Christmas will Celebrated on 25 Dec 2012.The festival of Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and conveys his message of love, tolerance and brotherhood. It’s a celebration of humanity and mankind. Though Christmas is a primary festival of the Christian calendar but still it has a special significance in everyone’s life. It is celebrated as a universal festival through out the nation. The first mention of 25th December as the birth date of Jesus occurred in 336 A.D. in an early Roman calendar. That day onwards this date is celebrated as the birth date of Jesus. In India this festival has a special significance since India is known for its unity in diversity worldwide. The celebration of Christmas shows that even people from different religion takes part in Christmas celebration just as the Indian Christians do. And because of European influence on the country for so long the religion has spread across the country. The doctrines and philosophies of Christianity converted people of many sects to Christianity and today, there is a large Christian community thriving in India that has adopted the Christians festivals as a part of Indian culture as well. However, many of the rituals of these Christian festivals have been modified to suit the climatic conditions of the land.
Many of the most popular Christmas customs – including Christmas trees, mistletoe, Christmas presents, and Santa Claus – are modern incarnations of the most depraved pagan rituals ever practiced on earth.Merry Christmas is a common phrase exchanged amongst Christians. As defined in the modern day, ‘Merry’ means cheerful or festive. However, the most widely accepted meaning of the word is peaceful or blessed.
Therefore, wishing someone Merry Christmas is truly wishing them a peaceful or blessed ‘Mass of Christ”.Merry Christmas is a common phrase exchanged amongst Christians. As defined in the modern day, ‘Merry’ means cheerful or festive. However, the most widely accepted meaning of the word is peaceful or blessed. Therefore, wishing someone Merry Christmas is truly wishing them a peaceful or blessed ‘Mass of Christ”.
A Christmas Symbol
For families in North America, Germany and other parts of Europe, the Xmas Tree is the symbol of the Christmas season. They played a symbolic part because they stayed green and alive when other plants appeared dead and bare. They represented everlasting life and hope for the return of spring. The use of evergreens was and is most widespread in England and Germany. At least 500 years ago the religious meaning began to be associated with these plants.
Choosing the Tree
There are many varieties of evergreen trees around the world, and finding the first variety used is a matter of myth. Some of the oldest legends include fir trees. Some older, verifiable accounts include hemlocks, though hemlock branches are often too frail to support most ornaments. There are approximately 50 different kinds of conifers sold to eager holiday shoppers. Common types include pines, spruces and other firs.
Decorations
Once the right kind of tree is secured, the next step is to source various ornamental items for its decorations. It is up to the taste and preference of individual to decide the kind of look wanted to give to the tree. This is true time to showcase the creativity with the help of color and style theme. The Christmas tree is decorated with colorful ribbons, ornaments, glistening garland and blinking lights. No matter how the tree is decorated it still symbolizes a timeless Christmas tradition of families gathered together exchanging presents and love.
Christmas Tree Evolution
The Christmas tree evolution is believed to have begun in Germany, in the first half of the 700s. Later on various additions were made and the Christmas tree custom became popular in other parts of world.
Christmas Tree Legends
The various Christmas tree legends include the story of Saint Boniface, another legend holds Martin Luther, yet another legend tells of a poor woodsman who long ago met a lost and hungry child on Christmas Eve. While others feel the origin of the Christmas tree may be the “Paradise Play”.
Christmas Tree Decorations
Everything about the Christmas tree decorations, from the ornaments that adorn the branches to the selection of tinsel, garland or ribbon, speaks volumes about the traditions of Christmas.
