Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Christmas around the world
Choose a country in Europe and research their Christmas traditions. You may use the website on my blog to do this. Write a five to seven sentence paragraph sharing what you found about your chosen country. Spelling and grammar counts, your post will not be published until all spelling and grammar are correct.
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One of the most important ways of celebrating Christmas in Italy is the Nativity crib scene.The city of Naples in Italy is world famous for its cribs and crib making.The first crib scene in Naples is thought to go back to 1025.On Christmas Eve, no food is eaten until after Midnight Mass. Then the main Christmas meal is eaten. The meal includes Italian Christmas Cake called 'Panettone' which is like a dry fruity sponge cake.In Italian Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Buon Natale' and in Sicilian it's "Bon Natali".
ReplyDeleteI am Armenian, so I decided to choose Armenia's Christmas traditions. In Armenia, Christmas is celebrated on January 6th. Santa Claus is known as Gaghant Baba. In Armenian, Merry Christmas is Shenorhavor Dzenount, which means Congratulations for the Holy Birth. Traditional Armenian Christmas foods are: Anooshaboor (Armenian Pudding), Khozee bood (glazed ham), and dried fruits. At the beginning of December, a big Christmas Tree is put up in the capital of Armenia.
ReplyDeleteChristmas in Italy
ReplyDeleteMany Italian families have a crib in their home during Christmas time. The reason is Saint Francis of Assisi visited Bethlehem, and saw a stable with a crib that he thought the baby Jesus was born in. Children also go out singing Christmas carols wearing shepherds sandals and hats. On Christmas Eve no food is eaten until after Christmas Eve mass. After mass the main Christmas meal is eaten. This meal includes Panettone which is like a dry sponge cake. In Italian Merry Christmas is Buon Natale. In Italy Befana brings presents to the children. Children in Italy also put out stockings by the fireplace.
A huge part of the Christmas in Germany is Advent. Many types of Advent calendars are used in the homes of Germany’s people. Christmas trees were first used in Germany during the Middle Ages. The Father of Christmas, or as we call him, Santa Claus, brings presents to the children in December 24th. Some people say that Santa Claus brings the presents and some say it is Christkind, which is the Christ Child in English. Christkind is often described as a young girl with 'Christ like' traits. That is some things that I think are important about Christmas in Germany.
ReplyDeleteGermany’s Christmas has a Christmas tree like ours. But unlike our Christmas they exchange their presents on Christmas Eve. In German you say Frohe Weihnacht/ Merry Christmas. In some parts of Germany children write to the Cristkind And on the envelopes to the Christkind are decorated with sugar to make them sparkly and attractive. The Christkind is described as a young girl with Christ like qualities. Santa Claus brings presents to Germany on December 24th . Some people believe its Santa Claus brings the gifts on December 24th but some believe it is the Christkind. Another tradition is the Sternsinger. What the Sternsinger does is they go from house to house and singer for money that they give to charity. And the traditional dinner is carp or goose.
ReplyDeleteThe country I have researched is Portugal. I learned that people open their presents on Christmas Eve rather than be opened on Christmas Day. Also, I learned that instead of being called Santa Claus, he is called Father Christmas. The kids either put their shoes out by the fireplace, or just let their presents go under the tree. After the families eat dinner, they go to the “Mass of the Rooster” service, then they go home and open their gifts. The traditional food to be set is “Bolo Rei” which means “King Cake”. They have a party and it usually lasts until the early hours of the morning. On Christmas Day, families sit down and have a Christmas Day lunch together. In Portuguese, Merry Christmas is said, “Feliz Natal”.
ReplyDeleteI researched Christmas in Germany. Advent is a big part of the Christmas celebrations in Germany. Christmas trees are also very important. Christmas trees were first used there in the Middle Ages. If there are young children in the house the mother of the family would secretly decorate it. Christmas trees are usually placed in the house on Christmas Eve, and that evening the family would read the bible and sing Christmas songs such as O Tannenbaum and Silent Night. Christmas Eve is the main day when Germans exchange presents with their families. In some parts of Germany, kids write to the ' Christkind ' ( The Christ Child in English ) asking for presents. The letters to the Christkind are decorated with sugar glued to the envelope to make them sparkly and attractive to look at. Children leave the letters on the windowsill at the beginning of or during Advent. The Christkind is usually described as a young girl with ' Christ like ' qualities. There is a parade similar to Saint Lucia in Sweden. Santa Claus or ' Father Christmas ' brings presents on December 24th. Saint Nicholas' Day is on December 6, and " der Nikolaus " brings sweets such as chocolates to children. Germany was so interesting to learn about and there is plenty more about their interesting Christmas.
ReplyDeleteIn France, a nativity crib is often used to decorate the house. French cribs have clay, wooden ones. The main christmas meal, called Reveillion, is eaten after everyone has retured from midnight Church Service on Christmas Eve. A chocolate log(called a buche de Noel), is eaten for dessert. Epiphany called Fete des Rois in French,is also celebrated in France on January 6th. Yule Logs made out of Cherry Wood are often burned is French homes. The log is carried into the room on Christmas Eve and is sprinked with red wine to make the log smell nice when it's burned.
ReplyDeleteItaly
ReplyDeleteChristmas in Italy is pronounced "Buon Natale" and on the island of Sicily Christmas is pronounced "Buon Natali". One of the most important things for celebrating Christmas is the Nativity crib scene. Another Italian custom is that every year, children of all ages dress as sheperds wearing hats and sandals. The Epiphany is also important in Italy. The night of the Epiphany children believe a generous old woman named "Befana" brings presents to the children. This story is also told in Russia but the generous woman is named "Babouska". Children hang there stockings above their fireplaces as well as children in the United States. The morning of the Epiphany, children hope to find small toys to be thankful and joyful for.
I am going to talk to you about what Germany does around Christmas time! In Germany a big part is Advent. Different calenders are used around Advent. Christmas trees are very important here in Germany. They were originally used here first in the middle ages. Christmas Eve is the first day they start to exchanged presents. I noticed that they have not much different traditions from us. I had a wonderful time learning about Germany and there traditions!
ReplyDeleteFor Christmas in Italy one of the most important ways of celebrating Christmas is having a Nativity crib scene. Using a crib to tell the Christmas story was made popular by Francis Assisi in 1223. Cribs in your home first became popular in the 16th century, but it still is popular today. Cribs are traditionally put out on December 8th, but baby Jesus isn’t put into the crib until Christmas Eve. A special thing about Nativity cribs is that they always have been displayed with everyday people and objects, not just only characters and figures from the Christmas Story.
ReplyDeleteIn Poland everyone there tries to be nice to each other all Christmas season. Advent is the beginning of Christmas there and they all follow the true meaning of Christmas. They give up their favorite food and drinks and do not have any parties during this season. They all go to Mass very frequently. This place might just be the most true land where Christmas is followed correctly. I did this for Poland because it is my ancestrial home.
ReplyDeleteThe country I choose is Germany.
ReplyDeleteIn Germany Christmas Trees are very important. If there are young children in the house they are usually secretly decorated by the Mother of the family. The Christmas tree was traditionally brought into the house on Christmas Eve, and that evening the family would read the bible and sing Christmas songs. Sometimes wooden frames, covered with colored plastic sheets and with electric candles inside, are put in windows to make the house look pretty from the outside. Christmas Eve is the main day when Germans exchange presents with their families. Some parts of Germany, children write to the 'Christkind' ('The Christ Child' in English) asking for presents. The letters to the Christkind are decorated with sugar glued to the envelope to make them sparkly and attractive to look at.
The country I chose to gather facts on is Germany. Germans receive gifts from Santa/Father Christmas (Weihnachtsmann) on December 24th. On St. Nicholas’ Day, December 6th, “der Nikolaus” brings chocolates and small gifts to the children. An important Christmas tradition since the Middle Ages is the Christmas tree, which is often secretly decorated by the mother in the family. Some of the foods served at Christmas include carp, goose and a fruity bread called stollen. Another German tradition is the “Christkind” which is a young girl with blond curly hair, dressed in a long gold and white dress and crown who joins in a parade. Finally, the way to say Merry Christmas in German is “Frohe Weihnacht”.
ReplyDeleteThe main religion of Ireland is Catholic,therefore they celebrate just like we do in the United States.
ReplyDeleteHere in America,we celebrate until the feast of Epiphany.The Irish do the same.On December 26, known as St.Stephens Day or Boxing Day,various horseracing and football matches take place.
Turkey,and spiced beef are family food traditions.
Ireland seems like a great place to spend the holiday.
The country that I chose to learn about was France. In France, Santa Claus is called P`ere Noel. Joyeux Noel means Merry Christmas in French. In France, the people don't just have their normal nativity figures up, but they also have a butcher, a baker, a policemen, and a priest. Logs of Cherry Wood, called Yule Logs, are burned on Christmas Eve. The log is sprinkled with red wine to make it smell nice. The people of France go to church on Christmas Eve at mid-night. When they return, they eat a meal called R`eveillon. When it comes time for dessert, they eat a chocolate log called buche de Noel. Sometimes the people hold a celebration in which they eat 13 different desserts!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIn France, a Nativity Crib is used for decorating a house. The figures are made out of clay instead of wood. They call Santa Claus, Pere Noel. There are thirteen different desserts they eat containing nuts and berries. After a midnight church service, they eat a dessert called a buche de noel. It's a chocolate log. To say Merry Christmas in French you say "Joyeux Noel".
ReplyDeleteFor Polish People, Christmas Eve is a time of gathering. During Advent, Polish people carry out special tasks. The baking of the gingerbread (in Poland gingerbread is called piernik) and making of Christmas decorations are just two of these special tasks. Gingerbread is made in a variety of shapes including animals, hearts, and St. Nicholas figures. Christmas trees are decorated and lit on Christmas Eve. Traditionally the Christmas trees are decorated with shiny apples, walnuts, wrapped chocolate shapes, and many homemade ornaments and candles. On the top of the tree is a glittering star. In many homes, sparklers are hung in the branches of the Christmas tree for that Christmas setting. Sometimes the trees are left out until February 2nd which is the feast of St. Mary of the Candle of Lightning. Christmas in Poland is very interesting!
ReplyDeleteThe country that I have chosen to research is Hungary. In Hungary, Christmas Eve is extremely important, and it is called 'Szent-este'. Szent-este means Holy Evening. People in Hungary spend Christmas Eve with their family. The Christmas tree is decorated on this night. Sometimes, only the adults decorate the tree while the children aren’t there. When the children see the tree, they are told that the angels had brought it for them. The main Christmas dish, which is eaten on Christmas Eve, is called Beigli. Beigli consists of fish, cabbage, and special Hungarian poppy bread made into a cake. Many people in Hungary attend the midnight mass. On Christmas Day people gather with their close/ immediate family. In Hungary, St. Nicholas day is celebrated, just like us, on December 6th. Children put their shoes on the windowsill.
ReplyDeleteIn Germany, they also use Christmas trees like us. The tradition is that the Christmas tree is brought in on Christmas Eve. Instead of exchanging gifts on Christmas morning, Germany does it on Christmas Eve. Instead of writing letters to Santa, German children write letters to "Christkind". Christkind is said to be a young girl with Christ Like qualities.
ReplyDeleteThe country that I chose and thought was interesting is France. In France, one tradition that I found out was that to decorate their homes they set up a Nativity crib. Unlike us, we have baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and the farm animals but they also have a butcher, baker, police officer, and a priest. The main Christmas meal that is eaten is called Reveillon and the French people have this meal when they return home from midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. In France, Happy/Merry Christmas is “Joyeux Noel”.
ReplyDeleteOn Christmas Eve most boys go out Carol singing in the streets of Greece. They also use large drums and triangles as they carol. They sometimes walk around with a boat and put an array of gold nuts on the boat. Luckily if the kids sing well they receive nuts or money, sweets and figs to eat. Mostly all Greeks attend midnight Mass and after that they can end their Advent fast. In Greek ‘Kala Christougenna’ means Merry/happy Christmas. Children do not receive presents on Christmas, they are given on January 1st or the Epiphany (January 6th).
ReplyDeleteAdvent is a big part of Christmas celebrations in Germany. Many people have Advent calendars in their homes. Christmas trees are another important German tradition. Trees, which are secretly decorated, are brought into the house on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is when Germans exchange presents with their families. Another tradition in Germany during Christmas is the Steinsingers. These are four children that go house to house singing and collecting money for the poor. Three of the children dress up like the wisemen and the fourth child carries a stick with a star on it. The star symbolizes the star of Bethlehem.
ReplyDeleteI chose to write about Christmas in Denmark. On Christmas Eve people in Denmark go to church at about 4 p.m. to hear the story of Christmas. After they return home dinner is served on a beautifully decorated table. For dessert most families have a 'ris á la mande' which is a certain type of rice pudding. In this dessert there is chopped up almonds and one full one. Whoever gets the full almond recieves a present. In Denmark the gifts are believed to be given by Julemanden which means Christmas Man. Julemanden looks very similar to Santa and rides in a sleigh carried by reindeer. He lives in Greenland and is helped by nisser which are like elves. to say Merry Christmas to you in Danish is Glædelig Jul!
ReplyDeleteOn Christmas Eve a special meal is eaten by most families. It starts with a drink, followed by a 'starter' course such as sea-food, and then stuffed turkey. The dessert is a chocolate Christmas Log made of sponge roll layered with cream. The outside is covered with chocolate butter cream and made to resemble a bark-covered log. Children in Belgium have two Christmas visitors! On December 6th St. Nicholas' Day is believed to bring presents to children. This is quite a long time before Christmas. On Christmas day Santa Claus might bring some more presents if you're really lucky! The traditional Christmas breakfast is the same as the normal Sunday breakfast eaten throughout the year. This is freshly baked crusty rolls with butter & cold meats and or jam, followed by pastries like coffee cake as they are normal eaten with a cup of coffee! In Walloon districts, special sweet bread made in a shape that is supposed to be like baby Jesus is eaten for Christmas breakfast.
ReplyDeleteIn Holland, they call St. Nicholas Sinterklass and Christmas in Holland is celebrated on December 6. The name Santa Claus originally came from the word Sinterklass. Instead of wearing a red and white coat Sinterklass wears red bishop robesand travels to his servant Zwarte Piet. Then, after Sinterklass and Zwarte Piet come onto shore from a boat, all the church bells in town ring loudly to start celebration. Then, Sinterklass rides on a white stallion through the streets and people parade and celebrate.
ReplyDeleteThe country I chose was Portugal. In Portugal, Father Christmas is believed to bring presents on Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day. The presents are left in shoes by the fireplace or left under the Christmas tree. The Christmas meal, consists of codfish with vegetables and boiled potatoes. After the meal, people go to mass for the Missa do Galo or Mass of the Rooster. Then after the service, people return home and open their presents.
ReplyDeleteDuring Christmas in France, they use a Nativity crib to decorate the house. French cribs use clay figures in them, they never use wooden figures. Some towns and cities have fairs that sell Nativity figures. They also sell other figures such as a Butcher, a Baker, a Policeman and a Priest. In French Merry Christmas is 'Joyeux Noël'.
ReplyDeleteChristmas in Italy
ReplyDeleteThe most important part of the Christmas Season in Italy is the Nativity Crib Scenes. The Christmas season in Italy is traditionally celebrated from December 24th to January 6th. In Italy, "Babbo Natale" (or Santa Claus) might bring small gifts on Christmas day, but the main day for gift giving in on January 6th, the feast of the Epiphany. This is celebrated since that is the day that the three wise men gave their gifts to Jesus. On Christmas Eve families will see a living Nativity and attend midnight Mass. I think Christmas in Italy would be very interesting and I would like to celebrate it there one day.
I picked Poland. Poland's traditions are they have 13 fishes much like Italy ,but Italy only has 7.Poland puts candy,candles,apples on the tree. They put an extra plate on the table for ghost. After dinner they bang pots and pans to get the ghost out of the house.That is some of Poland's traditions.
ReplyDeleteIn Poland Advent is the beginning of Christmas time. During this time people quite frequently go to church. Poland is a largely Catholic country. Christmas is very important and is a busy day. There Christmas trees are usually decorated with tinsels, lights, and glass balls. Finally they place the star on the top. It is traditional that no one can eat until they see the first star in the sky. Before the meal a large wafer biscuit called an ‘oplatek’ is passed around and everyone takes a piece off and eats it. The meal usually consists of 12 dishes of mostly fish. Since most people are Catholic it is usually called a ‘fasting day’ so most people don’t eat until evening. After dinner the children take the presents from under the tree and give them out. Christmas Eve is finished by going to a midnight mass service. The days after Christmas, families spend time with family and friends.
ReplyDeleteIn Slovakia, Christmas celebrations begin with Advent. Many Slovaks are Roman Catholic so this is the start of the important spiritual preparations for Christmas. Christmas Eve is the most improtant day during Christmas for Slovaks. It is called 'Sedry den'(the Generous Day). On Christmas Eve the Christmas tree is brought to the house, decorated with colored lights,glass balls,and finished off with the silver threads. During the day supper is cooked. Gifts are brought to children by the Baby Jesus. Christmas carols are sung or played, then the supper is served .
ReplyDeleteThe country I am choosing to study about is France. In this country a crib is often used to help decorate the house.These figures though are made of clay not wood.the way that you say merry christmas is"Joyeux Noel".French logs are usaully burned during this season and they are known as "Yule Logs". JOYEUX NOEL.
ReplyDeleteChristmas in England In England some Christmas traditions are the same as American traditions. These are decorating Christmas trees, and eating Christmas dinners. One thing England is famous for is their mummers' parades. if you have ever wondered where America's mummers' parades came from the answer is England. America’s gift giver is Santa Claus well England’s is Father Christmas. The day after Christmas is called Boxing day. On Christmas the English elect boy Bishops to do duties in the church but not deliver mass. The only thing English eat on Christmas before the feast is Frumenty a kind of porridge made of corn.
ReplyDeleteThe country that I picked is Germany.The thing I am going to talk about in Germany is the amazing dinner. The Christmas Eve dinner menu traditionally is good such as suckling pig, white sausage, macaroni salad, "reisbrei" (a sweet cinnamon) and many regional dishes. The Christmas Eve is popularly called here as "Dickbauch" (meaning "fat stomach") because of the myth that those who do not eat well on Christmas Eve will be haunted by demons during the night. So everyone tries to stuff their belly to the fullest on this day.
ReplyDeleteIn Sweden, the celebration of Christmas lasts almost two months, starting with Advent. Each Sunday before Christmas a candle is lit on the Advent wreath. December 13 is Saint Lucia's Day, on this day, the eldest daughter in a family wears a white robe and head wreath with candles. All dressed up, she serves the family Saint Lucia buns (Lussekatter) and coffee in bed. Children in Sweden look forward on Christmas Eve to gifts brought by Jultomten. They make sure to leave him a bowl of porridge. They also put candles in their windows, so he can find his way to the children's homes. They holiday season concludes on January 13 or 20th day Knut.On this day the Christmas trees are taken down and Christmas is over for another year in Sweden.
ReplyDeleteFrohe Wiehnacht! This is how they say Merry Christmas in Germany. To celebrate this event, they put up Christmas trees. They started using them in Germany in the Middle Ages.They put in fake or real candles in the window to look pretty from outside,and they also believe in Santa Claus who brings presents on the 24th. (We celebrate on the 25th.) St. Nicholas' Day is celebrated on the 5th and 6th of December. St. Nick might leave small toys or candy or sweets. Christmas Eve is when lots of German famlies exchange presents to each other.
ReplyDeleteI would choose the country England. In England,on Christmas day there is a parade called the Mummers parade which is when people dress up and perform acts and other activity's. The English gift giver is known as Father Christmas. He wears a long red or green robe, and leaves presents for children on Christmas Eve. However, the gifts are not opened until Christmas day. People in England eat a meal before Christmas called Frumenty, which is a porridge made with corn. On Christmas day, the tradition in England for dinner is roasted turkey with vegetables and sauces.
ReplyDeleteCHRISTMAS IN FRANCE In France, a Nativity crib is often used to help decorate the house. As well as having the normal Nativity figures in them, French scenes also have figures such as a Butcher, a Baker, a Policeman and a Priest. In French Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Joyeux Noël'. Yule Logs made out of Cherry Wood are often burned in French homes. The log is carried into the home on Christmas Eve and is sprinkled with red wine to make the log smell nice when it is burning. Another celebration in France is that 13 different desserts are eaten! All the desserts are made from different types of Fruit, Nuts and Pastries!!! Epiphany called Fête des Rois in French, is also celebrated in France on January 6th. A flat Almond cake is eaten called 'Galette des Rois'. The cake has a toy crown inside and is decorated on top with a gold paper crown. Thats Christmas in France!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have researched Christmas in the UK, using http://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/uk.shtml. I found out that, a lot like us, that common parts used for decorating are ivy, mistletoe, and holly. Some children believe that the gift-giver is Santa Claus, but it’s mostly Father Christmas. Instead of milk and cookies, kids leave mince pies and brandy for Father Christmas. Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, is often considered a holiday. On this day, money collected by the church is distributed to the poor. In Scotland, New Year’s Eve is sometimes celebrated more than Christmas. Another Scottish tradition is that if a stranger is the first person to visit your house on New Year’s Day, you will have good luck all year!
ReplyDeleteIn Serbia and Montenegro, the Church is the Orthodox Church. In this Church they still use the old 'Julian' Calendar, which means that Christmas Eve is on the 6th of January and Christmas Day is on the 7th of January! Advent in the Orthodox Church starts on the 28th of November and last for six weeks. During Advent, some people fast and they don't eat food that comes from animals.
ReplyDeleteThe country I chose to write about is Germany. In Germany, many families have Advent Calendars. They also decorate their houses with wooden frames covered with a wooden plastic sheet with an electric candle lit behind it; these are usually put in the windows of the houses. Many Germans put decorated Christmas trees in their houses.
ReplyDeleteGermans usually exchange presents on Christmas Eve. Some children write to the “Christ Child” and put their letters on their windows during Advent. Santa Claus or Father Christmas is also believed to bring the children presents on Christmas Eve.
The country that I am doing is Spain. Most people in Spain go to the midnight mass called “La Misa Del Gallo”. It is called this because a rooster is supposed to have crowed the night that Jesus was born. The main meal for Christmas in Spain is turkey stuffed with chocolate truffles. After the midnight mass people carry torches down the street. Santa does not have presents for the people in Spain; it is the three Wise Men. On January 5th, children place their shoes on the doorstep, and in the secret of the night, the Three Wise Men pass leaving gifts.
ReplyDeleteThis is Christmas in the Czech Republic.
ReplyDeleteOn the evening of December 5, children watch the skies for any sign of St. Nick. Here, children believe that St. Nick has two bags; one with presents for good children, another with sticks for naughty children. In the Czech Republic, children normally get small presents on St. Nick day and bigger present that they open on Christmas Eve. At a Christmas Day meal, a place is left open just in case the Christ Child should come.
Spain
ReplyDeleteChristmas is a deeply religious holiday in Spain. The country's patron saint is the Virgin Mary and the Christmas season officially begins on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8th. Christmas Eve is known as Nochebuena or "the Good Night." It is a time for family members to gather together to rejoice and feast around the Nativity scenes that are present in almost every home. There is a special Christmas dance that is performed called the Jota, and the words and music have been handed down for hundreds of years. The children of Spain receive gifts on the feast of the Epiphany. It is believed that the wise men travel through the countryside reenacting their journey to Bethlehem every year at this time, and children leave their shoes on the windowsills filled with straw, carrots, and barley for the horses of the Wise Men. A traditional Christmas treat is turron, a kind of almond candy.
I read about Christmas in Ireland. Christmas in Ireland is almost like Christmas in the United States. Christmas in Ireland starts on Christmas Eve and ends on January 6th on the Epiphany. The Epiphany is also called Little Christmas. Irish call Santa Saint Nicholas. Some people put a tall candle in the largest window to welcome Mary and Joseph. January 6th is also celebrated as Women's Christmas Day. Women get the day off. Men do all of the cooking and housework. The women have tea and sew and go to each other's houses. Food on Christmas can be turkey, spiced beef and round cake.
ReplyDeleteWell what I thought was interesting about Portugal's Christmas is that that Santa is called Father Christmas. Plus they open there presents on Christmas eve. They still go to mass and have Christmas dinner.They set a special table that has cakes and pastries on it yummy!still on Christmas day the table remains untouched.
ReplyDeleteChristmasin Greece is celebrated firstly celebrated by fasting 40 days then by baking Christopsomo or christ bread these sweet loaves are made in a variaty of shapes and sizes amd the crusts are decorated to represent the makers profession. The main symbol of Christmas in Greece is a shallow wooden bowl suspended across the rim with a wooden cross with a sprig of basil wraped around the cross.These are just a few of the ways that the people of Greece celebrate Christmas.
ReplyDeleteIn Portugal Merry Chritmas is Feliz Natal or Boas Festas. Father Christmas leaves presents under the Christmas tree or in shoes near the fire place. The traditional meal is codfish with vegeatables and boiled potatoes and is usually eaten on Christmas eve. After the meal people go to church a mass that they call Missa do Gallo or the Mass of the Rooster. When the service ends people go home and open presents. Every house has a rich table in the living room full with traditional food, cakes, fried cookies, nuts and other goodies. The traditional Christmas cake is Bolo Rei or King cake and is placed in the center of the table. people drink wine and Portugese biscuts and sweets the party last until morning.
ReplyDeleteIn Italy or in Italian, Italia, they have a crib in the house and they use it to tell the Christmas story which is about Jesus. Another tradition is the children go caroling and they sing songs on their Shepherd Pipes.They also wear shepherd sandals and hats. Another custom is that no one eats any food on Christmas Eve until after midnight mass. Then the meal is an Italian dry fruity sponge cake called, "Panettone". Finally, the Italian children believe that a person named "Befana" brings presents to them. But, Epiphany day is basically the day they all get the main presents. Buon Natale! (Merry Christmas in Italian)
ReplyDeleteA huge part of Germany’s celebrations is Advent. Also the Christmas tree is important too! They were first used in Germany in the middle ages. Christmas Eve is the biggest part of the holiday because that’s when they exchange gifts. Instead of writing to "Santa Claus", in Germany the little kids write to "Christ kind." It is usually represented by a girl; she wears a long white and gold dress, has long blond curly hair and wears a golden crown.
ReplyDeleteFor my Christmas country I picked Italy. The most important thing in Italy is the Nativity Crib scene. Some people in Italy even have a crib in their own home. One old Italian tradition is that people go caroling and playing songs on shepherd pipes. In Italy they say Merry Christmas like this ‘Buon Natale’. Epiphany is also important in Italy they believe that a old lady named ‘Befana’ will give them present on the evening of the Epiphany.
ReplyDeleteI picked Portugal to learn about for their Christmas traditions because I like Portugal. Father Christmas brings presents on Christmas Eve not Christmas Day. Just like in the United States, the presents are left under the Christmas tree or in shoes by the fireplace. Portugese people open their presents after they get home from Mass on Christmas Eve. All of the houses have a rich table in the living room and it's filled with cakes, fried ccookies, nuts and other sweets. In the middle of this table they put the Christmas Cake which is called "Bolo Rei".
ReplyDeleteI picked Sweden for my country. In Sweden, the celebration of Christmas lasts for two whole months and the fun begins with Advent. December 13th is St. Lucia's Day. On this day, the oldest daughter in the family wears a white robe and a head wreath with candles. Christmas ornaments are made of straw. Animals, especially goats, are very popular for the Christmas tree. On Christmas Eve, a large dinner or smorgasboard is served. Desserts include rice pudding with an almond in it. The person to find the almond is said to be the next to marry in the next year.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most important ways of celebrating Christmas in Italy is the Nativity crib. Using a crib to help tell the Christmas story was made very popular by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223.On Christmas Eve, no food is eaten until after Midnight Mass.
ReplyDeleteFor me, the country I picked was Italy. In Italy, they use cribs to tell the story of the Nativity. These cribs were made by Saint Francis of Assissi around 1223. Many families do not eat until after midnight mass. Kids go caroling with instruments called Shepherd Pipes. They wear sandals and hats. Children believe they will get presents from a nice old lady called Befana before the night of the Epiphany. In Italy the way they say Christmas is "Buon Natale".
ReplyDelete