Roots of Christmas
As the holiday season arrives, it is very important to remember the roots of all of our favorite traditions.
More than two thousand years ago, on Dec. 25 (Christmas), Jesus Christ was born, marking the beginning of the world’s salvation.
Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph of Nazareth, in a manger. Being conceived with Mary and the holy spirit, Jesus was the son of God. Throughout his life and ministry, Jesus proved to be divine, truly earning his name as our saviour.
Christmas is used to celebrate the birth of Jesus and remind us of how much God loves us.
Advent is used as a time of preparation before celebrating the birth. Each week a candle is lit to represent hope, faith, joy, and peace. And then on Christmas night, the white candle in the center is lit, to mark the birth of Christ.
More than two thousand years ago, on Dec. 25 (Christmas), Jesus Christ was born, marking the beginning of the world’s salvation.
Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph of Nazareth, in a manger. Being conceived with Mary and the holy spirit, Jesus was the son of God. Throughout his life and ministry, Jesus proved to be divine, truly earning his name as our saviour.
Christmas is used to celebrate the birth of Jesus and remind us of how much God loves us.
Advent is used as a time of preparation before celebrating the birth. Each week a candle is lit to represent hope, faith, joy, and peace. And then on Christmas night, the white candle in the center is lit, to mark the birth of Christ.
Traditions
When you ponder Christmas traditions In America, you may think of bright lights decorating towns and homes, and even the name Santa Claus, who brings many children cheer. However, there are different Christmas traditions all around the world. For example, European countries often celebrate Christmas for much longer than a day, and for many, Christmas Eve is the main event. If you were in one of these countries, you could expect midnight mass and a grand meal, a tradition some families in America celebrate.
Many European countries focus on the more religious aspect of Christmas, while other countries, like those in Asia, focus on nonreligious traditions. Most countries in Asia focus more on spending time with friends and family, and the decoration aspect of Christmas.
Although you will find universal themes in many traditions, there are also traditions that are very unique to the country where they originated.
In Sweden, the Yule Goat has been a Christmas symbol for many years. However, this symbol turned into a great tradition after 1966 when someone came up with the idea to make a giant straw goat, which stands over 42 feet tall. People can watch this giant goat from the first Sunday of Advent until after the New Year.
In Japan, Christmas is not a national holiday; however, celebrations still occur. Instead of sitting around a table for a Christmas dinner, families head out to their local Kentucky Fried Chicken, a tradition that began in 1974. This fast food chain has remained a widespread tradition in Japan, and many will order their food months in advance or be forced to stand in hour-long lines.
There are interesting traditions in other countries also involving meals. Brazilian and Portuguese families will traditionally come together on Christmas Eve to eat dinner at as late as 10 o’clock at night. At exactly midnight, they will exchange gifts, toasts, and wish one another Merry Christmas. It is also important for many families to attend midnight mass to wish their neighbors and extended family well during the holidays. The service is often followed by fireworks in the town square.
While you may see many different traditions if you take a look around the globe, and even explore various religious traditions, you may find that you have more in common with others than you think. As we are in this holiday season, try thinking about where some of your traditions originated.
Many European countries focus on the more religious aspect of Christmas, while other countries, like those in Asia, focus on nonreligious traditions. Most countries in Asia focus more on spending time with friends and family, and the decoration aspect of Christmas.
Although you will find universal themes in many traditions, there are also traditions that are very unique to the country where they originated.
In Sweden, the Yule Goat has been a Christmas symbol for many years. However, this symbol turned into a great tradition after 1966 when someone came up with the idea to make a giant straw goat, which stands over 42 feet tall. People can watch this giant goat from the first Sunday of Advent until after the New Year.
In Japan, Christmas is not a national holiday; however, celebrations still occur. Instead of sitting around a table for a Christmas dinner, families head out to their local Kentucky Fried Chicken, a tradition that began in 1974. This fast food chain has remained a widespread tradition in Japan, and many will order their food months in advance or be forced to stand in hour-long lines.
There are interesting traditions in other countries also involving meals. Brazilian and Portuguese families will traditionally come together on Christmas Eve to eat dinner at as late as 10 o’clock at night. At exactly midnight, they will exchange gifts, toasts, and wish one another Merry Christmas. It is also important for many families to attend midnight mass to wish their neighbors and extended family well during the holidays. The service is often followed by fireworks in the town square.
While you may see many different traditions if you take a look around the globe, and even explore various religious traditions, you may find that you have more in common with others than you think. As we are in this holiday season, try thinking about where some of your traditions originated.