regina. They hold the tradition alive with handmade goods, mulled wine, hot food, and children crafting.
German Clubs Christmas Market Setup.
Part of the season is giving and charity. Here is a list of places to support this winter to contribute to the wellbeing of the Regina community. Clothing to Carmichael Outreach, food and cash donations to Regina Food Bank, Timeraiser YQR helps volunteers find spots in local nonprofits, Angels 4 Warmth accepts yarn to be made into blankets and winter gear, Regina Transition House needs clothing, winter clothing and personal bathroom supplies, clothes and money to All Nations Hope Network, or volunteer at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission.
Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration which is marked by lighting candles on the menorah for eight consecutive days. The celebration commemorates the dedication of Second Temple in Jerusalem in 165 BCE after, according to legend, Jews had risen up against the Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt and a small amount of oil that was to only last one day in the temple, burned for eight days. The festival of lights represents religious freedoms against oppressors, and is a time for togetherness and hospitality. Regina has celebrated this by having a public lighting of the menorah during the week of Hanukkah, previously lit in front of the Parliament building, and more recently at Conexus Arts Center.
Kwanza is a weeklong celebration of African culture and heritage, taking place from December 26th to January 1st. It was founded in 1966, by African American activist Maulanga Karenga to promote family, community and reaffirm culture. It’s a time that is celebrated through families gathering to give gifts, share feasts and light candles in honor of their ancestors and their hopes for the future. There are seven principles of Kwanza, each principle is recognized on one day of the week-long celebration. The principles of umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity), and imani (faith). Regina celebrations are often hosted by the Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum! Here is a photo from their 2019 celebration.
Kwanza celebrations featuring dancing, drumming and singing performances from 8 different countries, Heidi Atter CBC.
Winter Solstice is an astrological event celebrated by various groups. Also called Yule, it is one of the oldest celebrations in the world. The Yule festival originated from Germanic people to celebrate hunting and the god Odin. Contemporary pagans recognize Yule as a time for rest. It is common to do smoke cleanses with myrrh, and promote harmony in the household by cooking with the spices of cinnamon, clove and ginger. It is also a time for leaving offerings for any spirits that might be in one's home.
Omisoka is the Japanese New Year’s Eve. Traditionally, this practice is used so people are able to spend the last hours of the year relaxing, while also starting the new year fresh. Important activities were done in order to start the new year fresh, like house cleaning, repaying debts, purification (driving out spirits and bad luck), and bathing. Part of the tradition is the buddhist ritual where the temple bell is rang 108 times to represent the cleansing of the 108 worldly passions. People will also hang pine to attract deities for the new year.
Omisoka Decoration.