47.
Commissioners Court - Regular Session
- Meeting Date:
- 12/19/2023
- Title:
- Holiday Proclamation 2023
- Submitted For:
- Terry Cook
- Submitted By:
- Garry Brown, Commissioner Pct. #1
- Department:
- Commissioner Pct. #1
- Agenda Category:
- Regular Agenda Items
Information
Agenda Item
Discuss, consider, and take appropriate action on a proclamation wishing everyone a joyous and safe holiday season.
Background
Hannukah
Commemorates the defeat of the Greeks by the Maccabees, and when they reclaimed the holy temple in Jerusalem, they found there was only a one-day supply of oil to light the menorah. According to the Jewish tradition, that oil lasted miraculously for 8 days. It’s worth noting that Hannukah is NOT one of the high holy days for Jews.
Kwanzaa
Created in 1966, Kwanzaa is a time when families and communities come together to share a feast, to honor the ancestors, affirm the bonds between them, and to celebrate African and African American culture. It is based on 7 principles drawn from community values throughout the African continent (Swahili words)- Umoja oo-MOH-ja (Unity), Kujichagulia koo-jee-chah-kah-LEE-uh (Self-determination), Ujima oo-JEE-muh (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa oo-JAH-muh (Cooperative Economics), Nia NEE-ah (Purpose), Kuumba kuh-UM-buh (Creativity), and Imani EE-ma-nee (Faith). Held between Christmas and New Year’s Day, a candle is lit to highlight one of the principles each day.
Bodhi Day (bow-dee)
Bodhi Day is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that Gautama Buddha (Shakyamuni) is said to have attained enlightenment. There are different traditions, but all agree that on the 3rd night, Siddhartha, through meditation, found the answers he was looking for, became enlightened, and experienced Nirvana. This is when he became a Buddha. Celebrations can take many forms- meditation, study of the Dharma, chanting Buddhist texts, performing kind acts to other beings, or a traditional meal of tea, cake, and readings.
Feast Day of Our Lady Guadalupe
Celebrated in Mexico and the United States, it commemorates the day in 1531 when the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego (now a saint) and asked him to go to the bishop and tell him that the Virgin Mary, Mother of God asked him to build a church on top of Tepeyac Hill. This was instrumental in spreading the Catholic Church throughout the Americas. People celebrate by going to the site, attending Mass, erecting an alter to the Virgin Mary in their homes, or shooting fireworks, and, of course, eating.
Boxing Day
Started in England during the Victorian Era (and spread throughout the commonwealth) and held on December 26, it marked the time when the upper class would box up money, goods, or leftover food and give them to their tradesmen and servants for their reliable service, in other words, holiday bonuses. In church, the alms (charity) boxes would be opened and given to the poor. Today, watching sports, shopping, and visiting friends (with a possible box with food goodies inside) rule the day.
Commemorates the defeat of the Greeks by the Maccabees, and when they reclaimed the holy temple in Jerusalem, they found there was only a one-day supply of oil to light the menorah. According to the Jewish tradition, that oil lasted miraculously for 8 days. It’s worth noting that Hannukah is NOT one of the high holy days for Jews.
Kwanzaa
Created in 1966, Kwanzaa is a time when families and communities come together to share a feast, to honor the ancestors, affirm the bonds between them, and to celebrate African and African American culture. It is based on 7 principles drawn from community values throughout the African continent (Swahili words)- Umoja oo-MOH-ja (Unity), Kujichagulia koo-jee-chah-kah-LEE-uh (Self-determination), Ujima oo-JEE-muh (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa oo-JAH-muh (Cooperative Economics), Nia NEE-ah (Purpose), Kuumba kuh-UM-buh (Creativity), and Imani EE-ma-nee (Faith). Held between Christmas and New Year’s Day, a candle is lit to highlight one of the principles each day.
Bodhi Day (bow-dee)
Bodhi Day is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that Gautama Buddha (Shakyamuni) is said to have attained enlightenment. There are different traditions, but all agree that on the 3rd night, Siddhartha, through meditation, found the answers he was looking for, became enlightened, and experienced Nirvana. This is when he became a Buddha. Celebrations can take many forms- meditation, study of the Dharma, chanting Buddhist texts, performing kind acts to other beings, or a traditional meal of tea, cake, and readings.
Feast Day of Our Lady Guadalupe
Celebrated in Mexico and the United States, it commemorates the day in 1531 when the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego (now a saint) and asked him to go to the bishop and tell him that the Virgin Mary, Mother of God asked him to build a church on top of Tepeyac Hill. This was instrumental in spreading the Catholic Church throughout the Americas. People celebrate by going to the site, attending Mass, erecting an alter to the Virgin Mary in their homes, or shooting fireworks, and, of course, eating.
Boxing Day
Started in England during the Victorian Era (and spread throughout the commonwealth) and held on December 26, it marked the time when the upper class would box up money, goods, or leftover food and give them to their tradesmen and servants for their reliable service, in other words, holiday bonuses. In church, the alms (charity) boxes would be opened and given to the poor. Today, watching sports, shopping, and visiting friends (with a possible box with food goodies inside) rule the day.
Fiscal Impact
| From/To | Acct No. | Description | Amount |
|---|
Attachments
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| County Judge Exec Asst. | Becky Pruitt | 12/13/2023 09:23 AM |
- Form Started By:
- Garry Brown
- Started On:
- 12/13/2023 09:06 AM
- Final Approval Date:
- 12/13/2023