The UNC School of Medicine aims to foster a sense of belonging among its community in Chapel Hill and across North Carolina, including all cultures and religions, and works to celebrate and support diversity that reflects all of the populations it serves.

The UNC School of Medicine aims to foster a sense of belonging among its community in Chapel Hill and across North Carolina, including all cultures and religions, and works to celebrate and support diversity that reflects all of the populations it serves.
Please visit https://www.med.unc.edu/diversity/ to learn more.
Hanukkah: Nov. 28 – Dec. 6
Hanukkah is Hebrew for “dedication,” for the Festival of Lights. The eight-day celebration which began at sundown on Sunday, Nov. 28 commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greek army, and the subsequent miracle of rededicating the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and restoring its menorah, or lamp. The miracle of Hanukkah is that only one vial of oil was found with just enough oil to illuminate the Temple lamp for one day, and yet it lasted for eight full days. Learn more.
To share in this holiday, attend a Hanukkah event.
Yule, Dec. 21 – Jan. 1
Celebrated twelve days during the winter solstice when the Sun is reborn, ushering in a new season of light. Yule celebrations include bonfires, decorating with holly, mistletoe (grown on Oak trees to symbolize life) and the boughs of evergreen trees, ritual sacrifices, feasts and gift-giving. The Yule log was burned twelve days because it was believed the sun stood still during that length of time, considering this to be the darkest time of year. Therefore, logs (an entire tree) were lit to keep evil away, and welcome good fortune. Learn more.
To share in this holiday, make an evergreen wreath to represent everlasting life, protection, and prosperity and exchange as gifts with another person.
Christmas, Dec. 25
Indoctrinated around 350 AD by Pope Julius I as a feast day, called the Feast of the Nativity, to align with the Roman pagan holiday Dies natalis soli invicti, “the birthday of the invincible Sun.” To date, many traditions were adopted from Yule: Evergreen trees, ‘Yuletide Carols, the 12 days of Christmas, hanging Mistletoe’ and gift-giving. December 25 was declared a federal holiday June 26, 1870. The Rockefeller Christmas Tree Tradition began in 1931. Learn more.
To share in this holiday, create a new family tradition.
Orthodox Christmas, Jan. 7
Orthodox believers observe Christmas according to the Julian calendar, rather than the Gregorian calendar, as a time of reflection, inner thoughts and healing in many eastern European countries. Learn more.
Kwanzaa, Dec. 26 – Jan. 1
A seven-day holiday that celebrates African culture. The primary symbols of Kwanzaa are the seven candles (Mishumaa Sabaa), which represent the seven principles, the candle holder (Kinara), unity cup (Kikombe cha Umoja), placemat (Mkeka), crops (Mazao), corn (Muhindi) and gifts (Zawadi). All items are displayed on the Mkeka. This serves as a reminder of how African heritage is built upon tradition. A key custom during Kwanzaa is the daily lighting of the Kinara with black, red, and green candles. Learn more.
To share in this Holiday attend a Kwanzaa event.