A Jewish festival that lasts eight days, Hanukkah celebrates the Maccabees reclamation of a holy temple from Syrian King Antiochus IV. Also known as the Festival of Light, the celebration includes various traditions that commemorate specific events and incidents related to the reclamation of the temple.
It is said that after being reclaimed, the temple was cleansed in preparation for its rededication. However, the amount of sacred oil that was available was enough to light the temple for one day only. Yet, miraculously, this amount of oil lasted a total of eight days, until the finding of more purified oil. Thus, Hanukkah which translates to dedication is observed for eight consecutive days and nights. Whilst the celebration may begin on any day from late November according to the Gregorian calendar, it starts on the 25th day of Kisley, which is the third month of the Hebrew calendars civil year.
It is a joyous celebration involving much singing, eating and rejoicing. Families come together to celebrate the holiday by lighting a candle on each of its eight days. Eating specially prepared symbolic food and exchanging gifts are also part of the festivals various traditions.
Hanukkah is celebrated in the magnificent city of London with much fervour. The festival is marked by lighting candles each day in a menorah, which is a special candelabrum. Eating food fried in oil such as potato pancakes and doughnuts is a special Hanukkah tradition that is quite common in London. In 2010, joining senior Jewish figures to light the final candle on the large menorah in Trafalgar Square was the Mayor of London. In 2011, the festival falls from 20th to 28th of December. Visitor to the city can join in to celebrate this festival that dates back over 2,500 years, savouring the delightful sight of the over 9 meters tall menorah being lit up with candles as dusk sets in.
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