The origin of Christmas
The word Christmas comes from the old English word Cristes maesse, which means Christian Mass. Latin Christians began to commemorate the birth of Jesus on December 25th in AD 336. The Orthodox Church takes January 6th as Christmas.
Christmas is an important festival in Christianity, which is scheduled for1February 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, which are in the middle of winter, so the celebration customs come from different sources. Within the scope of the Roman Empire, Saturnalia on1February 17 was a day for fun and mutual gifts. 1February 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 lights, and presented gifts to children and the poor. Teutonic tribes infiltrated into Gaul, Britain and Central Europe, and brought Germanic and Celtic religious ceremonies. So, there are celebrations such as reunion, burning large pieces of firewood, tasting big wooden cakes, hanging branches, Fang Chen fir trees, visiting relatives and friends, and exchanging gifts. Fire and light, which symbolize warmth and longevity, have always been the content of winter festival celebrations, both in Christian and non-Christian customs. Evergreen tree symbolizes the struggle for survival and has been associated with the celebration of Jesus Christmas since the Middle Ages. Due to different calendars, the Christmas date of Orthodox Church and other Eastern European churches is equivalent to the 6th or 7th of Gregorian calendar 1 month.
Westerners use red, green and white as Christmas colors. When Christmas comes, every household 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 are cut down in a tower shape. Colorful lanterns, gifts and paper flowers are hung on it, and Christmas candles are lit.
The red and white contrast 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, and wait for Santa Claus to put presents in the sock after they fall asleep. Playing Santa Claus is also a custom in the west.
Seven traditional customs of Christmas
Christmas has always been a beautiful holiday. This is the day when the Son of God was born, so it is very sacred for Christians all over the world. Naturally, various Christmas traditions are indispensable in the Christmas season. The following traditions have been celebrated by people all over the world for centuries.
1, dress up the Christmas tree
This tradition refers to decorating pine trees with colored lights, gold foils, garlands, ornaments and candy bars. Nowadays, the Christmas tree is also an indispensable part of celebrating festivals.
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 a candle outside the house, suggesting that they are still praying silently in their hearts.
3. Bake Christmas cake
This British tradition spread centuries ago. People used to drink plum porridge on Christmas Eve. As time goes by, people will also enjoy preserved fruits, honey and spicy foods, and then Christmas cakes will replace plum porridge. Christmas cake is baked with eggs, butter, dessert, fruit, etc. Nowadays, Christmas cake has become an indispensable part of Christmas menu.
4. Give gifts to relatives and friends
This tradition comes from a legend: three wise men gave presents to the baby Jesus at Christmas. Every Christmas, friends and relatives, especially children, give gifts to each other, and the story of Santa Claus also comes from this tradition.
5. Sing Christmas carols
This is an ancient custom: Christmas always echoes with one traditional Christmas song after another. Songs bring joy to people and add a festive atmosphere. Every year when Christmas is celebrated, various Christmas hymns or carols such as The First Christmas, Jingle Bells, and Universal Joy will play melodies.