Christmas Traditions
It’s Not Always Santa & Sleigh Rides. By Patty Hutchens
Christmas. A day of celebration throughout the Christian world; a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. And while Christians worldwide recognize the meaning of the day, the traditional celebration will take on a very diverse look depending upon where one lives.
Although the decorations and shopping may begin long before Thanksgiving for some, throughout the United States Christians traditionally begin preparing for Christmas with advent. Advent begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas, falling anywhere between November 27th to December 3rd. It is a time the church prepares for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Advent wreaths with four candles adorn the churches with a new candle being lit each Sunday in anticipation of the celebration of Christmas.
Traditions, both secular and religious, are many. Visits with Santa Claus, Christmas caroling, exchange of gifts, Christmas parties and reenactments of the nativity take place at churches and Christian schools throughout the country.
In England, children eagerly anticipate the arrival of Father Christmas. But they don’t mail their letters to the North Pole as do children in the United States. Instead, they place their letters into the fire in their fireplace, believing that their wishes will go up the chimney – the path they, like American children, believe that Father Christmas will enter their home bestowing upon them gifts and fulfilling their wishes.
While snow is synonymous with Christmas for many in the northern hemisphere, in Australia the holiday falls during the summer months. Accordingly, much of their celebration takes place outdoors. One such celebration is called Carols by Candlelight, a time when many gather outside to sing Christmas songs and light candles in celebration.
In Sweden the eldest daughter plays a significant role in the pre-Christmas celebration. December 13th, St. Lucia’s Day, marks the beginning of the Christmas season in that country. On that sacred day the eldest daughter rises early and dresses in a long white dress and a crown of leaves – a symbol of Santa Lucia, the Queen of Light. Singing Santa Lucia, a traditional Swedish song, she then wakes up the remaining family members and serves them coffee and specially made treats.
For Christians in Ethiopia, one of the oldest countries in Africa, they celebrate the sacred holiday on January 7th. This is due to the fact they follow the ancient Julian calendar. In that country, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s celebration of Christ’s birth is not called Christmas but instead is referred to as Ganna. The people of Ethiopia fast the day before Ganna, rising early the next day to attend mass at 4am. Unlike many other countries that celebrate Christmas, Ganna is not marked by gift giving. Instead the holiday focuses on religious significance of the season, with feasts and games playing a large part in their tradition. The holiday season in Ethiopia does not end with Ganna. On January 19th the Christians there engage in a three day celebration known as Timkat, which commemorates the baptism of Christ.
If you are in Spain, the Christmas celebration commences with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th. This is the day when Christians celebrate the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the womb of Saint Anne. In Spain there is a weeklong observance of this holy day. Places of worship and outdoor markets are decorated with evergreens. One need not look far to find musical instruments such as tambourines, castanets, and miniature guitars for sale, all adding to the lively celebrations that include singing and dancing in the streets. In Spain it is also customary for children to travel to various homes singing Christmas carols or reciting Bible verses in exchange for receiving a small instrument, toy or a holiday treat.
In Israel only two percent of the population is Christian, and for that reason businesses and shops are open and ironically there is little hint of a sacred celebration in this land where Jesus was born. But in Jerusalem one need only travel to that part of the Old City known as the Christian Quarter to find holy celebrations of the birth of Jesus Christ. A mere six miles away is Bethlehem, the city of Jesus’ birth, where the streets to Manger Square are filled with tourists and security. Manger Square is outside of the Basilica of the Nativity, which is believed to be the place where Jesus was born.
In the end, no matter if it is Buon Natale, Froehliche Weihnachten, God Jul, or Merry Christmas, the meaning is still the same as Christians around the world unite to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
