Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, celebrated by African-Americans and Jewish people respectively, are observed during the Christmas season. The celebrations are separate from activities related to Christmas, however. The observances of Kwanzaa and Hanukkah are also one reason that people also give wishes of Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas during the season.
Although both activities are very different and were originated for different reasons, some similarities can be found between the two practices. Both celebrations have commitment as a central and important theme. They also both include symbolic forms of light and are both commemorated over almost the same number of days – seven days from December 26 to January 1 for Kwanzaa, and eight days and night for Hanukkah, usually starting about one week before Christmas Day.
Starting with its origination, Hanukkah celebrations date to an event in 165 B.C. when the Jews were victorious over the Syrians. Hanukkah started as a way to restore and rededicate the Temple in Jerusalem that had been desecrated, including its golden menorah, by the Syrians. The festival also served the purpose of once more observing and re-instituting rituals that the Syrians had forbidden during their rule.
Kwanzaa was started 40 years ago by a university professor as a way for African-Americans, and others in the African diaspora, to engage in celebrations that included elements of African culture. While Kwanzaa is not as popular as Christmas, it keeps growing, and its goal has been achieved to some extent as it is now practiced in many nations such as those in the Caribbean, which have a large population of people of African ancestry. The wide availability of Kwanzaa greeting cards, and even postage stamps, at Christmas time, also attests to the extent to which the celebration has entered the mainstream.
The primary symbol of Hanukkah, the menorah, which consists of eight individual lights, is very much a part of the mainstream. Menorahs are available today in various shapes and sizes. A single standard requirement that must be observed in making a menorah is that there should be enough separation between the flames of each of the eight lights so that they don't give the total effect of a single large flame when all are lit. A flame is lit each night over the eight days in remembrance of how a small quantity of oil from the desecrated Temple kept a menorah burning for eight days, when the amount should have only lasted for a single day. It was that miraculous occurrence that gave rise to the Hanukkah celebration to light a menorah over eight days.
Kwanzaa symbols include a candleholder and seven candles that represent the roots of African ancestors and seven core principles of Kwanzaa respectively. Other symbols are: The Crops for African harvest, Mat for African tradition, Corn for the future represented by children, the Unity Cup, and the Gifts. The Flag and Poster of Seven Principles are two supplemental symbols. These items can be found at specialty African and African-American shops in some malls and in towns with a heavy concentration of African and African-American populations.
Among the most important features of Kwanzaa are the seven core principles and the values they embody: self-determination, unity, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. These seven principles are meant to be a foundation and guide upon which the African diaspora can build a strong, successful, and fulfilling life while maintaining a connection to their roots. While not religious, the principles of Kwanzaa are meant to instill a strong sense of spirituality in individuals. Kwanzaa seeks to instill spirituality upon which individuals can build self-confidence and secure self-identity through a link to their roots.
This sense of spirituality and connection to one's history, roots, or ancestry is also an element of similarity between Kwanzaa and Hanukkah.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Similarities between Kwanzaa and Hanukkah Celebrations at Christmas
Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, celebrated by African-Americans and Jewish people respectively, are observed during the Christmas season. The celebrations are separate from activities related to Christmas, however. The observances of Kwanzaa and Hanukkah are also one reason that people also give wishes of Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas during the season.
Although both activities are very different and were originated for different reasons, some similarities can be found between the two practices. Both celebrations have commitment as a central and important theme. They also both include symbolic forms of light and are both commemorated over almost the same number of days – seven days from December 26 to January 1 for Kwanzaa, and eight days and night for Hanukkah, usually starting about one week before Christmas Day.
Starting with its origination, Hanukkah celebrations date to an event in 165 B.C. when the Jews were victorious over the Syrians. Hanukkah started as a way to restore and rededicate the Temple in Jerusalem that had been desecrated, including its golden menorah, by the Syrians. The festival also served the purpose of once more observing and re-instituting rituals that the Syrians had forbidden during their rule.
Kwanzaa was started 40 years ago by a university professor as a way for African-Americans, and others in the African diaspora, to engage in celebrations that included elements of African culture. While Kwanzaa is not as popular as Christmas, it keeps growing, and its goal has been achieved to some extent as it is now practiced in many nations such as those in the Caribbean, which have a large population of people of African ancestry. The wide availability of Kwanzaa greeting cards, and even postage stamps, at Christmas time, also attests to the extent to which the celebration has entered the mainstream.
The primary symbol of Hanukkah, the menorah, which consists of eight individual lights, is very much a part of the mainstream. Menorahs are available today in various shapes and sizes. A single standard requirement that must be observed in making a menorah is that there should be enough separation between the flames of each of the eight lights so that they don't give the total effect of a single large flame when all are lit. A flame is lit each night over the eight days in remembrance of how a small quantity of oil from the desecrated Temple kept a menorah burning for eight days, when the amount should have only lasted for a single day. It was that miraculous occurrence that gave rise to the Hanukkah celebration to light a menorah over eight days.
Kwanzaa symbols include a candleholder and seven candles that represent the roots of African ancestors and seven core principles of Kwanzaa respectively. Other symbols are: The Crops for African harvest, Mat for African tradition, Corn for the future represented by children, the Unity Cup, and the Gifts. The Flag and Poster of Seven Principles are two supplemental symbols. These items can be found at specialty African and African-American shops in some malls and in towns with a heavy concentration of African and African-American populations.
Among the most important features of Kwanzaa are the seven core principles and the values they embody: self-determination, unity, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. These seven principles are meant to be a foundation and guide upon which the African diaspora can build a strong, successful, and fulfilling life while maintaining a connection to their roots. While not religious, the principles of Kwanzaa are meant to instill a strong sense of spirituality in individuals. Kwanzaa seeks to instill spirituality upon which individuals can build self-confidence and secure self-identity through a link to their roots.
This sense of spirituality and connection to one's history, roots, or ancestry is also an element of similarity between Kwanzaa and Hanukkah.
Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, celebrated by African-Americans and Jewish people respectively, are observed during the Christmas season. The celebrations are separate from activities related to Christmas, however. The observances of Kwanzaa and Hanukkah are also one reason that people also give wishes of Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas during the season.
Although both activities are very different and were originated for different reasons, some similarities can be found between the two practices. Both celebrations have commitment as a central and important theme. They also both include symbolic forms of light and are both commemorated over almost the same number of days – seven days from December 26 to January 1 for Kwanzaa, and eight days and night for Hanukkah, usually starting about one week before Christmas Day.
Starting with its origination, Hanukkah celebrations date to an event in 165 B.C. when the Jews were victorious over the Syrians. Hanukkah started as a way to restore and rededicate the Temple in Jerusalem that had been desecrated, including its golden menorah, by the Syrians. The festival also served the purpose of once more observing and re-instituting rituals that the Syrians had forbidden during their rule.
Kwanzaa was started 40 years ago by a university professor as a way for African-Americans, and others in the African diaspora, to engage in celebrations that included elements of African culture. While Kwanzaa is not as popular as Christmas, it keeps growing, and its goal has been achieved to some extent as it is now practiced in many nations such as those in the Caribbean, which have a large population of people of African ancestry. The wide availability of Kwanzaa greeting cards, and even postage stamps, at Christmas time, also attests to the extent to which the celebration has entered the mainstream.
The primary symbol of Hanukkah, the menorah, which consists of eight individual lights, is very much a part of the mainstream. Menorahs are available today in various shapes and sizes. A single standard requirement that must be observed in making a menorah is that there should be enough separation between the flames of each of the eight lights so that they don't give the total effect of a single large flame when all are lit. A flame is lit each night over the eight days in remembrance of how a small quantity of oil from the desecrated Temple kept a menorah burning for eight days, when the amount should have only lasted for a single day. It was that miraculous occurrence that gave rise to the Hanukkah celebration to light a menorah over eight days.
Kwanzaa symbols include a candleholder and seven candles that represent the roots of African ancestors and seven core principles of Kwanzaa respectively. Other symbols are: The Crops for African harvest, Mat for African tradition, Corn for the future represented by children, the Unity Cup, and the Gifts. The Flag and Poster of Seven Principles are two supplemental symbols. These items can be found at specialty African and African-American shops in some malls and in towns with a heavy concentration of African and African-American populations.
Among the most important features of Kwanzaa are the seven core principles and the values they embody: self-determination, unity, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. These seven principles are meant to be a foundation and guide upon which the African diaspora can build a strong, successful, and fulfilling life while maintaining a connection to their roots. While not religious, the principles of Kwanzaa are meant to instill a strong sense of spirituality in individuals. Kwanzaa seeks to instill spirituality upon which individuals can build self-confidence and secure self-identity through a link to their roots.
This sense of spirituality and connection to one's history, roots, or ancestry is also an element of similarity between Kwanzaa and Hanukkah.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Christmas in African Nations
Christmas celebrations in African nations are characterized by much outdoor activity because the season often occurs during a time when the weather is pleasant. Using palm trees and participating in processions are also characteristic features of activities related to Christmas in many parts of Africa.
In South Africa, activities that occur outside during Christmas include the usual caroling, but also the unusual ones of swimming and camping. The beach and mountains play an important role during Christmas in South Africa because the season occurs during the hottest time of the year – summer.
Given the pleasant nature of the weather during Christmas, families also take advantage of it by often going sightseeing in the countryside on a relaxing drive during the late evening of Christmas Day. A rich and sumptuous menu that includes a suckling pig or roast beef, turkey, mince pies, yellow rice, vegetables, and puddings usually makes up the traditional South African Christmas dinner.
To create a festive environment, decorated pine branches and fir, sparkling cotton wool and tinsel are used in homes and businesses as decorations. A similar decorative pattern of using evergreen, palm trees, and lighted candles are also seen in countries such as Ghana and Liberia. While these are used in homes and businesses, they are also often carried in processions and during caroling activities.
While South Africans gather at the beach during Christmas time to enjoy the warm summer waters, people in other African nations often gather outside in town squares, and in the streets, to march, sing, and enjoy an overall feeling of merriment.
Despite the seemingly general similarity in activities, however, countries have their own individual styles that make Christmas celebrations unique.
Of all the celebrations in African nations, Christmas activities in Ethiopia stand out for their differences in when they are celebrated and how they are done. One of the features that makes Ethiopian Christmas different is that the main celebratory event occurs on January 7, around the time known as the Epiphany, or Three Kings Day, in North and South America.
Given the general modest economic and financial situations of a significant number of the population in many African countries, Christmas celebrations also tend to occur over a shorter period of time as compared to activities in wealthier countries.
Another difference in celebrations of Christmas in Ethiopia is the participation of various people who take part in a pilgrimage and converge on the capital city during Christmas Eve. These wanderers fill the night air with a din of praying and chanting and create a multicolor spectacle when they gather on Christmas morning to have a religious service.
Retaining a similarity with other African nations, Ethiopians enjoy a Christmas dinner that includes a meat stew. Stews, rice, root vegetables such as yams, breads, and soups often are part of the menu of traditional Christmas Day dinners in African nations. Christmas dinners are likely enjoyed by families outside, where everyone shares the meal while sitting in a circular pattern outside under the shade of a sprawling tree, instead of sitting in a formal setting at a table.
As is the practice in every household during Christmas, Africans also exchange gifts. Popular items that are exchanged as Christmas gifts include cotton cloth, soaps, sweets, pencils, and books, all very practical items that can be readily used. Again, this may be related to the modest financial resources of up to half the population in many African countries, as well as to cultural norms. Individuals aren't able to afford extravagant gifts but they still want to surprise children, family, and friends at Christmas with unexpected gifts. The generally pervasive cultural norms of humility and modesty that exist among traditional African peoples also play an important role in not having overreaching extravagance at Christmas.
In South Africa, activities that occur outside during Christmas include the usual caroling, but also the unusual ones of swimming and camping. The beach and mountains play an important role during Christmas in South Africa because the season occurs during the hottest time of the year – summer.
Given the pleasant nature of the weather during Christmas, families also take advantage of it by often going sightseeing in the countryside on a relaxing drive during the late evening of Christmas Day. A rich and sumptuous menu that includes a suckling pig or roast beef, turkey, mince pies, yellow rice, vegetables, and puddings usually makes up the traditional South African Christmas dinner.
To create a festive environment, decorated pine branches and fir, sparkling cotton wool and tinsel are used in homes and businesses as decorations. A similar decorative pattern of using evergreen, palm trees, and lighted candles are also seen in countries such as Ghana and Liberia. While these are used in homes and businesses, they are also often carried in processions and during caroling activities.
While South Africans gather at the beach during Christmas time to enjoy the warm summer waters, people in other African nations often gather outside in town squares, and in the streets, to march, sing, and enjoy an overall feeling of merriment.
Despite the seemingly general similarity in activities, however, countries have their own individual styles that make Christmas celebrations unique.
Of all the celebrations in African nations, Christmas activities in Ethiopia stand out for their differences in when they are celebrated and how they are done. One of the features that makes Ethiopian Christmas different is that the main celebratory event occurs on January 7, around the time known as the Epiphany, or Three Kings Day, in North and South America.
Given the general modest economic and financial situations of a significant number of the population in many African countries, Christmas celebrations also tend to occur over a shorter period of time as compared to activities in wealthier countries.
Another difference in celebrations of Christmas in Ethiopia is the participation of various people who take part in a pilgrimage and converge on the capital city during Christmas Eve. These wanderers fill the night air with a din of praying and chanting and create a multicolor spectacle when they gather on Christmas morning to have a religious service.
Retaining a similarity with other African nations, Ethiopians enjoy a Christmas dinner that includes a meat stew. Stews, rice, root vegetables such as yams, breads, and soups often are part of the menu of traditional Christmas Day dinners in African nations. Christmas dinners are likely enjoyed by families outside, where everyone shares the meal while sitting in a circular pattern outside under the shade of a sprawling tree, instead of sitting in a formal setting at a table.
As is the practice in every household during Christmas, Africans also exchange gifts. Popular items that are exchanged as Christmas gifts include cotton cloth, soaps, sweets, pencils, and books, all very practical items that can be readily used. Again, this may be related to the modest financial resources of up to half the population in many African countries, as well as to cultural norms. Individuals aren't able to afford extravagant gifts but they still want to surprise children, family, and friends at Christmas with unexpected gifts. The generally pervasive cultural norms of humility and modesty that exist among traditional African peoples also play an important role in not having overreaching extravagance at Christmas.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Christmas in Other European Countries
In Finland, Christmas Eve is the traditional time to set up the Christmas Tree, and it's also traditional to visit the sauna, and for families to listen to a broadcast of the national “Peace of Christmas” on the radio. Christmas Dinner generally consists of a main dish of boiled codfish that is snowy and fluffy in appearance, served with cream sauce and boiled potatoes. Christmas dinner is rounded out with roast suckling pig, or roasted fresh ham, and vegetables. Among peasants, there is a tradition to tie a sheaf of grain, with nuts and seeds, to a pole that is put in a garden for birds. Many peasants will wait until after the birds have eaten before having their Christmas Dinner. Santa Claus is expected to visit homes in person with his Christmas elves to give out Christmas gifts.
Christmas in France is called Noel, from the phrase, “les bonnes nouvelles, or “the good news,” which refers to the gospel. On Christmas Eve, cathedrals and churches are beautifully lit and filled with the sounds of Christmas carols, ringing church bells, and carillons. The tradition among children is to put their shoes by the fireplace for Pere Noel, or le petit Jesus, to fill them with gifts.
In the north of France however, children receive gifts on December 6, St. Nicholas Day, instead of Christmas. Most French homes will have a Nativity scene or crèche on display during the season. In Southern France, some people will burn a log in their home from Christmas Eve until New Years Day, which comes out of a farming tradition of using the log for good luck in the coming harvest.
The French also make a traditional cake called the “buche de Noel,” or Christmas Log, which is shaped like a Yule log and is part of a late supper called “le reveillon,” held after Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. The main dish for this meal generally consists of poultry, ham, salads, cake, fruit, and wine, but varies according to region. The main course in Burgundy is turkey with chestnuts, and in Paris it's oysters, foie gras, and the buche de Noel cake. The wines generally served are Champagne, Muscadet, Sauterne, and Anjou. An annual tradition of puppet shows, particularly in Paris and Lyons, is popular during Christmas time. In Paris, it's also popular for big department stores to have grand, animated window displays.
Christmas in Italy is called “Il Natale,” or “the birthday.” Christmas season starts eight days before Christmas, a period called the Novena, and runs for three weeks. During the Novena, children dress as shepherds and go from house to house saying Christmas poems, singing, and playing pipes. They often receive money to buy gifts during this activity. The Nativity scene, called the Presepio, has miniature figures, carved in great detail out of clay or plaster, of the Holy Family in the stable and is the center of Christmas for families. Families say prayers and children recite poems around the Presepio.
Christmas Eve dinner, called “cenone,” is a traditional dish of roasted, baked, or fried eel. In some regions, various types of fish is prepared for this dinner, as well as pork, sausage in a pig's leg, or turkey stuffed with chestnuts. Christmas sweets are called panettone and traditionally have nuts and almonds. On Christmas Eve, children set out their shoes for a kind, old woman or ugly witch, called “La Befana,” who rides on a broomstick down chimneys, to fill them with gifts of toys or candies. If they were bad, their shoes will be filled with coal. Some children wait until January 6, the Epiphany, to receive gifts.
Norway is where the tradition of the Yule log started, which gave rise to log-shaped cakes, cheese, and other desserts during the holidays. Norwegians today often go into the forest to cut their own Christmas Trees, which are secretly decorated on Christmas Eve to surprise children. After the Christmas Tree is revealed, Norwegians engage in “circling the Christmas tree,” a
tradition in which everyone joins hands forming a ring around the tree. They then walk around the Christmas Tree singing carols. Gifts are distributed after this ritual is finished.
Christmas in France is called Noel, from the phrase, “les bonnes nouvelles, or “the good news,” which refers to the gospel. On Christmas Eve, cathedrals and churches are beautifully lit and filled with the sounds of Christmas carols, ringing church bells, and carillons. The tradition among children is to put their shoes by the fireplace for Pere Noel, or le petit Jesus, to fill them with gifts.
In the north of France however, children receive gifts on December 6, St. Nicholas Day, instead of Christmas. Most French homes will have a Nativity scene or crèche on display during the season. In Southern France, some people will burn a log in their home from Christmas Eve until New Years Day, which comes out of a farming tradition of using the log for good luck in the coming harvest.
The French also make a traditional cake called the “buche de Noel,” or Christmas Log, which is shaped like a Yule log and is part of a late supper called “le reveillon,” held after Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. The main dish for this meal generally consists of poultry, ham, salads, cake, fruit, and wine, but varies according to region. The main course in Burgundy is turkey with chestnuts, and in Paris it's oysters, foie gras, and the buche de Noel cake. The wines generally served are Champagne, Muscadet, Sauterne, and Anjou. An annual tradition of puppet shows, particularly in Paris and Lyons, is popular during Christmas time. In Paris, it's also popular for big department stores to have grand, animated window displays.
Christmas in Italy is called “Il Natale,” or “the birthday.” Christmas season starts eight days before Christmas, a period called the Novena, and runs for three weeks. During the Novena, children dress as shepherds and go from house to house saying Christmas poems, singing, and playing pipes. They often receive money to buy gifts during this activity. The Nativity scene, called the Presepio, has miniature figures, carved in great detail out of clay or plaster, of the Holy Family in the stable and is the center of Christmas for families. Families say prayers and children recite poems around the Presepio.
Christmas Eve dinner, called “cenone,” is a traditional dish of roasted, baked, or fried eel. In some regions, various types of fish is prepared for this dinner, as well as pork, sausage in a pig's leg, or turkey stuffed with chestnuts. Christmas sweets are called panettone and traditionally have nuts and almonds. On Christmas Eve, children set out their shoes for a kind, old woman or ugly witch, called “La Befana,” who rides on a broomstick down chimneys, to fill them with gifts of toys or candies. If they were bad, their shoes will be filled with coal. Some children wait until January 6, the Epiphany, to receive gifts.
Norway is where the tradition of the Yule log started, which gave rise to log-shaped cakes, cheese, and other desserts during the holidays. Norwegians today often go into the forest to cut their own Christmas Trees, which are secretly decorated on Christmas Eve to surprise children. After the Christmas Tree is revealed, Norwegians engage in “circling the Christmas tree,” a
tradition in which everyone joins hands forming a ring around the tree. They then walk around the Christmas Tree singing carols. Gifts are distributed after this ritual is finished.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Christmas Around the World
Christmas, as celebrated today, is a culmination of centuries of traditions that are religious and secular, and which came from different countries around the world. It is interesting, therefore, to look at some of the general ways in which Christmas is celebrated in these countries. The traditions examined for each country will be examples of some of the things that are unique to that country and which are done today, or which were once done by people in those countries.
To begin, it is symbolic to look at the town of Bethlehem, which is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity is located in Bethlehem, and at Christmas it is decorated with a lot of flags and other Christmas decorations. A very large crowd usually gathers at The Church of the Nativity on Christmas Eve to see a dramatic parade procession of horsemen, led
by police who are mounted on Arabian horses. Following the police in the procession is a lone horseman who carries a cross, followed by churchmen and government officials. Members of the procession solemnly enter the doors of The Church of the Nativity and place an ancient effigy of Jesus in the church. A silver star located deep in an underground cave-like section of the church marks the site where Jesus was born. A star is also set atop a pole in the town's square. In Bethlehem, homes of Christians usually have a cross over the door and a manger scene is usually set up inside the house.
In Germany, home of the Christmas Tree tradition, the Christmas Tree is not seen until Christmas Eve. The tree is usually kept in a special room, or elsewhere, and decorated in secret with lights, ornaments, tinsels, angels, candies, nuts, and cookies. It is then lighted, the presents placed underneath, and then shown to the delight of children on Christmas Eve.
In Germany, December 6 is known as St. Nicholas Day when Santa visits the homes of boys and girls. On the day before, December 5, children leave a shoe or boot outside or by the fireplace for Santa Claus. If they were good, he places gifts and candies inside the shoe; but if they were naughty, children will find twigs or a rod in their shoe. Dinner on Christmas Day includes roast goose and long loaves of bread filled with raisins, nuts, and dried fruits. Other sweet delicacies are also enjoyed.
Many traditions in England are similar to those in the United States because such traditions originated in England and were brought to the United States by immigrants. The tradition of sending Christmas greeting cards started in England and is still popular at Christmas, as well as the tradition of neighborhood caroling on Christmas Eve. Children also hang stockings on Christmas Eve in anticipation of Santa Claus filling them with Christmas gifts or treats.
The holly, ivy, and mistletoe are also used a lot in Christmas decorations. In England, the traditional Christmas Dinner is roast turkey, goose, or chicken with stuffing, vegetables, and roast potatoes. Dessert consists of the British, or Christmas, pudding with brandy sauce. A rich, fruit-filled Christmas cake may also be enjoyed later in the day.
A tradition of pulling Christmas crackers also goes with the serving of food on Christmas Day. A cracker is a paper tube that contains a party hat, riddle, and a toy or trinket, and is brightly colored and twisted at both ends. It gives out a “crack” as the contents pop out when it is pulled at each end. Also on Christmas afternoon, the Queen broadcasts a Christmas message to the nation, which is heard on radio and television. The day after Christmas is also a holiday that is known as Boxing Day.
To begin, it is symbolic to look at the town of Bethlehem, which is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity is located in Bethlehem, and at Christmas it is decorated with a lot of flags and other Christmas decorations. A very large crowd usually gathers at The Church of the Nativity on Christmas Eve to see a dramatic parade procession of horsemen, led
by police who are mounted on Arabian horses. Following the police in the procession is a lone horseman who carries a cross, followed by churchmen and government officials. Members of the procession solemnly enter the doors of The Church of the Nativity and place an ancient effigy of Jesus in the church. A silver star located deep in an underground cave-like section of the church marks the site where Jesus was born. A star is also set atop a pole in the town's square. In Bethlehem, homes of Christians usually have a cross over the door and a manger scene is usually set up inside the house.
In Germany, home of the Christmas Tree tradition, the Christmas Tree is not seen until Christmas Eve. The tree is usually kept in a special room, or elsewhere, and decorated in secret with lights, ornaments, tinsels, angels, candies, nuts, and cookies. It is then lighted, the presents placed underneath, and then shown to the delight of children on Christmas Eve.
In Germany, December 6 is known as St. Nicholas Day when Santa visits the homes of boys and girls. On the day before, December 5, children leave a shoe or boot outside or by the fireplace for Santa Claus. If they were good, he places gifts and candies inside the shoe; but if they were naughty, children will find twigs or a rod in their shoe. Dinner on Christmas Day includes roast goose and long loaves of bread filled with raisins, nuts, and dried fruits. Other sweet delicacies are also enjoyed.
Many traditions in England are similar to those in the United States because such traditions originated in England and were brought to the United States by immigrants. The tradition of sending Christmas greeting cards started in England and is still popular at Christmas, as well as the tradition of neighborhood caroling on Christmas Eve. Children also hang stockings on Christmas Eve in anticipation of Santa Claus filling them with Christmas gifts or treats.
The holly, ivy, and mistletoe are also used a lot in Christmas decorations. In England, the traditional Christmas Dinner is roast turkey, goose, or chicken with stuffing, vegetables, and roast potatoes. Dessert consists of the British, or Christmas, pudding with brandy sauce. A rich, fruit-filled Christmas cake may also be enjoyed later in the day.
A tradition of pulling Christmas crackers also goes with the serving of food on Christmas Day. A cracker is a paper tube that contains a party hat, riddle, and a toy or trinket, and is brightly colored and twisted at both ends. It gives out a “crack” as the contents pop out when it is pulled at each end. Also on Christmas afternoon, the Queen broadcasts a Christmas message to the nation, which is heard on radio and television. The day after Christmas is also a holiday that is known as Boxing Day.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Spreading Goodwill at Christmas
The real meaning of Christmas, the season of good cheer, is about giving, especially to provide some assistance to those who need help for their daily survival, and who, therefore, don't have the material resources to enjoy the Christmas season. The importance of giving to those in need during Christmas is embodied in the story of Jesus' birth, which is the reason Christmas is
celebrated.
For Christians, Jesus was born to save mankind from sin by giving everlasting Salvation to all who believe in the Word of God and choose to follow the principles for living in the Bible. Jesus, therefore, gave in the ultimate way – he offered himself as a sacrifice for every living person. Christians therefore believe that Christmas should be about following the example of Jesus by giving of oneself to others, especially to those who are in need.
The Christmas season should, therefore, be about spreading goodwill and good cheer. This purpose of Christmas is very significant because research by social service organizations has shown that Christmas happens to be a high time for depression among the have-nots, among people with problems, and others who just don't have the means and resources to enjoy the merriment of the holidays.
The hundreds of Santa letters written by children are often a sad testament to the many unmet needs of families and individuals during the festive Christmas and holiday times. Just about every child is told the story of Santa Claus, or hears about him, because his presence is everywhere at Christmas. And up to the age of 7 to 8 years, most children believe the story about Santa Claus bringing toys and other gifts. That's the reason why so many young children
often write letters to Santa at Christmas time in which they innocently plead for toys and other gifts, because their parents, or other relatives, will not be able to give them those Christmas toys, or Christmas gifts, that they want.
Thankfully, there are many volunteer and charitable efforts carried out by groups and corporations that seek to fulfill the needs of children, and also of adults, during the Christmas season. One of the most notable organizations that do such charitable work is the Salvation Army, which has a history of giving service to those in need.
According to The Salvation Army's web site, the organization as known today, was started in 1865 by a Methodist minister, William Booth, and his wife Catherine. They formed a group that preached, and provided food and shelter to the homeless, the hungry, and to alcoholics in need of recovery services. The services were provided in London's East End. Booth and his followers, first known as “The Christian Mission,” started to use The Salvation Army name in 1878.
The Salvation Army is now uniquely associated with the Christmas season through its many representatives who dress up as Santa Claus and stand outside retail establishments ringing their bells, while they kindly seek donations from shoppers to help the poor at Christmas. Individuals also play Santa Claus at Christmas time and help those in need by donating toys and gifts through their companies, other business enterprises, such as banks, or through their local municipality. These groups usually have a box or an area where new toys or clothing can be dropped off, and the items are then donated to families in need, or to social service providers, for distribution to the needy during the Christmas season.
Along with much charitable giving at Christmas time, other public interest groups also work hard to inform and educate consumers about avoiding the after Christmas blues. This is often experienced in January when the bills and debts are due as a result of all the spending, much of it on credit, that is done for the holidays.
These groups try to spread goodwill and cheer in a different way. They try to provide educational information on spending responsibly during the Christmas season, with the hope that the happiness and good feeling enjoyed during the season can also carry over after Christmas, and not be spoiled by the burden of having huge bills to pay.
celebrated.
For Christians, Jesus was born to save mankind from sin by giving everlasting Salvation to all who believe in the Word of God and choose to follow the principles for living in the Bible. Jesus, therefore, gave in the ultimate way – he offered himself as a sacrifice for every living person. Christians therefore believe that Christmas should be about following the example of Jesus by giving of oneself to others, especially to those who are in need.
The Christmas season should, therefore, be about spreading goodwill and good cheer. This purpose of Christmas is very significant because research by social service organizations has shown that Christmas happens to be a high time for depression among the have-nots, among people with problems, and others who just don't have the means and resources to enjoy the merriment of the holidays.
The hundreds of Santa letters written by children are often a sad testament to the many unmet needs of families and individuals during the festive Christmas and holiday times. Just about every child is told the story of Santa Claus, or hears about him, because his presence is everywhere at Christmas. And up to the age of 7 to 8 years, most children believe the story about Santa Claus bringing toys and other gifts. That's the reason why so many young children
often write letters to Santa at Christmas time in which they innocently plead for toys and other gifts, because their parents, or other relatives, will not be able to give them those Christmas toys, or Christmas gifts, that they want.
Thankfully, there are many volunteer and charitable efforts carried out by groups and corporations that seek to fulfill the needs of children, and also of adults, during the Christmas season. One of the most notable organizations that do such charitable work is the Salvation Army, which has a history of giving service to those in need.
According to The Salvation Army's web site, the organization as known today, was started in 1865 by a Methodist minister, William Booth, and his wife Catherine. They formed a group that preached, and provided food and shelter to the homeless, the hungry, and to alcoholics in need of recovery services. The services were provided in London's East End. Booth and his followers, first known as “The Christian Mission,” started to use The Salvation Army name in 1878.
The Salvation Army is now uniquely associated with the Christmas season through its many representatives who dress up as Santa Claus and stand outside retail establishments ringing their bells, while they kindly seek donations from shoppers to help the poor at Christmas. Individuals also play Santa Claus at Christmas time and help those in need by donating toys and gifts through their companies, other business enterprises, such as banks, or through their local municipality. These groups usually have a box or an area where new toys or clothing can be dropped off, and the items are then donated to families in need, or to social service providers, for distribution to the needy during the Christmas season.
Along with much charitable giving at Christmas time, other public interest groups also work hard to inform and educate consumers about avoiding the after Christmas blues. This is often experienced in January when the bills and debts are due as a result of all the spending, much of it on credit, that is done for the holidays.
These groups try to spread goodwill and cheer in a different way. They try to provide educational information on spending responsibly during the Christmas season, with the hope that the happiness and good feeling enjoyed during the season can also carry over after Christmas, and not be spoiled by the burden of having huge bills to pay.
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