After the victory, they cleaned and repaired the Temple, which was almost destroyed. The Temple was rededicated to God by rekindling the menorah, the candelabrum symbolizing the eternal covenant between God and Jewish people and the continuity of tradition through the generations. However, there wasn't enough oil to fuel the menorah and it would have taken eight days to make more oil. The eight days of Hanukkah correspond to the legend of this miracle. Therefore, in the first day of Hanukkah, Jewish light 8 candles, in the second day 7, ending with one candle on the last day of the celebration.
Prayers accompany the lighting of the candles.
The traditional foods are those cooked in oil. It is also traditional to give small gifts to children on each night of Hanukkah. The name of the festival means protection and derives from the instructions given to Moses by God. To protect themselves, Jews are told to mark their houses with lamb's blood so that God can identify and protect them. It is a time of worship and contemplation.