Christmas 2020

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On the night of December 24-25, the Catholic world, as well as Protestants and Lutherans, celebrate the Nativity of Christ. This is a special date for believers in almost 150 countries of the world, because from this date timekeeping is carried out in most countries of the world.

True, over time, the holiday ceased to be purely religious, but rather became a family holiday, a holiday of faith and good. In many countries, there is a common religious component of the holiday – the Christmas Mass, but at the household level, traditions may differ, sometimes quite strongly.

Christmas and its story
According to religious sources, a divine infant came to this world on the night of December 25th. This happened near the city of Bethlehem, where Mary and Joseph were going, because there was a census announced by King Herod. There were no empty places in city houses, so they had to spend the night in a cave, where the Miracle happened. The magi came to the light of the star that announced the world about the birth of Jesus to worship Christ.

Christmas tradition
If in December you find yourself in a Catholic country, you will certainly see a stylized nativity scene (the sculptural group is the Infant in the nursery, Virgin Mary and St. Joseph). In addition to the central figures, you can see others – magicians, pets. On the streets of cities, in cathedrals and churches, statues are made in human height. Home nativity scenes are usually small, they are placed near the Christmas tree.

The second required attribute is an advent wreath of evergreen branches, decorated with balls and ribbons. In the center of the wreath are candles; there are four of them, they symbolize the four weeks of Advent (Advent). In late November, such wreaths appear at the altars in Catholic churches, as well as in the apartments of ordinary people. Well, on Christmas Eve, an advent wreath is set on the table. Now many people light four candles at once, but this was not always the case – in the past it was customary to light one candle every Sunday, because each candle is a symbol of one week of Advent.

On Christmas night – from December 24 to 25 – Christmas services (masses) are held in the temples. There are three of them, and they are held sequentially – at night, in the morning and afternoon.

In Catholic countries, Christmas has been celebrated since ancient times. Having appeared in Europe, the tradition has taken root in America. Ethnologists believe that such coverage of countries and popularity are due to several reasons. For example, the birth of the Divine Infant falls on the last days of December (the night of the winter solstice), when the Gentiles celebrated a turning point in winter. Over time, the religious traditions of Christmas replaced pagan rites, but some have survived to our time. One of them is the “Christmas log”. This is really a small log that is brought into the house when Christmas Eve comes. On a log, you need to cut a cross, pour it with a mixture made from butter and honey, and burn it in a stove or fireplace. The Catholic Church does not approve of pagan traditions, but in many houses burning logs is performed as a family ritual.

And the Christmas tree, however strange it may seem, also dates back to pagan times. In the Catholic world for the first time began to put a Christmas tree in Germany. At first, only in city squares, later the Christmas tree became a familiar attribute of a home holiday. Later, the tradition appeared in other countries of Europe.

Christmas festive table
Christmas is not only a religious holiday, but also a home holiday, and a great event for the whole family, because on this day relatives usually meet at the holiday table. In addition to the advent wreath, many Catholic families decorate the front door with a Christmas wreath. In many countries, a festive family dinner is organized on the evening of December 24th. If you are lucky enough to be in such a house, then you will pay attention to the extra chair and the extra cutlery on the table. Thus, the owners of the house show that they are hospitable and glad to anyone who comes to their house. On the other hand, it is also a reminder that someone could not attend the festive table for various reasons. But for Catholics it is also a tribute to those who have already left this world.

The festive table is distinguished by a variety of dishes, exquisite serving. As a rule, the Christmas menu involves a set of traditional dishes, as well as those that are taken in a single country and relate to national cuisine.

Let’s look into the homes of residents of different countries and see what they are preparing for Christmas dinner.

GREAT BRITAIN. Baked turkey and Christmas pudding are indispensable dishes on the Christmas table. Turkey served with gooseberry sauce.

GERMANY. The Germans prepare the Christmas goose, also serves fish dishes and wheat porridge cooked in milk. Fish and porridge symbolize a productive and well-fed year.

FRANCE, BELGIUM. The French also make turkey, but they serve it with white wine sauce. But on the Christmas table there may be a goose or chicken – the French prefer dishes of poultry – goose or duck with chestnuts. On the table you will also find fish dishes or snacks of lobster and salmon.

FINLAND. In Finland, ham, fish dishes such as salted salmon, rice, potatoes and carrots are served at Christmas. Liver casserole is also popular.

CZECH REPUBLIC. At the Christmas table, you will certainly find fried carp and potato salad. Of the sweet dishes, different types of cookies are popular.

AUSTRIA, HUNGARY. In these countries, as well as in the Balkans, they don’t cook a bird, because there is a belief that a bird is happiness, therefore it is not worth eating it at Christmas so that happiness does not fly away.

ITALY, SPAIN, PORTUGAL, NORWAY. In these countries, seafood and fish dishes are traditionally present on the table.

Fast forward to NORTH AMERICA. The Americans at the Christmas table baked turkey with cranberry sauce, dishes of pumpkin, corn and beans. Some families cook baked beef. Of the sweet dishes, pumpkin, carrot and apple pies, cookies are popular. But there are preferences due to the geographical location and ethnic characteristics of individual states. So, in Virginia, cooked a pie with ham and oysters. In the south-west of the country – stew with corn, soup garnish, sprinkled (cookies).

In Turkey, turkey, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes are traditionally cooked. Raisin pudding is served for dessert. Shortbread cookies and cakes are popular.

LATIN AMERICA. Here, the traditional Christmas dish is roast pig. For example, Cubans and residents of the Dominican Republic can purchase meat at special points of sale that open a few days before Christmas.

Events Before Christmas
Christmas is considered a family holiday. How do Europeans get ready for Christmas at home? What do they do when they are in the city?

For example, in Belgium and France from December 6 to 25 everyone congratulates relatives, colleagues and acquaintances, give gifts. Before Christmas, French houses are transformed thanks to flowering plants and vibrant flowers, it turns out very brightly, festively and beautifully. Instead of a traditional Christmas tree for most European countries, in a French house you will find a basket filled with sprigs of spruce; inside are miniature figures of the newborn Jesus in a manger, wise men and angels.

In the Mediterranean countries – Spain, Italy – the Birth of Christ is celebrated with bright, amazingly beautiful masquerades, performances, carnivals and festivities. Before Christmas in Italy and Spain – the time of pre-holiday sales. And the Spaniards have a custom to eat shortly before Christmas all food supplies that are stored at home. It is believed that the new year should begin only with new purchases.

Christmas in Germany is not only a family holiday, it is also the traditional Weihnachtsfest, a real festival that begins in November. The festival program is extensive and includes numerous sales and fairs, as well as concerts and theater performances:

Interesting events take place in Vancouver (Canada). At Stanley Park, a Christmas train is arranged. Throughout its journey, trees are decorated with garlands of light bulbs and lanterns. You pass by the figures of fairy tale heroes, snowmen and reindeers – everything reminds of a holiday! Not only children, but also adults want to ride the Christmas train.

In the United States, Christmas sales begin in November, right after Thanksgiving. Americans have a special relationship with gifts — they are given not only to relatives and friends, but also to colleagues, very often the people who work for you, provide you with services. Many families bake cookies that are treated to children as well as neighbors. Neighbors are also given gifts.

There is very little time left before Christmas.