Origin of Christmas
Christmas originated from celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, and December 25th of each year is designated as a memorial day. Although its core is a Christian tradition, the influence of Christmas has long surpassed religion and has become a cultural event worldwide.
Originally, the date of Christmas may have been related to the ancient winter solstice celebrations, as it symbolized the victory of light over darkness. In the 4th century AD, the Roman Church officially designated December 25 as the anniversary of Jesus' birth, and this tradition began.
Classic customs of Christmas
1.Decorate the Christmas tree
The Christmas tree first originated in Germany, and people believe that it symbolizes life and hope. Today, it has become an indispensable symbol of Christmas around the world, and decorating it with colorful lights, stars and gifts adds to the festive atmosphere.
2.Give each other gifts
This tradition originated from the story of the three wise men bringing gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus. In modern society, gift-giving has become an important way to convey blessings and express one's thoughts.
3.Santa Claus Legend
The image of Santa Claus comes from St. Nicholas, a clergyman known for his generosity and good deeds. His story evolved into the legend of Santa Claus entering through the chimney and giving gifts to children.
4. Christmas Music and Carols
From the traditional "Silent Night" to the cheerful "Jingle Bells", Christmas music not only brings the festive atmosphere, but also becomes an important part of connecting family and friends.
5. Globalized celebrations
Modern Christmas is no longer limited to Christian countries, people all over the world participate in it:
In Japan, Christmas is a romantic couple's day, people eat fried chicken and Christmas cakes;
In Australia, Christmas falls in the summer, and people like to spend it on the beach;
In the Philippines, Christmas celebrations start in September, making it one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world.
The meaning of Christmas
No matter where you are, Christmas is a festival of love, hope and unity. It reminds us to cherish family and friendship and convey warmth with our hearts.