While a number of countries celebrate Christmas on the same day, not all of them celebrate it the same way. In some countries, such as Russia, Christmas is celebrated on the same day as Easter, and in others, it is celebrated on a different day. While Roman Catholics and Protestants celebrate Christmas on December 25, Greek, Syrian, and Orthodox Christians celebrate it on the sixth of January. American Christians celebrate it on the 18th of January. Christian homes are decorated with crosses and scenes of the Christmas story. In Bethlehem, there is even a parade, which includes galloping horsemen, police, and solitary horsemen carrying a cross. Government officials and Churchmen march along side of the parade.
Why Christmas Is Celebrated All Over the World?
St. Nicholas Travels by Donkey
When celebrating Christmas in Germany, the main character is Saint Nicholas, who arrived early and left gifts for children. Traditionally, he came by donkey and traveled by night leaving gifts in the shoes of good children. In addition to leaving gifts, he also left food for his donkey, known as Knecht Ruprecht.
In Germany, children clean their rooms and polish their shoes in anticipation of St. Nicholas. They leave small gifts and letters to him in their boots and stockings. The French have a similar tradition, where children leave their shoes outside for St. Nicholas to find, and receive chocolates or treats from him. Some people also leave a carrot and wine for St. Nicholas, or a miniature version of Santa.
The origin of the legend of Santa Claus is unclear, but St. Nicholas was born in the third century in the coastal city of Patara. He was orphaned as a child, and used his inheritance to help the poor and sick. One story recounts how he helped an impoverished father with three daughters, who was afraid to give them a dowry for their wedding. In order to prevent his daughters from going into prostitution, St. Nicholas came to his rescue.
In the 4th century, St. Nicholas arrived by ship and rode a donkey and a white horse through towns. Eventually, the name was changed to Santa Claus, and the tradition of giving gifts grew. In the United States, many families still celebrate the legend of St. Nicholas on the sixth day of December.
Saint Nicholas is also a popular holiday in Germany and parts of northern Europe. Many children leave letters for the St. Nicholas donkey, as well as carrots, grass, and coins for the jolly man. Other children leave chocolate coins and oranges under their pillows. These gifts represent St. Nicholas’ generosity to three impoverished sisters, and are given to children as gifts.
In the Netherlands, St. Nicholas often travels by donkey to deliver presents. When the Dutch celebrate Christmas, St. Nicholas is also accompanied by the demonic BEAST Krampus. The Krampus is known for dragging bad children back to the lair. In 1664, this legend was brought to the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam, which is now New York City.
In the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas is known as Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Santa Claus. This Saint comes riding a red bishop’s hat and wearing a red robe. He usually brings a companion to bring presents to the children. His companion has many names depending on the region. He is often rough-looking, ominous, and dark. Krampus is another monstrous character who sometimes comes along with St. Nicholas on his journey.
Saint Nicholas is known as the patron saint of children. His feast day falls during the Advent season, which makes it an exciting time for children counting down to Christmas. The feast of Saint Nicholas is marked by many traditions. Children often leave their shoes out overnight so that St. Nicholas can fill them with gifts.
Children Are Visited by 13 Trolls
In Iceland, children are visited by thirteen trolls, or “Yule lads,” during the Christmas season. In old stories, these trolls are feared, but now are revered as benevolent beings. The first Yule lad arrives on December 12 and the last one departs on December 24. Children are supposed to be good and behaved during this time of year.
The story of the trolls is very popular and has been adapted for children by several writers. One of the most famous poems is “Jolasveinarnir,” by Johannes ur Kotlum. The story describes the trolls as well as the people who are associated with them. The poem was written in 1932 by Johannes ur Kotlum. Children are said to have a special relationship with these trolls.
A troll called Stekkjastaur is one of the most famous Yule Lads. This troll, which translates to “sheep pen clod,” was traditionally a monster that would sneak into sheep pens to steal yew trees. The Yule Lads are known to be stiff on their knees, but the Yule Lads have evolved over time into more kinder creatures. This change may be attributed to a law that was passed in 1746, which prohibited the trolls from scaring children.
The trolls are the sons of the old trolls. These trolls are known to visit children at Christmas and are known as Yule Lads. They are a mythical creature who lives in the mountains of Iceland. They come to earth at Christmas, where they eat candles.
The trolls are not the only visitors during the Christmas season in Iceland. Children are also visited by 13 Yule Lads. They come down from the mountains to visit children. While these trolls are murderous and vicious, they were feared by children. This myth was widely believed in before the industrialization of Iceland.
The Icelandic troll Gryla is one of the most feared of the thirteen. It is said that her boys leave rotten potatoes for bad children and snatch the naughty children to cook for her husband. As a child, Gryla was a child-eater. At Christmas, she was known to visit children who were being misbehaving.
The fourth Yule Lad is Thvorusleikir, or ‘Spoon-Licker.’ He would rob people of their food and make them slave over spoons. He was particularly ugly and gaunt, which was unusual compared to the other trolls. The lesson learned from Thvorusleikir was to be careful and clean cutlery after meals.
Traditions of Christmas Meal
During the Christmas season, families across the globe celebrate the holiday in different ways. One of the most common traditions is the Christmas meal, which varies slightly from country to country, but is typically a ham or turkey with vegetables, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Desserts are usually Christmas cookies or pies, and an eggnog drink is usually served to wash it all down.
In the United States, Christmas dinner is similar to Thanksgiving, but the dishes are prepared differently. American Christmas dinners generally include turkey, ham, and potatoes, which are mashed and topped with gravy and stuffing. Chinese food is popular among Jewish families, and many Chinese restaurants are open for Christmas. In Greenland, men traditionally serve women during the Christmas meal. In addition to ham and turkey, Finnish families also enjoy a special meal that involves eating whale blubber, which is encased in fat. They also eat auk flesh that has been buried in seal skin for months. Then, on Christmas day, they have a Christmas porridge with cinnamon and sugar. In New Zealand, the Christmas meal is usually served during the summer months, so the meal is not as traditional.
In the United States, Christmas traditions are quite diverse. Although there is a strong influence of the United Kingdom, many other countries also celebrate the holiday. Turkey and Christmas puddings are both traditional dishes at Christmas, but the southern version is older, dating back to medieval England. In the United States, cookies are also popular, and are shaped into various shapes.
The Swedish Christmas meal, or julbord, is similar to a buffet, but it is a three-course meal. In addition to fish, the meal also includes cold cuts, ham, sausage, and pickled herring. There is also the Swedish version of rice pudding, called ris a la malta. The British Christmas meal, meanwhile, traditionally includes cranberry sauce, rice pudding, and gravy.
During the Middle Ages, Christians changed the way Christmas was celebrated. The holiday was once a raucous carnival-like event. It was celebrated in an unholy atmosphere, with beggars and eager celebrants playing the role of a “lord of misrule.” The poor would go to the homes of the rich, and would demand the best food. If the rich did not give it to them, they would cause mischief.
In Denmark, the Christmas meal consists of a roast duck or goose, as well as peas, potatoes, and gravy. In many parts of the world, this tradition has survived and has been celebrated for centuries. Some people even cook goose as the main course for their Christmas dinner.
The Christmas meal varies from country to country, but in many countries, the meal includes a dessert after the main course. In Lithuania, Christmas pudding is eaten after the main course. It can take a week to make, and is often consumed with family. In other countries, the main dish is a traditional turkey. The dessert is often Christmas cake.