Hanukkah
History of Hanukkah
Hanukkah marks the date of an important victory in the Hebrew history. In the 2nd century BC, the Maccabean revolt led by five brothers Maccabee led to an overthrow of ancient Greek and Syrian empire influences on Jewish life. This triumph allowed the reestablishment of Jewish religion in Jerusalem.
The common definition of the word Hanukkah is “Rededication”, as on this day the Temple of Jerusalem was cleaned and re-devoted. As the story goes, when the priests arrived at the Temple to re-dedicate it to Jewish god, the small amount of oil that should have been only enough for a day, lasted miraculously for the whole of eight days.
Today, in this unique period people show their appreciation for the resilient nature of the Jewish character and celebrate the freedom they’ve won in days of Maccabees’ success.
Traditions of Hanukkah
Though on Hanukkah social media are bursting with happy quotes and uplifting messages, it is not a major religious holiday. That makes it a more relaxed occasion, so don’t overthink your greeting. Simple “Happy Hanukkah!” or “Hanukkah Sameach!” is totally acceptable.
Hanukkah is also known as Festival of Lights, and it surely shows thanks to the menorahs lit in all households. No other party looks quite like the cozy Jewish homes illuminated with the beautiful candle flickers. Lighting the candles one by one is often done by kids, who also get to exchange little gifts, munch on yummies, and place their bets in the Dreidel game.
The most festive food ideas for the Hanukkah are easy to make and highly fit for the Instagram photos. Nothing will beat the oil-fried plumpy donuts with the array of drool-worthy stuffings, but various types of latkes, deep-fried rugelach and cute blue-and-white cookies are their closest competitors.
Marketing Activities for Hanukkah
The Hanukkah is the must-have in your marketing calendar to highlight your best deals. Make sure to set up a discount campaign for cozy, family-related things such as handmade candles, chocolate sets, premium tea sets, and such.
The oil in all its forms is very important for the celebration and often brought up in images or slogans. Set a discount for oil, give bottles of truffle oil to your loyal customers in promotion baskets, do a lucky draw with oil spa treatment—all will work!
All that makes Hanukkah an amazing time of activity for cosmetic brands, candlemakers, gift makers, restaurants, and food chains. But even if you’re not, don’t let it stop you! Jumping on the bandwagon can be a smart strategy.
How to distribute your information during Hanukkah? Make a funny invitation to use a discount and send it out to all your customers. Check out if there will be a fair or an open market in your town, then enroll or become a sponsor. Either way, make sure to be there and give out lots of presents with your logo.
Hashtags for Hanukkah: #hanukkah #happyhanukkah #chanukah #jewish #menora #HanukkahSameach
Colors of Hanukkah
Dark Gold—became the primary Hanukkah color as it is the shade of the traditional Hanukkah Gelt, the dark golden coins or chocolates given on this day.
Blue—the blue-and-white or blue-and-silver combination is the traditional pairing for all the Hanukkah decor. Aim for the natural sea indigo hue for the ultimate authentic feeling.
White—the main color of the Israeli flag represents clarity and impeccability. Use it aplenty on your Hanukkah designs, whichever channel you use.
Silver—In Hanukkah tradition, silver is a more festive version of white color. It is often used in menorahs, dreidels, table top decorations, candles, and blue and silver chocolate coins (gelt).
Symbols of Hanukkah
Dreidel, a small spinning toy, has four sides with different Hebrew letters. Each spin can win or lose you a bet. Playing this simple yet exciting game was a way for the Jewish kids to keep learning Torah in secret.
Menorah, the nine- or seven-candle holder, is the traditional light vessel for Jewish households. According to the Bible’s book of Exodus, its construction has been revealed to Moses by God himself.
Hanukkah Gelt represents the real coins that the Jewish scholars used to receive from their patrons on that day. Highly symbolic for the Hanukkah, these golden circles are very common to be used in games and gift sets.
Blue and White decorations are the day specials, just as tied to the Hanukkah as the red-white-green trio to the Christmas. Reminding of the sky and air, the Jewish signature color combination makes Hanukkah decorations a nice and vibrant picture.
