Anyone who thinks twice when looking at the calendar will immediately notice that something isn't adding up – because the Three Wise Men, who venerate the baby Jesus after his birth, are unlikely to have been caught in the time warp until the beginning of January. In fact, Epiphany is the "real" Christmas – the day on which the Eastern Churches still celebrate the birth of Christ.
What is Christmas doing in December?
The relocation of the festival to the three days of December 24th to 26th was, in no small part, a clever marketing strategy of early Christianity, as at that time, pagan Rome celebrated Sol Invictus, the undefeated sun god, who was literally on the rise again after the shortest day of the year. North of Rome, Germanic and Celtic peoples celebrated this very occasion for very similar reasons. The early church took advantage of this popularity.
However, it would be much longer before a decorated Christmas tree or the "typical" Santa Claus came along – and these elements aren't considered indispensable everywhere. The idea of Christmas as a celebration with family has also existed for just over a hundred years. How have Christmas traditions evolved among our neighbors, both near and far?
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Bulgaria and Poland: Our neighbors to the east celebrate meat-free and devoutly, with a lavish selection of vegetarian dishes that are considered typical Christmas delicacies and are enjoyed with the family.
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Ukraine: In Ukraine, cobweb-shaped decorations replace the ornaments that are shaped like stars or snowflakes in this country. The tradition is based on the legend of a poor woman who couldn't afford the tree decorations and was delighted to receive the frost-covered cobwebs.
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Japan: Christmas dinner at Kentucky Fried Chicken is the long-lasting success of an advertising campaign with which the US fast-food chain managed to establish itself as THE place for the holidays.
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Spain: The event of the year in Spain is the big Christmas lottery El Gordo, now also well known here. The enormous jackpot makes a select few very happy every year, and the drawing is eagerly awaited.
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England: In some places, the Yule Log is still lit in the fireplace – a large, solid log whose burning probably has pagan origins.
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USA: Cucumbers are hidden as ornaments on the Christmas tree as lucky charms. Whoever finds the unusual decoration is said to have good luck or receive an additional gift.
Christmas brings light into the darkest season
No matter how people around the world celebrate Christmas or the winter solstice, the underlying desire is always to breathe light and warmth into the year that is drawing to a close and the days that are now very short. This is achieved with lighting and decorations in which colors like red and green warm our hearts – and, of course, through hearty meals and shared enjoyment with friends and family.
How and when do you celebrate Christmas? Write to us!
