| Decision to observe Christmas on 25th December was formally accepted at (3rd ecumenical council) Ephesians’ cathedral in the year 431.
The whole world was busy with the preparations to celebrate the most magical and mysterious holidays. There’s rumor that on these days, animals talk to each other in human language, plants turn into rosemary and wine and oil flow in the rivers. And what traditions exist in the world for warm soul? When one can still break the utensils or throw pomegranate at the friend’s door or give a flick on neighbor’s forehead unpunished?
Christmas and New Year – time, when people sum up the past and plan for the future. So that all the wishes are fulfilled, it is necessary to do little: to observe some traditions and to fulfill series of rites. At least, so our ancestors did and piously trusted that it prevails. Honestly, one truth cannot prevail. Each country has its own customs. Hence, choose according to the taste.
It is traditionally considered that the custom to set up Christmas tree on Christmas’s eve originated from Germany, where the Christmas tree was decorated for the first time in 1419. Wreaths with four candles are hugely popular. This composition is obligatory attribute to Advent. Pre-Christmas period starts four Sundays prior to the Christmas and it is accepted to light a single candle every week. Winterberry or mistletoe are considered miniature symbol of Christmas. In many countries, great value is given to Christmas nurseries.
Fir tree, wreaths and log:
Its upto taste: Someone chooses fir tree and someone wreaths. But exists one item, without which no one celebrated winter holidays. It is a log, felled by head of the family. In some countries, the log is burnt and in some, the log is burnt in a single day and in few other countries, burning of log is extended till the end of holidays. Main thing is that the burning of log should not be extinguished. It is considered as a bad sign.
Gifts:
Christmas is the finest period for association with children. In no other time of the year would you notice children being so diligent and obedient. Unfortunately, this transient phenomenon is connected with the anticipation of gifts. Not all the children are fortunate enough to get the gifts. Depending on acts or offenses, children receive gifts or pieces of coal.
Sometimes, presenting gifts simply is also boring. Which place would be more interesting to hang sock on fireplace on the eve of holiday? One more dilemma is when to give gifts? So many holidays are celebrated in the winters that almost every day, its time to gift.
Eateries - paramount gifts on the eve of Christmas and New Year. What else is required for a child to be happy? Sweets, cakes in the form of humans or animals, chocolate alphabets, etc are adored by children. It is possible to get necessary figurines in any shop. Piglets, sweeps and log are considered as generally accepted symbols of happiness.
How to celebrate Christmas?
Each observes Christmas as he wishes. But some customs are to be observed. First and foremost is Christmas carols (ceremonial songs), procession of mummers and fortune telling.
Christmas is a lovely family holiday, where it is possible to read out a poem or sing a song without hesitation. Though, someone comes out onto the streets not only to congratulate friends but also to shout. Noise and sounds of ringing bells frighten away any evil spirits. |
All we want for Christmas are some quality holiday movies, say movie critics. According to the recent reviews, there will hardly be any brilliant movies on the Hollywood sky this Christmas. Nothing will come close to the boxoffice success of movies like "The Matrix" and "The Lord of the Rings" of the last years. The upcoming sequels of "National Treasure" and "Aliens vs. Predator" this Christmas are not considered to become huge boxoffice hits.
