11th Grade Spiru Haret Highschool by Cristina Necsoiu

CHRISTMAS IN ROMANIA-CHIȚULESCU ALEXANDRA MARIA

2022-12-15 08:34:07 UTC

The Christmas holiday is probably the most loved and awaited holiday of the year. Christmas associated, in addition to a Christian holiday, a life of traditions and customs passed down from generation to generation. The carol, the decorated Christmas tree, skits with religious motifs and rich meals are indispensable in all corners of Romania, especially in the village, where customs are best preserved.Every year, on December 25, Christians celebrate the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ. born in a quiet village, where the Virgin Mary is looking from door to door for shelter to give birth.

Christmas is the time of traditions, superstitions and customs passed down from generation to generation. Carols, skits with religious motifs and rich meals are indispensable in all corners of the country, especially in the village, where the customs have been better preserved.

The Christmas holiday means, for most Europeans, time spent with family, parties, gifts, joy, but there are some customs that vary depending on the country and the main history.

Linguists have not agreed on the origin of the word "Christmas". Some say that it was inherited from the Latin "creationem", which means creation or birth, and other historical sources would suggest that its origin is a much older, Thracian word, from before the Romanization of Dacia. Other specialists say that it comes from Slavs. At least eight different meanings have been associated with this word over time.

Christmas is a time of traditions, superstitions and customs passed down from generation to generation. In all the historical areas of Romania, at the heart of the winter holiday is the family and the belief in a better and more prosperous year.

In the evening of Eve, the houses are clean and prepared in anticipation of the carolers. Caroling is the most widespread Christmas tradition, next to decorating the tree.

CHRISTAMS IN ROMANIA-Preoteasa Răzvan

2022-12-15 08:35:17 UTC

Christmas in Romania (Romanian: Crăciunul în România) is a major annual celebration, celebrated on 24/25 of December, as in most countries of the Christian world. The observance of Christmas was introduced once with the Christianization of Romania but public observance was discouraged during the Communist period (1948—1989). In the post-communist Romania, Christmas started being celebrated again more festively.

Christmas in Spain- Uță Diana 💓❄

2022-12-15 08:42:20 UTC

Each year between December 24 and January 6, Spain comes alive to celebrate Christmas, or Navidad in Spanish. During this time of the year, everyone strives to fill their days with happiness, joy, and family harmony, although some are more successful than others.Many people go to a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, known as La Misa Del Gallo (The Mass of the Rooster), because a rooster supposedly crowed the night Jesus was born. Many families also eat the main Spanish Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) just before or after Midnight Mass.
What do people eat in Spain at Christmastime? Traditional Spanish Christmas foods

Galets soup.
Entremeses with cheese and meats.
Polvorones and Mantecados.
Turròn.
Roscón de Reyes.
Cava.

Christmas in Spain is beautiful ❤
Spanish – ¡Feliz Navidad!

(“Merry Christmas, a prosperous year and happiness!”). This sounds familiar, doesn't it? That's because it is one of the most popular Christmas songs in Spanish. So if you heard it, you probably already know that ¡Feliz Navidad! is “Merry Christmas” in Spanish

Christmas in Portugal - Amuzan Ioan

nonyamuzan9 — 2022-12-15 08:42:21 UTC

The observance of Christmas around the world varies by country. The day of Christmas, and in some cases the day before and the day after, are recognized by many national governments and cultures worldwide, including in areas where Christianity is a minority religion. In some non-Christian areas, periods of former colonial rule introduced the celebration (e.g. Hong Kong); in others, Christian minorities or foreign cultural influences have led populations to observe the holiday.
Christmas traditions for many nations include the installing and lighting of Christmas trees, the hanging of Advent wreaths, Christmas stockings, candy canes, setting out cookies and milk, and the creation of Nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas carols may be sung and stories told about such figures as the Baby Jesus, St Nicholas, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Christkind or Grandfather Frost. The sending and exchange of Christmas card greetings, observance of fasting and special religious observances such as a midnight Mass or Vespers on Christmas Eve, the burning of a Yule log, and the giving and receiving of presents are also common practice. Along with Easter, Christmas is one of the most important periods on the Christian calendar, and is often closely connected to other holidays at this time of year, such as Advent, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, St Nicholas Day, St. Stephen's Day, New Year's, and the Feast of the Epiphany.[1]

Christmas in Germany- Tarbă Alexandra Elena

2022-12-15 08:44:20 UTC

Christmas tree decorating. This tradition was born in Germany, the German Christians being the first to decorate the tree at home. Later, other countries also took over this custom, today, almost every Romanian house has a decorated Christmas tree. If you are involved, you can talk to the family of the person being cared for and, if they agree, decorate the tree together. You can also use ornaments that you can make by hand with the help of the senior, cutting and gluing various shapes from paper. The Christmas atmosphere can bring a smile to the faces of the elderly and help them relax.
Home decoration. Very attentive to every detail, the Germans made decorating the house a true tradition. Christmas tree wreaths on front doors and window lights are emblematic of homes in Germany at Christmas time. To spend pleasant time with the cared-for person and help them relax, you can decorate the house together for the holidays. With the help of light installations, globes or bows, you can create a fairy tale setting. Such activities can help lighten the mood and bring the magic of Christmas wherever you are.
Advent wreath - Adventskranz. Originally made of wood and having 24 candles, today the crown is made in the family from fir branches on which four candles are placed. They are lit in turn, every Advent Sunday (Christmas Lent). Their role is to count the days until Christmas. Today, from companies that sell sweets to perfume companies, many traders make Advent Calendars, which are becoming very popular in Romania as well. However, it is important not to forget where the tradition started: the Protestant theologian Johann Hinrich Wichern gave such a crown as a gift to the children he cared for. Thus, they could count the days left until Christmas.

Christmas in Spain - Vasilescu Ionut Bogdan

2022-12-15 08:44:47 UTC

Christmas in Spain

Most people in Spain go to Midnight Mass or 'La Misa Del Gallo' (The Mass of the Rooster). It is called this because a rooster is supposed to have crowed the night that Jesus was born. Christmas Eve is known as Nochebuena. In the days before Nochebuena, children might take part in 'piden el aguinaldo' where they go and sing carols around their neighbors hoping to get some money!

Most families eat their main Christmas meal on Christmas Eve before the service. The traditional Spanish Christmas dinner was 'Pavo Trufado de Navidad' which is Turkey stuffed with truffles (the mushrooms, not the chocolate ones!) or 'Pularda asada' (a roasted young hen), although they are not commonly eaten now. In Galicia (a region in north-west Spain, surrounded by water) the most popular meal for Christmas Eve and for Christmas Day is seafood. This can be all kinds of different seafood, from shellfish and mollusks, to lobster and small edible crabs.

Popular desserts and sweets include 'mazapán' (made of almonds, sugar and eggs), 'turrón' (made of honey and toasted almonds) and 'polvorones' (made of flour, butter and sugar).

After the midnight service, one old tradition was for people to walk through the streets carrying torches, playing guitars and beating on tambourines and drums. One Spanish saying is 'Esta noche es Noche-Buena, Y no Es noche de dormir' which means 'Tonight is the good night and it is not meant for sleeping!'

A few different languages are spoken in different regions in Spain. In Spanish (also sometimes called Castilian) Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Feliz Navidad'; in Catalan, Asturian and Occitan it's 'Bon Nadal'; in Galician 'Bo Nadal'; in Aragonese it's 'Feliz Nadal' and in Basque (or Euskara in basque) 'Eguberri on'. Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages.

December 28th is 'Día de los santos inocentes' or 'Day of the Innocent Saints' and is very like April Fools Day in the UK and USA. People try to trick each other into believing silly stories and jokes. Newspapers and TV stations also run silly stories. If you trick someone, you can call them 'Inocente, inocente' which means 'innocent, innocent'. 28th December is when people all over the world remember the babies that were killed on the orders of

Christmas in Italy -Cristea andrei A trip to Italy in December and during the Christmas season is a wonderful way to discover another side to the country. Italian cities, towns, and villages are lit up with sparkling lights, hundreds of Christmas trees decorate town squares, and Christmas markets bring their charm across the country. So, where is the best place to visit in Italy in December? These are our recommendations of where to spend Christmas in Italy in 2022. RomeThe DolomitesNaplesMilanLocorotondo and PugliaRomegettyimages-629938632.jpgThe Vatican at ChristmasGetty ImagesChristmas in Rome has it all and is a great Christmas destination for all the family. From charming Christmas markets to impressive Christmas lights and Catholic traditions, such as the nativity scene in St. Peter's Square or midnight mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve. We recommend heading to Piazza Navona, a beautiful baroque-style square in Rome that is home to Rome's most famous Christmas market, the Piazza Navona Christmas Market. The market runs throughout December and into the beginning of January, and is the perfect place to discover local crafts, traditional Italian Christmas food and sweet treats.

2022-12-15 08:45:58 UTC

Christmas in France- Stoica Florina

2022-12-15 08:47:56 UTC

In France, Christmas is a time of family reunion and generosity, marked by gifts and sweets for children, gifts for the poor, midnight mass and New Year's Eve (le Reveillon).
THE OLD CUSTOMS
After the French began to get used to the idea of celebrating Christmas every year, Christmas traditions in France began to take shape. Each family did a general cleaning and prepared selected dishes, which were placed on a beautifully decorated table, located in the most spacious room in the house, and all the family members gathered around the table and after eating, they began to sing carols. In certain areas of the country, children would "dress up" a lamb with colorful ribbons and go from door to door, singing to those who opened the door and expecting money, fruit or sweets in return. In other regions, families would gather at the grandfather, considered the head of the family, and enjoy a meal composed of fish and garlic and vegetables, with stew and always mulled wine for dessert. In rural areas, children would put a dry olive trunk on the fire and sprinkle wine on the fire to bless the dinner. They would sit at the table, at the end of which they would start singing carols, and then they would go to the church to attend the service.

Christmas in Italia ☃️❄️- Bold Mady

2022-12-15 08:49:49 UTC

How is Christmas celebrated in Italy?
Let's start with the famous symbol of Christmas, which is never missing from any Italian home: the Christmas tree. In Italy, the Christmas tree became a tradition in the second half of the 19th century thanks to Queen Margherita of Savoy, who decorated it in the Palazzo del Quirinale in Rome, launching a fashion that quickly spread throughout the peninsula.

Tradition now says that Christmas trees are decorated on December 8th and taken down on January 6th each year.
Another important part of Italian Christmas is the nativity scene. The Nativity scene as we know it today is said to be the work of St. Francis of Assisi. On Christmas Eve 1223, in Greccio, Umbria, he created the first nativity scene in history, representing the birth of Jesus in his cradle in Bethlehem.

Since then, many artists have created wooden or clay figurines for this purpose. The first were the Tuscans, but soon they spread to the old kingdom of Naples. Currently, the masters of representing the Nativity Scene are the Neapolitans, and the symbol of this Neapolitan tradition are the shops in Via San Gregorio Armeno.

Christmas in uk - Ana Andi

2022-12-15 08:51:24 UTC

The British Christmas tradition of sending cards dates all the way back to 1843. At the time, a gentleman named Sir Henry Cole didn’t have time to send personal messages, so he hired an artist called John Calcott Horsley to design him a card which he could send to lots of people, and that’s how Christmas cards were born.Even though there’s no set date for putting decorations up, there’s definitely a cut off point for taking them down. You’re supposed to take down all your decorations before the end of the 12th day of Christmas, which is the 5th January. If you leave it later than this, you could be setting yourself up for a year of bad luck. Don’t get off to a bad start and take those decorations down!

Christmas in belgia

2022-12-15 08:51:52 UTC

Christmas holidays in Belgium

Belgium embraced Christmas centuries ago as its only major holiday.

Children in Belgium believe that "Saint Nicholas" brings them presents on December 5th and 6th. The saint, together with his Moorish helpers (Zwarte Piet), arrives in villages and towns by train, ship, or on horseback, ready to take part in the festival called "Sinterklaas", intended for children.

In the weeks before Christmas, people like to go to Christmas markets, buy Christmas gifts, decorations and food. Also to drink jenever (gin), Glühwein (hot wine),

and eat some Smoutebollen (fried sweet dumplings).

Most Belgians want a Christmas tree decorated with lights, balloons, garlands and a star on top. Small family Christmas gifts are placed under the tree and opened on Christmas Eve.

People also like to listen to Christmas carols, go to midnight service or admire the nativity scene.

On Christmas Eve, a special meal is prepared for the whole family. It starts with a bitter aperitif,

an onion soup,

potato croquettes with cheese.

Continue with seafood,

endive food,

and stuffed turkey.

The dinner dessert has the shape of a log and is called "Kerststronk" in Flemish and "la buche de Noel" in Wallonia. The log is a cream roll covered on the outside with chocolate butter, arranged with a fork in such a way as to resemble the bark of a tree.

The traditional Christmas breakfast is the same as the normal Sunday breakfast and consists of freshly baked bread rolls with butter, cold cuts or jam, and "koffiekoeken" pastries for coffee.

In the Walloon regions of southern Belgium, a special sweet bread called "cougnou" in the shape of the baby Jesus is also eaten for breakfast.

Christmas in france - Tita Albert Constantin

2022-12-15 08:52:11 UTC

Christmas in France

In France, a Nativity crib is often used to help decorate the house. French cribs have clay figures in them. During December some towns and cities, such as Marseilles, have fairs that sell Nativity figures. As well as having the normal Nativity figures in them, French scenes also have figures such as a Butcher, a Baker, a Policeman and a Priest.

In French Happy/Merry Christmas is 'Joyeux Noël'. In Breton (spoken by some people in Brittany, Northern France) it's 'Nedeleg Laouen', in Corsican it's 'Bon Natale' and in Alsatian (spoken by some people in Alsace, in Eastern France) it's 'E güeti Wïnâchte'. Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages.

One of the biggest Christmas markets in Europe is held in Strasbourg, in North Eastern France. In the Alsatian language it's called the "Christkindelsmarik".

Yule Logs made out of Cherry Wood are often burned in French homes. An old tradition is that the log was carried into the home on Christmas Eve and sprinkled with red wine to make the log smell nice when it was burning. There is a custom that the log and candles are left burning all night with some food and drinks left out in case Mary and the baby Jesus come past during the night.

In France, Father Christmas / Santa Claus / St. Nicholas is called Père Noël (Father Christmas). In eastern France he is accompanied by Le Pere Fouettard, a man dressed in black. He might be the same person as Zwarte Piet/Sooty Piet/Roetpiet in The Netherlands.

The main Christmas meal, called 'Réveillon', is eaten on Christmas Eve/early Christmas morning after people have returned from the midnight Church Service. Dishes might include roast turkey with chestnuts or roast goose, oysters, foie gras, lobster, venison and cheeses. For dessert, a chocolate sponge cake log called a bûche de Noël is normally eaten.

Another celebration, in some parts of France, is that 13 different desserts are eaten! All the desserts are made from different types of Fruit, Nuts and Pastries.

Epiphany (Épiphanie in French), called La Fêtes des Rois in French, is also celebrated in France on January 6th. A flat cake/tart made with and puff pastry and almond cream is eaten called 'Galette des Rois'. The cake traditionally has a 'fève' baked inside it (or put in the cream on the top). The fève was originally a bean (often made from porcelain, ceramic or metal). Now it can be a little crown, a figure or other shapes/small ornaments. The Galette des Rois is decorated on top with a gold paper crown. If you find the fève you wear the paper crown and are meant to bring the Galette des Rois the following year

Christmas in Romania -Floriu Mădălina Ionela

2022-12-15 09:08:21 UTC

👉Christmas in Romania 🤗🎄

In Romania, Christmas and mid-winter celebrations last from 20th December to 7th January. The 20th is called 'Ziua de Ignat' or simply 'Ignat Day'. It is traditional that if the family keep pigs, one is killed on this day by the head of the household. The meat from the pig is used in the Christmas meals. After the pig is killed, the family members share a dish called 'Pomana Porcului' (Pork's Charity) which is traditionally cooked in a cauldron and consists of a variety of pork bits (pork belly, shoulder, liver, kidneys, etc.) in a garlic sauce and served with mămăligă (polenta). The name 'Ignat Day' comes from the 20th is also the saint day of 'Saint Ignatius of Antioch' and also 'Saint Ignatius, Archimandrite of the Kyiv Caves' in some churches.

Sfantul Nicolae's Day (St Nicholas) is celebrated on the 6th December. On the evening of the 5th December children clean their shoes or boots and leave them by the door and hope that Sfantul Nicolae will leave them some small presents! Sfantul Nicolae might also be called 'Moş Nicolae' (Old Man Nicholas) and although he is celebrated in December, it's not part of the Christmas celebrations! A tradition says that if it snows on December 6th, Sfantul Nicolae has shaken his beard so that winter can begin.

The Christmas celebrations really begin on Christmas Eve, 24th, when it's time to decorate the Christmas Tree. This is done in the evening of Christmas Eve. In Romanian, Christmas Eve is called 'Ajunul Craciunului'.

Carol singing (known as 'Colindatul') is also a very popular part of Christmas in Romania. On Christmas Eve, children go out carol singing from house to house performing to the adults in the houses. They normally dance as well. The children get sweets, fruit, traditional cakes called 'cozonaci' and sometimes money for singing well. Adults go carol singing on Christmas Day evening and night.

A traditional Romanian Carol is the 'Star Carol'. The star, made of colored paper and often decorated with tinsel, silver foil and sometimes bells, is put on a pole. In the middle of the star is a picture of baby Jesus or a nativity scene. Carol singers take the star with them when they go carol singing. The words of the Star Carol are:

"The star has appeared on high,
Like a big secret in the sky,
The star is bright,
May all your wishes turn out right."

Other popular carols to sing include 'Oh, What Wondrous Tidings' ('O, ce veste minunata') and 'Three Wise Men coming from the East' ('Trei Crai de la rasarit').

Traditional Carol Singing in Romania, via Wikimedia Commons

In many parts of Romania, it's also traditional that someone dresses up as a goat, with a multicolored mask, and goes round with the carol singers. The goat is known as the 'Capra' and it jumps and dances around getting up to lots of mischief!

Another Christmas Eve tradition is a drumming band or 'dubasi'. This is normally made up of un-married men. A band can have up to 50 or 60 men in it! As well as the drums there's often a saxophone and violin. The band will practice for about a month before Christmas so they are really good. The go round the streets and are given presents.

In Romanian, Merry Christmas is 'Crăciun Fericit'. Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages.

In Romania Santa Claus is known as 'Moş Crăciun' (Old Man Christmas). During the time the country was under communist control, the gift bringer was 'Moş Gerilă' (Old Man Frost) but Moş Crăciun is the main gift bringer now!

Traditional Romanian Christmas foods include Roast Gammon and Pork Chops (made from the killed pig!), 'Ciorba de perisoare' which is a slightly sour vegetable soup made with fermented bran and pork meatballs; 'Sarmale' cabbage leaves stuffed with ground pork and served with mămăligă/polenta; 'Cozonac' a rich fruit bread; Romanian doughnuts called 'gogosi' and cheesecakes.

New Year's Eve is also an important celebration in Romania. It's sometimes called Little Christmas. Traditionally a small, decorated plough called a 'Plugusorul' is paraded through the streets on New Year's Eve. It is meant to help people have good crops during the following year.

On New Year's Day, children wish people a Happy New Year while carrying around a special bouquet called a 'Sorcova'. Traditionally, the Sorcova was made of twigs from one or more fruit trees like apple, pear, cherry or plum. They're put into water in a warm place on 30th November, so they hopefully come into leaf and blossom on New Year's Eve! Nowadays often a single twig of an apple or pear tree is used and it's decorated with flowers made from colored paper.
The Caroling (Colindatul)🥨🍬

A very important part of the Christmas festivities in Romania is the caroling (“colindatul”), a tradition that goes back to Medieval Times. Romanian Christmas carols use tunes and themes that vary according to their region of origin. Despite the variety, the most beloved carols are the ones glorifying the birth of Jesus.

Modern day Caroling

Throughout the Christmas season groups of small children and students, especially those in the villages, go from door to door singing beautiful Romanian carols. Carolers usually receive pretzels, cookies or other goodies like nuts or fruits.

👉Read The Christmas Story🎄🎀🎉

Long ago, about 2000 years, when King Herod ruled Judea (now part of Israel), God sent the angel Gabriel to a young woman who lived in the northern town of Nazareth. The girl's name was Mary and she was engaged to marry Joseph.

The angel Gabriel said to Mary: 'Peace be with you! God has blessed you and is pleased with you.' Mary was very surprised by this and wondered what the angel meant. The angel said to her 'Don't be afraid, God has been very kind to you. You will become pregnant by the Holy Spirit and give birth to a baby boy and you will call him Jesus. He will be God's own Son and his kingdom will never end.' Mary was very afraid but she trusted God. 'Let it happen as God chooses.' she replied to the angel. Gabriel also told Mary that her cousin Elizabeth, who everyone thought was too old to have children, would have a baby boy whom God had chosen to prepare the way for Jesus.

Mary said goodbye to her family and friends and went to visit her cousin Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah. Elizabeth was very happy to see Mary. She knew that Mary had been chosen by God to be the mother of his Son. An angel had already told Zechariah that Elizabeth's baby would prepare people to welcome Jesus. He was to be called John. Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then returned home to Nazareth.

Joseph was worried when he found out that Mary was expecting a baby before their marriage had taken place. He wondered if he should put off the wedding altogether. Then an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said: 'Don't be afraid to have Mary as your wife.' The angel explained that Mary had been chosen by God to be the mother of his Son and told Joseph that the baby would be named Jesus which means 'Saviour' because he would save people. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel had told him to do and took Mary as his wife.

At this time, the land where Mary and Joseph lived was part of the Roman Empire. The Roman Emperor Augustus wanted to have a list of all the people in the empire, to make sure they paid their taxes. He ordered everyone to return to the town where their families originally came from, and enter their names in a register (or census) there. Mary and Joseph traveled a long way (about 70 miles) from Nazareth to Bethlehem, because that is where Joseph's family came from. Most people walked but some lucky people had a donkey to help carry the goods needed for the journey. Joseph and Mary traveled very slowly because Mary's baby was due to be born soon.

When they reached Bethlehem they had problems finding somewhere to stay. So many people had come to register their names in the census, that every house was full and every bed was taken in all of the guest rooms. The only place to stay that they could find was with the animals. People often kept animals in the house, especially at night, and used them like 'central heating'! People normally slept on a raised/upper level with the animals below to give them extra warmth.

So in the place where the animals slept, Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Son of God.

In those days it was the custom to wrap newborn babies tightly in a long cloth called 'swaddling clothes'. Jesus' bed was the manger that the animals ate their hay from.

In the hills and fields outside Bethlehem, shepherds looked after their sheep through the long night. As the new day began, suddenly an angel appeared before them and the glory of God shone around them. The shepherds were very, very scared, but the angel said, 'Don't be afraid. I have good news for you and everyone. Today in Bethlehem a Saviour has been born for you. You will find the baby lying in a manger.'.

Then many more angels appeared, lighting up the sky. The shepherds heard them praising God singing: 'Glory to God in highest, and peace to everyone on earth.' When the angels had gone the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem to see what has happened.' So the shepherds went to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph. The baby Jesus was lying in a manger as they had been told. When they saw him, they told everyone what the angel had said and everyone who heard the story were astonished. Then the shepherds returned to their sheep, praising God for sending his Son to be their Saviour.

When Jesus was born, a brand new bright star appeared in sky. Some Wise Men in faraway countries saw the star and guessed what it meant. They were very clever men that studied the stars and had read in very old writings that a new star would appear when a great king was born. They set out to find the new king and bring him gifts.

The Wise Men followed the star towards the country of Judea and when they got to the capital called Jerusalem they began to ask people: 'Where is the child who is born to be king of the Jews?' Herod, the king of Judea, heard this and it made him very angry to think that someone might be going to take his place as king. Herod sent for the Wise Men to come to him. He told them to go on following the star until they had found the baby king. He said: 'When you have found him, let me know where he is, so that I can go and worship him.'. But Herod did not tell them that he really had an evil plan in mind to kill the new king.

The Wise Men followed the star towards Bethlehem (where it said that the king would be born in the old writings). It seemed to stop and shine directly down upon the place where Jesus was.

The Wise Men entered the house where they now lived and found Jesus with Mary, they bowed down and worshipped him. The Wise Men spread the gifts they had brought before Jesus. The gifts were gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Wise Men were warned in a dream, by God, not to go back to Herod. So they returned home to their countries in the East by a different way.

When the Wise Men had gone, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream. 'Get up,' the angel said, 'take Jesus and Mary and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for Jesus to kill him.' So Joseph got up, took Jesus and Mary, and during the night they left for Egypt, where he stayed until Herod died.

When Herod realized that he had been tricked by the Wise Men, he was furious and he gave orders to kill all the boys aged two or younger in Bethlehem and the surrounding area. This was to try and kill the new King, as his plan to find the location of the new king from the Wise Men had failed.

After Herod had died, Joseph had another dream in which an angel appeared to him. The angel said, 'Get up, take Jesus and Mary and go back to Israel, for those who were trying kill Jesus are dead.'

So Joseph got up, took Jesus and Mary and they went back to Israel. But when he heard that Herod's son was now king of Judea, he was afraid to go there. So instead they went to Galilee, and lived in their old town of Nazareth🎀💜

Christmas in Romania - Dinu Adriana Nicoleta

2022-12-15 10:05:06 UTC

Christmas in Romania undoubtedly the most tradition-filled time of the year. Many of these traditions are very old and quite unique to Romania. Others are newer and most likely borrowed from other European countries. Although some customs may differ from region to region, Christmas in Romania is celebrated in the same manner throughout the country.

During the Communist era the religious meaning of Christmas was banished in Romania. “Christmas Time” became “Winter Celebrations,” and “Old Father Christmas” became “Old Man Frost.” Romanians however continued to secretly celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in their families and observe the old Christmas customs and traditions.
CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS IN ROMANIA

Just like anywhere else in the Christian world, Christmas in Romania is celebrated on December 24-25. Yet the traditions go far beyond exchanging gifts and decorating the Christmas tree.
. Nicholas (Mos Niculae)

The Christmas season in Romania is kicked off by the arrival of St.Nicholas (Mos Niculae) on December 6.
This is one of the most awaited Christmas traditions in Romania for the children. On this night they know they will receive small gifts in their boots from St. Nicholas. But only if they were good! Otherwise, instead of presents they will receive a stick!

On the evening of December 5 every child must clean a pair of their shoes and leave it by the door, hoping that Old St. Nick will leave a present for them. The gifts are usually small and symbolic, like crayons, or watercolors, often just oranges or chocolate. But children enjoy them just the same.

Christmas Fasting (Postul Crāciunului)

Most Romanians practice Eastern Orthodoxy and are very religious people. The Christmas Fasting starts on November 14 and ends on Christmas Day. During this 40-day period people prepare themselves to properly celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Romanians really love to eat pork and know how to prepare it. They usually celebrate Christmas with lots of pork dishes, so one of the most important tradition at this time of year is the slaughtering of the pig
Each year on Saint Ignat Day (St. Ignatius) –December 20th– Romanian families in rural areas sacrifice one of their pigs and use the meat for cooking the Christmas meals.

This is one of the oldest Christmas traditions in Romania. The ritual may seem gruesome, but its purpose is not “entertainment.” It is the old-fashioned way of killing an animal in order to feed the family. Even though people in the cities no longer do this ritual, in the countryside the custom is still a long-lasting Christmas tradition.
Decorating the Christmas Tree

This particular Christmas tradition is common to many Christian countries, so it’s not specific to Romania. The Christmas celebration really begins when it’s time to decorate the Christmas tree.
Romanians usually buy their Christmas tree just a couple of days before Christmas and they decorated together, as a family, on Christmas Eve. The Christmas tree stays in the house till January 7.
The Caroling (Colindatul)

Christmas in Argentina - Albu Ionut Marian

2022-12-16 08:29:12 UTC

Christmas in Argentina

In Argentina the weather is warm at Christmas. Preparations for Christmas begin very early in December and even in November. Many people in Argentina are Catholic and they also celebrate Advent.

House are beautifully decorated with lights and wreaths of green, gold, red and white flowers. Red and white garlands are hung on the doors of houses. Christmas Trees are also very popular and they are often decorated by 8th December (the feast of the Immaculate Conception - when Catholics celebrate when Mary was conceived). Some people like to put cotton balls on the Christmas Tree to represent snow! Artificial trees are far more common that real ones in Argentina. They can also come in different colors other than green, like white or blue!

The Nativity scene or 'pesebre' is also an important Christmas decoration in Argentina. The pesebre is put near to the Christmas tree.

Christmas Cards aren't common in Argentina and although some people give and receive presents, it's normally only between close family and friends.

The main Christmas celebrations take place on Christmas Eve. Many Catholics will go to a Mass in the late afternoon.

The main meal Christmas is eaten during the evening of Christmas Eve, often about 10pm or 11pm. It might be served in the garden or be a barbecue! Some popular dishes include roasted turkey, roasted pork (in northern Argentina, some people will have goat), 'vitel toné' (slices of veal served with a creamy anchovy and tuna sauce), stuffed tomatoes, salads and lots of different sandwiches like 'pan de atun' (special tuna sandwiches), 'sandwiches de miga' (sandwiches made of thin white bread without the crusts - they can be single, double or multi-layered!) and 'torre de panqueques' (a sandwich 'cake' made from several layers of tortillas with different fillings).

Dessert can be Christmas bread and puddings like 'Pan Dulce' and Panettone as well as fruit salad, ice cream and different sorts of pies. There will also be sweets like chocolate raisins, sugar-coated peanuts or almonds, 'mantecol' (a semi-soft nougat made from peanut butter) and different kinds of 'turron' (hard nougat).

At midnight there will be the sound of lots of fireworks. People also like to 'toast' the start of Christmas day. Some people like to go to midnight services, but other prefer to stay at home and let off fireworks and then open their presents under the tree. More people are also going to over night parties and nightclubs as well now.

Some children will hope that 'Papá Noel' (Father Christmas/Santa Claus) will bring their presents. Some will hope that 'El Niño Diós' (the Baby Jesus) will bring them. Both of those will probably bring presents on Christmas Eve. However, some children will wait until Epiphany (6th of January) and hope that the 'Reyes Magos' (The Three Wise Men) will bring their gifts!

Another Christmas Eve night tradition are 'globos', paper decorations with a light inside that float into the sky (like Chinese Lanterns). The sky is filled with them on Christmas Eve after midnight.

Some people stay awake all the night chatting and seeing friends and family and then spend lots of Christmas Day sleeping. Some people may go to mass again in the morning or late afternoon on Christmas Day and there will be lots of yummy leftovers to eat!