The word Christmas comes from the old English word Cristes maesse, which means Christian Mass. Latin Christians began to commemorate the birth of Jesus on1February 25th in 336 AD. The Orthodox Church regards 1 6th as Christmas.

Christmas is an important festival in Christianity, which is scheduled for 65438+February 25th every year to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, and it is also a common secular festival. The festival commemorating the birth of Jesus coincides with two non-Christian festivals, namely, the Agricultural Festival and the Sun Festival, both of which are in the middle of winter, so the sources of celebration customs are different. Within the scope of the Roman Empire, Saturnalia on February 17, 2007 was a day of entertainment and gift exchange. 65438+February 25th is the birthday of mitra, the god of justice worshipped by ancient Iranians.

On New Year's Day, the ancient Romans decorated their houses with green branches and colored lights, and gave presents to children and the poor. Teutonic tribes infiltrated Gaul, Britain and Central Europe, bringing Germanic and Celtic religious ceremonies. Therefore, there are celebrations, such as reunion, burning large pieces of firewood, tasting big wooden cakes, hanging branches, visiting relatives and friends, and exchanging gifts. Fire and light, which symbolize warmth and longevity, have always been the content of winter festivals celebrated in Christian and non-Christian customs. Evergreen trees symbolize the struggle for survival and have been associated with the celebration of Jesus Christmas since the Middle Ages. Due to the different calendars, the Christmas date of the Orthodox Church and other Eastern European churches is equivalent to the Gregorian calendar 65438+1October 6 or 7.

Westerners use red, green and white as Christmas colors. When Christmas comes, every family should decorate it with Christmas colors. The red ones have Christmas flowers and Christmas candles. The green one is the Christmas tree. It is the main decoration of Christmas, decorated with evergreen trees such as fir and cypress that have been cut into towers. Colorful lanterns, gifts and paper flowers are hung on it, and Christmas candles are lit.

The contrast between red and white is Santa Claus, who is the most popular figure in Christmas activities. Before going to bed on Christmas Eve, western children should put a sock in front of the fireplace or beside the pillow. When they fall asleep, Santa Claus will put presents in the sock. Playing Santa Claus is also a custom in the west.

Seven traditional customs of Christmas

Christmas has always been a beautiful festival. This is the day when the Son of God was born, so it is very sacred to Christians all over the world. During Christmas, various Christmas traditions are naturally indispensable. For centuries, people all over the world have celebrated the following traditions.

1, decorate the Christmas tree

This tradition refers to decorating pine trees with colored lights, gold foils, garlands, decorations and sweets. Nowadays, the Christmas tree is also an indispensable part of celebrating festivals.

Step 2 light Christmas candles

This tradition means that people will put a lighted candle outside the house during Christmas. Even in the darkest room, candles can bring light and symbolize hope. In the early years, when Christians were persecuted, they were forbidden to preach and pray. Therefore, Christians put candles outside the house, suggesting that they are still praying silently in their hearts.

Step 3 bake Christmas cake

This British tradition was handed down centuries ago. People used to drink sour plum porridge on Christmas Eve. Over time, people will also enjoy candied fruit, honey and spicy food, and then Christmas cake will replace plum porridge. Christmas cake is baked with eggs, butter, desserts and fruits. Nowadays, Christmas cake has become an indispensable part of the Christmas menu.

4. Give gifts to relatives and friends

This tradition comes from a legend: three wise men give presents to the baby Jesus at Christmas. Every Christmas, friends and relatives, especially children, will give gifts to each other. The story of Santa Claus also comes from this tradition.

Step 5 sing Christmas carols

This is an ancient custom: Christmas is always accompanied by one traditional Christmas song after another. Songs bring joy to people and add festive atmosphere. Every year when Christmas is celebrated, various Christmas hymns or carols, such as The First Christmas, Jingle Bells and Joy Around the World, will play melodies.

Step 6 make a Christmas manger

This is also an ancient Christmas custom. People use figurines and managers to create the scene of the birth of Jesus. The first manger was built outside a church in St. Francis to show children the scene of Jesus' birth. This custom has been passed down to this day.

Step 7 distribute Christmas candy

This is the most interesting of all traditions. People distribute Christmas candy to their neighbors during Christmas; On Christmas day, all misunderstandings and hatred were eliminated, and neighbors United to celebrate the birth of Jesus. These traditions have been followed for decades, getting more and more lively every year, and the grand occasion can be said to be more and more. I believe that with the passage of time, people's enthusiasm for traditional customs will only get higher and higher.