Christmas What is Christmas? Apostle Luke tells us

Christmas

What is Christmas? Apostle Luke tells us that after the birth of Jesus Angels (Angels) appeared to the shepherds and told them the good news. Shepherds immediately went to Bethlehem and found in a shed Virgin Mary, her husband Joseph the carpenter, and the babe lying in a manger.

Stocking Christmas - a holiday for the whole family, but most of all his love and expect children. They hang stockings by the fireplace for gifts.

Decoration of houses…

Holly, mistletoe, ivy, poinsettia ... Holly has become a recognized symbol of Christmas. According to some versions, it was made from the crown of Christ, and holly berries, originally white, red with the blood of the Savior.

Mistletoe Mistletoe is one of the main symbols of Christmas, although at first the Church forbade its use to decorate homes, because of the related plant pagan legends. Instead, it is recommended to apply holly.

Carols The most important Christmas tradition Englishmen believe hymns. They are called "Carol", they sing in churches before the coming of Christmas, and in the streets, going from one house to another. Previously, thus collecting donations for monasteries and orphanages. Today, it's just a fun game for the majority of citizens.

Dashing through the snow, In a one-horse open sleigh, O'er the fields we go, Laughing all the way. Bells on bobtail ring, Making spirits bright. What fun it is to ride and sing, A sleighing song tonight. Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, Jingle all the way, Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh. Jingle bells, jingle bells, Jingle all the way, Oh, what fun it is to ride In a one-horse open sleigh. Jingle bells

Candycane Parents of children treated for Christmas candy cane sticks form (or crook). Candy resembles the letter J, which begins the name of Jesus

Cookies for Santa Children are left on the mantelpiece cookies for Santa in gratitude for the work he does every Christmas. And those who behaved badly, hoping thus to placate him a little, too, to get the gift.

Candle One of the main traditions of weeks - a wreath with candles that are of particular importance. These wreaths are doing on the first Sunday of the period, and they usually consist of 5 candles: four red and one white. Every Sunday ignited new red candle. They are lit at a time when the family gets together for prayer, festive table, etc. White candle lit in the evening before Christmas as a symbol of what the world Christ comes to light the darkness.

Christmas Tree The custom of decorating fir appeared in England recently, in the middle of the XIX century., And was brought here from Germany. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert for the first time made a Christmas tree for their children in Windsor, and this fashion spread quickly. Now almost every English house decorated for Christmas colorful shiny toys and candy Christmas tree on top of it usually strengthens the Christmas fairy or a large silver star.

Santa Claus But the main protagonist of Christmas is, of course, Santa Claus Is Santa Claus. Santa Claus - a fat jolly old man who carries gifts, has become an integral part of Christmas celebrations around the world. He certainly white beard, red jacket, pants and hat with white fur trim. He drives a sleigh pulled by reindeer, filled up to the top gifts. He enters the house through the chimney and leaves presents under the Christmas tree or in a special socks, but only obedient children. In England it is called Father Christmas.