feast of dedication
C1Religious, historical, formal
Definition
Meaning
A Jewish religious festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
An annual eight-day celebration, also known as Hanukkah, characterized by the lighting of candles, prayer, and remembrance of historical events of religious freedom.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This term is primarily used in religious and historical contexts. In everyday modern language, the festival is far more commonly referred to as 'Hanukkah'. 'Feast of dedication' is a direct translation of the Greek term 'Enkainia' used in the New Testament.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; the term is a formal, historical name for Hanukkah in both varieties.
Connotations
Formal, Biblical, historical. Less common than 'Hanukkah' in contemporary speech.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general corpora, occurring almost exclusively in religious texts and scholarly discussions. 'Hanukkah' (or 'Chanukah') is the overwhelmingly preferred term in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] celebrated/observed/kept the feast of dedication.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A light in the darkness (metaphorically linked to the Hanukkah candles)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Almost never used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, and historical texts discussing Second Temple Judaism or the New Testament.
Everyday
Extremely rare; 'Hanukkah' is universal.
Technical
A specific term in Biblical scholarship and historical liturgy.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The community will observe the feast of dedication next week.
American English
- They celebrated the feast of dedication with their family.
adjective
British English
- The feast-of-dedication candles were lit.
American English
- A feast-of-dedication celebration was held.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday. (Simpler synonym)
- The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is sometimes called the feast of dedication.
- The feast of dedication, known today as Hanukkah, commemorates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem.
- In the Gospel of John, Jesus is recorded as being in Jerusalem during the feast of dedication, or Hanukkah.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'dedicating' a temple: a FEAST was held for the DEDICATION.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS CELEBRATION IS A FEAST; RELIGIOUS RENEWAL IS A DEDICATION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation to 'пир посвящения'. The established Russian term is 'Ханука'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in casual conversation instead of 'Hanukkah'.
- Spelling 'dedication' incorrectly.
- Confusing it with other Jewish holidays like Passover.
Practice
Quiz
The 'feast of dedication' is the historical/formal name for which modern holiday?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is the historical and formal name for the holiday commonly known as Hanukkah.
It is a direct translation from the Greek 'Enkainia' used in the New Testament (John 10:22).
It is an eight-day festival beginning on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar (late November to late December).
In almost all modern contexts, 'Hanukkah' is the appropriate and widely understood term. 'Feast of dedication' is reserved for religious or academic discussion.