~Freya Stark
The way Christmas is celebrated in a few countries around the world.
In Finland:
Finns believe that Father Christmas (Santa Claus) lives in the north part of Finland called Korvatunturi, north of the Arctic Circle (he probably does!) There is a theme park called 'Christmas Land' in the north of Finland, near where they say that Father Christmas lives.
Finns celebrate 3 holy days of Christmas - Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. During these clebration days they eat special holiday foods. They have Christmas trees and church services. They also visit graveyards and place lit candles on the graves of loved ones - this is reportedly quite pretty as Christmas in Finland is always white.
Sauna, of course, is a part of the Christmas tradition. People go there before the festive holiday dinner. After dinner: Presents!
Hyvää joulua ja onnellista uutta vuotta!
In France:
Christmas Eve is the special time in the French celebration of Christmas. In cathedral squares, the story of Christ's birth is re-enacted in cathedral squares. Most French homes display crèches. After fasting all day there is a feast (le reveillon) held after midnight mass. The menu includes a yule log cake, poultry, ham, salads and wine.
Saints (santons) for Christmas crèches:
Children leave their shoes outside or on the hearth so that Father Christmas can fill them with gifts.
Joyeux Noël et Bonne année!
In Japan:
Despite the fact that very few Japanese people are Christian, most homes have Christmas trees decorated with origami ornaments. They enjoy gift giving so this is what they clebrate. Japanese Christians do not celebrate Christmas as a family day or a day of feasting. They spend the day helping others, especially those that are ill or in hosptials.
The use of lights during the holiday celebrations is very popular in Japan.
There is Hotei-osho, a Santa-like Buddhist monk that brings presents for children. He reportedly has eyes in the back of his head.
メリークリスマスと新年あけましておめでとうございます！
In Russia:
Russia observed Christmas in similar fashion to current Western tradition until the revolution in 1917. After that, Christmas and other religious celebrations were banned. In 1992, Christmas was again celebrated openly. The Russian Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, so Christmas is celebrated on January 7th.Christmas Eve is celebrated with all night Masses, and a fast is observed until the Mass is ended. Christmas Eve dinner is generally meatless, but the Christmas day feast includes many traditional foods.
During the holiday season priests visit individual homes with vessels of holy water. The water is sprinkled in each room in hope of happiness and good fortune for the coming year. Children also carol frequently in Russia on Christmas and are rewarded with sweets.
Светлого Рождества и счастливого нового года!
In Egypt:
Approximately 15% of Egypts poulation is Christian. They belong mostly to the Coptic Orthodox Church. During the Holy Nativity fast, which precedes Christmas by 40 days, they eat no meat procucts except fish. This time period is called Kiahk.
Christmas Bazaar in Egypt:
On Christmas Eve, Christian Egyptians go to church wearing new clothes. After the Mass, they eat a meal of bread, rice, and boiled meat. On January 7, Christmas day in Egypt, people visit friends and share cake and beverages.
عيد ميلاد سعيدوسنة جديدة سعيدة
