Christmas is one of the most important Christian holidays. This is a bright and joyful day, which has a rich history. This holiday brings together representatives of various nationalities and religions. Each country has its own traditions and symbols of Christmas. Of course, some of them are completely forgotten, while others, on the contrary, are used in our time. In this article, we learn about the symbols of Christmas in Russia.
history of the holiday
In order to learn about all the traditions of the Nativity of Christ, first we recall the history of this day. So, in the second century in Egypt began to celebrate a holiday called Epiphany. He symbolized three events: the birth of the Savior, the giving of gifts to him and baptism in the river. At the end of the fifth century, Christmas was singled out as a separate holiday. The Catholic Church marks it according to the Gregorian calendar on December 25, and the Orthodox - from July 6 to 7 according to Julian. The eve of all three holidays is called Christmas Eve, and the celebrations themselves are called Christmas Eve. They end on January 19 at Baptism.
Birth of the Savior
According to history, "in those days" (about 4 centuries BC), a population census was conducted. Each resident had to come to his city and sign up. The pregnant Virgin Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem, but could not find a place to sleep. They stopped to sleep in a stable. It was on this night that the Savior was born into the cattle pen. The shepherds who at that time grazed cattle nearby in the field saw an angel. It was God's messenger. He informed them that the King of all kings was born - Jesus Christ. So the first who saw the Son of God were the most ordinary shepherds.
The role of Jesus Christ in Orthodoxy
Considering the symbols of Christmas, one cannot fail to mention the role of the Son of God in the formation of Christianity as a religion. So, Jesus is the messiah who atoned for the sins of men. The Old Testament repeatedly mentions his coming to the sinful earth. The Savior is a symbol of faith, purification and a real miracle. The New Testament tells of the life of Jesus on earth, the atonement of sins. The Son of God performed many miracles. He raised the dead, healed the sick, and then he himself rose again after death. With his sacrificial death, he atoned for the sins of men.
Christmas and New Year
We all know that the symbols of the New Year and Christmas are quite similar to each other. So, until 1935 in Russia, the main deviation was made specifically to celebrate the birth of the Savior. Only in the 40s, when January 1 was already celebrating the New Year with might and main, all traditions mixed together. Although Christmas is actually a religious holiday, its symbols have their own amazing and unusual history. In general, it can be said that in the modern world all these traditions are so entwined that they are attributed to both Christmas and the New Year at the same time. For example, a Christmas tree has become a New Year. In addition, Russia and Ukraine first celebrate the New Year from January 31 to January 1, and then Christmas from January 6 to 7.
The main symbols of Orthodox Christmas
So, the traditional attributes of this celebration are similar in many countries. These include the Christmas tree, the Star of Bethlehem, angels, bells, nativity scene, Christmas candles and postcards. There are also certain dishes that are prepared specifically for Christmas. In many countries, this day they visit friends and relatives and sing special songs - carols. Thus, from year to year, Christians glorify the Savior of Christ and his birth. It is also interesting that we all perfectly remember the symbols of Christmas, but only a few know their amazing and fabulous history.
Christmas tree
The most important attribute of Christmas is the well-known green beauty. Initially, it was a symbol of this particular holiday. When little Jesus was born, King Herod ordered all the babies in the area to be killed. In order to hide the little Savior, Mary and Joseph laid the entrance to the cave with green branches.
Christmas tree is a symbol of Christmas in many countries. In Russia, an evergreen tree became a symbol of the New Year holidays only in the 18th century. According to some historical information, this is due to the fact that until this time the New Year was celebrated on September 1. Then, with the coming to power of Peter I, Christmas time was moved to December 31. At the same time, the first Russian emperor ordered everyone to install a Christmas tree in the house and decorate it. It symbolized wealth, happiness and success.
Star of bethlehem
Here is another Christmas symbol. Everyone knows that it is customary to attach a red star to the top of the tree. This tradition is also rooted in the distant past when Jesus Christ was born. On this holy day the wise men in the sky saw a bright star. They followed her, and she led them to the little Jesus. Some scientists believe that this star was Halley's comet. One way or another, this is a symbol of Christmas in Russia. Since ancient times, stars have been installed on the domes of the first churches. Also on the well-known icon of the Mother of God “The Burning Cupid” you can see a beautiful eight-pointed star.
Angels and bells
These symbols of the Nativity of Christ are also known to many who celebrate this wonderful holiday. It is also associated with the birth of the Savior - Jesus. An angel informed the shepherds that a miracle happened and the Son of God was born. But the bells as a symbol of the Nativity of Christ in Russia came to us from pagan winter holidays. It is believed that their ringing drives away evil forces. Thus, bells and angels not only look very nice on the tree, but also supposedly protect the home from evil spirits. In addition, it is the choir of angels and the ringing of Christmas bells that glorify the birth of Christ.
Christmas celebration
In Russia, this holiday is celebrated with great pleasure. The Christmas tree is already decorated since the New Year. In the houses you can hear children's laughter and funny conversations. From January 6 to 7, services are held in Russian Orthodox churches that read the Christmas prophecy. In addition, at midnight you can hear the most beautiful Orthodox canon "Christ is born ...". In Russia, this holiday is considered very mystical and mysterious. For this reason, a wide variety of rituals are usually performed on this day. Young girls are guessing at grooms. Some believe that on this day the souls of deceased relatives come to the festive table. For this reason, the number of devices on the tables is always greater than the number of people. After the gala dinner, the children go caroling. They read special carol songs and sprinkle wheat and barley in the homes of relatives and friends. It is believed that such a ceremony will bring homeowners happiness and prosperity. For this, they are sure to thank the kids and give them tasty treats.
Traditions in different countries
This big holiday is loved by both children and adults. It symbolizes the joy and birth of a new life. In different countries, the traditions of this holiday are very different. So, for example, the nativity symbol of England in England is the nativity scene. A few days before Christmas, it is installed in the most honorable place. This is such a mini-theater in which you can see the Virgin, little Jesus, the magi with gifts, a manger. In many countries, it is customary to start celebrating Christmas with the advent of the first star. The family sits down at the table, rejoices at the appearance of Jesus, recites a prayer and eats food. The menu for this holiday in each country is different.
For example, in Ireland, the main dish is fried goose, but in Scotland - smoked goose . In Iceland, a white partridge is being prepared for this holiday. In Russia, Ukraine and other Slavic peoples, a Christmas carut is always put on the table. If the New Year is usually celebrated in the family circle, then on Christmas, on the contrary, you need to go to visit. In Ukraine, for example, it is customary for the godson to bring the “Holy Supper” to his godparents.
In general, it should be noted that certain traditions depend on faith. For example, in many Catholic countries, advent begins on Christmas. It lasts 4 weeks. Catholics fast at this time and mark the days before the holiday on a special Advent calendar. A symbol of Christmas in the UK, of course, is baked turkey. On the night of December 24 to 25, the British give each other presents. But already in the morning on Christmas day, children happily run to stockings hanging on fireplaces. There they find gifts from Santa Claus. In the UK, Christmas is a family holiday. As a rule, the whole large family gathers in one house. On this day, they are noisy and fun. They watch family albums and just chat.
Norwegians most of all believe that many evil spirits come to earth on Christmas holidays. For this reason, they very carefully decorate their homes with bells and bells. They sing many songs and dance, thus attracting luck to their lives and driving away evil spirits.
In some Slavic countries, it is customary to light candles at Christmas. They symbolize the birth of Jesus. In addition, in Ukraine there is a custom to cook 12 different dishes. This number corresponds to 12 apostles. On this day, Ukrainians do not have breakfast or lunch. A small snack is allowed only to small children.
In any country, Christmas is a bright and kind holiday. It is customary to meet him without quarrels and conflicts. This day is not recommended to discuss people and talk about sad things. Of course, on Christmas, one should pray, remember the Savior, and give him thanks for the atonement of the sins of mankind.