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| | The custom to set decorated spruce tree in houses has become typical element of Christmas feast. This pagan tradition was started by German people, in ceremonies of which spruce was symbol of life and fertility. With spreading of Christianity among the people of central and northern Europe, spruce decorated with different colors of balls is finding new symbolism: people started setting it in houses on 24th December, as a symbol of tree of life with plentiful fruits.
Birth of Christ - one of the important Christian feasts. Catholics in western Europe, northern and southern America, Australia, countries of Africa and Asia – celebrate it on 25th December. This is the state feast in 145 countries of the world. Meaning of feast – legend about the birth of son of God Jesus Christ by the virgin mother Maria. This is the most grand festival in Catholicism with three church divine services performed during midnight, sunrise and daytime (i.e in bosom of Father, in womb of Holy Mother and hearts of believers). Church says that, the birth of Christ made possible to save souls and perpetual life for each of the believer. Celebration of feast starts from rising of first perpetual dawn, which announces to entire world about the time of birth of son of God. Christmas is celebrated for 8 days duration (octave). Second day of feast 26th December is dedicated to memory of Saint the first martyr Stephan, third day 27th December – memory of Saint disciple and evangelist St. John the divine (custom of wine consecration is performed on this day); fourth day, 28th December – memory of St. Pure Infants Bethlehem (on this day, priests give special blessings to children). On Sunday falling on one of the eight days of Christmas (octave) or 30th December, if Sunday does not come in these days, feast of St. Family is celebrated: Infant Jesus, Virgin Mary and Joseph husband of Mary. Christmas celebration ends on 1st of January, when the day of Blessed [Most Holy] Virgin is celebrated. |
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Christmas cards are getting rude and 
