“What is Purim?” may be a common thought among non-Jewish people today.
Purim is a Jewish holiday that starts on the 14th day of Adar from the Jewish calender. This year the celebration started on Wednesday, March 4. The holiday is still going on and will end tonight, March 5, The holiday started being celebrated during the first century, reports International Business Times.
Purim’s origins date back to the Book of Esther. The events that take place in this biblical book revolve around Esther and her attempt to stop a massacre of the Jews from the Persian Empire on Haman’s orders. The Jews defeated their attackers and celebrated the next day, which was the 14th day of Adar, International Business Times notes.
As part of the Purim celebration, Jews tell the story of Esther. During the telling of the story, anytime Haman’s name is mentioned people rattle items and stomp their feet. His name is mentioned 54 times and the shaking and stomping is meant to symbolize erasing his name from history, reports Examiner.com.
More From InvestorPlace
10 Richest People in the World 2015
3 Popular Stocks Wall Street Is Dead Wrong About
The Best Vanguard Funds for Your 401k
5 Stocks to Sell for March
