Orthodox Christians are preparing to celebrate one of the greatest holidays - the Nativity of Christ. This day has a rich history; many traditions and beliefs are associated with it. Let's remember what Christmas is, when it comes, what you should behave and what you shouldn't do on this day.

When will Christmas be celebrated in Russia in 2019 and what kind of holiday is it?

The Orthodox Church always celebrates the Nativity of Christ on January 7th. This will be the case in 2019. And on January 6, the Nativity fast ends.

On January 7, Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of the immaculate Virgin Mary of the Son of God Jesus Christ. As the Gospel says, the Virgin Mary, together with her betrothed husband Joseph, came to Bethlehem before the birth of their child. Shepherds sheltered them for the night. And the Son of God was born in a cave where cattle took shelter from the weather. The newborn was placed in a manger - a feeding trough for livestock. And the angels announced to the shepherds that the Savior had come to this world. They were the first to bow to the Child. That same night, the wise men came to Jesus, led by the light of a bright star. They brought gifts to Christ.

Why do they always talk about gifts from the Magi in Christmas stories?

The fact is that the gifts of the Magi are deeply symbolic. The wise men brought incense, gold and myrrh to the Baby. Gold was given only to kings. And Jesus was to become the king of the earth. Frankincense is a priestly symbol, and Christ became the High Priest. The body of the deceased was anointed with myrrh. And here she symbolized that Christ had to make an atoning sacrifice in order to save humanity.

When did they first celebrate Christmas?

Today, probably, hardly anyone will remember the exact date. But scientists have found that Christians began celebrating Christmas in the 4th century. Before this, the birth of the Son of God was spoken of on the day of Epiphany. In the 4th century, the holidays were divided and today Christmas is considered the second most important holiday after Easter.

How do you prepare for Christmas?

A believer observes the Nativity Fast. Moreover, January 6 is the last day of the Nativity Fast - the strictest fasting day. It's called Christmas Eve. On this day they do not eat food until the evening, until the stars become visible in the sky.

The last evening before Christmas is called Holy. By this time, the housewives should already have time to prepare the festive table. For dinner, it is customary to put twelve lean dishes on the table (fast food is allowed to be eaten only the next day). The number 12 is also symbolic. These are the 12 apostles of Christ, and the 12 months of the year, and the 12 main holidays of the Church. The main dish of the table this evening is kutia. This is a dish made from boiled grains, usually wheat, with honey, nuts, poppy seeds and raisins. A small piece of hay was placed under the plate with kutya as a reminder of the birthplace of Christ. Each of the 12 dishes must be tried at least a little - none of them should be left untouched. The dishes were usually served cold, and the soup only a little warm, because... The housewife should not get up from the table and go to the kitchen.

How is Christmas celebrated?

On Christmas night, festive services take place in all churches. Very beautiful and soulful. Many believers do not go to bed that night. It is believed that the Lord thanks a person for even the smallest effort that he makes for him.

After the service you can eat fast food.

In the evening, the best dishes and cutlery should have been on the table. The guests were called on an even number. If it suddenly turned out that it was odd, an extra device was placed on the table.

On January 7, they organized a real feast. The main dish was goose with apples. Baked pork, brisket, etc. were also held in high esteem.

What folk traditions are there for Christmas?

By this day, there must be a spruce or spruce branch in the house, decorated with toys and candles - in memory of the star that lit up the night at the moment of the birth of the Son of God. By the way, this is why it is also customary to decorate the top of the Christmas tree with a star. Gifts are placed under the tree for loved ones - again in memory of the gifts that the Magi brought to the Baby.

Christmas is a family holiday. In the evening, all family members gathered at home, and the children always helped the elders.

At Christmas it is customary to wear only new and clean clothes.

An ancient tradition that has survived to this day is caroling. Our fellow citizens, dressed up, go from house to house, singing carols and praising the infant Christ. For this, the owners of the house must give them money or food.

What not to do on Christmas?

You can't swear or use foul language. It is worth noting that it is not customary to have lunch before the first star rises - only children are allowed a small snack.

It is also prohibited to perform any work on this day. Women are not allowed to take out trash from the house, sew, wash or clean. Men are advised not to hunt.

You cannot go to the cemetery on this day. Even in churches on this day, church commemoration of the dead is canceled.

At Christmas, you cannot guess about your betrothed and the future.

Catholics and Protestants who live according to the Gregorian calendar, as well as local Orthodox churches of the world who adhere toNew Julian calendar, celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of Christ on the night of December 24-25.

Christmas is one of the most important Christian holidays, established in honor of the birth of the baby Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. Christmas is celebrated in many countries around the world, only the dates and calendar styles (Julian and Gregorian) differ.

The Roman Church established December 25 as the date of celebration of the Nativity of Christ after the victory of Constantine the Great (approx. 320 or 353). Already from the end of the 4th century. the entire Christian world celebrated Christmas on this day (with the exception of the eastern churches, where this holiday was celebrated on January 6).

And in our time, Orthodox Christmas “lags” behind Catholic Christmas by 13 days; Catholics celebrate Christmas on December 25, and Orthodox Christians on January 7.

This was due to a mix-up of calendars. The Julian calendar came into use in 46 BC Emperor Julius Caesar, adding one more day in February, was much more convenient than the old Roman one, but still turned out to be insufficiently clear - the “extra” time continued to accumulate. For every 128 years, one unaccounted day accumulated. This led to the fact that in the 16th century one of the most important Christian holidays - Easter - began to “arrive” much earlier than expected. Therefore, Pope Gregory XIII undertook another reform, replacing the Julian style with the Gregorian one. The purpose of the reform was to correct the growing difference between the astronomical year and the calendar year.

So in 1582 In Europe, a new Gregorian calendar appeared, while in Russia they continued to use the Julian calendar.

The Gregorian calendar was introduced in Russia in 1918, however, the church did not approve of such a decision.

In 1923 On the initiative of the Patriarch of Constantinople, a meeting of the Orthodox Churches was held, at which a decision was made to correct the Julian calendar. Due to historical circumstances, the Russian Orthodox Church was unable to take part in it. Having learned about the meeting in Constantinople, Patriarch Tikhon nevertheless issued a decree on the transition to the “New Julian” calendar. But this caused protests among the church people and the decree was canceled less than a month later.

Together with the Russian Orthodox Church, on the night of January 6-7, the Feast of the Nativity of Christ is celebrated by the Georgian, Jerusalem and Serbian Orthodox Churches, Athos monasteries living according to the old Julian calendar, as well as many Catholics of the Eastern rite (in particular, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church) and some Russian Protestants.

All the other 11 Local Orthodox Churches of the world celebrate the Nativity of Christ, like Catholics, on the night of December 24-25, since they do not use the “Catholic” Gregorian calendar, but the so-called “New Julian” calendar, which still coincides with the Gregorian calendar. The discrepancy between these calendars in one day will accumulate by 2800 (the discrepancy between the Julian calendar and the astronomical year in one day accumulates over 128 years, the Gregorian - over 3 thousand 333 years, and the "New Julian" - over 40 thousand years).

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, was born of the Blessed Virgin Mary during the reign of Emperor Augustus (Octavius) in the city of Bethlehem. Augustus ordered a nationwide census of his entire empire, which then included Palestine. The Jews had the custom of conducting national censuses by tribe, tribe and clan, each tribe and clan had its own specific cities and ancestral places, therefore the Most Blessed Virgin and the Righteous Joseph, as descended from the line of David, had to go to Bethlehem (the city of David) so that add your names to the list of Caesar's subjects.

In Bethlehem, they no longer found a single free place in the city hotels. In a limestone cave intended for a stable, among hay and straw scattered for feed and bedding for livestock, far from permanent residence, among strangers, on a cold winter night, in an environment devoid of not only earthly grandeur, but even ordinary comfort - the God-man was born , Savior of the world. “I see a strange and glorious sacrament,” the Holy Church sings with surprise, “Heaven is a den; Throne of Cherubim - Virgo; The manger is a container, and in them lies the incontainable Christ God” (irmos of the 9th song of the canon). The Most Holy Virgin, who painlessly gave birth to the Infant of God, Herself, without outside help, “took Him and laid Him in a manger” (Luke 2).

But in the midst of midnight silence, when all of humanity was enveloped in the deepest sinful sleep, the news of the Nativity of the Savior of the world was heard by the shepherds who were on night watch over their flock. An Angel of the Lord appeared to them and said: “Do not be afraid: behold, the great joy that is brought to you is good news, which will be for all people, for today a Savior has been born to you, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David,” and the humble shepherds were the first to be worthy to bow down for the salvation of people. "rabiya zraka" In addition to the angelic gospel to the Bethlehem shepherds, the Nativity of Christ was announced by a miraculous star to the sorcerers “star-speakers,” and in the person of the eastern sages, the entire pagan world, invisible to itself, bowed its knees before the true Savior of the world, the God-man. Entering the temple where the Child was, the Magi “fell and worshiped Him, and opened their treasures and brought Him gifts: gold and frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).

In remembrance of the Nativity in the flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, a holiday was established by the Church. Its beginning dates back to the time of the Apostles. The Apostolic Constitutions say: “Keep, brothers, the holidays, and first of all the Nativity of Christ, which is celebrated by you on the 25th day of the tenth month” (from March). There, in another place, it is said: “Let the Nativity of Christ be celebrated, since unexpected grace was given to people by the birth of God’s Word from the Virgin Mary for the salvation of the world.” In the 2nd century, Saint Clement of Alexandria points to the day of the Nativity of Christ on December 25th. In the 3rd century, Saint Hippolytus of Rome mentioned the feast of the Nativity of Christ, as if it had happened before, assigning the reading of the Gospel on this day from chapter 1 of Matthew. It is known that during the persecution of Christians by Maximian, in 302, Nicomedia Christians, on the very feast of the Nativity of Christ, were burned in the temple, numbering 20,000. In the same century, when the Church, after the persecution, received freedom of religion and became dominant in the Roman Empire, the feast of the Nativity of Christ we find throughout the Ecumenical Church, as can be seen from the teachings of Saint Ephraim the Syrian, Saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, Saint Gregory of Nyssa, Saints Ambrose, John Chrysostom and other Church Fathers of the 4th century on the feast of the Nativity of Christ. Saint John Chrysostom in his word, which he spoke in 385, calls the feast of the Nativity of Christ ancient and very ancient. In the same century, on the site of the Bethlehem cave, glorified by the birth of Jesus Christ, Queen Helen, Equal-to-the-Apostles, built a temple, the magnificence of which was greatly sought after by her sovereign son. The code of Theodosius, published in 438, and Justinian - in 535, sets out the law on the universal celebration of the Nativity of Christ. In this sense, probably, Nicephorus Callistus, a writer of the 14th century, in his history says that Emperor Justinian in the 6th century established the celebration of the Nativity of Christ throughout the entire earth. In the 5th century, Anatoly, Patriarch of Constantinople, in the 7th century, Sophronius and Andrew of Jerusalem, in the 8th century, Saints John of Damascus, Cosmas of Maium and Herman, Patriarch of Constantinople, in the 9th century, the Venerable Cassia and others, whose names are unknown, wrote many sacred hymns now used by the Church to glorify the brightly celebrated event.

However, in the first three centuries, when persecution constrained the freedom of Christian worship, in some places in the East - the Churches of Jerusalem. Antioch, Alexandria and Cyprus - the feast of the Nativity of Christ was combined with the feast of Epiphany on January 6, under the common name of Epiphany. The reason for this was probably the opinion that Christ was baptized on the day of His birth, as can be concluded from the words of St. John Chrysostom, who in one of his conversations on the Nativity of Christ says: “It is not the day on which Christ was born that is called the Epiphany , but the one into which He was baptized.” This opinion could have been given reason by the words of the Evangelist Luke, who, speaking about the baptism of Jesus Christ, testifies that then “Jesus was about thirty years old” (Luke 3:23). The celebration of the Nativity of Christ together with the Epiphany in some Eastern Churches continued until the end of the 4th century, in others until the 5th or even the 6th century. A monument to the ancient union of the feasts of the Nativity of Christ and the Epiphany to this day in the Orthodox Church is the perfect similarity in the celebration of these holidays. Both are preceded by Christmas Eve, with the same folk tradition that on Christmas Eve one should fast until the star. The rite of worship on the eve of both holidays and on the holidays themselves is exactly the same.

Since ancient times, the Day of the Nativity of Christ has been ranked by the Church among the great twelve holidays, in accordance with the Divine testimony of the Gospel, which depicts the celebrated event as the greatest, most joyful and wonderful. “Behold, I bring you good news,” said the Angel to the Bethlehem shepherds, “of great joy that will come to all people. For your Savior, who is Christ the Lord, was born in the city of David. And behold, a sign for you: you will find a midwife lying in a manger. Then suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of howls from heaven, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Everyone who heard everything was amazed at what was said by the shepherds about the born Savior, and the shepherds themselves returned, glorifying and praising God about everyone they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:10-20). Thus, the Nativity of Christ, as the highest and most extraordinary event, was accompanied by the wondrous news to the shepherds and wise men about universal joy for all people, “as the Savior was born,” with angelic praise to the born Savior, and the worship of the shepherds and wise men to Him. the reverent surprise of many who heard the words of the shepherds about the born Child, the glory and praise of Him from the shepherds.

In accordance with the Divine testimony of the Gospel, the Fathers of the Church in their God-wise writings depict the holiday of the Nativity of Christ as the greatest, universal and most joyful, which serves as the beginning and basis for other holidays.

Christmas
(celebration traditions)

Day Nativity of Christ Since ancient times, the Church has ranked it among the great twelve feasts. The Gospel depicts this greatest, most joyful and wonderful event: “ I proclaim to you , - says the Angel to the Bethlehem shepherds, - great joy that will be for all people: for today a Savior has been born to you in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord; and here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly a large army of heaven appeared with the Angel, praising God and crying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. !»

On this day, a great event took place for the entire Christian world - the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem (Jesus in Hebrew means “salvation”). All Christians are convinced that Jesus Christ was sent by God to earth to atone for sins and save humanity. The Old Testament prophets predicted the place and time of birth of the Savior of the world - 5508 from the creation of the world. So, January 7 (December 25, old style) is the birthday of the Son of God on earth. From this day the countdown begins. According to the legend of the Gospel, the mother of Jesus Christ Mary and her husband Joseph lived in Nazareth, and came to Bethlehem, fulfilling the order of the ruler Augustus to appear for the entire population for the census. Since so many people had gathered for the census of the Roman Empire, Mary and Joseph could not find a place to stay for the night, so they had to seek shelter in a small cave where shepherds usually hid due to bad weather. There Mary gave birth to the Son of God. Then an angel descended from heaven and told the shepherds, who were awake at that moment, that God had been born. The shepherds were the first to come to worship the baby. Shined in the sky Star of Bethlehem. Focusing on her, three wise men (magi) came to the cave with Mary and Jesus Christ and brought gifts to God: gold, incense and myrrh. Gold symbolized royal power, incense - the will of God, myrrh - the fate of the prophet. By the way, it was from those ancient times that the tradition came to make the Star of Bethlehem and decorate the New Year tree with it.

The tradition of celebrating this event as a holiday appeared much later. One of the first mentions of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ dates back to the fourth century. Based on historical data, scientists have concluded that Jesus was not born in winter, and the date December 25 was chosen due to the fact that, starting from this moment, daylight hours increase. Among the pagans, this day was called the holiday “Birth of the Invincible Sun”, and after the adoption of Christianity in Rome it became the birthday of Christ - “Birth of the Sun of Truth”. There are also several other theories, each of which explains in its own way the choice of this particular day to celebrate the birth of the son of God.

Emperor Aurelian introduced the official cult of the Invincible Sun, establishing the sun god as the main deity of the empire. On a silvered bronze coin of Roman mintage (274-275) Aurelian wearing his sunburst crown

Jerusalem, Russian, Ukrainian, Georgian, Serbian Orthodox Churches, as well as the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, celebrate the Feast of Christmas on January 7 according to the new style (which corresponds to December 25 according to the old Julian calendar, which these Churches adhere to). This holiday comes to people on a frosty night at the hour of the midnight temple service in the glow of candles, in the light of the stars and the loud singing of the choir. The sounds of children's voices praising God, like an angelic voice, fill the Universe with triumph. Heaven and earth glorify the Nativity of Christ. Peace reigns on earth, at least for a short time, and hearts are filled with good will. Within the pre-celebration and post-celebration period, the Feast of the Nativity of Christ lasts twelve days. On the last day before the holiday, the eve of the Nativity of Christ (Christmas Eve) is celebrated, indicating the special importance of the upcoming celebration, for eve of the Nativity occurs only before the most important holidays. In the Orthodox Church, in the evening hours, called the Royal Hours, are celebrated, because for a long time kings were present at this service, worshiping the newborn King of kings. According to a tradition dating back to pagan times, on Christmas Eve it is forbidden to eat food until the first star. That is why the celebration of the Nativity of Christ begins with the rising of the evening dawn, which, according to legend, announced to the whole world about the time of the birth of the Son of God. The very day of the Nativity of Christ in the flesh, as the most important and solemn. On this day, according to the voice of the Church, " all kinds of joy are filled. The angels in heaven rejoice, and men rejoice: all creation plays for the sake of the Savior of the Lord born in Bethlehem: as all flattery of idols ends and Christ reigns forever ".

Christmas, the great day of the entire Christian world, has long been accompanied by colorful folk customs. In many countries, as in Russia, it was considered one of the main family holidays. The Nativity of Christ merged with the ancient Slavic rite - Christmastide. Over time, Christmas rituals turned into Christmas rituals. The Orthodox family had been waiting for Christmas all year; preparations for it were thorough. For six weeks before Christmas we fasted and ate fish. Who is richer - beluga, sturgeon, pike perch; who is poorer - herring, catfish, bream. In Russia there was a lot of any kind of fish. But at Christmas everyone ate pork.

In Ukrainian culture, Christmas begins to be celebrated on January 6th, Holy evening. The evening meal marks the end of the strict forty-day pre-Christmas fast. It is customary for the whole family to gather at the table immediately after the appearance of the first star in the sky, which symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem, which notified the shepherds about the birth of Jesus. There must be twelve dishes on the table - in honor of the twelve apostles. The main dish on the Lenten table is kutya, which is wheat or rice porridge mixed with poppy seeds, raisins, honey and nuts, as well as uzvar, a compote made from dried fruits. On the seventh, people only visit relatives and sing carols.

Evening meal on Holy Eve, January 6th.
There must be twelve dishes on the table - in honor of the twelve apostles

In Russia, Christmas Eve comes on the sixth day before Christmas; its name comes from the special food that is traditionally eaten on this day. Sochivo consists of boiled wheat and honey. After the first star rises, everyone sits down at a table set with twelve Lenten dishes and dine in solemn silence. For the Russian people, one of the most fun periods of the year is Christmastide, during which mass celebrations, games take place, songs are sung, everyone has fun and jokes. Also at this time, young girls make fortunes; it is believed that it is at Christmas that one can most accurately predict their future.

In most countries of the Christian world (Catholic, Protestant and some Orthodox churches), Christmas is celebrated on December 25 in accordance with the new Gregorian calendar. The religious celebration begins on the night of December twenty-fourth to twenty-fifth with midnight mass. Despite the extreme similarity in the celebration of Christmas in the countries of Europe and America, the characteristics of different cultures and peoples complement it with their unique colors. For example, many Americans, whose ancestors moved to America from Poland, still keep their traditions. Before Christmas on December 24, they spread hay on the floor and under the tablecloth. This should remind them of the inn, stable and manger where Jesus was born. Strict fasting on this day until the first star. In the evening, as soon as the first star rises, the traditional Polish pre-Christmas dinner begins. Beetroot soup, a variety of fish, cabbage, mushrooms and “sweet meat” (not real meat, but a sweet made from honey and poppy seeds) are traditional dishes for such a holiday. True, meat dishes can only be eaten on Christmas Day itself – December 25th.

Americans with Hungarian roots place great emphasis on church services and singing on Christmas Eve and day. Perhaps more than any other Americans, no matter where their ancestors came from. In the evening, they gather in their yards around decorated Christmas trees and wait for the first star to appear. After this, richly seasoned food is prepared: rolls with walnuts and poppy seeds, dumplings with honey and poppy seeds, biscuits with cumin, sesame and anise.

In the southern United States, Christmas is celebrated especially noisily: with fireworks and salutes. Early settlers used this to greet their neighbors. It was also believed that evil spirits were driven out in this way.

A completely different tradition in cold Alaska. On Christmas night, groups of boys and girls with lanterns in their hands carry from house to house a large cardboard star decorated with pieces of colored paper. The next day, the children dress up as King Herod's retinue and try to kill the baby Jesus, thus dramatizing the events of two thousand years ago.

The traditions of celebrating Christmas in Ukraine are extremely strong and colorful. In some regions of Ukraine there is a tradition of decorating the table Didukh, a sheaf of wheat or oats of a special shape: with four legs and a large number of knots, symbolizing prosperity for the next year. As in the old days, for Christmas, many people cover the floor in village huts with fresh hay and the table with straw, on which they then lay a tablecloth and place treats. All this reminds us that the Savior was born not in royal palaces, but in a sheep stable and was laid in a manger on straw. On the morning of January 7, the whole family or several representatives go to church for holiday prayer, and returning from church, people joyfully greet: “Christ is born!” They are answered - “Praise him!” Starting from the evening of January 6, they go everywhere Christoslavs (carolers) with the Star of Bethlehem. A large star made of gilded paper was attached to a stick, decorated with a lantern, paper garlands, sometimes an icon of the Nativity, the Savior or the Mother of God, then with this star singing Christmas carols went around the surrounding houses. Such visits are called caroling.

Carolers

An ancient Christmas custom in Ukraine was (and often remains) walking with nativity scene. Nativity scene was a small box depicting the cave where, according to legend, Christ was born. This box was a miniature puppet theater in which folk craftsmen performed entire performances on the theme of Christmas. In the 19th century, it became fashionable in many city houses to make a small home nativity scene for children. It was placed under the Christmas tree. Dolls were skillfully made from paper, cotton wool, wax, and dressed in brocade and silk caftans. There were Eastern wise men and angels who praised, but the center of the composition was inevitably Mary and Joseph, bending over the manger with the Divine Child. In the western and southern regions of Ukraine, such a nativity scene was often installed in a church. Recently, the tradition of building a nativity scene under the Christmas tree has begun to be revived; dolls for it can even be purchased in the store.

Nativity scene

Mummers also went to caroling - they acted out Christmas stories, as well as other Christian stories that enjoyed constant success among the people. These usually included the Goat, Herod, Shepherds, Kings, Jews and even Death. Death is generally an extravagant character. At night, when you see it, you can get scared. Everyone has masks and you will never know whether you know someone underneath them or not. But you should be especially careful with Jews, otherwise they will scam you out of all your money. Moving from house to house with the news of the Bethlehem shepherds, the mummers glorified the coming into the world of the Savior, who showed the only path to true happiness - through love for others, opening the doors of mercy and compassion.

Participants in theatrical Christmas nativity scenes and carols

Despite the peculiarities of the traditions of celebrating Christmas among different nations, at the present time almost all of them are united by certain common symbols. These include the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas, and the obligatory character of the holiday - Santa Claus (we have Father Frost), and a Christmas tree decorated with toys and garlands. Almost everywhere at Christmas, festive wreaths and bells are hung, and Christmas candles are lit. On this bright holiday, all people glorify Christ, greet each other: “Christ is born!”, and send Christmas cards to family and friends.

Find out more about the New Year and Christmas holidays:

Christmas is one of the greatest and most significant holidays for Christians around the world, which has many traditions.

They prepare for it in advance and very thoroughly. They decorate houses and prepare a rich table, while observing traditions. Which are passed on from generation to generation.

When is Christmas celebrated

Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on the night of January 6-7. Catholics celebrate according to the old style - December 25th.

The ceremonial service begins exactly at midnight.

Before the revolution, Christmas holidays were accompanied by many traditions and folk rituals. Unfortunately, after this holiday was banned, many traditions were irretrievably lost.

Christmas is a quiet, bright family holiday. After all, the very event of the birth of Christ happened quietly and inconspicuously. Joseph and Mary, unable to find room in an inn, were forced to stay in a cave where they kept cattle. It was in it that the Savior was born.

The angels were the first to tell about this joyful event to simple shepherds. A bright star lit up in the sky, which showed the way to the worshipers who brought gifts to the Savior.

Nativity scenes are built in temples. This is a stationary structure made of cardboard and fir branches, depicting the cave in which Jesus Christ was born. Inside the makeshift cave they place figurines of the Holy Family, angels, sheep, wise men, etc., in other words, of all participants in those events.

The period from Christmas to Epiphany is called Christmastide. These days it is customary to do good deeds and visit loved ones with congratulations.

Traditions of Christmas celebration

We owe many wonderful traditions to Christmas. The most popular symbol of the holiday is a Christmas tree decorated with toys. At first these were spruce branches woven into a wreath, which was decorated with flowers, fruits and sweets. By the way, not everyone knows that the star that is installed on the top is the same Star of Bethlehem that showed the way to the Magi, and not a symbol of the Communist Party.

On the evening of the sixth, Christmas Eve begins. The name comes from the dish that was traditionally eaten on this day - sochiva. All family members sat down at the table after the appearance of the first star; before that, eating food was prohibited. The table was set with lenten dishes, and at the top was always sochivo - boiled wheat with honey.

One of the main and brightest traditions of Christmas is caroling. Previously, this tradition was pagan: the carol was a symbol of sun worship. Gradually, almost all pagan symbols were supplanted under the influence of Christianity.

Costumed people gather in groups and go from house to house in the evening before Christmas, proclaiming the good news that the Savior was born and wishing the owners health and prosperity. In gratitude for the good news, they throw sweets, a loaf, sausage or some money into the bag.

On the evening of January 6th, godchildren bring kutya to their godparents and sing songs about the Nativity of Christ. Their godparents give them gifts for this.

Thus, Christmas is traditionally celebrated in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

Another tradition that exists in all countries is to give gifts to family, friends and those who need attention and care. This tradition originates from the gifts that the Magi presented to Christ.

Christmas table - traditional dishes

Christmas is preceded by a six-week fast. Therefore, the owners prepared many delicious dishes for Christmas. The evening of the sixth of January is called Christmas Eve. On this day it is not customary to eat food until the first star, and even those Christians who did not fast try to adhere to this rule.

After a common prayer, all family members sat down at the table and ate the so-called “hungry kutya” - millet porridge, which was cooked in water and flavored with honey and dried fruits.

Main courses were served only after the service. According to tradition, there should be 13 different dishes on the table. These include baked pigs, meat in pots, snacks, salads, pies, etc. In addition, traditional “rich kutia” is served, which is prepared with honey, nuts, cream and dried fruits.

The traditional drink on the Christmas table is a brew made from berries and dried fruits.

In the old days, there was a tradition of opening the doors wide and inviting any passerby to the table, even if it was a beggar. It was believed that Christ himself could come in the form of any person.

In which countries of the world and how is Christmas celebrated?

France

The French were the first to replace apples on the Christmas tree with glass balls. In this country, boots or boots are placed near the Christmas tree, where gifts for children are placed.

By the way, for the French, a Christmas tree is not a mandatory attribute of the holiday; many prefer to decorate their homes with flowers.

At the beginning of December, Christmas markets open all over the country, where you can buy everything you need to celebrate Christmas.

Traditional dishes on the Christmas table in France are roast goose and a log-shaped cake, which is served at the end of the meal.

Finland

In this country, in addition to the usual Christmas tree, they also put a tree on the street. Bird feeders are hung on it and seeds and crumbs are poured under the tree.

Sweden

Christmas in Sweden, like in any Catholic country, is celebrated from December 24 to 25. Here it is customary to celebrate only with your family. Friends, even the closest ones, are not invited to the holiday.

The traditional dish for Swedes at Christmas is pork ham, but turkey is more often prepared. Herring, potatoes and salmon must be present on the table.

Christmas trees are not decorated with tinsel; here it is considered bad manners. Plain light bulbs and very few toys are used as decoration.

Germany

Germans begin to prepare for Christmas at the end of November. Every family has a tradition of weaving a wreath with four candles. Every Sunday of the next month, one candle is lit on the wreath. By Christmas, all four candles should be burning on it.

Before Christmas they prepare baked goods: stollen and gingerbread. Stollen is an oblong sweet bread with nuts, spices and raisins, which symbolizes the swaddled Christ.

Serbia

Christmas in this country is celebrated according to the new style - January 7th. They celebrate it for more than a month with their family. According to tradition, the father of the family must cut down an oak branch for the fireplace.

England

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the British have celebrated Christmas as a purely family holiday. Only a few traditions have survived to this day. One of them: exchanging gifts that are placed in a Christmas stocking.

Traditional dishes on the Christmas table are plum pudding and stuffed turkey. There is a tradition of hiding small silver coins in the pudding for good luck.

Italy

Nativity scenes are installed in churches and homes. In addition, residents of this country decorate the Christmas tree and decorate their homes with flowers.

On Christmas Eve, fish or vegetable dishes are served on the table. A rich table is set for Christmas. Mandatory dishes are dumplings in broth, boiled meat, lentils, chocolate and cakes with dried fruits, sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Greece

Christmas is celebrated in this country on December 25th. In Greece this is a national holiday. In the morning, matins and liturgy are served in churches. After the service everyone returns home and sits down at the table.

They bake traditional “Christ’s bread”, which is decorated with a cross and nuts on top. In addition to the main treat, the table must have dried fruits, honey, Christmas cookies, dried fruits and pomegranates.

Spain

Two weeks before Christmas, the holiday is celebrated with colleagues and friends, who are presented with so-called “Christmas baskets”. They contain food for the holiday, from champagne to cheeses, sweets or ham.

The entrance doors are decorated with Christmas wreaths.

In any country, Christmas is a time when there is an opportunity to give a little warmth and care to the weak, orphans, lonely old people and those in prison.

After all, Christmas is a reminder to us all that love and goodness live in the soul of every person.

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