Christmas is soon!

Christmas is one of the major Christian holidays. Catholic Christmas is celebrated on the Gregorian calendar on December 25th. On this day, the birth of Christ is celebrated not only by Catholics, but also by Protestants, and Lutherans.

The decision to celebrate Christmas on December 25 was taken at the Ephesus (Third Ecumenical) synod in 431.

Catholic Christmas - folk traditions

An important element of the holiday of Christmas is the custom to install a dressed New Year Tree in the houses. This tradition originated from the Germanic peoples, for whom the fir tree was an evergreen plant symbolizing the life and fertility. With the spread of Christianity, fir trees decorated with balls were placed in houses on December 24, the day of Adam and Eve, as a symbol of the paradise tree with abundant fruits. In the context of Christmas, the fir tree symbolizes the tree of paradise and eternal life.

The custom of going home with songs and good wishes, similar to carols, known in Catholic countries, was not approved by the church. And over time people began to go with congratulations only to close relatives and friends.

The tradition of giving presents to children and each other was derived from the gifts that the Magi brought to the infant Christ. Santa Claus, or St. Nicholas, presents gifts for Catholics. This is a Christian saint, equally revered by both Orthodox and Catholics. According to legend, he once secretly brought money gifts to the poor children. Hence comes the tradition to put gifts under the tree. On the 25th of December the children find their gifts from Santa Claus there.

One of the main symbols of Christmas is the lighted candles. The oscillating flame of a candle reminds believers of the gospel words: “The light shines in darkness and the darkness has not grasped Him”. Hence goes the Christmas illumination that adorns the houses, courtyards and streets of the cities.

Christmas is a family holiday, during which all close friends and family members, the dearest and kind-hearted people get together.

On the festive tables they put traditional dishes of their native countries.

In the USA, this is turkey with cranberry sauce. In England - turkey and the famous Christmas pudding. In most European countries, a turkey or a goose is an indispensable Christmas dish, but in Austria, Hungary and the Balkan countries the bird is not put on the table, so that luck does not fly away from home in the New Year.

In Belgium and Luxembourg, blood sausage is served on the table, in Spain - a pig roasted on a spit.

In Italy and Spain seafood is a must for the festive table.

In many European countries, traditionally, a sweet Christmas log - biscuit roll, richly decorated with cream and chocolate, is traditionally put on the table.

GBChoice Company also adheres to the traditions.