Gold is often associated with Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE. The menorah, one of the most important symbols of Hanukkah, is traditionally made of gold. But is gold an official Hanukkah color? Let’s take a closer look at the history and traditions around Hanukkah to find out.
The History and Traditions of Hanukkah
Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over the Greeks in 165 BCE. According to the Talmud, when Judah Maccabee and his followers recaptured the temple, they found only enough oil to keep the menorah’s candles burning for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days, which was enough time to get more oil.
To commemorate this miracle, Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days and nights. A nine-branched candelabrum called a hanukkiah (or menorah) is lit, with one candle added each night. Other Hanukkah traditions include spinning the dreidel, eating foods fried in oil like latkes and sufganiyot, and giving gelt (coins) or gifts.
The History of the Hanukkiah
The origins of the hanukkiah as we know it today emerged in the Middle Ages. Before that time, there were fewer specifications about the appearance of the ritual candelabrum. Over time, rabbinic authorities codified the design – it had to have eight holders for oil or candles, plus a ninth used to light the others. This design is based on the miracle of the oil lasting eight days.
The earliest known depiction of the hanukkiah is from the 2nd century CE, found on coins minted during the era of the Maccabees. At that time, the base of the candelabrum was not specified. From the 13th century onward, art and literature show standardized design elements like the menorah’s distinctive branches and base.
By the Middle Ages, the branches were commonly depicted as semi-circular. This design remains standard for hanukkiot today. The shamash – the “attendant” candle used to light the other eight – also became standardized on a higher or lower branch to distinguish it.
When Did the Hanukkiah Become Associated with Gold?
Gold does not seem to have been closely associated with Hanukkah rituals in ancient times. The earliest hanukkiot were probably made of clay, just like the everyday oil lamps used in ancient Israelite homes.
However, the menorah in the Temple was made of hammered gold according to the biblical book of Exodus. When the Temple was looted, the golden menorah was a prized treasure taken by the Romans in 70 CE.
The association between the Temple menorah and gold was established. When the standardized hanukkiah design emerged, gold was likely chosen as a material to invoke the grandeur of the Temple. Affluent families would have used gold hanukkiot to signal their status as well as adherence to tradition.
Over time, gold hanukkiot came to be a popular and desired symbol across Jewish communities. Even so, silver, brass, and other metals have also been commonly used throughout history. The material was far less important than the standardized design.
Is Gold Really a Hanukkah “Color”?
Given this history, can gold be considered a Hanukkah color, like blue for example? Not definitively. But its strong and longstanding association with Hanukkah makes it a meaningful materialchoice for ritual objects.
Hanukkah colors are not officially defined in Jewish law. Over time, certain colors have become widely used and recognized:
| Blue | Represents divine protection |
| Silver | Power of the moon, divinity |
| Gold | Wealth, permanence, holiness |
| White | Purity, light |
Gold is the closest to an “official” Hanukkah color due to its history. But silver, blue, and white are also prominent in Hanukkah decorations.
Gold in Hanukkah Decorations
Gold appears in many types of decorations associated with Hanukkah:
- Gold hanukkiot. While not required, gold menorahs are traditional.
- Gold foil gelt coins. These chocolate coins are given as gifts to children.
- Gold dreidels. The four-sided spinning top game played during Hanukkah.
- Gold ribbons and accents. These adorn wreaths, table runners, candle holders, and other decor.
Gold details add warmth, splendor and luxury to Hanukkah decor. But silver, blue and white are also common accent colors.
Is There Modern Significance to Gold Hanukkah Decorations?
For contemporary Jews, gold Hanukkah decorations symbolize several deeper meanings:
- Continuity with history. Gold recalls ancient menorahs and generations of tradition.
- Bringing light in darkness. The glow of the candles is enriched by shimmering gold.
- Majesty and permanence. Gold connotes these qualities as we celebrate an ancient miracle.
- Life’s treasures. Gold represents values that outshine material wealth.
But gold is not requisite to honoring the spirit of Hanukkah. Any colors that recall the original light of the holiday are appropriate. Freedom to adapt the non-essential traditions keeps Hanukkah meaningful over time.
Conclusion
Gold is closely tied to Hanukkah through the history of the menorah and the desire to link customs to the grandeur of the past. But Jewish authorities have not officially declared any set Hanukkah color palette.
Gold brings beauty, warmth and sparkle to Hanukkah rituals. Yet it only holds symbolic value. Any choice that honors the traditions and meaning of the holiday can be meaningful. Hanukkah’s light shines on in all colors.
