- It is believed that Christmas cards with congratulations bring happiness to the house for the whole year! Statistics say that in the US alone at Christmas, people send over 3 million cards. And if your kid writes a postcard with an uncertain hand for grandparents, aunts and uncles, godfather and godmother, then believe me, the recipient will keep it all his life! For loved ones, these children's congratulations are worth more than famous manuscripts!
- It is believed that Santa Claus has a magic book where he writes down the good and bad deeds of children. And depending on the behavior of the baby, he gives him gifts, large and small. This is one of the good psychological incentives for a child - to learn to be better!
- It is believed that it is very useful to teach children to be creative by making Christmas toys! A Christmas tree decorated with handmade toys and hearts becomes a special value for the baby and for adults.
- It is believed that the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree as a symbol of eternal life first appeared in Germany. Psychologists say that the very process of decorating a Christmas tree is a cognitive and interesting activity for adults and children, it develops tactile sensations, brings together and unites, brings a sense of joy and a magical mood to the house.
- It is believed that hanging large Christmas socks on fireplaces guarantees the receipt of treasured gifts. By the way, the largest Christmas sock 32.56 m long and 14.97 m wide, which was made in 2007 in London, is listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
Interesting facts about Catholic Christmas
- In Venezuela, in the city of Caracas, all Catholics go to church on roller skates. To do this, the streets are blocked in the morning so that the faithful are not late for Mass.
- Christmas in Australia is celebrated at an average air temperature of +26 0 C. Santa Claus sails on a surfboard right to the beach. But even if Santa Claus arrives in a sleigh, instead of reindeer, kangaroos are harnessed to the sleigh.
- In Austria and Hungary, they believe that birds should not be eaten on Christmas Eve, otherwise happiness will fly away from home.
- In the Czech Republic, they love to tell fortunes on apples: if when you cut an apple across, you get the right asterisk from the seeds, then it is generally accepted that next year will be happy.
The Feast of the Nativity of Christ reminds us of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the spiritual leader whose teachings became the foundation of the Christian religion. The difference in dates (for Catholics on December 25, for Orthodox on January 7) is due to a change in calendars. As early as the 16th century, the Catholic Church switched to a new style (Gregorian), and Russian Christians still adhere to the Julian calendar. Christmas celebrations include decorating a green beauty, visiting temples, sharing meals with family, and of course, Santa Claus arriving and exchanging gifts.
Neither in the New Testament nor in any other sources is there an exact date for the appearance of Jesus. Initially, Christians celebrated it on January 2, then on March 21, March 25, April 18, April 19, May 20, May 28, November 17, November 20, and only in the 4th century did the Western church for the first time stop at the date of December 25, and the Eastern religion supported it. . Nativity scenes in churches and squares are hallmark Christmas celebration. Its exhibits display scenes of the appearance of the son of God. In addition, special songs known as "carols" are performed during the holiday. Their words tell of the events in Bethlehem.
How is Christmas celebrated?
Catholics are carefully preparing for the most important day, coming December 25th. Four weeks before the holiday, a period of repentance begins - Advent, when believers perform certain rituals:
- They indulge in prayer, read Scripture and confess in order to purify the soul before the Christmas service.
- They make a round wreath that has neither beginning nor end: God is eternal, and His love for us is eternal. It must be from natural plant material, because Christ came to give a new, eternal life through His passion, death and resurrection. Three purple candles symbolize repentance, preparation for a great event and sacrifice, and a pink one speaks of the imminent coming of Christ. Fire represents Jesus, who entered our world to dispel the darkness of evil and show the path of righteousness. Such a wreath is placed at the altar or in the center of the family table during lunch and prayer. Each approaching week before Christmas is marked by the lighting of one candle.
- Events are preceded by a strict fast, which ends with the first star. On December 24, on Christmas Eve, Catholics eat sochivo (kutya).
Santa Claus, who comes to Christmas, is known for his charity, and he leaves gifts in socks. In most European countries, the clothes of a Christmas grandfather are similar to the robes of a bishop, but in America and Great Britain he is dressed in a red outfit with white fur.
How do Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas?
January 7 is Christmas for 260 million Orthodox Christians. According to the Julian calendar, the holiday comes 13 days after the Catholic one. Orthodox Christmas has a number of similar symbols to Catholic Christmas, such as a decorated Christmas tree, a wreath, and gifts.
- The morning service takes place on Christmas Eve and the parishioners fast during the day. Another special prayer service is held in the afternoon. In the evening, 12 vegetarian dishes are placed on the table - one for each of the 12 apostles. Depending on the region, the food may be different or similar, such as herring, sauerkraut, red borscht (beetroot soup), dumplings and uzvar.
- A white or embroidered tablecloth usually covers the Christmas table. It symbolizes the cloth in which the child Jesus was wrapped. Straw and candles decorate the table, which resembles a stable. A sheaf of grain called "didukh" is placed in the corner of the room. It symbolizes a good harvest. The meal begins after the first star appears in the night sky. On Christmas Eve, some families distribute small treats to neighbors. In many Orthodox countries, such as Belarus and Ukraine, it is customary to go from house to house and sing carols. In other regions, people enter the sea, rivers and lakes to perform a special religious ceremony.
- At Christmas, Orthodox Christians attend church and then gather at the table.
- The next day after the holiday, people spend at a religious ceremony.
How was Christmas celebrated in Russia in the old days?
Christmas came to Russia in the 10th century, and Christmas Eve was spent modestly, and the holiday itself was fun and provocative. Sochivo and uzvar were always on the table among other 12 dishes. The ashes in cooking were left for magical rituals.
According to tradition, a spoonful of kutya was thrown to the ceiling, if it stuck, they waited for a plentiful collection of honey.
In the corner under the icon, an altar was made from a rye sheaf and tools. To improve health, a special ritual was performed. To do this, the floor was covered with straw, the table was decorated with a sheaf of it, and smoking incense rose from above. Bonfires were lit in the yards and they prayed in order to transfer a piece of warmth to the dead in this way. With the advent of the first star, they sat down by seniority for a meal.
The next day, with the strike of the first bell, the parishioners went to matins. The festive table of the second day surprised with dishes: fragrant jelly, baked pig, honey gingerbread, etc. In the evening, masked mummers entertained people in the squares. People went to visit and did fortune-telling.
How is Christmas celebrated in Belarus?
Today, two dates are recognized in Belarus: Catholics and Protestants - December 25 and January 7 Orthodox believers. Regardless of who celebrates and when, Belarusians have common traditions in decorating the Christmas Eve table. Many housewives prepare at least 12 dishes. Local residents fast, so there is no meat on the pre-holiday table. Instead, it has 12 fish and vegetable dishes. Belarus sacredly remembers its roots. The bread was usually torn between family members rather than cut with a knife. They believed that the soul of the hostess was hidden in baking, so they were afraid to hurt her. After dinner, the table was not cleaned, but food was left for the departed ancestors.
Carols are part of the Christmas traditions in Belarus. This feature has pagan roots, when a group of disguised people drove away evil spirits with their songs and received money and treats from the owners in return.
Today, mostly children go caroling, but sometimes there are also adults.
A number of Catholic Christmas traditions in Belarus are performed on New Year, for example, decorate the Christmas tree and receive gifts. Besides, New Year's concerts and performances are secular.
Christmas markets in Minsk operate on October Square and near the Sports Palace. They sell straw ornaments, wooden figurines, fabrics, ceramics, felt boots and much more.
How is Christmas celebrated in Australia?
Christmas in Australia comes on December 25th. Catholics attend midnight mass. In other denominations, special church services are held during the day. Many people, even non-Christians, give each other gifts, prepare special meals, and decorate houses. Part of the Australian traditions was adopted from Europe, although it has its own climatic features.
A few weeks before Christmas, Australians decorate the Christmas tree with candles, small electric lights, glass balls, tinsel, artificial snow and Santa Claus figurines. Glass balls and wooden decorations depicting wildlife such as koalas, parrots or Australian landmarks are used. Children receive gifts from the mythical Santa Claus. They write their wishes to him a few weeks before Christmas. Australians traditionally put fried meat and vegetables, fruit pies and puddings on the festive table. In the latter, a small coin is often baked, whoever gets the “secret” piece will be happy next year.
The holiday falls on the summer holidays, so schools and educational establishments, as well as most businesses and shops are closed.
How is Christmas celebrated in England?
Christmas in the United Kingdom is celebrated on December 25 and includes the exchange of gifts, a special festive table, beautiful Christmas music and Christmas tree decoration. English Santa Claus comes through the pipe and leaves gifts in stockings or pillowcases. They open the day after the holiday.
Christmas dinner is eaten at noon on December 25, during the daytime. It consists of a baked turkey served with vegetables and sauce, potatoes and parsnips. For dessert, they bake fruit pudding with cognac syrup. Before Christmas, people decorate their homes and gardens with Christmas trees, colored lights, holly leaves and berries. In some places they arrange nativity scenes. On the night before Christmas, churches hold special services, which are attended by many English people.
Almost all organizations, with the exception of hospitals and shelters for the homeless, are closed for the holiday.
The Christmas symbols of the English can be considered leaves and berries of holly, mistletoe, as well as pine, candles and lights. A special place is occupied by a small feathered robin, which is depicted on postcards, wrapping paper and cakes.
How is Christmas celebrated in Austria?
The Christmas season in Austria begins at the end of November with Advent, the period awaiting the "coming" of Jesus. Families make their own or buy a special spruce wreath. It is adorned with four candles that are lit in succession every four Sundays leading up to December 24th. Cities are crowded with people doing holiday shopping. On Christmas Eve all shops, theaters and restaurants are closed as Austrians spend the day with their families.
According to local tradition, people living in the mountains descend with torches into the city. They attend midnight mass at the church and then return home to enjoy the celebration. The whole family sits down at the dinner table and eats baked or fried carp. Sacher (chocolate apricot) cake is one of the favorite Christmas desserts for Australians.
The Christmas tree is considered the most important element of the Austrian Christmas. Straw stars and sweets are placed on it, and sometimes bread crumbs to treat the birds.
How is Christmas celebrated in Poland?
Poles carefully prepare their homes for the coming of Christmas. They are convinced that untidy holiday rooms will remain so throughout the next year. Women try to look into every corner to once again make sure that they are clean.
During Advent, housewives bake gingerbread "Pernik". It is performed in the form of a star, heart, animals and even Nikola.
Poles decorate their homes on Christmas Eve. Boughs of firs and pines are installed in the entrances. The houses sparkle with garlands and firs, decorated with handmade toys. Their tops are crowned with a sparkling star.
Dinner on Christmas Eve (Supper) begins with the appearance of the first star. Candles are lit on the tables and waffle payments are broken. The rest of the evening is dedicated to storytelling and singing around the Christmas tree. "Pastorka" or vigil in the local church marks the end of Christmas Eve, on which the priest puts the figure of Jesus in the nativity scene. Christmas decorations in churches remain until February 2.
It is believed that a sheaf of wheat, rye, hay or straw under the table will bring a good harvest and prosperity. It also recalls the humble surroundings of Jesus' birth.
How is Christmas celebrated in France?
Some provinces of France celebrate Christmas on December 25, and for people from the North and East, the holiday begins on January 6. The basis of the celebrations are nativity scenes, as well as a manger with clay figurines called "little Saints". These products are an age-old feature of the country, so craftsmen in the south of France make them all year round.
In the region, setting up a Christmas tree is not as popular as baking a log-shaped Bûches de Noël cake.
The dinner menu changes according to the regional culinary tradition. If in Alsace they bake a goose, then in Burgundy they eat turkey with chestnuts. Other festive dishes may include rabbit pâté, foie gras, truffle omelette, baked poultry, lettuce, peas, beans, carrots, potatoes, garlic soup, and small chocolates wrapped in shiny paper.
On Christmas Eve, children leave their shoes by the fireplace for the beloved Christ Child or Père Noël to fill with gifts.
The French spend Christmas quietly, attending a special church service. There are scenes in the temples representing Mary, Joseph, Jesus and other characters. During the French Revolution, such nativity scenes were banned, so people made them at home. Today, Christmas figurines are an important symbol of the holiday, especially in Provence.
How is Christmas celebrated in Japan?
The main religion of Japan is Buddhism. The number of Christians is only 1%, most of which are Catholics. Despite this, Christmas is quite popular in the country. The main events unfold on the eve of the holiday, and not on December 25th. Christmas The Land of the Rising Sun is associated with elegant trees in shopping malls, Christmas markets, and LED lights.
This day is not considered a religious holiday for the Japanese and is celebrated by everyone, regardless of religious beliefs. Japanese Christmas Eve is the most romantic day of the year. Its meaning is reminiscent of our Valentine's Day.
Japanese Christmas cake or Kurisumasu Keki is sold on every street corner from Hokkaido to Kyushu. This is a light dessert with a creamy filling and icing topped with dark red strawberries.
How is Christmas celebrated in Israel?
There is no wide celebration of Christmas in the Holy Land, because Israel is a country of Jews. The holiday is more often awaited by numerous emigrants and pilgrims. For most of the rest of the population, this day is no different from others. The main habitats of Christian Arabs are the cities of Bethlehem and Nazareth. It is here that festive events take place, and three times a year:
- Catholic and Protestant churches - 25 December.
- Greek, Syriac, Coptic and Romanian Orthodox churches- January 6.
- Armenian Church - January 18.
These days you can watch colorful processions through the winding lanes of the Old City. Dozens of prayer services are held in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Tel Aviv and Haifa. Nine days before Christmas, festive songs and prayers begin to sound. Every pilgrim aspires to attend midnight Mass at the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. On December 24, the patriarchal procession leaves the Old City of Jerusalem and goes to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
The Christian population of Nazareth celebrates Christmas together with thousands of tourists. With a holiday, the city comes to life. People decorate Christmas trees, dress up as Santa, hold Christmas festivals and attend church services.
Palestinian families celebrate the holiday with fried lamb dishes, sesame seed sweets, semolina pancakes stuffed with nuts, cheese and roasted chestnuts.
How is Christmas celebrated in America?
Christmas came to America in the 19th century and is celebrated differently in each state due to its cultural diversity.
The Christmas tree plays an important role in the holiday tradition. Its top is usually crowned with a star or an angel who announced the birth of Christ. Trees are often decorated with toys that have been passed down from generation to generation. The tree is positioned so that passers-by on the street can see it. Houses are decorated with snowmen, snowflakes, deer and other magical scenes.
The Christmas dinner consists of traditional vegetables and sauce, fruit pudding and pumpkin pie.
Many families make sure to attend church to be part of a live nativity scene, a church dinner, a choir concert, and a special service.
Thanksgiving Day falls on the fourth Thursday of November and is considered the official beginning of the celebration of Christmas in all US states.
Features of celebrations in various parts of America:
- In Pennsylvania, small scenes are always made under the tree. The construction of such nativity scenes originates from the colonial Moravian communities.
- In Alaska, a star (of Bethlehem) is placed on a pole near a dwelling. This action is taken from the legend of the Magi who visited Christ while following a star. Here they also decorate the entrance to the house with a pineapple, a symbol of hospitality.
- In Washington, a huge Christmas tree is lit by the president.
- In Boston, they carol with bells in their hands.
- Arizona hosts a nine-day festival that ends on December 24th. Families visit each other's homes looking for Mary and Joseph.
How to celebrate Christmas with children?
Christmas is a magical, joyful and sacred event that will become special if you spend it with children.
- Listen to Christmas songs together while driving or after dinner.
- Games with Christmas scenes will introduce the child to the acting figures of the Bethlehem events, for example, assembling Lego nativity scenes.
- "Edible Tree" The cone-shaped ice cream is placed upside down on a plate. Together with the child, they fill it with green icing and decorate with marshmallows and pieces of chocolate. You can prepare such a surprise for an old neighbor or friend.
- Open the Bible and tell the children the story of the holiday. Family members put on robes and act out the birth scene. A box can become a nursery, and a doll can become a baby.
Christmas is celebrated all over the world. Some traditions are passed from country to country, while others characterize only a certain people, making their holiday unique.
The amazing holiday of Christmas has become a favorite in many parts of the world, in countries with very different cultures, histories and climates. How do people celebrate Christmas? By tradition - of course, at home, because this is, first of all family celebration. The customs on this day are the same for many countries, but each country has its own habits, especially for the Christmas table.
- Where did the difference in dates for celebrating Christmas come from?
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Bulgaria
- France
- Italy
- Austria
- Greece
- Finland
- Estonia
- Israel
- Dominican Republic
- Portugal
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Argentina
Where did the difference in dates for celebrating Christmas come from?
If the New Year is a secular holiday, then Christmas is a Christian one. Everyone knows, When is Catholic Christmas celebrated in Europe - December 25.
But why, then, this holiday among the Orthodox got another date on January 7, because it is unlikely that even such an unusual baby as Jesus could have been born twice. This confusion with dates arose from the inaccuracies of the calendars used by Europeans. The ROC now lives according to the old Julian calendar, which Julius Caesar borrowed from the Egyptian priests and put into circulation in the Roman Empire. The New Year started on January 1st. Christmas, according to it, also falls on December 25, but according to the Gregorian calendar, according to which we all live, it is already January 7.
Until 1582, Europe lived according to the same calendar, but it was difficult to calculate the time of Easter according to it. Therefore, Pope Gregory XIII decided to reform the calendar, making it more accurate. The difference between the Julian and Gregorian calendars lies in the principle of accounting for leap years. If at the time of the introduction of the Gregorian calendar the difference between them was 10 days, now it has reached 13 days and will slowly increase further. This is why Christmas is celebrated on different days in different countries peace.
United Kingdom
The date when Christmas is celebrated in the UK is no different from Western Europe - all the same on December 25th. But since the inhabitants of Foggy Albion are very respectful of traditions, the celebration of this Holy Day should be marked by a short speech by the queen, delivered immediately after Christmas dinner.
When the British celebrate Christmas, before they sit down at the festive table, they must attend church. Children here ask for gifts from "Father Christmas" ("Father of Christmas"). To do this, the offspring must write a letter with detailed list all that he wants to receive in the new year, and then burn it in the fireplace - and the smoke coming out through the chimney will convey the wishes to their destination.
In the UK, people celebrate Christmas for two days - after Christmas itself comes St. Stephen's Day. On this day, the British open boxes for donations and distribute what they have collected there to needy people.
On this family holiday, all family members tend to gather at their parents' house, exchange gifts and collectively go through family photo albums. Celebration of Christmas in the UK is impossible without turkey with gooseberry sauce, and pudding for dessert. The British drink brandy on this day, and then tea.
The decoration of the table should be a pie, in which, according to an old custom, small surprises are invested. By what someone gets, the British guess what the coming year promises them: a horseshoe - good luck, a coin - wealth, and a ring - marriage. The British decorate their homes for Christmas with mistletoe (fertility and hospitality) and holly (wealth).
Germany
Germany is a Christian country, there are approximately equal numbers of Catholics and Protestants in it, so the celebration of Christmas in Germany falls on the night of December 24-25.
But the preparation for this holiday begins in November. In the temples, festive services, repentance and communion are held. The traditions of celebrating Christmas in Germany are curious, according to which the season of Christmas holidays begins on November 11 at 11:11 am local time. The Christmas holidays are called “the fifth season of the year”. Noisy fairs open on the squares of ancient German cities, which attract thousands of buyers. They spend their time cheerfully: they eat, drink mulled wine, sing, dance, hug. Children, on the other hand, eagerly open Advents - sweet calendars designed for 24 days, and one candy is hidden in the cell of each day.
Also, the Germans give each other "Christmas stars" (in our opinion, spurge) - plants brought in the last century from Mexico. If you properly care for this plant, then around Christmas, a pink or scarlet flower will appear on it, shaped like a star. It is also customary to give pots of clover - for good luck.
In the Catholic regions of the country, such as Bavaria, on holy days, costumed processions roam the streets, often with a frightening look - masks or just a face smeared with soot.
In the premises it is customary to arrange biblical "nativity scenes" - scenes on a Christmas theme. Typical elements of the den are the cave with the newborn Jesus, the Magi and the guiding star. The doors are decorated with candles intertwined with ribbons and biblical characters.
As elsewhere, in Germany, Christmas is a family holiday - the whole family must certainly gather at the festive table. There is also a besherung - a ceremony of exchanging Christmas gifts.
Bulgaria
Since the Bulgarians are mostly Orthodox people, the question of when Christmas is celebrated in Bulgaria does not even arise for many. But, oddly enough, the date of celebration in this country falls on December 25th.
The holiday begins on December 24 with Kolyada, when caroling guys go from house to house, sing Christmas songs and wish the owners health, prosperity, wealth, and a good harvest. It is customary to give carolers gifts and money, some of which must be given to charity (to a church or school, for the needs of the poor).
Christmas Eve is called “poor evening” here, everyone who came that evening is invited to it, and Lenten dishes are necessarily put on the table in an odd number. Housewives bake "banitsa" - a traditional cake in which various surprises are baked (notes with wishes, nuts, coins). First, the hostess pricks the cake with a fork, and then divides it in such a way that everyone at the table gets a surprise.
Since Bulgarian Christmas is also a purely family holiday, on Christmas Eve and Christmas night the streets of the country are very few people.
USA
The answer to the question of when Christmas is celebrated in America is obvious - they brought this tradition from Europe, like many others. Therefore, Christmas trees are also decorated here (since the New Year is coming soon), Christmas carols are sung, and a traditional turkey is placed on the festive table on December 25th. Many Americans drink an egg-nog cocktail at Christmas.
When Americans celebrate Christmas, it can be seen from afar as they put on lavish lights and decorate the streets. Everything is lit these days: offices, shops and residential buildings. On the front door of the house outside, Americans like to hang Christmas or New Year's wreaths. And they tend to shower each other with a mass of gifts. To do this, before Christmas, most stores bring down prices, and then many goods can be bought several times cheaper than usual.
The meeting of Christmas at home also takes place in the circle of family and close relatives. A roasted turkey or goose flaunts on the table, complemented by salads and appetizers, as well as pudding or pie.
France
The traditions of celebrating Christmas on December 25, of course, are also in Catholic France, and they are quite typical, including:
- installation of a fir tree decorated with toys and balls;
- arrangement in the house of a Christmas "nativity scene";
- acting out in the temple a small performance on a Christmas theme.
But the French also have their own specific traditions, among which there are quite old ones. So, at Christmas, the French chose the log they liked the most, solemnly went around the festive table with it, and even with sentences, and only then sent it to the fireplace. Now it is difficult to find a log, so it was replaced with an outwardly similar roll, which, instead of falling into the fireplace, becomes a festive treat.
The French are famous gourmets, so they pay special attention to the festive table, putting turkey, champagne, sweets and various dishes on it.
Italy
Christmas, which also falls on December 25 in Italy, is celebrated in a more religious context. Here you can rarely meet St. Nicholas, and more often Christmas "nativity scenes" are arranged, staging the birth of Jesus. Live performances or just figurines are present in all public places: in temples, in squares, near fountains, in shop windows, in houses.
Another important Christmas character here is the witch on the broom - La Befana. But you should not expect unpleasant surprises from her, because this witch is kind. It is believed that she delivers gifts to Italian children, so they prefer the sorceress to Santa Claus, so his role is secondary. The Italians call him Bobbo Natale.
It is very difficult to get to the Christmas mass in St. Peter's Basilica - tickets here must be ordered several months in advance. Those who are less fortunate can watch the service on a large screen installed in St. Peter's Square.
Austria
It is also easy to guess what date Christmas is celebrated in Austria, December 25th. Preparations for the holiday begin a month before its onset. At the end of November, Advent is announced - the Christmas fast, and with it the expectation of the approach of the celebration. In houses during this period, classic Christmas wreaths with 4 candles are made. On the first Sunday of Lent, only one candle is lit, on the next two already, then three, and on the last Sunday of Advent on the eve of Christmas, all the candles of the wreath are already burning brightly.
Throughout Austria, festive markets are open during the weeks leading up to Christmas - this tradition dates back to the Middle Ages. These bazaars set up beautifully painted stalls selling various sweets: beautifully shaped biscuits, hard candies, fragrant mulled wines and roasted chestnuts.
The Austrians prefer to decorate the Christmas tree not with balls and garlands, but with delicious decorations - marzipan and chocolate, which they are very proud of here. The Christmas table in Austria should have perfectly cooked carp and spicy pastries.
Greece
Some compatriots are surprised when Greece celebrates Christmas, because this is a largely Orthodox country, but here Christmas is celebrated on December 25 and also in a close family circle.
A Christmas tree is decorated in the house, and gifts of Greek nature are displayed on the Christmas table - figs, nuts, raisins, fruits and other sweets. But the main dish is the roasted turkey. Housewives bake sweet cookies with almonds and melomacaroni - honey cookies in advance. The Greeks also bake Christopsomo, reminiscent of our Easter cake, a sweet biscuit made from yeast dough with the addition of wine, butter, almonds and a few fragrant spices. Baking is decorated with a cross, and inserted into its center Walnut right in the shell.
At Christmas, the Greeks give their neighbors household items, books, clothes, children's toys, and sometimes just envelopes with money. During the holiday week, it is customary to sing Christmas carols. In some places, young people still go caroling, but for this they receive from the audience not treats, as we do, but simply money.
Finland
It is interesting how the Finns celebrate Christmas, especially when you consider that Joulupukki (aka Santa Claus, aka Santa Claus) has been officially registered since 1984 in the north of the country - in Lapland, near the Arctic Circle. Any child from anywhere in the world who sent a message to Santa Claus in Lapland can count on his answer.
In the old days, Christmas in Finland was celebrated a little earlier, and the treat in those days was pork legs and Christmas beer. In our time, the Finns celebrate this holiday on December 25th. But it is customary here to bring a Christmas tree into the house not earlier than Christmas Eve, and indeed, this tradition appeared in Finland at the time when it was part of Russian Empire(XIX century).
On December 25, in the morning, the whole family quickly decorates the Christmas tree, after which many of them go to church. Then you can enjoy a steam bath in the sauna.
Steamed and clean Finns sit down at the festive table in the evening. On this day they prefer to drink mulled wine. For Christmas, housewives cook ham baked according to a special recipe, which is accompanied by rice or carrot porridge. Moreover, there is a secret in porridge - whoever gets an almond seed on a plate will be lucky next year.
The day after Christmas in Finland is the feast of St. Stephen, who is the patron saint of horses. Saint Lucy is especially revered at Christmas among the Finns.
Estonia
The celebration of Christmas in Estonia has retained its flavor and unique customs. On the eve of the holiday, people read a Christmas prayer - this tradition originated in the Middle Ages. Then the church sought in this way to reconcile the eternally warring barons, at least on the eve of such a big holiday. So this prayer has reached our days in Estonia, it calls not to offend anyone - neither people nor animals, to be able to forgive, to be attentive, to take care of both loved ones and completely strangers especially the elderly.
Like the Finns, Estonians cannot imagine Christmas without a bath, because they believe that bathing in these last days of the year allows you to heal all ailments and kindles an “inner fire” that will warm a person from the inside throughout the coming year.
The table for Christmas in Estonia should be plentiful - starting from Christmas Eve, gluttony is given free rein here. Estonians can be seen on the table traditional sausages, pork and homemade beer.
Israel
Many people wonder if Jews celebrate Christmas? As you know, the main religion in Israel is Judaism, however, and the Nativity of Christ is widely celebrated here. Of course, the main festive ceremony is held where the story of the birth of Jesus Christ began - in Bethlehem. There is a Church of the Nativity of Christ in the city, in which a mass Christmas service is held. It is headed by the Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem. There are several important points in the rite:
- the patriarch goes to the altar, on which lies the Star of Bethlehem prepared in advance;
- on this star he puts a sculptural image of a baby;
- both items are transferred together to the manger, where they will be until the feast of the Epiphany.
There are two dates for celebrating Christmas in Israel at once - both December 25 and January 7, depending on the denomination. The Orthodox celebration begins on January 6 with a large procession led by the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem. She is on her way from the Old City to Bethlehem. Beautifully dressed Palestinian children take part in the procession, and the procession is accompanied by the sounds of drums and wind instruments.
Dominican Republic
If closer to the New Year you suddenly find yourself in the Dominican Republic, then you will probably be interested in the question of how Christmas is celebrated in the Dominican Republic. And this holiday in a tropical country looks very unusual for our eyes - there is no hint of frost, snow, ice slides and other signs of winter. However, all these factors do not prevent local residents from completely surrendering to the merry celebration of Christmas.
Back in early December, sales and special fairs begin to work here, at which Dominicans in in large numbers buy souvenirs, gifts, treats and other holiday items. It is also customary to attend church here, but in the morning. Also, the inhabitants of the island sit down at the family festive table. To celebrate Christmas with loved ones, many Dominicans have to return from other countries.
For the festive table, a pig or a turkey baked on a spit is prepared here, and the dishes are washed down with anything: cola, coconut milk, beer or wine. After dinner, the islanders take to the streets to join the mass festivities, fireworks, Latin dances, carnivals and continue the celebration.
Portugal
For the most part, the Portuguese continue to be zealous Catholics, so the way they celebrate Christmas in Portugal is not too different from the celebration in most Western European countries.
This first winter holiday is the most important of the year for them and is also held in the family circle. Many families collectively visit temples to hear the “mass of the rooster” (it is believed here that people learned about the birth of the Messiah precisely because of his cry). Returning from the church, everyone sits down at the festive table. Young people often prefer dances and fun in the circle of acquaintances to a feast, and sometimes strangers near the fires.
Many national dishes are prepared here for the festive table, among which there must be an octopus with rice, a baked goat, lamb roast, and for dessert - pastries (bolorei cake). They drink excellent Portuguese wines at the table.
Sweden
Swedish Christmas is perhaps the longest since it lasts from December 13th to January 13th. Moreover, such a scale has been observed here for a whole millennium. The Swedes expect gifts from the Christmas gnome - an analogue of our brownie. He, according to legend, lives in the underground of every house.
Christmas in Sweden is symbolized by the figure of a goat, which is made from straw every year. This tradition is rooted in Norse mythology. The first public Christmas goat was installed in the town of Gavl in 1966. True, not everyone loves this symbol, so the opponents of the goat seek to destroy it in any way - steal, break, burn. As a result, out of 45 installed in different years in Gavla, 28 goats were vandalized. Statistics also confirm that the population of Sweden is divided approximately equally in relation to this mythological character: one half considers it a perfectly acceptable symbol of Christmas, while the other sees the devilry in it and seeks to destroy it.
Denmark
In Denmark, preparations for the upcoming Christmas begin on the first Friday of November. It is on this day that the first dark sweetish Christmas beer of the year appears on sale, and the shelves of all stores begin to dazzle with Christmas paraphernalia, the persistent aroma of ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves is heard from the pastry shops.
Danish streets begin to smell of almonds, street markets open, where fluffy pines, Christmas trees or cypresses are sold. Squares and streets are decorated with garlands, silk and paper red hearts, and straw goats. Near the town hall on the main square, the main city tree is set up, under which they put a large transparent box for donations intended for children from poor countries.
At Christmas, housewives bake "Christmas boars" - loaves in the shape of a wild boar. On the first day of the Christmas week, a thick candle with divisions applied to it is lit - when it burns down to the first division, it is extinguished, and the next day it is lit again until it burns out to the next division, and so on.
Iceland
Iceland is also beginning to prepare well in advance for bright holiday Christmas. So, on December 12, children's shoes appear on the windowsills, the owners of which expect gifts to appear in them. Icelandic children are lucky - they are presented not only by Santa Claus, but also by 13 other Christmas characters, who at the same time look like people and trolls. For two weeks they will put something in a shoe every night. The naughty ones who marked their bad behavior in the past year will find a potato instead of a gift, and those who were completely unbearable will be awarded Grila - a three-eyed cat with protruding teeth and warts. There is a legend regarding the last character, according to which Grila on Christmas night can drag off children who have not been presented with new clothes.
On Christmas Eve, Icelanders cook ptarmigan, which has long been a Christmas dish here. It is known that partridges run more because they do not fly well, so catching them was not great work and such a treat became available even to the poor who did not have guns.
Another old Christmas tradition is the preparation of leafy bread. Since cereals do not grow in Iceland, grain was always brought here by sea and was very expensive. Therefore, the flour dough was almost precious - the housewives rolled it very thinly, and then folded Christmas symbolic figures out of it. For dessert at the Christmas table, they serve rice pudding with an almond in the center.
On Christmas night, a church mass is broadcast on the radio, while television temporarily stops working.
Argentina
In Argentina, where Christmas is also celebrated, it is also a family holiday. All close relatives gather in the house of one of them, where a festive table is prepared. At midnight, they solemnly open a fizzy drink (usually cider, less often champagne). Then the youth goes outside to shoot balloons or set off fireworks and blow up firecrackers. Especially believers go to church.
On Christmas Eve, the working day is shortened in most cases, and on December 25, life seems to freeze - all kiosks, shops, restaurants, bars, clubs are closed. On the Christmas table, Argentines like to put "Russian salad" (somewhat reminiscent of the modern version of our Olivier), as well as salad with tomatoes and lettuce, marinated chicken and Argentine asado.
It is customary to decorate the Christmas tree in Argentina rather restrainedly, using balls of only 1-2 colors.
In which country did you celebrate the most interesting Christmas? What country's traditions do you like? Tell us about it in the comments, we are very interested in your opinion.
The editors of I WANT to continue the thematic marathon, publishing up-to-date materials on preparations for the New Year and Christmas holidays. This time we have news about Catholic Christmas: signs of the holiday, information on how to meet and what not to do on Catholic Christmas 2018. Details are further in the material.
For Christmas, the house is always decorated in a special way. concerns the house in the first place, since Christmas among Catholics is a calm family holiday, which is celebrated in a narrow circle. Usually they put figures of the baby Jesus and the Virgin Mary in a manger near the house, and they sprinkle them with straw, which among Catholics is one of the main symbols of Christmas. Children must be assigned.
It begins with a prayer, all members of the family, by seniority, break the host (unleavened bread). traditionally consists only of lenten dishes: vegetable salads, apples, honey, nuts, raisins, various vegetables, celery, which symbolize prosperity, health and good luck. On Christmas night they also eat fish, but already on December 25, you can treat yourself to poultry meat. Also, do not forget about. They are sung at the festive table, and then after the onset of the holiday.
Signs for Catholic Christmas December 25
Much attention is paid to signs on the holiday of Catholic Christmas, which in many ways help to predict the future. Therefore, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with some of them.
- Snow at Christmas means a good year.
- A snowstorm on Christmas Eve - there will be early foliage.
- Severe cold at Christmas - to a rich harvest.
- If Christmas is warm, there will be a cold spring.
- Fireplace owners are advised not to turn it off before dawn.
- Christmas bells warn of the approach of evil spirits, and Christmas candles protect the festive table from the cold and the forces of darkness. A Christmas wreath protects the inhabitants of the house from the unexpected coming of evil forces.
What not to do on Catholic Christmas
If you read, you will see that each religious date has its own prescription and its own prohibitions. In this regard, no exception. Read on for more information on what not to do on Christmas Day.
- First of all, you can’t work physically: it’s better to postpone such work for later or do everything in advance.
- Also, you can't sew. Many believe that needlework on church holidays threatens with sudden blindness or deafness.
- You can not go hunting in the forest on Catholic Christmas. Previously, it was believed that on such a holy day, the hunter would die from the cold or become a victim of the one he was hunting.
- You can't skimp on a holiday. The more money spent on arranging the Christmas holiday, the more wealth awaits the family in the coming year.
- You can not sit at the Christmas table in worn clothes, otherwise failure awaits.
- You can’t wear black on Catholic Christmas, otherwise trouble is coming.
- Believers never will. There is a special one for this.
- You can not swear, argue or swear, especially at the table.
- You can’t have lunch before the first star rises: only children are allowed to have a snack.
You also need to remember that this is a family holiday, which must be spent in a festive atmosphere and not forget about kindness and mercy towards other people. Happy holiday!