{"id":2115,"date":"2019-12-06T12:57:02","date_gmt":"2019-12-06T20:57:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.piercecountywa.gov\/executive\/?p=2115"},"modified":"2023-06-26T13:34:21","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T20:34:21","slug":"light-in-the-darkness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.piercecountywa.gov\/executive\/2019\/12\/06\/light-in-the-darkness\/","title":{"rendered":"Light in the darkness"},"content":{"rendered":"

This time of year can be gloomy, dark and rather dreary.\u00a0 The days are short \u2013 we wake up to darkness and go home at the end of the work day the same way.<\/p>\n

As we head into the holiday season, I am struck by some of the conflicts and divisions in our larger world.\u00a0 Finding paths forward and places of commonality can seem remote.<\/p>\n

These two topics come together for me when I consider the various holiday and faith traditions of the people of Pierce County – and how light is common to many of them.<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s the candle headdress of the St. Lucia\u2019s Day celebration in Scandinavia or the fireworks of the Chinese New Year a month later, our community has many ways to bring light into a dark world.<\/p>\n

Hanukkah<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights and commemorates the re-dedication of the second Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, in Israel, in the 160\u2019s B.C.<\/p>\n

Hanukkah lasts for eight days and starts on the 25th<\/sup> of Kislev, the month in the Jewish lunar calendar that occurs at about the same time as December. This year, Hanukkah will be celebrated from December 22 until the 30th<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

During Hanukkah, Jews light candles held in a special nine-slot menorah (candelabra) called a \u201chanukkiyah.\u201d\u00a0 On the first night one candle is lit, on the second night, two are lit until all are lit on the eighth night.\u00a0 A special blessing of thanksgiving is said, and a special hymn is sung before the candles are lit.<\/p>\n

My neighbors growing up were Jewish.\u00a0 We shared Christmas with them, and they shared Hanukkah with us!<\/p>\n

Kwanzaa<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kwanzaa\u00a0takes place from the 26th of December to January 1st. The name\u00a0Kwanzaa\u00a0comes from the phrase ‘matunda ya kwanza’ which means ‘first fruits’ in the Swahili language.<\/p>\n

The colors of\u00a0Kwanzaa\u00a0are black, red and green; black for the people, red for their struggle, and green for the future and hope that comes from their struggle.<\/p>\n

As a result, the candles that bring light during Kwanzaa are also red, green and black.<\/p>\n

The mishumaa saba (or seven candles) represent the\u00a0seven\u00a0principles celebrated on specific days: unity; self-determination; collective work and responsibility; cooperative economics; purpose; creativity; and faith.<\/p>\n

Diwali<\/strong><\/p>\n

I briefly mentioned Diwali, the Hindu celebration of light, in a previous blog<\/a> in October.<\/p>\n

Diwali (also called Divali\u00a0or Deepavali) is a festival that celebrates the triumph of light over dark and good over evil, and the blessings of victory, freedom, and enlightenment.\u00a0 It lasts for five days.<\/p>\n

The name comes from Sanksrit\u00a0dipavali<\/em>, meaning \u201crow of lights.\u201d On the night of Diwali, celebrants light dozens of candles and clay lamps (called\u00a0diyas<\/em>), placing them throughout their homes and in the streets to light up the dark\u00a0night.<\/p>\n

It must be a beautiful sight to see the streets lit up to celebrate goodness and love!<\/p>\n

Christmas<\/strong><\/p>\n

My family and I celebrate Christmas and I\u2019m so happy to be enjoying the fun and joy of the season through the eyes and hearts of my grandchildren, Blair and Lucy.<\/p>\n

I have always loved candlelight Christmas Eve late evening services but will likely opt for the \u201cfamily friendly\u201d earlier service this year \u2013 without actual lighted candles!<\/p>\n

On the other end of the spectrum, one of my family\u2019s traditions is watching the \u201cNational Lampoon\u2019s Christmas Vacation\u201d movie together!<\/p>\n

We had fun \u201clighting\u201d the County\u2019s Christmas tree at the County-City Building this week \u2013 with Blair\u2019s help.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I\u2019d love to hear how you and your family bring light into your lives this time of year.\u00a0 Do you celebrate a holiday?\u00a0 What are your traditions?<\/p>\n

——————————————————————————————————————————<\/p>\n

Speaking of holiday lights, I hope you have a chance to enjoy the County\u2019s Fantasy Lights display at Sprinker.\u00a0 We also have WinterFest<\/a> kicking off on December 14th<\/sup>!<\/p>\n

Before I close, I want to send a special thank you to Jessie Matsch and the whole Risk Management Team.\u00a0 They\u2019ve been heading up the colossal task of getting us transferred over to the PEBB system, as well as open enrollment for our Teamster and LEOFF Plans.\u00a0 I\u2019m grateful for the many late nights and weekends they\u2019ve spent making that happen.\u00a0 I hope that they get something wonderful in their stocking later this month!<\/p>\n

On a sad note, we had our first flu death of the season in Pierce County.\u00a0 I have gotten my flu shot, have you?<\/p>\n

\"Bruce\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bruce<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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