Hanukkah Symbols and the Meanings Behind Them

Each year as December approaches, we begin to see symbols of Hanukkah start to radiate all over the world. We've all seen them; the menorah, the dreidels and the chocolate gelt. It is all part of the festivities of Hanukkah. Each Hanukkah symbol has it's meaning, and each symbol reflects in some way, to the miracle of lights, when the small flask of oil lasted for eight days. Thus, the eight day celebration of the Miracle of Lights; Hanukkah.

The Menorah

The Menorah is usually placed in a window so that it's light shines forth for the whole world to know about the Miracle of Lights. The Menorah holds nine candles. One of them, the shamus (servant candle) is used to light the other eight candles; one for each day of Hanukkah.

The Dreidel

Because Hanukkah is all about celebration, playing games with a Dreidel is a large part of this celebration. The Dreidel is a four-sided top, with a word on each side giving each player instructions on what to do. On each side, the words are:

Nun - worth nothing

Hei - the player gets half the pot

Gimel - the player wins all of the pot

Shin - the player must add one to the pot

This game is usually played with raisins, nuts or gelt.

Gelt

Gelt is foil wrapped chocolate in the shape of coins.

My friend displays on her coffee table a dish with different dreidels in it, and another dish, full of gelt. As we get ready to play, we divide the gelt, and each player selects their own dreidel. Even though it is a simple game, it is a lot of fun to play, and the kids love it.

Star of David

This six-pointed star is a very important symbol of Hanukkah, or anything Jewish for that matter. Though it is a six-pointed star, it is representative of the number 7. The six points represent the number of days it took to create heavens and earth, and the center, number 7, for the Sabbath; our day of rest.

My friend displays a Star of David in the living room, on the mantle, amongst evergreens tied with blue and white ribbons. It is really quite beautiful.

Latkes and Sufganiyot

Traditional fried foods are very much a part of every Hanukkah celebration. This symbolic of the miracle of the oil. My friend always has these laid out on beautiful platters, for all of her guest to enjoy, during Hanukkah.

We have always been grateful to share in the celebration of Hanukkah with our friends. It has been a wonderful learning experience for me, and