(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - Staged by the Muslim Women Council of Hamilton, the Celebration of Holidays Friday night featured representatives of Hamilton’s different faiths explaining how they mark their annual holiday in December.A Christian minister explained the traditions behind Christmas and a member of the Jewish community told about Hanukkah and how a temple menorah lit with only enough ritual oil to burn one day burned for eight days. A member of the Hindu community also explained the origins and significance of Diwali, which is celebrated between mid-October and mid-December.This was the second year for the celebration and the council has now adapted it as their “signature event.” They also stage a Mother’s Day event.About 100 people attended the event at St. Peter’s Anglican Church/Community Centre at Main Street East and St. Clair Avenue, including Hamilton Mountain MP Chris Charlton, Hamilton Mountain MPP Monique Taylor and Alex Johnstone, public school board trustee for Ward 11/12.“It’s beautiful,” Tayyab said about the coming together of faiths. “It’s amazing.”Rosemary Aswani, who came to Canada from Kenya 20 years ago, attended to sell articles from her homeland. The social worker at the Immigrant Women’s Centre found the night enjoyable.“What I really enjoyed is that they invited different faiths and they explained their holidays,” she said. “I didn’t know the origins of Hanukkah.”/129
