What’s the significance of Christmas?
The day is significant as it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the towering figure of the most followed religion in the world. Jesus Christ also referred to as Jesus of Nazareth was born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph. Although the exact month and date of Jesus' birth is not known, Christmas was celebrated in Rome during 336 AD. The church in Rome began formally celebrating Christmas on December 25 in 336, during the reign of the emperor Constantine.
In 1870, the United States declared Christmas Day as a federal holiday.
The birth of Christ is significant for followers of Christianity as it is believed that God had sent his Son on earth as a sacrifice to relieve people from their sins. This sacrifice denotes the crucifixion of Christ.
The Christmas celebrations begin from December 24 (Christmas Eve) and celebrated till December 26 (Boxing Day). Although the concept of Boxing Day originated as a holiday to give gifts to the poor, today the day is observed as a shopping holiday.
What are the rituals and importance of Christmas tree decoration?
Followers attend the midnight mass at churches followed by an elaborate Christmas feast. Followers are dressed in their finest attire and attend midnight mass at churches on the eve of Christmas.
The day is marked by singing Christmas carols and Santa Claus plays an important part of the festivity.
People across the globe enjoy decorating pine tree with colourful bells, candles, candies, stars and gift stockings. Most of the Christmas decorations consist of four colours — red, green, golden and white, and they have their significance as well. While green denotes eternal life, red signifies the blood Christ shed, golden denotes royalty (he was known as the Son of David, the King of Israel) and white denotes peace. The Christmas Star symbolizes the 'Star of Bethlehem'.
According to the Biblical story, the Christmas Star guided the three wise men, to the baby Jesus. In fact, Christmas baubles, wreaths, glittering stars, mistletoe, candy canes and fairy lights gives us a happy and festive vibe and brings in the festive spirit. Each of these decorations has its own significance and symbolize peace and harmony.
The entire family enjoys a delicious Christmas spread comprising of delicacies such as roasted turkey, gingerbread, roasted chicken, mince-pie, Christmas cake, pudding, eggnog, mashed potatoes and mulled wine.
Excitement around Santa Claus
The most anticipated ritual is the distribution of gifts by Santa Claus among children. Children believe Santa, or St Nicholas, lives in the North Pole who has a flowy white beard and a pot belly and greets all kids with “Ho ho ho!”. Most kids are told to believe that if they remain nice throughout the year then Santa will leave behind gifts for them. Young children are encouraged to leave out empty stockings for presents, before going to bed.
So, what are you waiting for? Get started with baking and make the time merrier.