|
|
Christmas in Germany
Traditionally, the holiday season starts with St. Nicholas' day,
December 6. St. Nicholas traveling with a dark faced companion brings gifts to German
children After the reformation, authorities frowned upon the idea of having a
character representing the bishop/saint distributing gifts. As a result St. Nicholas'
modern incarnation Santa Claus was born, complete with long white beard, red suit, and
sleigh.
We can trace some of our most beloved holiday traditions to Germany. The Christmas season
officially begins with the beginning of Advent, four Sundays before Christmas Day. The
tradition of the Advent wreath, a circle of greenery in which four candles are set,
originated with the German Lutherans. One candle is lit the first Sunday of Advent, two
are lit the second Sunday, and so on until the fourth Sunday. A large white candle in the
center is lit on Christmas Day. The Advent calendar, an elaborate calendar with windows,
behind which a piece of candy or chocolate can be found, is used by children to count down
the days until Christmas and also originated in Germany.
The Christmas Tree owes its widespread popularity to Germany. In the Middle Ages, the
Germans would put on a religious play each December 24th. Over the centuries the plays and
associated festivities strayed from their religious origins. However, people continued to
set up and decorate a tree in their home every year at Christmas. In 1880 glassmakers
discovered how to make blown glass balls and bells, which became the decorations used to
trim Christmas trees all over the world.
Christmas in Christmas in Italy
The popularity of the Nativity scene, one of the most beloved and
enduring symbols of the holiday season, originated in Italy. St. Francis of Assisi
reportedly performed a mass in front of an early Nativity scene, which inspired awe and
devotion in all who saw it. The creation of the figures or pastori became an entire genre
of folk art.
The main exchange of gifts takes place on January 6, the feast of the Epiphany, the
celebration in remembrance of the three wise men's (Magi) visit to the baby Jesus.
Children anxiously await a visit from La Befana who brings gifts for the good and
punishment for the bad (similarly to St. Nicholas in German speaking countries on December
6). According to legend, the three wise men stopped during their journey and asked an old
woman for food and shelter. She refused them and they continued on their way. Within a few
hours the woman changed her mind but the Magi were long gone. La Befana, which means
Epiphany, still wonders the earth searching for the Christ Child. She is depicted in
various ways: as a fairy queen, a crone, or a witch.
Christmas in France
Christmas in France
Nearly every French home at Christmas time displays a Nativity scene or
crèche, which serves as the focus for the Christmas celebration. The Christmas tree has
never been particularly popular in France, and though the use of the Yule log has faded,
the French make a traditional Yule log-shaped cake called the bûche de
Noël, which means
"Christmas Log." The cake, among other great food is served during the Christmas
eve supper (le réveillon) held after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The menu for the
meal varies according to regional culinary tradition. In Alsace, goose is the main course,
in Burgundy it is turkey with chestnuts, and the Parisians feast upon oysters and foie
gras.
French children receive gifts from Père Noël (Father Christmas or Santa Claus).
In some parts of France Père Noël brings small gifts on St. Nicholas Eve (December 6)
and visits again on Christmas. In other places it is le petit Jésus who brings the gifts.
Generally, adults wait until New Year's Day to exchange gifts.
|
save time - shop online |
| Magazines - Groupon - Gift Subscriptions - Omaha Steaks - Wine - Books - Calendars |
Christmas Cookie Recipes | Santa Claus & Rudolf Reindeer | Gingerbread House
|
|
Measurement Help & Conversions |
|
Featured |