This material (information) was produced, distributed and (or) sent by a foreign agent of RS-Balt JSC or relates to the activities of a foreign agent of RS-Balt JSC. 18+
Christmas is one of the most important Christian holidays, which is associated with the birth in the flesh of Jesus Christ from the Virgin Mary. The Orthodox celebrate Christmas on January 7, but the Catholic Church celebrates it today – December 25.
Before Christmas, Catholics install spruces in their homes, a tradition that originated among the Germanic peoples, where the spruce was considered a symbol of life and fertility. Also, houses are decorated with garlands, Christmas wreaths, stockings or large socks are hung over the fireplace, in which gifts are placed. One of the main symbols of Christmas among Catholics is also lit candles – the oscillating flame of a candle reminds believers of the gospel words: “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not embrace Him.”
The day before Christmas, December 24, is called Christmas Eve, or Vigilia. Christmas, including Christmas Eve, is a family holiday and the whole family must be present at it.
On Christmas Day, it is strictly forbidden to do needlework. It is also forbidden to go hunting. According to legends, the hunter himself could become the prey of the beast on this day, or freeze in the forest. And it is also unacceptable to sit down at the ceremonial table in black and shabby clothes, this promises a lot of trouble for the whole coming year.
Finally, Catholic Christmas is associated with Santa Claus. Santa is dressed in a red suit with white trim. He rides on a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer and gives gifts to children. For Santa on the night of December 25, it is customary to leave milk and cookies.
On the morning of December 25, children open their gifts from Santa and loved ones. It is also customary to go to church on this day.
By the way, Christmas is also celebrated today by Protestants living according to the Gregorian calendar, as well as 11 of the 15 Local Orthodox Churches in the world that adhere to the New Julian calendar, which coincides with the Gregorian.
Christmas, which is commonly called Orthodox, is celebrated on the night of January 6-7 by four Orthodox churches – Russian, Georgian, Jerusalem and Serbian. And the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates Christmas on January 6th.
Different dates are explained by different systems of chronology – the Gregorian and Julian calendars.
The Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII. The reason was the gradual shift in relation to the Julian calendar of the day of the vernal equinox, according to which the date of Easter was determined. Therefore, in 1582, a new – Gregorian – calendar appeared in Europe, while in Russia they continued to use the Julian. The Gregorian calendar was introduced in the country only in 1918, but the Russian Orthodox Church continues to use the Julian calendar.
Source: Rosbalt
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
