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December of course brings the holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, but there are also many lesser-known holidays and festivals around
the world in this winter month. Here is a short guide to some of the other spiritual celebrations that happen in the last month of the year...
December 6th: St. Nicholas Day
The true story of Santa Claus begins with St. Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara in what is now Turkey. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering, and became known throughout the land for his generosity. Through the centuries St. Nicholas has continued to be venerated by Catholics and Orthodox and honored by Protestants. By his example of generosity to those in need, especially children, St. Nicholas continues to be a model for the compassionate life.
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The Autobiography of Santa Claus Jeff Guinn Book: Hardcover $18.95  add to cartRead more... |
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The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus L. Frank Baum Michael O. Riley Max Apple Book: Paperback: Mass Market $4.95 Read more... |
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December 8th: Bodhi Day: Buddha's Enlightenment
Rohatsu - the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, is a time when Zen Buddhists mark the date of Buddha's enlightenment. It starts on the 1st of December and ends on Bodhi Day - the 8th of December. In the seven days leading up to the day of rohatsu, monks will spend their time in silent and intensive meditation. This period of intensive meditation is known as 'sesshin'. This practice is the culmination of all the work that has been done previously in that year.
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Buddha A Penguin Life Karen Armstrong Book: Paperback $14.00 add to cartRead more... |
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Buddhist Scriptures Anonymous Donald Lopez Book: Paperback $17.00 add to cartRead more... |
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The Book of Buddha Arundhathi Subramaniam Book: Hardcover $14.00 add to cartRead more... |
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December 16-25: Las Posadas
Las Posadas (Spanish for "the inn") is a traditional Mexican festival which re-enacts Joseph's search for room at the inn. Each Christmas season, a processional carrying a doll representing the Christ Child and images of Joseph and Mary riding a burro walks through the community streets. The processional stops at a previously selected home and asks for lodging for the night. The people are invited in to read scriptures and sing Christmas carols called villancicos.
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The Night of Las Posadas Tomie dePaola Book: Hardcover $16.99 add to cartRead more... |
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The Donkey's Dream Barbara Helen Berger Book: Hardcover $17.99 add to cartRead more... |
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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Mary of Nazareth Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda Book: Paperback $18.95 Read more... |
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| holiday sale! | ||||
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Find great gifts and book collections in our holiday sale area
— everything here is 20% off through December 31, 2006.
Free standard shipping on orders of $50 or more through December 31, 2006. |
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| man of peace | ||||
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| The Essential Dalai Lama
A unique collection of his life's teachings-selected by the Dalai Lama himself |
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| The Rig Veda Translated by Wendy Doniger
The earliest of the four Hindu religious scriptures known as the Vedas. This collection of more than 1,000 individual Sanskrit hymns provides a fascinating introduction to a timeless masterpiece of Hindu ritual and spirituality. |
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