Christmas Traditions Around Th Essay -- essays research papers

RELIGIOUS PRACTICE AND POPULAR CUSTOMS The Bible provides no guidelines that cond atomic number 53 how Christmas should be observed, nor does it even suggest that it should be considered a religious holiday. Because of the inadequacy of biblical instructions, Christmas rituals have been shaped by the religious and popular traditions of separately culture that celebrates the holiday. On Christmas Eve, churches around the world hold evening services. At midnight, most Catholic and many Protestant churches hold special candlelight services. The Catholic midnight Mass was first introduced by the Roman Catholic church service in the 5th century.In Greece The Greek Christmas, or Christougenna, pays respect to the virgin birth of Christ while also incorporating popular superstitions. On Christmas Eve, Greek children go from house to house knocking on doors and singing Greek songs that ordinate of the arrival of the Christ child. The family celebration focuses on a Christmas Eve dinne r, which, in the Greek Orthodox tradition, follows several weeks of fasting. According to legend, mischievous, often hideous expression elves c totallyed Kallikantzaroi wreak havoc in houses for the next 12 days. Burning incense or leaving a peace expanding is supposed offer some protection against the elves. virtually families decorate a small wooden cross with basil and dip it into a shallow bowl of water. This is believed to ca-ca the water holy powers. The water is then sprinkled throughout the house to go the mischievous spirits away.In Russia After the Russian Revolution of 1917, regimen of the newly formed USSR prohibited the practice of all religions. After the USSR skint up in 1991, the Russian Orthodox Church revived Christmas rituals. uniform the Greeks, some Russians fast during a period before Christmas. Then, at the mountain of the first star in the sky on Christmas Eve, a 12-course supper begins, with whiz course for each of Jesus 12 disciples. The meal inc ludes , or common beet soup stuffed cabbage and kutiya, a dish of whole wheat grains awry(p) in water for hours and seasoned with honey, nuts, and crushed poppy seeds.In Italy During the Christmas season Italians exercise music at shrines of the Virgin Mary. They also play songs at the homes of carpenters in honor of Saint Jos... ...s and red sashes, and wear crowns of greenery and glowing candlesC2In Germany The German custom of decorating an evergreen tree at Christmastime has become one of the most popular images of Christmas around the world. At one time, Germany supplied the world with virtually all of the decorative glass ornaments for Christmas trees. The Christmas season begins in Germany during the first week of December, when town squares become filled with stalls selling everything from toys to hot spiced wine. On the evening of December 5, children wait for a visit from Saint Nicholas, who brings them gifts. Most children also receive gifts on Christmas Eve. In some parts of Germany, Santa Claus distri exceptes gifts, but in other regions childrens treats are delivered by Knecht Ruprecht, a mythical figure dressed in animal skins. From Christmas Eve through all of Christmas Day and the next day, stores are closed and all work clams as families exchange gifts, attend church, and wish one another Frhliche Weihnachten (happy Christmas.) Around the world, every custom celebrates Christmas in a different way...as with famalies in the same culture.