The countries that celebrate Christmas
Christmas is a Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus. This festival was created by the pope to promote Christianity and remove pagan festivals celebrated at the winter solstice. During the fourth century, the Pope decided that the Christmas Day December 25. Christmas has always been represented by religious ceremonies and the exchange of gifts and greetings. Here are some symbols of Christmas: The Advent of a candle is lit each Sunday four weeks before Christmas, symbolizing the rebirth of light after the winter solstice. * The December 24 Christmas Mass, which celebrates the birth of Jesus. * The Christmas Crib, symbolizing the birth of Jesus in Christian homes. * The Christmas tree, a symbol of the pagan celebration and representing life. * The Yule log, which represents the record that we have to heat the chimney on Christmas Eve. * Santa Claus, an American creation, inspired by the Christian Saint Nicholas (celebrated in Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and Alsace. This character wears a luxurious red cape, with a long white beard and wears a miter color Red also has a gold crosier. St. Nicholas rewards good children while his companion Père Fouettard / Black Pete punishes nasty children) and the elf Yule Goat, held in Scandinavian countries. Over the centuries, Christmas has evolved and Christmas Eve with our family, replaced the religious ceremonies. The gift of change: Luxury for the rich people and useful - sometimes only one orange - for the poor, has been replaced by modern marketing. People not only buys gifts but also spend a lot of money on decorative items, food, drink … The secularization of our society removed the true meaning of Christmas time, which is obviously becoming a pagan feast. Here are some countries that celebrate Christmas: Belgium: We have a festival dedicated to children, which is St. Nicholas (Sinter Klaas) on December 6. The Grand Master of the school, which is supposed to bring candies in their shoes, in fact brings toys to thousands of our children. In Belgium, Christmas is rather reserved for adults: the streets are decorated and illuminated to decorate our houses, windows, gardens, Christmas trees. Belgium seems to forget that he is a Catholic country and closes more and more churches, therefore, the Midnight Mass on December 24th usually happens at 6 or 8 hours. Then eat with our family at 12 pm and that the sharing of our gifts. Children receive a book or some clothes. Christmas has little meaning, but the practice of going to church. Belgian people visit their family on January 1. In the Belgian ardens are held December 31 and not Christmas. France: Christmas is for children. The streets and houses are decorated for several weeks in advance. French people have many customs of the Christmas markets, Christmas tree, Christmas dinner, Christmas, Père Noël, Christmas gifts, stories, songs, Christmas turkey, The Christmas Crib, the Yule log and so on. In Paris, however, dominated by St. Nicholas in Santa Claus. The Netherlands: They organize their St. Nicholas (Sinter Klaas) festival: the old bearded man traveling by boat and accompanied by many black aids, who distributes gifts to good children. Dutch people reserve the big gifts for Christmas time because some of the profits after Sinter Klaas great deals. Germany: Christmas in Germany lasts two days. December 26 to visit family and friends. Poker Christ gives gifts to children on December 24 relatives and friends. Germany also has a festival of St. Nicholas on December 6. United Kingdom: Christmas is celebrated in England with enthusiasm. Children sing "Christmas carols in the streets, eating the famous" Christmas Pudding "at the end of Christmas dinner. In England, Santa Claus fills the English children socks with gifts. British people also exchange greeting cards, which are a British creation. Spain: If Santa Claus has little importance in Spain (Magi distribute gifts to children on January 6), Spanish people decorate the streets with lights during the month of December. The windows of the shops are filled with lots of gifts and celebrate Christmas the Spanish night with his family. Portugal: Christmas Eve is a holiday. The Portuguese attend the Midnight Mass of Christmas, which is the "Missa do Galo." If there is no Christmas tree in Portugal, however, there is a "Wooden Christmas." Italy: Christmas lasts three days, from December 24 to 26. However, Christmas traditions vary from region to region and, depending on the region is Babo Natale (Father Christmas) or "Gesù Bambino" (Little Jesus) who brings gifts on December 25. The Italian Christmas dessert is "Panettone". Scandinavia: At Christmas dinner, Scandinavians reserve a place for the souls of deceased family members. Once you finish eating, they read the Bible. The whole family sings Christmas songs and dance around the Christmas tree. Other European countries: in Romania, on December 24, is the Christmas candle burning until the morning of December 25. In Russia, Christmas Day happens on January 7, according to the Orthodox calendar. In Greece, the period of Christmas begins on Christmas Eve and ends on Epiphany. Christmas is less important than Easter. U.S.: The Saturday after Thanksgiving, Santa Claus is coming to announce the start of the holiday shopping season. People love to celebrate Christmas and create a Christmas decoration in your home. Children hang empty stocks empty on the fireplace and the Christmas morning are filled with candy and small toys. Canada: houses, shops and streets are decorated with lights. Canada people decorate their homes with a Christmas tree, a Christmas wrap, a Christmas manger … After the "Midnight Mass" people have a Christmas Eve with his family. Turkey and Christmas log are the essential ingredients of a Christmas dinner of Canada. Sending greeting cards to friends and family who live far away. South America: Peru people have parties for Christmas, but also learn to live better in time for Christmas. Their Christmas season lasts a full week. Mexicans celebrate Christmas with Posadas (pilgrimages representing the path of Mary and Joseph). Posada is being held on the last Christmas morning, and then start the Christmas dinner. I Guatemala, immigrants have imported their German customs and the Christmas tree is essential but the Christmas gifts are reserved for children. Gift exchange for adults is January 1. Australia: Christmas occurs in summer, so the people of Australia celebrating Christmas on the beach. People eat cold turkey and pudding. New Zealand: If there are few decorations, New Zealand people organize Christmas parades and people sing in the parks. He also organized the famous "Christmas roast." Japan: Christmas is merely commercial significance in Japan. This festival represents Saint Nicholas and it is an opportunity to offer gifts to young children. China: If Christmas Day is a holiday, Christmas is celebrated in Chinese cities. This festival was imported into this country by foreign missionaries. For the Chinese people who celebrate, Christmas is a religious event.
