With many different
countries, Christmas is one holiday that is celebrated together. People from
all over the world could feel the happiness pervading in the atmosphere during
this time. Much more than any day of the year, Christmas is a season where
sharing and getting together is valued. There is no denying that it is one of
the most anticipated annual celebrations.
In each and every may have
differences in celebrating Christmas with regard to customs and practices,
though. Let us take a look at some countries on how they welcome and celebrate
Christmas this time of the year.
China
Kung His Hsin Nien bing
Chu Shen Tan! That is ‘Merry Christmas’ in Mandarin.
Christians in China light
their homes with paper lanterns during Christmas. They also decorate their
Christmas trees or Trees of Light with paper flowers, paper chains, and paper
lanterns. Dun Che Lao Ren is what Chinese children call their gift-bringer
which means Christmas Old Man.
Brazil
Feliz Natal! That is how
Brazilians say “Merry Christmas.”
Creating a nativity scene
or Presepio is one notable Christmas practice in Brazil. It comes from the
Hebrew word 'Presepium,' which means the bed of straw upon which Jesus first
slept in Bethlehem. Another is that they attend the Midnight Mass which finishes
at 1 a.m. on Christmas morning. Furthermore, Brazil's gift-bringer is Papai
Noel or Father Noel. It is believed that he arrives in the country wearing silk
clothing because of the summer heat.
Joyeux Noel!
On Christmas, the Nativity
scene or crèche can be found on almost every French home. Santons or little
saints are little clay figures that crowd the crèche. Moreover, Le rveillon is
the grand feast of the season, which is a very alte supper held after midnight
mass on Christmas Eve. Almost always in the feast is the 'Bulche De Nol' or
Christmas Log, which is a traditional Yule log-shaped cake.
Pere Noel is the gift
bringer in France who travels with Pre Fouettard. It is believed that the
latter reminds Pere Noel of each child's behavoir during the past year.
The climate is one major
factor that influences how Christmas is celebrated in Australia. During this
time of the year it is summer in the land down under, which makes it extra
special for children. This means end of the school year, allowing children to fully
enjoy the season. Family gatherings are usually done in picnic parks, gardens,
backyards and on the beach because of the weather. In these gatherings, you are
most likely to find duck or turkey, cold chicken, seafood, and fruit salads.
Trivia: The first official Christmas in Australia was
celebrated on December 25, 1788, at Sydney Cove by Reverend
Johnson.
Kala Christouyenna!
Christmas trees are not
common in Greece. On the other hand, the main Christmas symbol in Greek homes
is a shallow wooden bowl with a piece of wire suspended across the rim. A sprig
of basil wrapped around a wooden cross hangs from the piece of wire. A small
amount of water is kept in the bowl to keep the basil fresh. Family member
dipped the cross and basil into holy water and it is then used to sprinkle
water in each room of the house, thus keeping Killantrazoi (species of goblin
and sprites) away from the house.
On Christmas, another
scene that can be seen in Greece is a group of village children traveling from
one house to another; they sing the 'kalanda,' the equivalent of carols. The
children are usually given sweets and dried fruits as a reward.
Indeed, there are many
different ways Christmas is celebrated around the world besides giving gifts,
sending cards, and setting up Christmas trees.
A Look On How Christmas Is Observed Around The World
