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a collection of books, photos and items highlighting holiday traditions from around the world

Campus Library celebrates diverse holiday traditions with special book display

This holiday season, the Penn State Scranton Library is spreading festive cheer and promoting cultural awareness by showcasing a unique book display that celebrates a wide variety of holiday traditions from around the world, offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about these diverse traditions.
By: Morgan Sewack

DUNMORE, Pa. — This holiday season, the Penn State Scranton Library is spreading festive cheer and promoting cultural awareness by showcasing a unique book display that celebrates a wide variety of holiday traditions from around the world. 

The display features literature that explores the significance and customs of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year, Boxing Day, and other cultural celebrations, offering the campus community and local visitors the opportunity to learn more about these rich and diverse traditions.

Celebrating Christmas Traditions

The display includes books on traditional Christmas customs, from the story of the birth of Jesus Christ to festive practices like decorating Christmas trees, singing carols, and exchanging gifts. These readings explore the religious and cultural meanings of Christmas for millions of people worldwide.

Feliz Navidad: A Celebration of Christmas in Latinx Communities

“Feliz Navidad,” which means “Merry Christmas” in Spanish, highlights the unique ways Christmas is celebrated in Latinx cultures. Books in this section focus on the fusion of religious and cultural traditions, including family gatherings, vibrant food celebrations, and musical traditions like Las Posadas and Nochebuena.

Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights

A section dedicated to Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, showcases books that explain the significance of the holiday’s eight-night celebration. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days. The books cover traditions like lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, and enjoying festive foods like latkes and sufganiyot.

Kwanzaa: Honoring African Heritage

Kwanzaa, which takes place from December 26 to January 1, is a celebration of African American culture and heritage. The display features works that explain the seven principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba), which include unity, self-determination, and faith. It also highlights traditions such as the lighting of the kinara, feasts, and the giving of gifts that honor African heritage.

Chinese New Year: Welcoming the Lunar New Year

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is celebrated by millions around the world. Books in the display introduce the significance of the holiday, which is rich with traditions such as the giving of red envelopes, dragon dances, fireworks, and feasts designed to bring good fortune and happiness for the coming year.

Boxing Day: A British Tradition

In a nod to international traditions, the Penn State Scranton Library also features literature on Boxing Day, a holiday celebrated in the United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries.

Traditionally a day for giving to the less fortunate, Boxing Day has evolved into a time for shopping, sports events, and family gatherings. The display sheds light on its historical roots and modern observances.

A Commitment to Diversity

The book display is part of Penn State Scranton’s ongoing efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive campus environment.

This initiative aligns with the University’s broader commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, which emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating different cultural backgrounds. Through events like this holiday book display, Penn State Scranton encourages the campus and local community to learn from each other, share traditions, and appreciate the vibrant tapestry of cultures that make up the global community.

The holiday book display is open to all students, staff, faculty and visitors, and the library invites everyone to explore the array of books that highlight these important cultural celebrations. The display will remain up throughout the holiday season, providing an educational and festive experience for all.