By Josh Ballard

The world today is a melting pot. During winter, many holidays will be celebrated by a variety of different people with different backgrounds. Below is a list of traditional secular and religious holidays celebrated this time of year.

Universal Human Rights Day – Dec 10

In 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. According to the UN Web site, this document acknowledges that “equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” This holiday transcends all cultural bounds and being human is the only requirement to participate. On Dec. 10, people around the world will discourage discrimination and promote peace and understanding throughout the world. Visit un.org/en/documents/udhr/ to read the declaration.

Las Posadas – Dec 16 – Dec 24

“Las Posadas,” a Spanish phrase meaning “the inns,” is a Christian holiday in Mexico which re-enacts and celebrates Joseph and Mary’s search for a place to stay before the birth of their son, Jesus. Each night, from Dec. 16 to Christmas Eve, a party is held at a different home within the neighborhood. The people within the neighborhood travel between homes, singing songs and carrying candles

Kwanzaa – Dec 26 – Jan 1

Kwanzaa is based on a combination of various African harvest celebrations. The word itself is derived from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning “first fruits.” Kwanzaa was created during the Black Liberation Movement in 1966, by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of African Studies at California State University. It is a celebration of African cultural heritage, emphasizing seven principles: unity, self determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Beginning on Dec. 26, Kwanzaa lasts seven days, with each day devoted to one of the seven principles.

Hajj – Nov 25 – Nov 29

Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca, which is the most sacred site in the Islamic world. Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Mecca and worship together. All able-bodied Muslims are required to make the trek at least once in their lives. The first day of Hajj fluctuates yearly, between late November and December.

Bodhi Day – Dec 8

Buddhists believe the Buddha attained enlightenment while sitting under a bodhi tree in 596 B.C. Siddhartha Gautama, a young prince who had previously been sheltered from the suffering in the world, vowed to sit underneath a tree, and never arise, until the source of suffering revealed itself to him. It is said that while meditating underneath the tree, Gautama suddenly became awakened, experiencing nirvana and transforming into the supreme Buddha. Traditionally, this transformation is commemorated on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month.

Hanukkah – Dec 11 – Dec 19

The origin of this Jewish holiday can be traced back to 165 B.C., when the Greek King of Syria, Antiochus, outlawed Jewish rituals. As a means of enforcing Antiochus’ mandate, Greek soldiers seized the Jewish holy temple in Jerusalem and converted it for the worship of the Greek god Zeus. Outraged, Jewish rebels successfully fought and reclaimed the temple. In celebration, the Jews lit a menorah inside the temple, using only enough oil to last one day. But, to their surprise, the oil lasted eight days, a miracle that is still celebrated today. The first day of celebration can fall anywhere between Nov. 28 and Dec. 26. This year, it will begin on Dec. 11 and last eight days, until Dec. 19.

Christmas – Dec 25

Christmas can be celebrated as both a secular and religious holiday. The United States recognized the secular version as an official holiday in 1870. The religious version is a Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus, which has been celebrated for more than 1,600 years. It began when the Roman Catholic Church wanted to institute a winter holiday that would rival other celebrations. In 336 A.D., the church held the Feast of the Nativity. Today, the secular and religious versions are held on Dec. 25, and are characterized by giving gifts and merry-making.