There are a few variations of the story that leads to Bodhi day, but all agree that as the morning star rose in the sky in the early morning, the third watch of the night, Siddhartha finally found the answers he sought and became Enlightened, and experienced Nirvana. Having done so, Siddhartha now became a Buddha or "Awakened One".

The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in November or December. Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts.

The Hanukkah celebration revolves around the kindling of a nine-branched menorah, known in Hebrew as the hanukiah. On each of the holiday’s eight nights, another candle is added to the menorah after sundown; the ninth candle, called the shamash (“helper”), is used to light the others. Jews typically recite blessings during this ritual and display the menorah prominently in a window as a reminder to others of the miracle that inspired the holiday.

In another allusion to the Hanukkah miracle, traditional Hanukkah foods are fried in oil. Potato pancakes (known as latkes) and jam-filled donuts (sufganiyot) are particularly popular in many Jewish households. Other Hanukkah customs include playing with four-sided spinning tops called dreidels and exchanging gifts.

Like many cultures, the Kumeyaay people celebrate Hilyatai (the Kumeyaay name for solstices), honoring the time of year when the cold, long nights turn to warmer longer days.

Cowle’s Mountain and Viejas Mountain were sites of Kumeyaay Indian observatories where for generations, the Kumeyaay people would come together to watch the sunrise and celebrate solstice.

The only reference to a Kumeyaay solstice celebration was recorded in 1914;

"One of the ancient rites performed in by-gone days by the Indians dwelling in the village Helsh-ow' Na-wa' (Rabbit House) at the foot of the

Cuyamaca Peak was the Kwut'ah Lu'e-ah (Song-Dance) given in honor of In'ya (Sun) . The summit of Viejas mountain, just on the other side of their

village, was chosen as the place for this celebration to be held, and they named the mountain Kwut'ah Lu'e-ah (Song-Dance) on account of it ...The Indians made a pilgrimage once a year to its very top to watch In'ya (Sun) come out of En-yak' (East) , and praise and honor him with song and dance. For In'ya (Sun) was the great Ruler of All Things. He governed the universe; he commanded the earth; nothing grew unless he caused it; he even dominated the bodies of men, some of whom he made energetic and strong, others weak and lazy. When he disappeared at night he cast a drowsiness o'er the world, so that everything slept until it was time for him to come again in the morning. Such a great ruler as he, received due reverence and worship.

....The big circle on top of the mountain had been freshly prepared and cleared for the dancers and singers.... When all had reached the summit, the ritualistic ceremonies began. With song and dance in the blushing dawn, they watched for In'ya (Sun), Ruler of All. Opalescent streamers of golden radiance and flaming banners of crimson flaunting across the pearly tints of the receding night, heralded his arrival; while the people chanted songs of praise in honor of his wonderful light, and made obeisance in the dance in homage of his great power over all things. ...The old trails are faintly discernable and traces of the ring

where they danced and sung still remain..."

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The Pagan celebration of Yule (also known as Winter Solstice) is one of the oldest winter celebrations in the world. The Winter Solstice falls on the shortest day of the year (21st December) and can be celebrated as a single day, or for 12 days, ending with the new year.

Ancient people were hunters and spent most of their time outdoors. The seasons and weather played a very important part in their lives. Because of this many ancient people had a great reverence for, and even worshipped the sun. The Norsemen of Northern Europe saw the sun as a wheel that changed the seasons. Many other peoples contributed to the celebrations of Yule, the ancient Romans also held a festival to celebrate the rebirth of the year, the Celts began the tradition of the yule log being lit to conquer the darkness, banish evil spirits and bring luck for the coming year as well as cutting the mistletoe that grew on the oak tree and give it as a blessing.

There are many different ways to celebrate Yule, here are just a few;

Decorate your home with sacred plants connected with Winter Solstice, such as, evergreen wreaths & boughs, mistletoe, holly, and ivy.

Kindle lights to represent the Sun. On one of the nights of Solstice, turn off all lights, experience the longest night, reflect on renewal and peace, and turn the lights back on to symbolize the birth of the New Solar Year.

Burn a Yule Log in a hearth, in a bonfire, or by burning candles on, in, or near a log of Oak on an altar.

Focus on world peace and planetary well-being in your rituals, meditations, prayers, and other workings. Peace-making was part of Winter Solstice among many peoples in the past

Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world.The traditional Christmas narrative, the Nativity of Jesus, delineated in the New Testament says that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in accordance with messianic prophecies. When Joseph and Mary arrived in the city, the inn had no room and so they were offered a stable where the Christ Child was soon born, with angels proclaiming this news to shepherds who then further disseminated the information.

Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration held in the United States that honors African heritage in African-American culture. Kwanzaa is observed from December 26th to January 1st, and culminates in gift giving and a big feast.

The holiday is relatively new, compared to other holidays celebrated in the U.S. Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Africana Studies at California State University, first created Kwanzaa in 1966. He created this holiday in response to the Watts Riots in Los Angeles in 1965 as a way to bring African-Americans together as a community. Dr. Karenga researched African harvest celebrations and combined aspects of several different celebrations, such as those of the Ashanti and those of the Zulu, to form the foundation of Kwanzaa. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase matunda ya kwanza which means first fruits, or harvest, in Swahili. Celebrations often include singing and dancing, storytelling, poetry reading, African drumming, and feasting.

Families celebrating Kwanzaa decorate their households with objects of art, colorful African cloth such as kente, especially the wearing of kaftans by women, and fresh fruits that represent African idealism. It is customary to include children in Kwanzaa ceremonies and to give respect and gratitude to ancestors. Libations are shared, generally with a common chalice, Kikombe cha Umoja, passed around to all celebrants. Non-African Americans also celebrate Kwanzaa.

A Kwanzaa ceremony may include drumming and musical selections, libations, a reading of the African Pledge and the Principles of Blackness, reflection on the Pan-African colors, a discussion of the African principle of the day or a chapter in African history, a candle-lighting ritual, artistic performance, and, finally, a feast of faith, Karamu Ya Imani.

Lantern Walk

Katie and Lizzie hand clapping.

Last month chickens came to visit us in the kindergarten. Children took such good care of them for the day and loved feeding them worms!

Now the children are on to sewing wool star ornaments and singing St. Nicholas songs.