What is Hanukkah and why is it celebrated?

Hanukkah, also known as Chanuka, is a Jewish celebration. It is done to commemorate the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the second century B.C. The word "Hanukkah" is derived from a Hebrew word, which means "to dedicate."

The rededication was around the time of the Maccabean Revolt when the Jews rose against their oppressors (Seleucid Empire). This Jewish festival lasts for eight days and eight nights; it begins on the 25th of Kislev (which is the ninth month on the Jewish calendar). This usually occurs between late November and late December in the Gregorian calendar. The festival is celebrated with lighting of the menorah, which is a nine-branched candelabrum used during this festival. The festival is also celebrated with traditional foods and gifts.

Hanukkah is known to be a Jewish festival. The main reason why this is celebrated is to remember the rededication of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. This is also known to be the celebration of the winning of the Maccabees over the Syrian Army. This was unexpected, mainly because the Syrian Army was larger at that time.

The first celebration of this happened even before Jesus was born. Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days, and for every night of the day, there is a candle that will be lit to signify something special. Each day is considered to be special during the whole celebration of this Jewish holiday.