The Pafan yule tree topaer is a unique cultural tradition observed by the Pafan people in a remote village in the mountains. Every year during the yuletide season, the villagers come together to celebrate the tree topaer festival, which is centered around the decorating of a large yule tree. The yule tree, also known as a Christmas tree, is a symbol of joy, hope, and the spirit of the holiday season. However, the Pafan yule tree topaer goes beyond just decorating a tree. It is a deeply rooted tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. The preparation for the tree topaer begins several weeks before the festival.
If you see any of our youth or staff celebrating this time of year — such as our Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations (OIIR), which is hosting Kwanzaa events at multiple facilities — we hope you view it as a chance to connect and learn more about other cultures and traditions.
Mexicans and Mexican-Americans often celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico who symbolizes patriotism and devotion. I would like to extend a huge thank-you to these youth who took the time to share with everyone about their religions or the holidays they honor during this time of year.
The preparation for the tree topaer begins several weeks before the festival. The villagers venture into the forest to find the perfect tree, usually an evergreen, to be erected in the center of the village square. The tree is carefully cut down and brought back to the village with great ceremony.
December holiday observances
December is a time when many of us take part in holiday, religious, and cultural observances.
This month, I wanted to take time to highlight some of these observances to recognize and honor our teammates or youth who may be celebrating. Please know that there are many more observances that are not included here.
Hanukkah, Nov. 28-Dec. 6: Hanukkah, the Hebrew word for “dedication,” is a Jewish tradition that celebrates the recovery of Jerusalem and rededication of the Holy Temple after a Maccabean revolt. Hanukkah frequently is celebrated by lighting a menorah (a candle holder with nine candles), playing dreidel, and eating special foods.
Advent, Nov. 28-Dec. 24: Many Christians celebrate Advent to prepare for the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day, Dec. 25. It starts the fourth Sunday before Christmas and concludes on Christmas Eve. People often celebrate by reflecting on a specific theme each week, typically related to the ideas of hope, faith, joy, and peace.
Bodhi Day, Dec. 8: Bodhi Day commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment. It’s celebrated annually in many Buddhist countries, including China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. People often celebrate through meditation, chanting Buddhist texts, or doing kind acts for others.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec. 12: Celebrated mostly by people in Mexico and the U.S., this holiday honors Mary, the mother of Jesus in Christianity, and commemorates her appearance to Saint Juan Diego in 1531 in Tepeyec, Mexico. For the holiday, many people often travel to the church and shrine in Tepeyac to pray.
Las Posadas, Dec. 16-24: This holiday is celebrated mainly in Latin America and Spain, and by Hispanics in the U.S. “Posada” is the Spanish word for lodging. People often celebrate by re-enacting the Christian Nativity story where Jesus’s mother, Mary, and her husband, Joseph, travel from inn to inn looking for shelter before Jesus’s birth.
Winter Solstice, Dec. 21: Winter solstice is the date with the least amount of daylight, due to the Earth reaching its maximum tilt away from the sun. Numerous cultures have celebrated Winter Solstice in unique ways, going back centuries, often centering on honoring the sun, celebrating the end of harvest, and connecting with others for games or feasts.
Yule, Dec. 21-Jan. 1: Yule began as a pagan celebration for Germanic peoples with traditions including the Yule log, Yule goat (connected to the Norse god Thor, who drove a chariot drawn by two goats), and singing. Yule later underwent a Christian transformation and today it is often considered a general word to describe Christmas and multiple festivals during the winter holiday season.
Kisan Diwas, Dec. 23 (in India): This holiday is observed in many countries, including India, Ghana, Pakistan, South Korea, and Zambia, to honor the contributions of farmers. Kisan Divas is Hindi for “Farmers’ Day”, and it is celebrated on Dec. 23 in India through exhibitions, debates, workshops, and other informative programs.
Christmas, Dec. 25: This Christian holiday commemorates the birth of Jesus and is celebrated by billions of people worldwide. In the U.S., people frequently celebrate through church services, home decorations, exchanging cards or gifts, and feasts. Many also associate Christmas with Santa Claus, who is said to bring gifts to children.
Kwanzaa, Dec. 26-Jan. 1: Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture based on African harvest festival traditions. The holiday focuses on seven principles: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). Celebratory symbols include a kinara (candle holder with seven candles), corn, a unity cup, and gifts.
Once the tree is in the village, the real work begins. The Pafan people believe in community participation, and every villager has a role in the decoration process. The tree is adorned with traditional ornaments, such as handcrafted wooden figurines, brightly colored ribbons, and strings of dried fruits and nuts. The villagers also gather wildflowers and garlands to add a touch of natural beauty to the tree. Symbolism plays a significant role in the Pafan yule tree topaer. Each ornament represents a wish or prayer for the upcoming year. For example, a wooden bird symbolizes good fortune, while a red ribbon may signify love and unity. The villagers take great care in selecting and placing these ornaments, believing that their wishes will come true when the tree is illuminated on the night of the festival. On the night of the tree topaer, the entire village gathers around the tree. The tree is lit up with hundreds of candles, casting a warm and inviting glow. The villagers sing traditional songs and dance around the tree, celebrating the beauty and joy of the holiday season. The Pafan yule tree topaer is not just a festive celebration; it is a time for the community to come together and reflect on the past year. It is a time for gratitude, hope, and renewed strength. The festival brings a sense of unity and joy to the village, creating lasting memories for generations to come. In conclusion, the Pafan yule tree topaer is an extraordinary cultural tradition that celebrates the holiday season in a unique and meaningful way. It is a time for the Pafan people to come together, honor their heritage, and share in the joys of the holiday season..
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