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Christmas customs from around the world. I have always been interested in customs and traditions, maybe because I am sentimental in nature. My family has a German and Russian background, and now Dutch is included, from my husband's side. Below you will find a few legends which I find intriguing. This does not mean that I believe in them; they are just stories. Take them with a grain of salt! Legend of the Christmas Tree: Who thought of the idea of bringing a tree into the home, and decorating it? How is this associated with the birth of Christ? Here are a few stories: ***On the night of Christ's birth all the trees in the forest blossomed and bore fruit. ***All the trees went to the manger where the tiny evergreen was crowded into the background by the larger trees. Stars from the sky settled on the tiny evergreen and it received a smile of benediction from the Babe. ***Martin Luther is credited with decorating the first tree in Germany following a walk through the forest on Christmas Eve when the stars shining through the evergreen trees impressed him so much that he attempted to show his family a sight like it, so he cut down an evergreen and decorated it with lighted candles. ***The first decorated Christmas tree in England was introduced by Prince Albert, German born husband of Queen Victoria. Legend of the manger scene, or Creche: Do you have a manger scene in your home? Is one set up in your church at Christmas? Ever wonder who set the first one up? I think they are a wonderful idea to display the true Christmas story. ***The idea of a manger scene is credited to St. Francis of Assisi, whose first crèche, or Christmas Crib, erected with permission of the Pope, was a simple manger with a doll in it, to which children brought their gifts and elders their prayers. Beside this crèche Francis and his brethren sang Christmas carols. Later, animals, borrowed from neighbours, were added to the scene. Now today in homes and churches in many countries, we find the nativity depicted. The crèche may be a tiny home made from a shoe box, or a gorgeous display of exquisite art, but each one points to the lowly Babe in the manger. Legend of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus): ***The fat, jolly, red robed figure who represents the spirit of giving at Christmas time in North America has an interesting heritage. He enters the home, where he leaves the gifts, preferably by the chimney of the fireplace, though the absence of a chimney does not exclude Santa Claus. Usually stockings are hung on the mantel piece and gifts placed in them, as well as under the tree. Santa Claus is descended from Saint Nicholas of European origin. Saint Nicholas was always kind and thoughtful, doing good deeds to rich and poor alike. Careless pronunciation of Saint could become "Santa", while Nicholas could easily become Nicklas, klas and finally Claus, thus Santa Claus. In some countries, the Christ Kindle (Christ Child) brings gifts. In Sweden, it is Jul Tomten or Tomta Jubba, a tiny old man, who leaves gifts. ***In Holland, wooden shoes, instead of stockings, are placed by the door or fireplace on December 6th, in hopes that St. Nicholas will fill them. The date is different from the 25th, so that the real meaning of Christmas will be remembered. Christmas Symbols The Advent Wreath is a wreath of evergreens with four candles, two red and two white, placed in it. One candle is lighted before the evening meal on the first Sunday in Advent, or four Sundays before Christmas. This candle is extinguished after the meal is finished. The second Sunday evening two candles are lighted and so on until the fourth Sunday, and on Christmas Eve all four candles are lit.
Christmas carols originated in the custom of joyfully celebrating various festivals which have been held through the centuries. As the midwinter observance of the Roman Saturnalia gave way to the more universally observed Christmas, a great wealth of songs with the Christmas theme sprang into being, as a result of the great announcement made by the joyful angels to the humble shepherds watching their flocks on the lonely Judean hillside the night Christ was born. The credit for the impetus to use carols is given to St. Francis of Assisi, since he used them largely in the services around the crèche.
The Christmas dinner is popular in all lands. In some countries it consists of twelve courses representing the twelve apostles of Christ. It is becoming increasingly popular for those who have much, to share with those who have little, thus symbolizing the gifts of the Wise Men.
Christmas gifts have been given by people, to those they love, on the birthday of Christ, in his honour and also in honour of the wise men, the first gift bearers in the Christian era. Christ is the "Gift of God" to the world.
Greeting cards were first published in England in 1844 by Joseph Cundall and thus originated one of the most widely used customs today.
This information was compiled from: "Christmas
Customs and Carols"
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