North Korea also holds big celebrations in December to mark the day when the supreme leader Kim Jong-il became the head of the army in 1991.
Hanukkah
Another celebration is the Jewish Hanukkah – the Festival of Lights. It remembers the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after it had been desecrated. The winners needed oil to consecrate the temple but they only had enough for one day. However, a miracle occurred and the oil in the lamp lasted for eight days – which is now the duration of Hanukkah.
Candelabrum, singing, presents
During the holiday, the Jews light up Hanukkah candelabra, children receive presents and special meats are prepared, mostly doughnuts and potato pancakes, although the recipes are slightly different. Hanukkah is a holiday full of singing, joy and meetings.
Christmas in the Muslim world
It is interesting that the Muslim world has taken a tolerant position towards Christians and their Christmas. However, lately some ultraconservative Muslim clergy have voiced opinions that it is necessary to ban Christmas for Christians. On the other hand, Christmas is held in the Untied Arab Emirates, although it does not have the same meaning for them as for Christians. After the relatively long British rule in the country, the inhabitants of the UAE became used to holding family reunions and giving each other presents.