Table of contents

Table of contents .......................................................................................................................................... 3

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 5
CHAPTER I PAGAN ORIGINS OF THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY ..................................................................... 6
I.1. THE SUN WORSHIP RITUAL ........................................................................................................ 6
I.2. YULE FESTIVAL ............................................................................................................................. 7
I.3. SATURNALIA .................................................................................................................................. 8
I.4. HANUKKAH .................................................................................................................................. 10
CHAPTER II THE STORY OF CHRISTMAS ......................................................................................... 11
II.1. A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE ....................................................................................................... 11
II.2. THE STORY OF JESUS CHRIST ................................................................................................. 12
II.3. SANTA CLAUS LEGEND ............................................................................................................ 13
II.4. BABOUSHKÀ ............................................................................................................................... 13
II.5. OTHER LEGENDS CONNECTED TO CHRISTMAS ................................................................ 14
II.5.1. THE HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS TREES ................................................................................ 14
II.5.2. MISTLETOE ............................................................................................................................... 15
II.5.3. LEGEND OF CHRISTMAS ANGELS ....................................................................................... 16
II.5.4. LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS STOCKING ......................................................................... 16
II.5.5. LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS STAR ................................................................................... 17
II.5.6. LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS ROSE ................................................................................... 17
II.5.7 THE LEGEND OF RUDOLPH .................................................................................................... 18
II.5.8 LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE ............................................................................................ 19
II.6 GIFT BEARERS AND THEIR HELPERS ..................................................................................... 20
II.6.1 THE THREE MAGI ..................................................................................................................... 20
II.6.2 SVATY MIKALAS ...................................................................................................................... 21
II.6.3 ZWARTE PIET ............................................................................................................................ 21
CHAPTER III CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD .......................................................................... 23
III.1 CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS .................................................................................................. 23
III.2. ASSOCIATED HOLIDAY'S AND SEASONS ............................................................................ 30
III.3 ORNAMENTS, CAROLS, RECIPES ........................................................................................... 32
CHAPTER IV CHRISTMAS SUPERSTITIONS...................................................................................... 34
IV. 1 CHRISTMAS CAKES AND PIES SUPERSTITIONS ................................................................ 34
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 IV.2.1 CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS SUPERSTITIONS .................................................................. 36
IV.3 HOLLY & IVY SUPERSTITIONS ............................................................................................... 38
CHAPTER V WINTER HOLIDAYS IN NON-CHRISTIAN RELIGIONS ............................................ 39
CONCLUSIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 43
BIBLIOGRAPHY ...................................................................................................................................... 44

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 INTRODUCTION

Christmas is the most celebrated holiday in the world. Individuals on every continent
celebrate it, and more than one hundred countries officially recognize it in one way or another.
Christians around the world celebrate it on the 25th of December. However, according to that
particular cultural space there are many differences in rituals and even the actual celebration
dates. I chose this topic because it's a time of joy when all family members gather round coming
home wherever they may be. There are many colorful traditions like decorating the Christmas
tree, an event to which all take part joyfully. The smallest kid in the house has to set the Golden
Star on top of Christmas tree. Moreover it's a time of gift giving when everybody gives in to the
magic of Christmas.
The first chapter of this work describes the way in which early Christians used to
celebrate our Saviours' birth on the 25th of December. It's a holiday deeply rooted in pagan
rituals like the druidic sun worship, the Roman Saturnalia (the birth of Saturn), or Hanukkah.
The second chapter tells the story of Jesus, the Son of God, from a biblical perspective
and accounts for the spiritual meanings this holiday should bring upon us. Further, this section
also takes account of many Christian legends connected to Christmas time. In the next chapter I
talk about introduced customs and traditions around the world. I chose to describe how
Christmas takes place in some particular countries and their additional holidays around this time
of year.
The following chapter deals with the history of some Christmas symbols headed under
four categories: Gift Bearers and their helpers, ornaments, carols, recipes.
In the last chapter I chose to speak about non-Christian creeds. The first part of the
chapter deals with Muslims and I'm going to talk about the Fire Festival at Dusk, customs and
legends on The Lohri Morning like the one with children going from door to door asking for
money and food items. The last part of this chapter talks about the end of Ramadan and how they
celebrate it according to the Islam Calendar.
In conclusion, Christmas is a time of love and magic all around the world. Christmas is
not only a period or a season, but a state of spirit. The true spirit of Christmas means that you
cherish peace and benevolence; you fully offer mercy and compassion to the others. Christmas is
the magic light that shows up once a year and it highlights our kindness and our power to keep
on going.

5
 CHAPTER I PAGAN ORIGINS OF THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

I.1. THE SUN WORSHIP RITUAL

As Christians spread their religion into Europe in the first centuries A.D., they ran into
people living by a variety of local and regional religious creeds. Early European Christianity was
an urban phenomenon, while paganism persisted longer in rustic areas. Early Christians wanted
to convert pagans, but they were also fascinated by their traditions. Christmas celebrations are
deeply rooted in ancient pagan rites including sun worship or a likeness of the sun as a deity.
Though almost every culture uses solar concepts, only few cultures (Egyptian, Indo-
European, and Meso-American) experienced solar religions. Egyptian solar deities, Stonehenge
as a solar calendar and the solar figures on the "Maramureş" Gates prove that the sun's power
was deeply rooted in the Indo-European religious codes before Christianity has emerged. All of
these had a well-developed urban civilization and were ruled by someone considered as
descendents from the sun. The sun embodies qualities like supremacy, the power of benevolence,
justice, and acumen, which are central to any elite religious organization. The old Persian cult of
Mithras as a sun god spread quickly around the Roman Empire from the 2nd to the 5th century.
Worshipping Sol Invictus (a Latin version of Mythra) reached its highest point during Aurelian's
reign.

I.1.1. Solar figures on Maramuresean Gate

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 I.2. YULE FESTIVAL

A remnant of this solar idolatry is the Yule Festival. Some believe that celebrating the
birth of the “true light of the world” was set in synchronization with the December solstice
because from that point onwards, the days began to have more daylight in the Northern
Hemisphere. Christmas is also referred to as Yule, which is derived from the Norse word jol,
referring to the pre-Christian winter solstice festival. Yule is also known as Alban Arthan and
was one of the “Lesser Sabbats” of the Wiccan year in a time when ancient believers celebrated
the rebirth of the Sun God and days with more light. This took place annually around the time of
the December solstice and lasted for 12 days. The Lesser Sabbats fall on the solstices and
equinoxes.
The Feast of Juul was a pre-Christian festival observed in Scandinavia at the time of the
December solstice. Fires were lit to symbolize the heat, light and life-giving properties of the
returning sun. A Yule or Juul log was brought in and burned on the hearth in honor of the
Scandinavian god Thor.
A piece of the log was kept as both a token of good luck and as kindling for the following
year’s log. In England, Germany, France and other European countries, the Yule log was burned
until nothing but ash remained. The ashes were then collected and either strewn on the fields as
fertilizer every night until Twelfth Night or kept as a charm and or as medicine. French peasants
believed that if the ashes were kept under the bed, they would protect the house against thunder
and lightning. The present-day custom of lighting a Yule log at Christmas is believed to have
originated in the bonfires associated with the feast of Juul.

I.2.1. Yule: A Festival of Light

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 I.3. SATURNALIA

Saturnalia was an old-fashioned Roman festival in honor of the deity Saturn, held on 17
December of the Julian calendar and later expanded with hoopla’s over to 23 December. The
Romans celebrated December 25 as the festival of the Sun God, called Solstice Invictus, or the
birth of the Invincible Sun! This festival came into the Church, by the Church adopting and
adapting Pagan Roman heathen customs, and they put it into the worship of Jesus Christ. As
Durant says: “Christianity did not destroy paganism it adopted it”. Saturnalia is the best-known
of several festivals in the Greco-Roman world characterized by masquerades.

I.3.1. Saturnalia Festival

It was traditional to offer gifts of imitation fruit (a symbol of fertility), dolls (symbolic of
the custom of human sacrifice), and candles (reminiscent of the bonfires traditionally associated
with pagan solstice celebrations). A mock king was chosen, usually from a group of slaves or
criminals, and although he was permitted to behave in an unrestrained manner for seven days of
the festival, he was usually killed at the end. It was a time for free speech: the Augustan poet
Horace calls it "December liberty". In two banters set during the Saturnalia, Horace has a slave
offer sharp criticism to his master. The Roman people celebrated near the year's end with festival
called Saturnalia. This was to honor the god of agriculture after a successful intake. They
brought hedge bureau into their homes because they believed they had magical powers. They
celebrated wildly with feasting, dancing, games, masks, parades, and the network of gifts.
Unlike several Roman spirituals festivals which were particular to cult sites in the city,
the continued periodic celebration of Saturnalia at home could be held anywhere in the Empire.
Saturnalia continued as a civil celebration long after it was removed from the official calendar.
The Roman emperor Aurelian established a feast of the birth of Sol Invictus (the
Unconquered Sun), on December 25. Christmas, the argument goes, is really a remnant from

8
these pagan solar festivals. According to this theory, early Christians deliberately chose these
dates to encourage the spread of Christmas and Christianity throughout the Roman world: If
Christmas looked like a pagan holiday; more pagans would be open to both the holiday and the
God whose birth it celebrated. Despite its popularity today, this theory of Christmas’s origins has
its problems. It is not found in any ancient Christian writings, for one thing. Christian authors of
the time do note a connection between the solstice and Jesus’ birth: The church father Ambrose
(c. 339-397), for example, described Christ as the true sun, who outshone the fallen gods of the
old order. But early Christian writers never hint at any recent calendrical engineering; they
clearly don’t think the date was chosen by the church. Rather they see the coincidence as a
providential sign, as natural proof that God had selected Jesus over the false pagan gods.
It’s not until the 12th century that we find the first suggestion that Jesus’ birth celebration
was deliberately set at the time of pagan feasts. A marginal note on a manuscript of the writings
of the Syriac biblical commentator Dionysius bar-Salibi states that in ancient times the
Christmas holiday was actually shifted from January 6 to December 25 so that it fell on the same
date as the pagan Sol Invictus holiday. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Bible scholars spurred on
by the new study of comparative religions latched on to this idea. They claimed that because the
early Christians didn’t know when Jesus was born, they simply assimilated the pagan solstice
festival for their own purposes, claiming it as the time of the Messiah’s birth and celebrating it
accordingly.

I.3.2. Saturnalia Festival

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 I.4. HANUKKAH

The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah remembers the

rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where
according to tradition Jews had aspire against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean
Revolt. Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, begins on the 25th of Kislev on the
Hebrew calendar and usually slumps in November or December. Often called the Festival of
Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the candelabra, traditional foods, games and
gifts. Jewish people do not believe in Christ's birth and resurrection. Their beliefs stick to the Old
Testament. The Hanukkah holiday dates before Christianism and it is still practiced in Jewish
communities
The Hanukkah celebration revolves around the kindling of a nine-branched sconce,
known in Hebrew as the Hanukkah. On each of the holiday’s eight nights, another candle is
added to the menorah after sundown; the ninth candle, called the shamash (“helper”), is used to
light the others. Jews typically communicate blessings during this ritual and display the menorah
prominently in a window as a reminder to others of the miracle that inspired the holiday.
Addition quotation to the Hanukkah miracle, traditional Hanukkah foods are fried in oil.
Potato pancakes (known as latkes) and jam-filled donuts (sufganiyot) are particularly
popular in many Jewish households. Other Hanukkah customs include playing with four-sided
reeling tops called mock and exchanging gifts. In recent decades, particularly in North America,
Hanukkah has exploded into a major commercial anomaly, largely because it falls near or flaps
with Christmas. From a religious perspective, however, it remains a relatively minor holiday that
places no condition on working, attending school or other activities.

1.4.1. Hanukkah Celebration

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 CHAPTER II THE STORY OF CHRISTMAS

II.1. A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE

In Christian religion, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, which is
observed on December 25 by Roman Catholics and Protestants. Many in the Eastern Orthodox
branch of Christianity held the Christmas holiday, the Epiphany.
Many people today, even Christians, celebrate Christmas with traditions such as
Christmas trees and the figure of Santa Claus. Christmas is a religious holiday which honors the
birth of Jesus Christ two thousand years ago in the tiny country now called Israel. The story is
found in the Bible. People who believe that Jesus was the son of God are called Christians.
They believe Christ was born to teach and save his people, so Christians find great joy
and happiness in this holiday. It is a celebration of life and light, and their festivities reflect these
feelings. We celebrate Jesus' birth on Christmas, but no one really knows what day Jesus was
born, or even exactly what year. In 336 A.D., the Western Church, based in Rome, chose
December 25 to celebrate as Christmas, meaning "Christ's Mass." The Eastern Church chose
January 6. The day was named Epiphany, meaning "appearance." Eventually the period from
December 25 to January 6 became known as the Twelve Days of Christmas.

II.1.1. The Bible Story of Christmas

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 II.2. THE STORY OF JESUS CHRIST

A long time ago, in the town of Nazareth, there lived a young woman named Mary.
Mary did her daily assignments, was kind to others, and loved God very much. She was
committed to Joseph, who was a carpenter. One day, while Mary was at home cleaning her area,
an angel appeared all of a sudden. Before Mary could say anything the angel told Mary that she
was favored by God, and that God was with her. Mary was surprised. She was trying not to be
scared but she had never seen a spirit before. After all, Mary was just a regular woman. Why was
this angel visiting her? What did the angel want? The angel immediately tried to Mary at ease.
"Do not be afraid!" the angel said. "God has found favor with you. You will have a baby boy,
and are to give him the name Jesus." Mary was confused; she was not yet married to Joseph, so
how could she have a baby?
The angel thought that this might torment Mary so he said, "The Holy Spirit will
perform a wonder, and because of this your baby will be called the Son of God.” To Mary's
surprise, the angel had more exciting news: "Even your cousin Elizabeth is going to have a son
in her old age. Many knew that she couldn't have children, but she was already expectant.
Nothing is impossible with God." Mary couldn't believe what she was hearing; she didn't know
what to say. She found herself shaking and knelt down. When she was finally able to speak she
said, "I am the Lord's assistant, and I hope everything you have said will come true."
Then the angel disappeared, and Mary was left alone. Soon after, Joseph found out that
Mary was going to have a baby. Joseph was confused and upset by this, but an angel came to
him in a vision and said, "Joseph do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The child Mary is
going to have is God's son, and you are to give him the name Jesus." When Joseph got up he
recalled what the angel had said. He knew that everything was okay, and he wasn't troubled
anymore. In those days, the authorities decided that they should count everyone that lived in that
area of the world. So Joseph had to take Mary to his town of Bethlehem to register. It took Mary
and Joseph a long time to get to Bethlehem.
They didn't have cars back then, so it probably took them a lot longer to get there. This
was very troublesome for Mary because she was soon going to have a baby. When they got in
town, all the hotels were full and there was no place that they could stay. Finally, someone
provided them a place to stay. The Bible doesn't say for sure where they stayed but most people
think that they stayed in a small shed where animals were kept. That night a wonderful thing
happened: Mary and Joseph had a baby! But this wasn't just any baby, he was Baby Jesus!
The creator of the whole world, the King of Kings, and the one who would save the
world. The little baby boy fell asleep in Mary's arms. She cloaked him in cloths and settles him

12
in a manger on some clean straw Mary and Joseph soon fell asleep; they were so joyful to have
this special baby join their family.

II.3. SANTA CLAUS LEGEND

Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick or Father Christmas is a mythical (character with
(ancient origins that, in many Western cultures, brings gifts to the homes of polite, "good"
children on Christmas Eve (24 December) and the early morning hours of Christmas Day (25
December). Santa Claus is generally characterized) as a portly, merry white-bearded man -
sometimes with glasses) - wearing a red coat with white collar and cuffs, white-cuffed red
trousers, and black leather belt and boots and who carries a bag full of presents for children.
Santa Claus is believed to make his agenda) of children throughout the world, categorizing them
according to their conduct ("naughty" or "nice") and to deliver gifts), including toys, and candy
to all of the well behaved children in the world, and sometimes coal to bad) children, on the
single night of Christmas Eve.

II.3.1. Santa Claus is coming to town

II.4. BABOUSHKÀ

Baboushka is a popular imaginary character and is a part of a classical) Christmas legend.

The word 'Baboushka' refers to 'old woman' or 'grandmother' in the Russian language. The
tradition) of Baboushka relates to the legend) of an old woman who went from village to village

13
in search of the baby) King and the three wise men. On her way she visited the homes of good
children and left gifts for them, while they slept in their beds. This enchanting story of
Baboushka is one possibility for explain why children received presents) during Christmas.
Every Christmas (adventure sends a strong message to remind the people about the importance
of customs. This experience emphasizes on the idea of giving and sharing. There is no (beauty in
(commemorating Christmas without knowing the actual meaning behind the festivities. So, read
on to know more about the story of Baboushka - (cause) and description. It's a truly inspiring
story.

II.4.1. Forever Santa-Baboushka

II.5. OTHER LEGENDS CONNECTED TO CHRISTMAS

II.5.1. THE HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS TREES

Long before the appearance of Christianity, plants and trees that persisted green all year
long had a special connotation for people in the cold season of the year. Just as people today
decorate their homes during the Christmas season with pine, spruce, and fir trees, old
civilizations used to hang evergreen boughs over their doors and windows. In many countries it
14
was believed that pines would keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and diseases.
In the Northern hemisphere, the shortest day and longest night of the year falls on
December 21 or December 22 and it is named the winter solstice. In ancient times people
thought that the sun was a god and that winter came every year because the sun god had become
sick and weak.
They celebrated the solstice because it signified that at last the sun god would begin to
get well. Evergreen plants reminded them of all the green plants that would grow again when the
sun god was powerful and summer would come back.

II.5.1. Christmas Tree

II.5.2. MISTLETOE

Kissing under sprigs of mistletoe is a famous holiday tradition, but this little plant’s past)
as iconic herb dates back thousands of years. Many ancient cultures prized mistletoe for its
curative) properties. The Greeks were known to use it as a medication for everything from
menstrual cramps to spleen disorders and the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder stated it could be
used as a balm against epilepsy, ulcers and poisons.

As the legend goes, when the god Odin’s son Baldur was supposed to die as the
prophecy said, his mother Frigg, the deity of love, went to all the animals and plants of the
natural world to secure an oath that they would not hurt him. But Frigg failed to consult with the
humble mistletoe, so the devious god Loki made an dart from shrub and saw that it was used to
kill the otherwise not to be ever defeated Baldur.
Frigg then declared mistletoe a symbol of love and promised to plant a kiss on all those
who passed below it. Mistletoe’s significance of fertility and energy continued over the Middle
Ages, and by the 18th century it had become generally incorporated into Christmas festivities.
As part of the early custom, men were granted to steal a kiss from any woman seized standing

15
under the mistletoe, and reluctant was viewed as bad luck. Yet one more tradition advised the
merrymakers to pluck a single berry from the mistletoe with each kiss, and to stop kissing once
they were all gone.

II.5.2. Mistletoe Kisses Fragrance

II.5.3. LEGEND OF CHRISTMAS ANGELS

We decorate the Christmas tree in the most beautiful manner. Decorating Christmas trees
is one that supposes quite a bit of ardor, passion and hope. Christmas trees are adorned with
wreaths, colorful garlands, stars, candy canes, Christmas figures, bells and most importantly, the
trees are decorated with angels on the top dominant. The presence of the Christmas angel makes
the tree look even more divine.
The tradition of decorating Christmas trees with Christmas angels has been in form for
centuries. Angels form a large part of Christmas legends. Immortal in nature and honest in every
way, these creatures are endowed with a pair of wings and a halo aura over their heads. The
wings of angels signify innocence and purity. Angels are regarded as divine, immortal beings
that advance happiness and love. Today, during the 'Nativity scenes', Christmas angels are
portrayed as singing and playing musical instruments to the shepherds.

II.5.4. LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS STOCKING

Christmas stocking is an empty bag in a sock aspect which kids usually hang at home on
the eve of Christmas with the hope that the bag will be filled with gifts by Santa Claus. Candies,
coins, fruits, toys are some of the gifts that are regularly put in Christmas stocking as a gift for
children. However, larger presents are packed in colorful paper and deposited close to the
Christmas tree. According to the customs, the Christmas stocking is required to be hung on the

16
fireplace mantel.
Today, many use unique Christmas stockings made of natural craft often fastening the
name of each family member. This is to make the profession of Santa easier to pinpoint the
stocking of each member of the family. Corresponding western tradition, it is said that a bad
child will not get a gift and he/she will be given a coal in his Christmas stocking.

II.5.4. The Christmas Stocking

II.5.5. LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS STAR

There are many legends related with Christmas holiday and the legend of Christmas Star
is one among them. The biblical records in Mathew and Luke tell about extraordinary events and
occurrence in the night over the sky on the day Jesus was born in the stable amongst the cattle
and horses at Bethlehem. The Roman Emperor Augustus had sent Joseph and Mary from
Nazareth to Bethlehem. They set on a 125 Km journey on the back of a donkey.
The travel was tiresome for Mary as she was in her 9th month of pregnancy and when
they arrived at their destination. Bethlehem was swarming with people that they did not find
room to stay at the inn. So, Mary delivered baby Jesus in the stable at Bethlehem. According to
the myth, the strange star appeared before the birth of Jesus. The wise saw it as a sign of a great
event in the realm of the Jews.

II.5.6. LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS ROSE

All along Christmas, family and friends crowd together and celebrate the holiday with
great ceremony and fervor. The change of gifts is a binding part of the event which they
acknowledge as a token of love asserted to one another. Have you ever heard about the
Christmas Rose? Even if the gift is a simple flower, if it comes direct from the heart it outshines
17
the best of gifts given halfheartedly. This Christmas Rose which blooms in the harsh and the
cold winter has become a significant part of the Yuletide celebrations.

Christmas Rose, at times known as 'Snow Rose', or ‘Winter Rose', is a famous English
plant. It is known as Christmas flower because it blooms during the winter in the mountains of
Central Europe. The development of this English plant is indeed a marvel star as it blooms
during the peak winter season when the rest of the plants are frozen solid. These plants blossom
from late Fall till the beginning of spring and grow up to 15 inch in width with shiny leaves
which appear dark green.

II.5.6. The Christmas roses

II.5.7. THE LEGEND OF RUDOLPH

Christmas has been associated with different legends and mythical characters since time
immemorial. One such famous character is Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer. Rudolph is rendered
as a reindeer with a glowing red nose, and is one of Santa Claus's cherished reindeers. Known
for pulling Santa's sleigh on Christmas, Rudolph's nose is believed to illuminate the path while
Santa goes from house to house, placing gifts under the Christmas tree. There was a story that
stated that Rudolph's figure was created by a man to soothe his daughter on the news of her
mother on about to die from a terminal disease.
However, it is not so. It is said that Rudolph was created just commercial purpose by a
Montgomery Ward Copywriter who came up with the drawing of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer.

18
 II.5.7. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

II.5.8. LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE

Ever noticed how candy canes make the festival of Christmas a tad sweeter? These are
yummy sweet treats, but more importantly, they are a part of traditional Christmas traditions.
During Christmas, you will find them hung on entrances, skirted on the front gates, hung on
Christmas trees, walls and so on. Amid the many decorative items we use to decorate the house,
candy canes are also a crucial decorative element used during Christmas.
Candy canes are long T molded white sticks, striped in red/green, and are rock-solid.
Although we make it a point to deck our homes with candy canes, what we do not know is how
they became a part of Christmas traditions.
Candy canes are not just decorative items; these stand for something marvelous. It is said
that, a candy maker needed his candy cane to represent Jesus Christ's greatness.

II.5.8. The Candy Cane

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 II.6. GIFT BEARERS AND THEIR HELPERS

II.6.1. THE THREE MAGI

Today, priests, scholars and astrologers are referred as 'The Magi’. The word 'Magi' came
into being from ancient church traditions. The Three Kings, or The Wise Men, credited with the
initial legend of Magi, form a crucial part of the nativity scenes throughout the world. These men
were advised by the Lord who demonstrated them the position of the spiritual star to help them
in their search (quest) for baby Jesus. As time passed by, this legend laid the foundations for
many traditions and, towards the third century, these Three Wise Men came to be seen as
emperors.
Later, in the 6th century, they were named as Bithisarea, Melchior and Gathaspa. The
Magi are said to have brought beautiful gifts to the infant child Jesus. Since these men were from
different cultures, they brought varied gifts like jewelers, myrth and odor for the new born King.
These three men were cited to as the 'Wise Men from the East' in the New Testament. They
travelled on camels and were highly regarded in Jerusalem.

II.6.1. The Three Magi

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 II.6.2. SVATY MIKALAS

Svaty Mikalas is the Czech Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus. Unlike, the usual Santa, Svaty
Mikalas is arrayed in white robes giving the impression of a clergyman. He is generally
accompanied by an angel and a devil. On the Eve of St. Nicholas, he arrives with his helpers
with presents for the children.
St. Nicholas day in Czech is celebrated on December 5th. The angel who assists Svaty
Mikalas is ideal of good children and the devil embodies the bad ones.

II.6.2. Svaty Mikalas

II.6.3. ZWARTE PIET

The Zwarte Piet character is part of the annual feast of St. Nicholas, celebrated on the
evening of 5 December (St. Nicholas' Eve) in the Netherlands, Curaçao and Aruba and on 6
December in Belgium and Luxembourg, when candies and presents are shared to children.
The characters of Zwarte Pieten appear arrive only in the weeks before Saint Nicholas's
Feast, first when the angel is welcomed with a ceremony as he arrives in the country (generally
by boat, having travelled from Madrid, Spain). The burdens of the Zwarte Pieten are mostly to
entertain children, and to throw over with pepernoten, kruidnoten and strooigoed (special
sinterklaas candies) for those who come to meet the saint as he passes by stores, schools, and
other places.

21
II.6.3 Zwarte Piet

22
 CHAPTER III CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

Christmas is commemorated on a grand scale all around the world. If you think that
Christmas is limited only to Santa Claus, the reindeers and the snow, then think again. Christmas
may be a universal celebration but is in fact tweaked to supplement the folklore and the
traditions of every country. Celebrated on the 25th of December, there might be over a billion
traditions and celebrations owing to various regions. Many countries even have distinct gift-
givers. Each country prides with its own Christmas symbols and figures bringing presents to
children on various days. 'Baboushka' is the classical gift-giver of Russia and Christ kind is
presumed to be the gift-giver for Austria and a few parts of Europe. Just as the names of these
personas are different, so are their gifts giving methods and forms.
Between the end of November to mid-January, there are divers Christmas customs
carried out all over the world! From Australia to Norway and Finland to Lebanon, Christmas is
acclaimed magically all over the world. What remains the same is the spirit, the unity and the
love. But Christmas is one such celebration, which brings together family and friends to be very
happy about the birth of the Lord and to spread the magic of the festival. Everywhere around the
world, Christmas spreads a worldwide message - a message of peace, modesty, loyalty and
togetherness.

III.1. CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

Christmas in Argentina is very much alike to celebrations in European countries. The

ones in Argentina have changed over the years, in such a way that Christmas has become more
of a financial event rather than a religious one. People in Argentina view Christmas as the
perfect occasion for family meetings.
Christmas Day is held every year on the 25th of December. Argentina is a country
considerably affected by Italian and German cultures. Christmas customs in Argentina are
borrowed from the Catholic roots of the country. Christmas season in Argentina is during the
summer, which makes sense for people to celebrate their holidays outdoors.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
Decorations are a big part of Christmas ceremonies in Argentina. Houses are decorated
with Christmas lights, multicolored flowers and other garments in the most beautiful manner.
Wreaths are hung at visible places as a symbol of welcoming friends and families to the houses.
The roads, streets and shops are illuminated by electric lights and Christmas decorations
23
to reflect the mood of the festive season. In Argentina, the Christmas tree is trimmed with
baubles, lights and also cotton balls to show as snow. The Christmas trees are frequently
decorated on December 8th, which is the 'Feast of the Annunciation'. In each house in Argentina,
one can find a playroom or 'pesebre' describing the ‘Nativity scene’, as a part of popular
attractions.

CHRISTMAS EVE
Christmas Eve is the most important day during the Christmas period. Firework displays
are an essential activity during the Christmas ceremonies in Argentina. Children rush towards the
scene where the fireworks are held to watch the shining lights fill the night sky. Another
Christmas practice followed in Argentina is the lighting of the 'globos'. These are paper balloons
that are lit from the inside and freed in the air, embellishing the night. The presents are placed
under the Christmas tree and opened at midnight as a part of the tradition. Families then attend
the 'Midnight Mass' held at church. On the day of Christmas, families in Argentina take part at
church services all day.

III.1. Christmas in Argentina

CHRISTMAS IN SIBERIA

In Siberia in Russia, Christmas is commemorated on January 6th. This is because

Russian Orthodox calendar declined to follow the Gregorian calendar and held on the Julian.
Christmas was actually illegal in Soviet Union and this had many great consequences on the
practices which they have today. The official Christmas and New Year celebrations in Russia
31st of December and end on 10th January.

24
 III.2. Christmas in Siberia

In Siberia, there are few people who fast on Christmas Eve till the first star shows up on
the sky. Happening this, people take 'Kutia' or 'sochivo' which is porridge made from wheat or
rice. This is served along with honey, poppy seeds, fruit, walnuts or fruit jellies. Kutia is eaten
from an ordinary bowl which means unity. On previous times, there was a tradition in which
people threw a spoonful of sochivo to the ceiling. In case it sticks to the ceiling, they believed
that it brings good luck and good harvest.

CHRISTMAS EVE FOOD

The outstanding Christmas food items in Siberia consist of beetroot soup (borsch), vegan
potluck (solyanka) which is served with vegetable cakes made of cabbage, potato or mushroom.
Sauerkraut is a main dish in a Christmas meal which is served with cranberries, cumin, shredded
carrot and onion rings. Salads also form a major meal item which is frequently made out of
vegetables like gherkins, mushrooms or tomatoes, potatoes or other root vegetables. Afterwards
desserts are being served which consist of fruit cakes, ginger bread, honey bread biscuits and
fresh and dry fruits. 'Vzvar' is a delicious drink made from dried fruit and honey boiled in water.
It is served at the end of the meal. Vzvar' means the birth of a child and at Christmas, it
represents the birth of Baby Jesus. There are some Orthodox Christians who don't eat meat or
fish during Christmas meal or feast.

PRAYERS AND FATHER FROST

After dinner, people pay church services at midnight which is continued till morning. For
Siberians, New Year is even more valuable than Christmas and it is on New Year's Eve that the
Father Frost calls the households, often accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurochka. Once
they appear arrive, the stars on the Christmas tree lights up. As Christmas trees were banned in
Soviet Union, people adorned the New Year trees.
25
 WHITE CHRISTMAS
In Siberia and other parts of Russia, the climate is always cold and frosty. As the
temperature is always in minus degrees, Siberia forever has a white Christmas coat.

CHRISTMAS IN BETHLEHEM

In Bethlehem Christmas is not held on a specific day. Christian religious codes,

especially, Catholics, Protestants, Greek, Orthodox, Ethiopians, Armenians and others, differ in
terms of Christmas ceremonies and also the day observing the birth of Jesus Christ.

CATHOLIC CHRISTIANS
The Catholic Roman service commence on December 24 in the St. Catherine's Church,
which is Catholic. The church is next to the Orthodox Basilica of the Nativity. The servicers
correlated with the Feast of Epiphany are held on January 5 and 6. Midnight masses take place
on December 25, to acclaim the birth time of Jesus Christ.

PROTESTANT CHRISTIANS
The Protestants have a diverse way of commemorating Christmas. Some conduct
services in their local churches, whereas some others may arrange trips to witness observe the
special services in the Shepherd's fields or the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The
Anglican Cathedral of St. George, the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer and the YMCA are
among the churches of Jerusalem which organize tours to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve.

ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS
Orthodox Christians, including Greek Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, and
others, honor Christmas on January 6. The festivities and services are a long process like the
Roman Catholic celebrations. Basilica of the Nativity is hub of most Orthodox acts.

ARMENIAN CHRISTIANS
For the Armenian Christians Christmas falls on January 18. Most Armenian celebrations are held in the
Basilica of the Nativity. The parades of Christmas pass through over the Manger Square, which is
considered to be the exact place where Jesus' birth took place.

26
 THE FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS
Festivities in the town of Bethlehem include lighting the Christmas tree in the center of
Village Green, hay-rides, celebratory music, and shopping at the Christmas Markets. It also hosts
the 10-day 'Musikfest' festival, which lures tourists from many places. The Musikfest of
Bethlehem is among the biggest free music festival of USA. Music, art, beer and fun is what the
Musikfest is all about. Every year the festival witnesses a gathering of over a million people.

ROMANIA
The seven week Advent, where family gets together and wait for the birth of Christ, is
one of the most revered periods in Romania ahead of Christmas. The Advent period starts on
November 14th and ends on the day of Christmas. During this period, notably on the first day, no
dairy or meats can be consumed. However, there are certain days when Romanians are allowed
to eat fish and dairy, such as Saint Ignatius day. On Christmas Eve, most Romanians fast and
thank the lord for sending Jesus Christ as the Savior.
The holiday season in Romania begins with Saint Andrews Day at the end of November.
It is thought that during this time, vampires may attack at night, which is why households in
Romania have to hang garlic on their front doors and even attach crucifixes all around the house
to keep evil spirits and vampires at bay. This is one of the first arrangements for Christmas. Once
the night has passed, people set on preparing for Christmas from the very next day.

Carols and music form a crucial part of Romanian folklore. A lot of collections of
Christmas music have been released in Romania and many of them are widely acclaimed around
the globe. Romania is further known to have a 'Santa Claus Radio Station', where people go live
all along the holiday season. Romanian carols warm the hearts and echoes the moods of the
festive season completely.

27
 III.3. Christmas customs in Romania

One of the most important customs leading to Christmas is St. Ignatius Day, which falls 5
days before Christmas. On this day, a pig is cut with a very sharp knife. Later the pig has been
butchered; it is washed, covered with hay and capped in cloth. The sign of the cross marking the
advent of Jesus Christ is made on the pig's forehead, and the senior of the family says 'Let's eat
the pig!' This is followed by a grand feast and is consumed with Red Wine or Brandy made out
of the freshest plums.
Their special dishes include sweets, fries, and desserts (a sweet bread called 'Cozonac'
and pitas with nuts called “Jesus’ Nappies”. Other popular dishes include pork dishes such as
pork crackling, pork ribs, ’Sarmale', raisins, cocoa and 'piftie'. Christmas in Romania is
becoming less of a spiritual affair and is beginning to be celebrated more festively. The holiday
season ends on January 7th, with the celebration of Saint John. The festival is given major
importance in this country because of the number of Catholic inhabitants.

III.4. Christmas Feast

CHRISTMAS IN USA
Christmas is celebrated with ardor throughout the world on 25th of December every
time. It is interesting to mention that the festival varies from society to society. In European
countries Christmas is a huge affair and is celebrated in a more traditional way unlike to the
USA, where Christmas arrived much afterwards and so did the festivities occasioned by it. In
USA, Christmas is more of a family meeting, church visiting and gift-giving ceremony. The
jubilations begin days or even a month before the onset of Christmas, when people make plans
for Christmas Eve.
Decorating the houses and gardens forms an important part of the festival. Christmas tree

28
holds infinite significance in all the parts of USA. People spend days decorating the Christmas
tree. The tree's top is decorated with a star, embodying the star of Bethlehem, which stated the
birth of Baby Jesus to the three Wise Men. Holly, mistletoe, lights and pictures or images of
Santa and Jesus Christ go in the decorations of most the American households. Majority of
Americans celebrate Christmas by attending family dinners or parties, swapping gifts and
singing Christmas ballads. "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is a very popular Christmas Carol.

CELEBRATIONS IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF USA

PENNSYLVANIA
The Moravians in Pennsylvania have a particular and conventional way of celebrating
Christmas. They make a small scene or village down the Christmas tree called "putz". The plan
of nativity displays or villages beneath under the Christmas tree was a common view in the
early-colonial American Moravian communities.

ALASKA
In Alaska, a star (of Bethlehem) is put on a pole, which is taken from door to door. Some
people acting as the men of Herod try to capture it. This concept is taken from the legend of the
Wise Men or the Magi, who called upon Christ on his birth by following the star. The Alaskans
also deck out the entrances to their houses with pineapple, a symbol of sincerity. 'Gristuusaaq
suu'uq', or 'Christ is born', is a famous Christmas carol in Alaska.

WASHINSTON
In Washington a vast Christmas tree is lit in grandeur by the President. The tree gets
illuminated with lights the moment the President presses a button.

BOSTON
Carol singing is famous in Boston. The singers are usually seen singing carols with bells
in their hands.

HAWAII
In Hawaii, the Christmas celebrations are quite unique. It is a result of the new Europeans
who settled in the South and used to send Christmas greetings to their distant neighbors by
releasing fireworks. Santa in Hawaii arrives in a boat called a Christmas Tree Ship. The
Christmas tree ship brings a load of Christmas fare followed by Santa.
29
 III.5. Hawaii

CHRISTMAS DINNER
The Christmas dinner includes roast turkey with vegetables and sauces. This is the
traditional Christmas dinner and the dessert is a rich fruit pudding with brandy sauce and
pumpkin pies. After the dinner, members of the family thank God for his grace and wish for a
booming new year.
The United States of America is a multi-cultural country and nearly each State has its
own version of Christmas celebrations. Many of these traditions were inherited from countries
like England, Australia, Germany and Netherlands. From England and Australia came Christmas
carols, Germany introduced the Americans to the Christmas tree and from Netherlands they got
to know about Santa Claus. Yet the celebrations appear unique in their own way. It is like a
perfect match of all.

III.2. ASSOCIATED HOLIDAY'S AND SEASONS

KRAMPUSNACHT
The Feast of St. Nicholas is celebrated in parts of Europe on 6 December. On the
previous evening of December 5, Krampus Night or Krampusnacht, the wicked hairy devil
appears on the streets. Sometimes together with St Nicholas and sometimes on his own,
Krampus visits homes and businesses. In the Eastern Rite the Saint usually appears in the
garments of a bishop, and he carries a glorious ceremonial cadre. Unlike North American
versions of Santa Claus, in these celebrations Saint Nicholas troubles himself only with the good
children, while Krampus is responsible for the bad. Nicholas allocates gifts, while Krampus
delivers coal and the rotten bundles.

30
 SAINT LUCY'S DAY
Saint Lucy's Day, also called the Feast of Saint Lucy, is a Christian feast day celebrated
on 13 December in Advent. Saint Lucy’s Day is celebrated most generally in Scandinavia, with
their long dark winters, where it is an important feast day, and in Italy, with each emphasizing a
different aspect of the story. In Scandinavia, where Saint Lucy is called Santa Lucia in
Norwegian, she is depicted as a lady in a white dress and red belt with a crown or a garland of
candles on her head. In Norway, Sweden and Swedish-speaking regions of Finland, girls dressed
as Lucy carry rolls and cookies in procession as songs are sung. Boys take part in the cortege as
well, playing different roles associated with Christmas. It is said that celebrating Saint Lucy's
Day will help one live the long winter days with enough light.

III.6. Saint Lucy’s Day

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

The Twelve Days of Christmas, also known as Twelvetide, is a festive Christian season
to celebrate the birth of Jesus. In most Western Church traditions Christmas Day is the First Day
of Christmas and the Twelve Days are 25 December - 5 January. For many Christian creeds,
such as the Anglican Communion and Lutheran Church, the Twelve Days period is the same as
Christmastide; for others, such as the Catholic Church, Christmastide lasts a little longer; the
Twelve Days are vary from the Octave of Christmas, which is the eight-day period from
Christmas Day until 1 January.

LAS POSADAS
Las Posadas is a novenario (nine days of religious observance) celebrated largely in
Mexico and by Mexican-Americans in the Southwestern United States, beginning December 16
and ending December 24, during which Mexican families join in nightly Christmas processions
that re-create the Holy Pilgrimage of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus on their way to
31
Bethlehem. The practice has been a tradition in Mexico for 400 years. Many Mexican holidays
include playing dramatizations of original events, a tradition which has its descent in the ritual of
Bible plays used to teach religious doctrine to a largely illiterate population in Europe as early as
the 10th and 11th centuries. These plays lost favor with the Church as they became popularized
with the inclusion of folk music and other non-religious elements, and were banned; only to be
re-introduced in the sixteenth century by two Spanish saints as the Christmas Pageant, a new
kind of religious ritual to accompany the Christmas holiday.

III.7. Las Posadas

III.3. ORNAMENTS, CAROLS, RECIPES

THE CHRISTMAS CAROL

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" is regarded as a song for children in the modem times,
but back in the 16th century, it had a serious reason. It was written in England as an
"underground catechism song" for the Catholics who were suppressed owing to the religious
conflicts and wars prevalent at the time. They were not allowed to practice their creed and
customs openly and thence the need for such concealment. The Twelve Days of Christmas was a
tool to teach the youngsters about the basics of Christianity. The words and idioms are figurative
in nature, for instance, "true love" means God Himself rather than a lover and "partridge in a
pear tree" is Jesus Christ. All these words hold subtext meanings so that the teachings of the faith
could be publicly sought. Now, the song has become compulsory to the Twelve Days of
Christmas and it is chanted to children as a part of a long followed tradition.
All in all, the Twelve Days of Christmas, even though there are slight variants in legends
and customs, they hold the spirit and religious sentiments attached to Christmas. Christians, all
over the world, ardently wait for Christmas as it brings with it, a period which is not only fun

32
packed but also underline faith in God. The carol, feasting and merrymaking are inescapable to
the Twelve Days of Christmas.

III.3.1. Christmas decorations, living room with Christmas tree decoration

33
 CHAPTER IV CHRISTMAS SUPERSTITIONS

Many alluring and cryptic events have long been linked with Christmas. In the ancient days, people
thought that by performing some practices they could foretell their future. Also, there were times when
something good or bad resulted owing to particular settings, and these instances then led to more
superstitions. With the passage of time, they became beliefs (judgment) and people started committing
themselves to activities that supposedly led to good luck and avoided the ones indicating otherwise. Many
such superstitions are associated with Christmas as well. For instance, kissing under the mistletoe is a
popular practice and whosoever does not follow this is prone to invite bad lack. Christmas tree is a pillar
symbol of all the beliefs, without which Christmas celebrations are not possible in many countries; it is
taken into account as the God’s tree. Christmas tree is usually a fir tree which is evergreen and was used in
the old times to build houses. Having a Christmas tree also assures vegetation in the upcoming year. In
some places, Holly branches are placed on the exit. It is thought to protect the families against witches. The
intriguing part about all these traditions is that most of the customs have different implications and functions
in different areas.

IV.1. CHRISTMAS CAKES AND PIES SUPERSTITIONS

Superstitions are blind beliefs that are foolishly followed by people, just because they are
afraid that something bad might occur to them if the beliefs aren't properly followed. Christmas
is no omission to superstitions. Some of them even date back to the pre-Christian times. The
whole idea trailing superstitions is to look after one's self spiritually during the cold and dark
nights of cold season. These superstitions began as rites and magic's with people trying to protect
themselves; eventually these rites became prominent practices people employed to care for their
families against evil spirits. Most of the pre-Christian superstitions were employed by parishes to
keep their community away from all the gloomy energy and the bad spirits thereby protecting
everyone. There has been a great deal of superstitions regarding fire, Yule log, mistletoe and
even cooking related to Christmas. Here's a list of superstitions or heresy associated with
Christmas food.

CHRISTMAS PIES
Eating lots of mincemeat pies before and after the day of Christmas is thought to forecast
the amount of fortune that a person might have in the coming year. It is believed that cutting a
pie with a blade breaks a person’s luck and thus, people prefer eating their pies by biting into
34
them to make sure that their luck for stay behind n intact the next year. It is also believed that the
number of different pies you try is directly proportional to the number of months of delight that
would prevail in the following year. People add silver rings, thimbles, bachelors’ buttons and
even coins to their cakes and trust that the stuff people find in their pies show what would
happen to them in the coming year. For example, getting a ring announces a wedding in the next
year while a coin means stable financial gains etc. Declining Christmas pie is considered
unfortunate and so, you cannot deny a Christmas pie given to you, even if you do not like it!

CHRISTMAS CAKES

People are likely to save a piece of the Christmas pie for New Year because not doing so
is said to bring bad luck in the successive year. There is another fear according to which cutting
a Christmas pie before Christmas Eve also brings bad luck. In the old times the members of the
family were indebted to help the main chef in cooking the Christmas pie and all involved mix up
the cake composure thrice while making a wish for a gift from Santa Claus. There was also the
speechless cake on the night of Christmas Eve that was backed by bachelors and spinsters who
were on the quest for their promised ones. These bachelors and spinsters had to make the dumb
cake in silence and were supposed on the cake. If they did so, it was thought that their future
partners would also leave their symbols on that pie.

IV.1. Cookies for singers

35
 SUPERSTITIONS RELATED TO OTHER FOOD
Separate from cakes and pies, there are many Christmas food items like Christmas
pudding, Christmas bread that are also connected with superstitions.

IV.2.1 CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS SUPERSTITIONS

Though they vary from country and country, Christmas commemorations normally start
on 1 st November, directly after the Halloween anniversary. Although snow white, pine green
and heart red form the popular colures of Christmas, the average icons of Christmas include
Santa Claus, Baby Jesus, Star of Bethlehem and Jingle Bells. Greenery is again part of Christmas
commemorations as the most well-known ones are Holly leaves, Ivy Leaves, mistletoe, red
amaryllis, and Christmas cactus. Beautifications differ as per countries according to the culture
and all of them have been associated with a rich array of traditions. Decorating Christmas tree is
traditional of Christmas in each country though its roots can be dated back to Germany to 16th
century. There are plenty of superstitions that are connected with Christmas ornaments such as
the discharge of Christmas decorations on the 12th day of Christmas. It is also considered that
singing Christmas during any other time other than the Christmas time is regarded unfortunate.

IV.2. Christmas Decorations

POPULAR MYTHS & BELIEFS

It is said that the houses were embellished on Christmas Eve to avoid the danger from
careless forces. It is considered there should be no lights in the houses earlier the first star shows.
It is not admitted to bring the Christmas tree into the house earlier than 24 December. The
Christmas trees must be decorated only after children go to bed.
In Germany, the last item which is put on the tree is a bind shaped decoration. The child

36
who finds the ornament in the morning gets a special present. In some cultures, the houses keep
their doors unlocked on Christmas eve to chase away the bad spirits. One should leave Christmas
candle bum all through the night to light up the path of good luck in the next year. There was a
custom that the first person who wakes up on the day of Christmas cheers ‘Welcome Old Father
Christmas’. On the day of Christmas, sweeping the stairs is said to clear out the worries for the
next year. It is considered that the first person who calls the houses on a Christmas day must
bring coals or evergreen with them. He is also favored to kiss all the women in the house. They
are welcomed with a drink and kids are given fortunate coins.
It is thought that the Christmas ornaments must be taken out on the 12th day of Christmas
Eve. In some countries, it is not detached until the Feast of Grand Candle Mass which takes
place on the 2nd of February. Some countries consider that keeping Christmas commemoration
after the Twelfth night causes bad luck in the next year. Even the leftovers of the tree must be
taken out and kids must collect all the yuletide decorations. There are some countries which
recognize January 6 as the date to discharge of the Christmas ornaments. It is regarded as bad
luck to hold the things for another day or remove it before that date. It is traditional to keep an
angel or a star on the top of the Christmas tree as it plays as a host of angels or a star of
Bethlehem from the Nativity.
The traditional use of greenery- be it sacred, mistletoe or ivy, is believed to bring good
fortune to the household. Christmas is said to expel all the bad spirits. It is believed that
Christmas carols sung at any time other than Christmas time is unlucky. It is not fair to send the
Christmas carolers empty-handed, regardless of the way they sung. It is supposed to bring bad
luck to the house. All along nineteenth century, it is thought that people must east Christmas pie
on Christmas Eve. It is considered unlucky to cut the pie before sooner than the sun comes up on
Christmas Eve. People should also save a little bit of pie for the day of Christmas. It was
considered lucky to bring green branches to guarantee vegetation returns at the end of winter. It
is also supposed that it must not be brought in and decorated earlier than 24 December to avoid
bad forces.
While taking away a Christmas tree, one must not cast away a Christmas tree out, rather
than that it must be burned to drive away malefic spirits. There are people who believed that if a
Christmas tree is not garnished in decorations it allures evil spirits and brings bad luck to the
family. It is also believed that it determines the delay set-back of spring. There are many fears on
the run concerning Christmas fears. While some have gone with the time, others still exist.

37
 IV.3. HOLLY & IVY SUPERSTITIONS
Even earlier Christianity, the significance of holly and ivy existed in various
communities. Presently however, they have become certain elements of Christmas festivities
worldwide and are also treat as means of greeting a New Year with good fortune and good
health. In the honored Christmas carols, 'The Holly & the Ivy', their significance is plainly
depicted. Granting to a traditional Christian superstition, the thorny leaves of holly represent the
crown of thorns that Jesus Christ wore for his crucifixion while, its red berries are seen as
signifying representing the blood that he shed for humanity. As for the ivy plant, it grows only
with help of other plants and/or trees and hence, it bears the meaning that we need God to evolve
and so we should ask for his clemency and help. Being as important as they are, both these
weeds have quite a few notions and traditions associated with them.

IV.3. Holly & Ivy

38
 CHAPTER V WINTER HOLIDAYS IN NON-CHRISTIAN
RELIGIONS

Amidst the very cold weather, with the temperature wobbling between 0-5 degrees
Celsius and the thick fog outside Northern Indian states perform a long-awaited bonfire festival,
Lohri.
In Punjab, the breadbasket of India, wheat is the prime winter crop, which is planted in
October and harvested in March or April. In January, the fields come up with the assurance of a
golden harvest, and farmers honor Lohri during this rest time before the cutting and gathering of
crops. People give in to calm and taking great pleasure in traditional folk songs and dances.
According to the Hindu calendar, Lohri occurs in mid-January. The earth, most distant
from the sun at this point of time, begins its expedition towards the sun, thus finishing the
coldest month of the year, Paush, and indicating the start of the month of Maghi and the
advantageous time of Uttarayan. As to the Bhagawad Gita, Lord Krishna shows himself in his
full greatness during this time. The Hindus 'nullify' their guilt by taking a bath in the Ganges.

CUSTOMS & LEGENDS

In the morning on Lohri day, kids go from door to door singing and asking for the Lohri
'loot' in the form of money and food like “til ’’(sesame) seeds, peanuts, jaggery, or desserts like
gajak, rewri, etc. They sing in worship of Dulha Bhatti, a Punjabi symbol alike Robin Hood who
stole from the rich to help the poor. The story goes he once helped a wretched village girl out of
her misery discomfort by getting her married off like his own sister.

THE BONFIRE RITUAL

In the evening, at dusk, huge bonfires are lit in the harvested fields and in the beginning yards of
houses and people come round the mounting flames, circle around (parikrama) the bonfire and
throw puffed rice, popcorn and other munchies into the fire, yelling "Aadar aye dilather jaye" to
Agni, the fire god, to sanctify the land with wealth and good fortune. After the parikrama,
people meet friends and members of family, exchange greetings and gifts, and giving out prasad
(til, gajak, jaggery, peanuts, and popcorn).

39
 V.1. The Bonfire Ritual

SONG & DANCE

The Bhangra dance starts after the offering to the bonfire. Men continue dancing till late
night crowds joining in amid the beat of drums. Normally, women do not join Bhangra. They
hold an independent bonfire in their courtyard circling it with the elegant gidda dance.

THE “MAGHI' DAY"

The day after Lohri is named 'Maghi', indicating the start of the month of Maghi.
According to Hindu beliefs, this is a favorable day to take a holy dip in the river and give away
their contribution. Sweet dishes (kheer) are usually prepared with sugar cane juice to indicate the
day.
In other parts of India, Lohri almost goes along with the festivals of Pongal, Makar
Sankranti, and Uttarayan all of which carry the same message of oneness and commemorate the
spirit of fraternity, while parsing the Almighty for an abundant life on earth.

V.2. The “Maghi’” Day

40
 EID AL – FITR
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world holds a joyous three-day
commemoration named Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking). Eid al-Fitr falls on the first
day of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is a time to give in
charity to those in need, and commemorate with family and friends the achievement of a month
of blessings and feast. Before the day of Eid, all the while the last few days of Ramadan, each
Muslim family gives a precise amount as a donation to the poor. This aid is of actual food —
rice, barley, dates, etc. — to guarantee that the needy can have a holiday meal and take part in
the celebration. This help is known as sadaqah al-fitr (charity of fast-breaking).
After the Eid praying, Muslims usually distribute to visit various family and friends, give
presents (especially to children), and make phone calls to distant members of family to give
well- wishes for the festivity. These actions normally continue for three days. In most Muslim
countries, the complete 3-day period is an authorized government/school time off.

V.3. Muslims in Singapore celebrating Eid al –Fitr

CHINESE NEW YEAR

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival in China, is China’s most important
traditional festival. It is also the most important celebration for families, and a week of official
public holiday. The date of Chinese New Year is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, not the
Gregorian calendar, but is always somewhere in the period from January 21 to February 20. In
2016, most Chinese will be off work 7 days from Sunday, February 7 (New Year's Eve) to
Saturday, February 13 (Chinese New Year day 6).

41
 Spring Festival Decoration buying red lanterns for Chinese New Year. Although there
are many interesting legends and stories explaining the start of the Chinese New Year festival,
the main two reasons for the festival are: to celebrate a year of hard work, have a good rest, and
relax with family to wish for a lucky and prosperous coming year. Chinese people believe that a
good start to the year will lead to a lucky year. Chinese traditionally celebrated the start of a new
year of farm work, and wished for a good harvest (when most were farmers). This has now
evolved to celebrating the start of a new business year and wishing for profits and success in
various vocations.

V.4. Buying red lanterns for Chinese New Year

The main traditional celebrations of the festival include eating reunion dinner with
family, giving red envelopes, firecrackers, new clothes, and decorations. A Festi\al for Family -
Chinese get together and enjoy family time. The New Year's Eve dinner is called "reunion
dinner", and is believed to be the most important meal of the year. Big families of several
generations sit around round tables and enjoy the food and time together.
Every street, building, and house where CNY is celebrated is decorated with red. Red is
the main color for the festival, as it is believed to be an auspicious color. Red lanterns hang in
streets; red couplets are pasted on doors; banks and official buildings are decorated with red New
Year pictures depicting images of prosperity. Most of the decoration is traditionally done on
Chinese New Year’s Eve.

V.5. Chinese New Year lion dance

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 CONCLUSIONS

In Chapter one I talked about ancient sun worship which survived in Christianism
because this was a useful tool in the missionary work which wanted to garnish old traditions with
the new religion. Christ's birth is likened to the sun's renewal in the winter solstice and to Sol
Ivictus' birth. Christmas holiday inherits the Satumalian atmosphere of mirth and party. The
Christmas tree is a remnant of the old Yule Festival in which people brought a log inside and
when it got dry it was burnt on the winter solstice in order to help the sun survive over the night.
Hanoukka Festival is similar to Christmas in that all the family members gather round and
celebrate together.
In Chapter two I considered Christmas from a Biblical point avoid and thus, I told the
story of Jesus' birth and many other Christian legends such as the story of Santa Claus and
Nicholas Babouska'story. This chapter deals also with the significance of the Christmas
traditional symbols: the Christmas tree, the mistletoe, the Christmas stocking and the Christmas
star hang up on the Christmas tree. Moreover, there are some other enigmatic I depicted how
angels, roses, spiders or a reindeer named Rudolph became Christmas symbols.
Chapter three describes customs and traditions all around the world. I focused on
particular cultures representative for their geographic position: Australia, Russia, Romania,
Norwegians, Mexico. This chapter conveyed many of the customs present in the countries
named above. These customs can be classified into three categories: food and decorations, music
other rituals.
Chapter four deals with marriage prospective, having good luck and preventing
misfortune taking place in the New Years. For example if you sing carols at any other time than
Christmas bruises on your tongue will come up. This chapter tells us how we should decorate to
welcome a New Year. The Christmas tree should not be decorated prior to 24 December and
leaves of holly on the door entrance should decorate our entrance too.
In the last chapter I chose to speak about non-Christian creeds. The first part of the
chapter deals with Muslims and I'm going to talk about the Fire Festival at Dusk, customs and
legends on The Lohri Morning like the one with children going from door to door asking for
money and food items. The last part of this chapter talks about the end of Ramadan and how they
celebrate it according to the Islam Calendar.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. http://www.indobase.com/holidays/christmas/world/index.html
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas
3. https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/common/chi-istmas-day
4. http://www.history.com/topics/christmas
5. https://ro.pinterest.com/pin/27232772724527838/
6. http://foreversanta.blogspot.ro/2011/04/babushka.html
7. http://carleton.ca/law/2015/closed-for-the-holidays/
8. https://dhalanghall.blogspot.ro/2013/12/various-flowers-page-3.html
9. https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/religion/2016/01/02/after-christmas-has-been-
unwrapped-gifts-magi-keep-giving/78135952/
10. https://www.pennyparker2.com/legendcane.html
11. http://www.huz.name/christmas-decoration-living-room-with-christmas-tree-decoration/
12. http://gardening.about.eom/od/winterinthegarden/a/ChristmasRose.htm
13. https://ro.pinterest.com/explore/christmas-room/

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