1.The origin of Christmas
Historical Background
The origin of Christmas.According to the New Testament, Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem in the Palestine area.
(Bethlehem in Israel today)
At that time, the Roman Emperor Augustus the Marshal sent to Jerusalem to collect taxes.
However, the people in the Palestinian area could not bear the heavy pressure and revolted.
Jesus’ parents fled to the city of Bethlehem to escape the oppressive Roman army. During the flight, Jesus’ mother, the Virgin Mary, gave birth to Jesus.
In 336 AD, the Roman Church began to commemorate the birth of Jesus on December 25th.
The Roman Empire originally set this date for the birth of the Sun God, and it is believed that Christians chose this date to celebrate Christmas because they thought Jesus was the righteous, eternal Sun.
(1)The Origin of Christmas- Christmas Colors
Westerners use red, green, and white as Christmas colors and decorate homes with Christmas colors when Christmas comes.
Red symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ for the world.
White symbolizes the purity of Jesus Christ.
Green symbolizes evergreen life.
Even in the darkest room, candles bring light and symbolize hope.
(2) The Origin of Christmas-Christmas Candles
In earlier times, when Christians were persecuted, they were forbidden to preach or pray.
As a result, Christians placed a candle outside their house to suggest that they were still praying silently in their hearts.
This English tradition was passed down centuries ago.
(3) The Origin of Christmas-Christmas Tree
People say that the Christmas tree first appeared in Ancient Rome during the Feast of the Agnus Dei in mid-December.
And that the German missionary Nichols used a longitudinal tree in the 8th century A.D. to offer the Holy Child.
Another story is that a farmer received a hungry and cold child on a snowy and windy Christmas Eve, and when the child said goodbye, he folded a fir branch and stuck it on the ground and blessed it, saying, “Every year on this day, the gifts are full of branches, and I will leave this beautiful fir tree to repay you for your goodwill.” After the child left, the farmer found that the branch had turned into a small tree, and he realized that he had received a messenger from God.
The custom of Christmas trees originated in Germany. People make Christmas trees from fir trees, pine trees, and other trees with tower-like branches.
People will decorate the tree with gold and silver ribbons, walking sticks, apples, and small gifts to add to the festive atmosphere.
The apples symbolize the rich produce of the Garden of Eden, the gifts symbolize Dr. East’s offering to Jesus, and the walking stick symbolizes Jesus.
(4) The Origin of Christmas-Santa Claus
He was originally the bishop of the city of Asia Minor per la, named Saint Nicholas.
After his death, people call venerated as saint, is a white-bearded old man wearing red robe and a red hat.
Every Christmas he drove a deer-drawn sleigh from the north side, by the chimney into the house, the Christmas gifts in stockings hung on the children’s bed or in front of the fireplace.
The Origin of Christmas-Development and spread
Christmas was originally a religious holiday, but in the nineteenth century, the popularity of Christmas cards and the appearance of Santa Claus began to gradually popularize Christmas.
After Christmas celebrations became popular in Northern Europe, Christmas decorations appeared in conjunction with the northern hemisphere winter season.
The early nineteenth century development to the present, the whole of Europe, the Americas began to celebrate Christmas, and derived from the corresponding Christmas culture.
Christmas spread to Asia in the mid-nineteenth century, influencing Japan, Korea, China, and so on with its culture.
Meaning of Christmas
(1) Religious belief
Christmas is an important festival for Christians to believe in Jesus, and they express their admiration and gratitude to Jesus by celebrating Christmas.
(2) Spreading love and peace
Christmas teachings emphasize love, forgiveness and peace.
People express their love and blessings to their friends and family by exchanging gifts and best wishes, while also sending a message of peace and tolerance.
(3) Family Reunion
Christmas was also a time for family reunions, when many families came together to celebrate the holiday together.
Christmas reunions not only deepen the emotional bonds between family members, but also provide a sense of warmth and happiness at home.
(4) Convey hope and joy
Christmas symbolizes hope and joy. During this festival, people will light up Christmas lights, hang Christmas trees and colored lights to create a joyful and peaceful atmosphere.
These activities not only let people feel the festivities and joy of the holiday, but also convey hope and expectation for the future.
How about a better Christmas?
(1) Dressing up the Christmas tree
The custom of Christmas trees originated in Germany and is usually made by cutting down fir trees, pine trees and other trees with tower-like branches.
People decorate the tree with gold and silver ribbons, walking sticks, apples, and small gifts to add to the festive atmosphere.
The apples symbolize the rich produce of the Garden of Eden, the gifts symbolize Dr. East’s offering to Jesus, and the walking sticks symbolize Jesus.
(2) Exchanging gifts
This tradition stems from a legend that three Eastern Doctors sent congratulatory gifts to Jesus at his birth.
As a result, every year at Christmas, family and friends give each other gifts to express friendship and love.
(3) Send Christmas cards
Christmas cards are usually printed with pictures from the Christmas period, such as snowy scenes, snowmen, Santa Claus and reindeer.
People will send Christmas cards to distant relatives and friends to express their thoughts and blessings.
(4) Lighting Christmas candles
Lighting Christmas candles signifies hope and light and is a traditional practice during Christmas.
(5) Making Christmas candies and cookies
Before Christmas, people come together to make Christmas candies and cookies, such as gingerbread men and Christmas cakes, to celebrate and share with friends and family.
Celebrations
Christmas prayers and services
During Christmas, many people will go to churches for Christmas prayers and services to pray and bless family and friends.
Christmas dinner
Christmas is an important time for family reunion and families will prepare a hearty Christmas meal together.
Common Christmas meals include roast turkey, apple pie and Christmas pudding.
See the Christmas parade
In some cities, a grand Christmas parade is held with various Christmas-themed decorations, attracting a large number of tourists to watch.
Decorate Christmas stockings
Christmas stockings are a pair of large red socks that are used to hang by the bedside before going to bed on Christmas Eve.
Legend has it that Santa Claus will come down the chimney in the middle of the night and put presents in the stocking.
Christmas Markets
In some countries and regions like Germany, they organize Christmas celebrations.
Markets are full of stalls with all kinds of Christmas food, handicrafts and gifts.
People also enjoy various Christmas shows and concerts at the market.
Couple Christmas Gifts
No matter how old you are, you’ll always be a child in each other’s eyes.
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