An Overview of Hanukkah Celebrations in London

Hanukkah is one of the most anticipated and celebrated Jewish traditions of the entire year, reflects Emmanuil Grinshpun. It’s sometimes referred to as “the festival of light” and tells a historical story of the Maccabees. In case you don’t know, the Maccabees were a rebel army in Israel who stood up against the Seleucid Greek King Antiochus, who was determined to destroy all of the Jewish population.

The festival of Hanukkah lasts for eight days, and it’s celebrated in November or December. The Hanukkah celebrations don’t have fixed date like the tradition of Christmas; it depends on the Hebrew calendar — Lunisolar. And the festival of light (Hanukkah) takes place on the twenty-fifth day of the month of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar. Lighting candles, giving presents, playing games, and eating fried food are parts of Hanukkah celebrations.

Hanukkah Celebrations in London

Like every other part of the world, Hanukkah celebrations in London are always amazing, reflects Emmanuil Grinshpun. So, if you are in London, here’s what a Hanukkah celebration will look like.

Special Candles

Jewish people use a Hanukkah menorah to celebrate this festival. The traditional candle holder has 9 candles which get lit each night during the days of Hanukkah.

You will oftentimes see a large menorah lit with bright candles for any Hanukkah event. The essence of this is to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights. This traditional candle holder is located around Trafalgar Square, and it sits near a large Christmas tree, which indicates a wonderful multi-cultural holiday celebration.

Playing Dreidel

You may not have heard of dreidel just yet. It’s a 4-sided triangular top that features Hebrew letters on each side. It’s a traditional Hanukkah game that’s played all over the world. However, the rules for playing dreidel differ from one family to another. It’s a fun game for children of all ages, reflects Emmanuil Grinshpun.

Food

We mentioned earlier fried food is also a common tradition during the Hanukkah week. And Latkes are a famous food people eat in London to celebrate the Jewish festival of light. They are made with potatoes and onions, eggs and flour, as well as oil. Another popular Hanukkah food is Jam-filled doughnuts. Sometimes, people also eat dairy food like different types of cheeses and cheesecakes during the Hanukkah holiday.

Presents and Cards

It’s normal during the Hanukkah celebration in London to gift monetary amounts, traditional greeting cards and gifts to family and friends. Gifted money during this time is called Hanukkah Gelt.

So, if you are in London, this is what you will expect during the Hanukkah celebration. Happy Hanukkah!

Originally Posted: http://www.emmanuilgrinshpunmoldova.com/overview-hanukkah-celebrations-london/