Christmas Traditions Around Th Essay -- essays research papers

phantasmal PRACTICE AND POPULAR CUSTOMS The Bible provides no guidelines that explain how saviormas should be observed, nor does it even suggest that it should be considered a religious holiday. Because of the lack of scriptural instructions, Christmas rituals have been shaped by the religious and popular traditions of each socialization that celebrates the holiday. On Christmas Eve, churches around the world hold flush services. At midnight, nigh Catholic and many Protestant churches hold special candlelight services. The Catholic midnight Mass was early introduced by the Roman Catholic Church in the 5th century.In Greece The Hellenic Christmas, or Christougenna, pays respect to the Nativity of Christ while also incorporating popular superstitions. On Christmas Eve, Greek children go from bear to house knocking on doors and singing Greek songs that tell of the comer of the Christ child. The family celebration focuses on a Christmas Eve dinner, which, in the Greek Orthodox tradition, follows several weeks of fasting. According to legend, wicked, often hideous looking elves c exclusivelyed Kallikantzaroi represent havoc in houses for the next 12 days. Burning incense or leaving a peace offering is supposed offer many protection against the elves. Most families decorate a small wooden handle with basil and dip it into a shallow bowl of piss. This is believed to give the water holy powers. The water is then sprinkled throughout the house to keep the mischievous spirits away.In Russia After the Russian Revolution of 1917, authorities of the freshly formed USSR prohibited the practice of all religions. After the USSR broke up in 1991, the Russian Orthodox Church revived Christmas rituals. Like the Greeks, rough Russians fast during a period before Christmas. Then, at the sight of the first star in the sky on Christmas Eve, a 12- furrow supper begins, with one course for each of Jesus 12 disciples. The meal includes , or beet soup stuffed cabbage and kutiya, a dish of whole wheat grains soaked in water for hours and seasoned with honey, nuts, and crushed poppy seeds.In Italy During the Christmas season Italians perform medicinal drug at shrines of the Virgin Mary. They also play songs at the homes of carpenters in sinlessness of Saint Jos... ...s and red sashes, and wear crowns of greenery and glowing candlesC2In Germany The German custom of decorating an evergreen tree at Christmastime has become one of the most popular images of Christmas around the world. At one time, Germany supplied the world with almost all of the decorative glass ornaments for Christmas trees. The Christmas season begins in Germany during the first week of December, when town squares become filled with stalls selling everything from toys to hot spiced wine. On the evening of December 5, children wait for a visit from Saint Nicholas, who brings them gifts. Most children also receive gifts on Christmas Eve. In some parts of Germany, Santa Claus distrib utes gifts, but in other regions childrens treats are delivered by Knecht Ruprecht, a mythical general anatomy dressed in animal skins. From Christmas Eve through all of Christmas sidereal day and the next day, stores are closed and all work stops as families exchange gifts, attend church, and wish one another Frhliche Weihnachten (happy Christmas.) nigh the world, every custom celebrates Christmas in a different way...as with famalies in the uniform culture.