The sacred oil that they had was only meant to last one night, and instead it lasted eight. This is what is known as the Hannuka miracle and the reason that the celebration lasts eight nights.The holiday is traditionally celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, exchanging of gifts, playing dreidel, and of course eating. Like most other Jewish holidays, Hannuka has foods that can be said to represent the holiday. As oil is a key symbol of the holiday, eating foods that use the ingredient is encouraged, and sufganiyot are no exception!