Issue: 12/2007

Christmas worldwide

Christmas is a happy time. This began as a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ 2,007 years ago in what is now the state of Israel, but today Christmas is celebrated differently around the world.

Turkey

In Myra of Turkey, people celebrate the birth of Saint Nicholas (or Father Christmas). Nicholas loved children and was known for giving generous gifts to the poor. He was once said to have thrown three bags of gold into the house of an impoverished family, which landed in a sock hanging from the fireplace. Since then, children have hung stockings for his gifts on Christmas Day.

Spain

A Spanish Christmas will see people singing and dancing in the streets after midnight mass, often to the centuries-old Jota. In keeping with the story of the Three Wise Men (or magi) who presented Christ with gifts shortly after his birth, Spanish children put shoes on their windowsills to receive presents.

Britain

British people like music. Christmas choir is sung at church and people will visit families and sing Christmas songs for neighbours. In Wales, making toffee candies is one of the most important Christmas traditions.

Bulgaria

Christmas is very important in Bulgaria. People eat a 12-dish vegetarian feast with each dish representing a month of the year. The meal is served in a traditional style and by custom all members of the family leave the table at the same time.

Italy

The week before Christmas has children dressing up as shepherds, playing instruments and singing songs as they visit neighbours to wish them well. Christmas afternoon features the Pope blessing the people assembled in Vatican square.

Japan

In Japan, Christmas doesn钬檛 follow the traditional western model in Japan, so there isn钬檛 a lot of turkey dinners and pudding desserts. But people still like to decorate their shops and houses. Many Christians visit hospitals to comfort patients.