Thursday, December 14, 2006
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Special Celebration!
Countdown Christmas and Advent Celebration!
HISTORY:
The word Christmas comes from Cristes messe, an early English phrase that means Mass of Christ. The C story comes from the New Testament in the bible. An angel appeared to shepherds and told them that a Savior had been born to Mary and Joseph in a stable in Bethlehem. Three Wise Men from the East, called Magi, followed a wondrous star that led them to the baby Jesus to whom they paid homage and presented gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
OBSERVANCE:
Because it's a religious holy day, it's not an official holiday. However, since most Americans are Christian, the day is one on which most businesses are closed and the greatest possible number of workers, including government employees, have the day off. Going home for X-mas is a most cherished tradition. Besides the strictly religious traditions, however, other common X-mas practices are observed by people who are not religious or who are not Christians.
Naturally Christians observe X-mas according to the traditions of their particular church. There are other religious ceremonies at churches which families attend before they male their rounds to visit friends and relatives.
American traditions:
* Gift-giving.
* Greeting cards are sent to friends and families. Became popular in the 1800's.
* X-mas songs, or carols, are sung and heard all during the holiday season. Became popular in the 1800's.
* Decorating of homes. Most Americans have a decorated and trimmed X-mas tree, a real evergreen tree or an artificial one, in their homes. Lights and wreaths of evergreen, mistletoe and signs wishing people a Merry X-mas can be found inside and outside of many homes. Became popular in the 1800's.
* Christmas dinner, often with turkey on the menu. Besides this, many people hold other gala get-togethers just before and after X-mas.
* Santa Claus. The character is derived from old-age stories about an early Christian saint named Nicholas and from the Norse god Odin. Immigrant settlers brought Father Christmas or Saint Nicholas to the US. His name was gradually changed to Santa Claus, from the Dutch name for the 4th century Father Christmas, which is Sinter Claas.
Although he has origins in Norse and pre-Christian mythology, Santa Claus took shape in the US. Americans gave him a white beard, dressed him in a red suit and made him into a cheery old gentleman with red cheeks and a twinkle in his eyes.
He is a mythical man who is said to live at the North Pole, where he makes toys throughout the year.
* Contributions X-mas is also a time when most Americans show great generosity to others less fortunate than they. Money is sent to hospitals or orphanages or to fund that help the poor are made.
* X-mas is traditionally a time of truce on the battlefield.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)