As we move from "Happy Holidays" into "Happy New Year," the glitz and blur of multiple celebrations may have camouflaged a spectacular kaleidoscope of holiday traditions.

"For instance, many people of other beliefs think of Chanukkah as 'the Jewish Christmas,' and it's not," says Jewish Employees Resource Group council representative T.C. Cohen.

In fact, Chanukkah, or "the festival of lights" is an eight-day celebration of rededication to traditions related in the Book of Maccabbees. As the story goes, the Jewish people of the time joined forces to revolt against oppression and successfully rededicated the Temple. However, there was only enough undefiled oil left for the Menorah (candelabrum) to burn for one day; miraculously, it burned for eight.

"Note that the eight-day holiday commemorates the miracle of the oil, not the military victory," says Cohen. "Since oil is so significant to the holiday, it is traditional to eat fried foods." Chanukkah commenced at sundown on December 21 this past year.

Similar misconceptions about Ramadan, which began November 27, inspired the Muslim Employees Resource Group led by Aftab A. Siddiqui and Linda P. Fitch, to post a detailed display in the main lobby of CPV (HDQ), answering questions as basic as "What is the Qur'an?" Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, is a time of "total abstinence from food, drink and any other sensual pleasures" from dawn until sundown.

During Ramadan, the Lailat ul-Qadr ("Night of Destiny") commemorates the anniversary of the night on which the Prophet Muhammad began receiving revelations from God through the angel Gabriel. At the end of the month, Eid Ul-Fitr arrives, a holiday time for charity, wearing new clothes, and sharing special foods, gifts and good wishes with family and friends.

Observance of Ramadan began in the year 610 C.E. (Christian Era), and became obligatory for Muslims 14 years later.

Kwanzaa, meanwhile, is a modern tradition founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. However, says African American Employees Resource Group council representative LaShanda Reed-Larry, "it is not a religious holiday and was not established to replace Christmas. Instead, Kwanzaa is celebrated by many African Americans from December 26 through January 1 as a time to reclaim and enrich our culture."

The principles of Kwanzaa include Umoja (unity); Kujichagulia (self-determination); Ujima (collective work and responsibility); Ujamaa (cooperative economics); Nia (purpose); Kuumba (creativity); and Imani (faith). These Nguzo Saba ("seven principles") are represented by candles, beginning in the center with a black unity candle, surrounded by three red candles on the left and three green candles on the right.

"Candles are lit each day from left to right," says Reed-Larry. "Each color holds its own meaning. Black represents the people. Red is to symbolize the blood throughout our history and green stands for hope and the color of the land in Africa."

Throughout Kwanzaa, celebrations are held with family, friends and communities bringing various traditional items to the gatherings.