December 23, 2005

Joy to the world ... MGHers celebrate holidays across the globe

The holidays are celebrated in many ways around the world, and MGHers had the opportunity to travel the globe to learn about these traditions Dec. 15 in the Main Corridor at the annual "Holidays Around the World" celebration, hosted by the Patient Care Services Diversity Steering Committee. Cheerful decorations drew guests to the table displays, where they sampled snacks and candy and received information sheets describing the significance and customs of each holiday represented. Visitors learned that celebrants of Kwanzaa light seven black, red and green candles in a ritual called Mishumaa Saba, while the 15th day of the Chinese New Year is known as the Lantern Festival and marked with lantern displays and a parade featuring children bearing lanterns. Additional tables at the celebration offered information about Chanukah, Epiphany, Christmas, Winter Solstice, Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, and Eidul Fitr, a celebration marking the end of fasting during Ramadan.