Christmas celebration is celebrated all over the world by Christians as well as non-Christians to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. People set up Christmas trees, decorate it with gifts and other decor items, sing carols, and enjoy dinner with family and kids. A week before Christmas celebration you can see the festive season in the air in most of the Western countries. Christmas Celebration is a public holiday; schools, shops, and businesses are closed on this day. Christmas is synonymous to Santa Claus, elves, reindeers, and all the festivities.
Christmas is celebrated as the birth of Jesus Christ all over the world. The exact date of birth of Jesus Christ is not known, but Old Christmas is celebrated in a few countries who follow the Julian Calendar and the date of Christmas as per that calendar falls on January 6. Those who follow the Gregorian Calendar celebrate Christmas on December 25. The word ‘Christmas’ is derived from mass services that are held for Christ before sunrise and after sunset. As per very old traditions, it is said that Mary told she would have Jesus on March 25 and 9 months after that Jesus was born on December 25. A few people also celebrate Christmas on March 25.
Christmas is celebrated as the birth of Jesus Christ all over the world. It is a festival that has religious significance. It signifies God becoming a man and suffering more than a man to save mankind, impart the wisdom of loving kindness into the world. Old customs of Christmas are different from the modern day customs post the Christianizing after the Roman times.
The Christmas celebration lasts for 12 days between December 25 and January 5. Roman Catholic Church celebrates Christmas for more than 12 days. Epiphany is usually celebrated on January 6. Those who follow Gregorian calendar celebrate Epiphany on January 19. There are still a few sects of Christianity that follow the Julian calendar for dates.
During Christmas giving and receiving presents is a custom. Jesus was given presents like gold, myrrh, and frankincense on this day. Frankincense is a perfume that is used in worship by the Jews. Gold is associated with royalty and royal blood who is Jesus. Myrrh is a perfume that was used on the dead bodies and is a reminder that Jesus died for his own people. In different places in Western presents are left on the Christmas tree, shoes, stockings, and lot of different places for family and friends to find out.
St.Nicholas is celebrated as Santa Claus. He was known to be a generous and kind saint who lived during the 3rd century. He was known to be a very jolly man who was born in Myra which is in Turkey in modern times. It is said that he gave away all his wealth and properties to help the poor and needy. His famous legend is when he protected three sisters from being sold to prostitution by their own father by giving them a dowry. He has been the most popular saint in Europe, especially, amongst children and sailors. It is said that December 6 which is celebrated as his feast day is a lucky day to get married or go shopping.
‘Merry Christmas’ is different from how you wish people on birthdays or other festivals. You can Happy Easter, Happy Birthday, but you do not say “Happy Christmas,” instead only for Christmas, “Merry Christmas” is used. Before the 16th century, people did say “Happy Christmas,” but it changed to “Merry Christmas” since the 16th century. In England, the Royal Family still uses the “Happy Christmas” as a greeting. “Merry Christmas” is a trend that started in the U.S and has been followed by many other countries in the world. “Merry Christmas” was made famous by Charles Dickens Christmas Carol, and since it has picked up popularity.
The first day is celebrated as the birth of Jesus Christ which is on December 25 and the 12th day is celebrated as the appearance of Three Wise Men, referred as Magi in the Holy Bible which falls on January 6. This day is celebrated as the Epiphany, the day when the Three Wise Men gave gifts to Jesus Christ.
Santa Claus was born in Turkey and was a benevolent saint who gave away his well to help the poor and needy. Children loved him for his jolly nature and kindness. He is also known as Father Christmas. He was known by the name St.Nicholas and was a very rich man who gave away his inherited property. A famous legend also goes by how he helped the sailors from a terrible storm when they prayed for his help. He appeared and saved them from sinking in the storm on the coast of Turkey.
St. Nicholas is the real name of Santa Claus. He was not a saint but a rich man with a lot of compassion and kindness in his heart. He helped many people throughout his lifetime selflessly which earned him the name of a saint. The Dutch called St.Nicholas Sinter Klaas which got changed to Santa Claus. He used to put coins in the shoes of people and leave secret presents at people’s doors which followed the legend of Santa Claus leaving gifts on Christmas.
It is said that Italy started the tradition of exchanging gifts during Christmas. During the birth of Jesus, Three Wise Men gave gifts which were gold, myrrh, and frankincense. It is since this time the tradition of giving gifts started. In the U.S the tradition of giving gifts started since the 18th century. Carol singing was started since the 4th century as a part of the Pagan ritual. This ceremony of giving gifts started in 336 A.D when Romans adopted Christianity.
The Christmas tree is a “Fir tree” that represents the Tree of Knowledge and Wisdom. It also represents Paradise and Garden of Eden. This tree is decorated with balls, lights, and many decor items. A candle is lit at the top of this tree to represent the birth of Jesus Christ.
In late November or early December, the lights on the streets are lit up, at homes the decorations of Christmas tree starts. The decorations must be completed before December 25 and must go down on January 5 which marks the day of Epiphany.
January 6 is the day of feasting and coming of blessings. This is the day of Epiphany and the time when you must take the Christmas decorations down. The decorations remain on the tree for all the 12 days of Christmas. On the night of Epiphany is when you take all the decorations down.
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