When and how Christmas is celebrated in different countries of Europe and around the world (Great Britain, Bulgaria, America, Germany, Israel, Portugal, etc.)

On the twenty-fifth of December, Catholics around the world celebrate their main holiday -. They pay tribute to him and the Virgin Mary, congratulating relatives and friends on the birth of the savior. This holiday has now become a national holiday in many countries, and everyone celebrates it almost equally.

The fast before Christmas for Catholics is not as strict as for Orthodox Christians, the main thing is not to eat meat. Only on the last day - only the juiced grains, boiled with honey, are eaten. According to tradition, you cannot eat on this day until the first star. There are still many customs that have been preserved from the past.

Celebrating Catholic Christmas

Let's look at how Catholics celebrate Christmas. What do they usually do on this holiday?

1. The four weeks before Christmas are called Advent. This is a period of purification through prayer and going to church, decorating the home and preparing gifts for loved ones.
2. One of the symbols of Catholic Christmas is wreaths made of fir branches, decorated with four candles, one of which is lit every Sunday before the holiday.
3. Gospel readings are held in the church, and believers confess. And before the holiday itself, a manger with figurines of the Virgin Mary, Jesus and the Magi is installed. Many homes also arrange such compositions showing the Birth of the Savior.
4. When celebrating Christmas, it is customary for Catholics to attend mass - a festive service in the church. During it, the priest places a figurine of Jesus Christ in a manger and sanctifies it, which allows people to feel like participants in ancient sacred events.
5. The festive dinner is different in all Catholic countries, for example, in England it is a traditional roast turkey, in Latvia it is carp, and in Spain it is suckling pig. But the main thing is that the table should be richly set so that the whole year will be happy.

It is very interesting to know how Catholics celebrate Christmas, because, despite the differences in the culture of different countries, they use common customs. And all Catholics maintained a reverent attitude towards the meaning of the holiday.

Christmas is the greatest holiday celebrated by Christians all over the world, regardless of what denomination of the Christian church they belong to. Different countries have their own rituals and traditions for Christmas. Catholic Christmas in 2017 will be celebrated on December 25, while Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of Christ on January 7.

Among Catholic Christians who celebrate Christmas, there are several hypotheses regarding the date of the most significant and emotional holiday of the year. Disputes about the exact day when God's Son was born continue to this day. There is no denying the fact that it is one of the oldest Christian holidays.

Back in 4 tbsp. BC e. it entered the religious calendar and began to be celebrated in families that worship the Lord God, His Only Begotten Son and the Holy Spirit. According to the Gregorian calendar, the date of the holiday falls on December 25, 9 months from the day. Perhaps this date was set for convenience, or perhaps there is a special meaning to it.

On December 25, Christmas is celebrated by Catholics, Baptists, followers of the Anglican and Lutheran faiths, as well as Orthodox Christians who live in the West.

Some features of Christmas celebration

Regardless of what denomination of Christianity you belong to, on the day of the Nativity of Christ you need to follow the basic rules and traditions, which are identical for Catholics and Orthodox Christians:

• Strict fasting on the eve of Christmas;
• Confession and Communion;
• Attendance at worship services;
• Festive table with obligatory traditional dishes;
• Exchange of good wishes and gifts.

Advent: the month of preparation for Christmas for Catholics

Pre-Christmas traditions are filled with a special ritual meaning. During the Advent period - the time of anticipation of the Nativity of Christ - Catholic Christian believers must spiritually cleanse themselves before the holiday: repent of sins, confess and receive communion. This month should be spent reflecting on the life and good deeds of the Savior.

Representatives of the clergy dress in purple robes. Also, on each of the Sundays preceding the Nativity of Christ, special thematic services are held:

• First Sunday - we remember how Jesus Christ appeared to the people, as well as the appearance of the Mother of God to people;
• Second Sunday - describes the transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament Scripture;
• Third Sunday - the service is dedicated to mentioning the life and deeds of John the Baptist;
• Fourth Sunday of Advent - Catholic Christian believers listen to the coming of Jesus Christ into our world.

Moreover, each of the four weeks of the month of Advent is dedicated to a specific biblical event and the commemoration of a specific biblical character. Church rules imply a peaceful and calm time. It is not customary to hold entertainment events during this period.

On the pre-holiday day, December 24, Catholics eat nothing but sochiv - boiled barley or wheat grains flavored with honey. Strict fasting ends at the very moment when the first star appears on the winter sky. Throughout, true Catholic believers are supposed to remember the events told in the Gospel that relate to the birth of the Savior.

The temples celebrate the night service - vigil.

Celebration traditions

Since the Middle Ages, true believing Catholics began to install themed nurseries in temples and churches for the holiday of the Nativity of Christ. Thus, the improvised scene of the birth of God's Son was reminiscent of that happy day when baby Jesus was born.

Over time, the custom passed into the houses of parishioners - in each home a special grotto is placed on the windowsill, which is called “saton”, and small figures of the Virgin Mary, her husband Joseph, a heavenly angel who descended from heaven to greet the future Savior, animals and shepherds who came to bow. Of course, a tiny figurine of a baby, called by the Lord God to save our souls, is placed on a bed of hay or in a manger.

Also, a fluffy green beautiful Christmas tree is installed in houses. The whole family usually decorates the Christmas tree before Christmas itself, on Christmas Eve. Themed decorations are placed on the facades of houses and in courtyards.

The front door must be decorated with a Christmas wreath made of fir branches and decorated to the taste of the home owners. Some people hang a sprig of mistletoe in the house and, if a man and a woman are under it at the same time, they must kiss.

To please the children, personalized Christmas socks are hung over the fireplace, intended for gifts from Santa Claus, who sneaks into the house on Christmas night, feasts on the cookies prepared for him, washes it down with milk and gives gifts to obedient children and their parents.

This good tradition supports children's belief in magic. On Christmas morning, in addition to small gifts in stockings over the fireplace, children find beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree. The whole house is filled with cheerful laughter and the rustle of wrapping paper.

After Christmas Eve, the eight-day Octave begins - a period characteristic of Catholic Christianity, dedicated to folk festivities, carols, and general fun. Since pagan times, such a tradition has come as “kindling the log” - a Christmas log greased with oils and honey, sprinkled with wheat, is ceremonially burned. This custom is designed to bring wealth and good luck into the home.

Despite some differences between Catholic and Orthodox Christmas, the essence of this great holiday remains the same. It is not for nothing that most clergy agree that the Lord God is one for everyone.

It is considered one of the most important holidays for Orthodox Christians and the main holiday for Catholics around the world. This is a long-awaited time for the whole family to gather, for a ceremonial feast, and for gifts.

The Russian, Bulgarian, and Serbian churches (Orthodox) at one time did not switch to the Julian one and still use it. From here it is celebrated on January 7th, and Catholic Christmas is 13 days earlier - on December 25th.

The choice of date, most likely, was dictated by its combination with the pagan holiday of the birth of the Sun, with its subsequent complete replacement and displacement. The coincidence of the leitmotifs of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil contributed to the organic fusion of Christmas symbolism with pre-Christian beliefs associated with winter Christmastide. It is characteristic that the replacement of the pagan archetype of the birth of the luminary with the birth of the Son of God occurred in the ideological culture of almost all ancient countries where Christianity was introduced.

Catholic and Orthodox Christmas is the long-awaited end of a long fast, which Catholics call Advent. During this period, all Christians should spend time in repentance and prayer. On Christmas Eve itself, it is especially observed. Traditionally, on this day you need to eat sochivo - a ritual dish made from barley grains and honey. This is where the name came from - Christmas Eve.

One word and so many meanings

As for the name of the holiday itself, in our country “Christmas” means the birth of Christ, but the Catholic “Christmas” sounds like “Mass of Christ”, differently in different languages: Christmas - in English, Kerst-misse - in Dutch from Old English Cristes Maesse; Noël - in French, Il Natale - in Italian from the Latin Dies Natalis, etc.

Traditions of celebrating Catholic Christmas

Catholics prepare for Christmas in advance, first of all, decorate the house and yard with garlands, decorate the Christmas tree, and prepare gifts. Very popular are santons or nativity scenes depicting the scene of the birth of Jesus in a stable. They are made by the whole family in miniature for the home or in full size for the street.

One of the rules of holiday etiquette is the obligatory congratulations of all relatives, friends, and colleagues with Christmas cards. Some companies even give their employees lists of co-workers' email addresses. Catholic Christmas greetings are very important in Western countries. They are taken quite seriously, thinking through the text of the postcard in advance and choosing a gift for everyone. Children are given gifts in the name of Santa Claus or his similar “colleagues.”

Christmas is and is traditionally spent with relatives and loved ones. Traditionally, the whole family gathers for Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve, when the first star shines in the sky. An integral attribute of the Christmas feast is prayer. The main dish - turkey - is served on the table.

The most popular way of congratulating Catholics and Orthodox Christians is to sing a carol (a kind of Christmas song). They used to sing carols back in pre-Christian times. Then carols played the role of ritual songs, with the help of which prosperity and a good harvest in the next agricultural cycle were invoked. Nowadays, carols glorify the Son of God and at the same time serve as a wish for good for the owner of the house and his entire family.

The peculiar concept of the “spirit of Christmas” - literally Christmas Spirit - gave birth to the Catholic Christmas. This is a festive atmosphere that fills people's hearts with joy, kindness, warmth, love and bright hopes. At Christmas time, all Catholics break away from the daily bustle to plunge into the world of miracles and fairy tales.

Catholic Christmas is celebrated in 145 countries around the world. This is exactly the number of states that have approved December 25, when Catholics celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ, as a day off. The holiday has its own traditions and rituals, which are strictly observed and passed on from generation to generation. Some customs are closely intertwined with religion, and some are nothing more than echoes of the pagan past. But they all carry within themselves that indescribable atmosphere of celebration that makes up Catholic Christmas.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Mass.

Christmas Eve is the eve of Christmas. On December 24, Catholics still observe Advent - they fast. On Christmas Eve the house and Christmas tree are decorated. And in the evening they sit down to the festive table.

The Solemn Mass is the main church event of Christmas. Catholics are sure to visit the temple on this bright day. Catholic churches hold an all-night service on Christmas Eve and three services on December 25, at which they praise the Savior: at night, at dawn and during the day.

Of course, observance of church rituals is inherent, first of all, in religious families. But the main feature of Christmas is that absolutely everyone celebrates it, regardless of their attitude to religion.

Festive decoration.

The most important attribute of Christmas is the Christmas tree. The tradition of decorating this evergreen tree originated in Germany during pagan times. Then the ritual was transformed into a Christian one and began to symbolize eternal life. Beautifully decorated Christmas trees delight the eye both on city streets and in the homes of residents of Catholic countries. In Europe at Christmas, colorful illuminations and elegant squares attract citizens and tourists.

In addition to the Christmas tree, houses are decorated with fir wreaths, which are usually hung on the doors, and mangers with figurines of the Virgin Mary and the newborn Jesus.

Another tradition associated with holiday decor is making Advent wreaths. The Advent wreath is woven spruce branches with four Christmas candles. The wreath is made a month before Christmas, and then a candle is lit every Sunday. By Christmas, all four candles will burn out. In this symbolic way, Catholics count down the days until Christmas. Ancient wreaths decorate houses and churches. They are decorated with flowers, balls and tinsel.

Gifts and Santa Claus.

Without this jolly old man, Christmas isn't Christmas.

The main tradition of the Christmas holidays are gifts that are usually given to each other. Gifts are brought to children by the kind Santa Claus, a wizard in a red suit and cap. It is believed that Santa enters the house through the chimney and places gifts for children on socks that were previously hung in the room.

Grandfather travels in a reindeer sleigh, accompanied by elves, and in his free time from work he lives in snowy Lapland. Folklore Santa is so closely intertwined with Christmas traditions that today it is simply impossible to imagine celebrating Christmas without him.
Gifts are usually given to all family members. They are beautifully packaged and placed under the Christmas tree. In the morning, they open the treasured boxes and thank each other.

Some countries have a tradition of giving gifts throughout December. Small souvenirs are placed in compartments that count down the days until the long-awaited holiday.

Treats.

Each Catholic country has its own traditional dishes that are prepared for Christmas.
On Christmas Eve, December 24, it is customary to serve only Lenten dishes. According to tradition, there should be 12 of them. In some countries, before the meal, they break the wafer - thin traditional unleavened bread. The wafer is divided among those gathered with wishes of goodness and happiness. This tradition is widespread in Poland and Lithuania.

At the end of Lent, directly on December 25, baked duck or turkey is most often served on the table. In some countries (for example, Germany and the Czech Republic), fish is a mandatory attribute of the holiday table.

There is also a common tradition - in almost all countries it is customary to serve. Cinnamon, cumin, and cloves create a unique Christmas scent.

Another aromatic note is orange. Pomanders are made for decoration and additional aroma effect. Pomanders are orange fruits decorated with cinnamon sticks and cumin stars. Fruits are placed around the house so that the Christmas aroma lasts longer.

The tradition of making wishes for Christmas is also associated with treats. In Catholic countries, fortunes are placed in specially baked cookies. It is distributed to household members and friends. Fortune cookies can even be found on cafe menus and store shelves during Christmas.

Like any holiday, Catholic Christmas has its own traditions. But its main feature is the warm and friendly atmosphere that unites, giving joy and peace. Merry Christmas to you!

Christians celebrate Christmas all over the world. But why the holiday divided believers into two communities that celebrate Catholic Christmas on December 25 and the birth of Christ on January 7, and what the holiday has in common and special among Christians of the Eastern and Western rites - journalists from the website "24" looked into it.

Christmas is one of the most important Christian holidays, which is celebrated on December 25 by Catholics, and two weeks after that by Christians of the Eastern rite.

Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian beliefs, was sent by God into the world to save humanity. It was this day that divided history into “before” and “after” - with the birth of Christ, the modern calendar called “our era” began.

Christmas has a long history with unique traditions and customs - people decorate Christmas trees, prepare festive dishes, sing carols, go to church and visit relatives.

Christmas is one of the most important Christian holidays, celebrated around the world on December 25 and January 7

Western Christmas traditions

Christmas for Catholics and Protestants is a special and important religious holiday. On the eve of Christmas, people adhere to Advent - a time in anticipation of the holiday, when people pay special attention to spiritual life, some, if desired, adhere to fasting.

The holiday unites the whole family, who reverently decorate the house for Christmas - this symbolizes faith and veneration of Jesus. Among the symbols of this holiday, a special place is occupied by the Christmas tree, as well as the Christmas wreath, mistletoe, straw and gifts.

On the evening of December 24, when the first star appears in the sky, families gather for a Holy Supper of Lenten dishes: fish, platok (lenten bread), fruits, nuts and other things. Before the meal begins, the head of the family reads a passage from the Gospel, the family sings the first carol, then everyone breaks the Christmas bread - the scarf.

Ukrainian carol "Shchedrik" became a world-famous hit called "Carol of the Bells" - video

After dinner, the family gathers at the temple for the Christmas Eve Mass, which symbolizes the unity of the Father and the Son. Mass usually begins at midnight. During it, the priest places a figurine of the baby Jesus in the nativity scene.

The second festive mass takes place at dawn and symbolizes the time of the birth of a new life from the mother’s womb. And the third mass, which takes place during the day, brings the symbol of the birth of Jesus into the hearts of all believers.

On December 25, holiday food is served. The main dish of the table for most Catholics and Protestants is baked turkey, duck, pork, etc.

Children expect gifts from Santa Claus on December 25

Traditions of celebrating Christmas of the Eastern rite

Orthodox and Greek Catholics celebrate the Birthday of Christ on January 7th. For Christians of the Eastern rite, the holiday of the Nativity of Christ is an important religious holiday, but after Easter, which is more important for them.

Every year before Christmas, Christians adhere to a strict Nativity fast, which begins on November 28 and ends on January 7. During fasting, people try to spiritually cleanse themselves and repent of their sins.

On the eve of Christmas, on January 6, the Holy Evening takes place - people prepare 12 Lenten dishes in honor of the 12 apostles of Christ. Traditionally, the table includes uzvar, pampushki, borscht with ears and kutia, which is the main dish of the Holy Evening.

The Holy Supper consists of 12 Lenten dishes

And the family sits down to dinner only after the first star rises in the sky - the owner of the house lights a Christmas candle, says a prayer and blesses the food.

On January 7, people go to worship, and then they go to visit relatives, sing carols and run nativity scenes - mobile theaters with people or dolls that show performances of the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. On this day the Nativity Fast ends.

Kolyada is an integral tradition of celebrating Christmas

How does Western Christmas differ from Eastern Christmas?

Western Christians celebrate Christmas from December 24 to 25, while Eastern Christians celebrate the birth of Christ from January 6 to 7.

The date of Christmas celebration is the same for everyone, the only difference is in the chronology system - Western churches celebrate Christmas according to the Gregorian calendar, and Eastern churches according to the Julian calendar, where January 7 is December 25 according to the old style.

The importance of the holiday is also somewhat different. For the West, the birth of Christ is the most important religious holiday in the calendar, while for the East, more important than Christmas is Easter - the day of the Resurrection of the Lord.

For the Catholic world, Christmas symbolizes a family holiday, when for Orthodox and Greek Catholics it is primarily a spiritual holiday.

In addition, their fast before Christmas is not as severe as that of Christians of the Eastern rite. Before Christmas, Catholics and Protestants celebrate Advent - a month in anticipation of the holiday, during which people try to devote more time to spiritual life and family. Some people fast if they wish.

Both Christian communities have Christmas Eve - a festive dinner of Lenten dishes. Catholics begin the meal with payments or hosts - thin plates of bread with which parishioners receive communion in church. In the Eastern rite, the treat begins with kutya.

Holy evening for believers of the Eastern and Western rites

Orthodox and Greek Catholics have one nightly service at Christmas, which is immediately dominated by Great Compline, Matins and Liturgy. Meanwhile, believers of the Western rite celebrate three Christmas masses separately - at night, in the morning and during the day, which symbolizes the birth of the Savior in the womb of the Father, in the womb of the Mother of God and Jesus in the soul of every Christian.

And on December 25, for most Western believers, the main Christmas dish is roasted turkey or duck. Also, many Christians prepare the so-called Christmas pudding. Such traditions are common in the USA, Great Britain, Germany, France, Greece and other countries.

At Christmas, Catholics and Protestants give everyone gifts that are placed under the tree or in socks from Santa Claus or St. Nicholas.

In addition, they decorate not only the Christmas tree, but the entire house. The decoration must include a Christmas wreath and mistletoe, under which everyone exchanges kisses.

There should also be straw in the house, which is one of the main symbols of Christmas; it represents the manger of Christ. Christians of the Eastern rite, particularly in Ukraine, perform didukh.

What both rituals have in common is caroling. But among Catholics this is not as common as among Orthodox and Greek Catholics, and they usually sing carols in the family circle. But believers of the Eastern rite go to caroling in every home - this is how carolers bring the news of the birth of the Son of God, who will save the world.

Christmas is a holiday of goodness, peace and mercy. The editors of the "24" website wish everyone a Merry and Bright Christmas!

How does Eastern Christmas differ from Western Christmas?

What not to do at Christmas

Like any other religious holiday, Christmas has its own list of prohibitions that must be observed if you want to celebrate the holiday correctly.

The main tradition, of course, is fasting, which lasts 40 days. During this time, an Orthodox Christian is not allowed to consume meat and dairy products, basing his diet on vegetables and fruits. It is believed that only through physical cleansing during this period can a person be cleansed of spiritual sins.

We have collected the most important prohibitions that should not be done on Catholic and Orthodox Christmas:

1. On Christmas Eve you cannot eat until dinner begins.

2. After the Holy Supper, you cannot remove dishes from the table until Christmas itself.

3. Take a closer look at your spruce. There can be no other decoration on the top other than a star, because this is the symbol of Bethlehem, which announced the birth of Jesus.

4. You can't wear old clothes on Christmas.

5. No one is allowed to work, clean or take out trash from the house this day.

6. It is advisable for the family not to quarrel, but to be friendly, so that there are no misunderstandings throughout the year.

7. At Christmas, you should never guess.

8. Do not bypass the needy and poor on this day, but give them alms, because no one can be limited from the joy of the holidays.

Christmas is a holiday of goodness, peace and mercy. The editors of the Channel 24 website wish everyone a Merry and Bright Christmas!