Misbar’s Analysis
Christmas is an annual festival celebrated by Christians worldwide to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed each year on December 25.
Before December 25, people begin decorating streets and houses with Christmas trees, lights, reindeer, bells, and Santa Clauses, as well as small statues of baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. A cave under the Christmas tree is also common.
Is Christmas a Public Holiday?
In many countries worldwide, Christmas Day (December 25) is a national holiday, including in areas where Christianity is a minority religion, usually found in Africa and Asia.
Why Is Christmas Celebrated on December 25?
Although the exact date of Jesus' birth can not be confirmed, the church set December 25 to mark Christmas in the early fourth century. This date corresponds to the winter solstice in the Roman Empire, according to Britannica.
December 25 is nine months after the Annunciation on March 25, also the Roman date of the spring equinox.
Why Do Christians Place a Christmas Tree?
Placing a Christmas tree to celebrate Christmas began in Germany in the 16th century. The Christmas tree symbolizes eternal life.
What Does the Cave Under the Christmas Tree Represent?
In the Bible, Jesus was born in a cave in Bethlehem. This is why it is common to see a cave placed under the Christmas tree, along with small statues of baby Jesus surrounded by the Virgin Mary and Joseph.
What Does Santa Claus Represent?
Santa Claus represents the joy of giving, as he typically brings gifts to good children. According to the Green Bay Press-Times, Santa's human face reminds us of the unlimited joy we share with others.
In the U.S., Santa's first appearance was in Christmas shopping ads by some famous stores in 1820.
By 1840, American media were carrying Christmas ads featuring Santa Claus. A year later, many children across the U.S. traveled to Philadelphia to see a life-size Santa model, St. Tammany Library reported.
What Are Some Popular Christmas Traditions?
Religious traditions on Christmas often include Christians attending midnight mass at church on Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, some families prepare a feast, and all family members gather in one house to share the joy and exchange Christmas gifts.
As for old family traditions at Christmas, some families used to display scenes from the Nativity depicting Jesus' birth. However, modern families, especially in the U.S., now gather to watch "classic or modern" Christmas movies.
What Are the Most-Watched Classic Christmas Movies?
Classic Christmas movies are well-known, including Home Alone, It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Carol, and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Rotten Tomatoes reported.
Who Recorded the First Version of “Jingle Bells”?
According to the Boston: Oliver Ditson & Co. archive, "Jingle Bells," a very popular Christmas song, was written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857. The first recorded version was by the Hayden Quartet in 1889.
The source added that the song was originally made for Thanksgiving, not Christmas, and the original title was "One Horse Open Sleigh."
Weird Christmas Traditions Around the World
- KFC for Christmas in Japan
Holiday Extras detailed that in Japan, a popular Christmas tradition involves families enjoying a special meal from KFC.
KFC for Christmas became a tradition in Japan after a successful marketing campaign in 1974.
- Bad Santa in Austria
Bad Santa, also known as Krampus, is a common character during Christmas in Austria. The story begins when children are told that if they behave well, they’ll get gifts from St. Nicholas on Christmas. However, if they are naughty, Krampus will punish them.
Some Austrians wear costumes resembling Krampus to create a spooky yet festive atmosphere during Christmas parades.
- Pickle on the Christmas Tree in Germany
For a Christmas game, a family member usually places a pickle somewhere within the branches of the Christmas tree, and whoever finds it gets a gift.
- Shoes by the Fire in the Netherlands
Before Christmas, children in the Netherlands put their shoes by the fire and wait for Sint-Nicolaas to fill them with small gifts and treats at night. Traditionally, carrots are left in the shoes.
Can Muslims Celebrate Christmas?
The Egyptian Dar Al-Iftaa said it is permissible under Islamic law for Muslims to mark Christmas, and there is no prohibition against doing so.
It explained: "Celebrating the beginning of the Gregorian year, which marks the birth of Jesus, son of Mary, peace be upon them, with all the manifestations of celebration and joy that it includes, is permissible under Islamic law, and there is nothing forbidden in it."
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