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Christmas, the annual festival of the Christians celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, began yesterday (December 24) with the Christmas Eve.
Regarded as one of the oldest festivals of humanity, Christmas is celebrated by Protestants and Catholics on December 25, on January 6 by the Orthodox.
In some of the countries, celebrations continue until December 26 night.
'Yaldo' in Assyrian language
Assyrians name Christmas 'Yaldo' in their own language.
During the ten days before Yaldo, they fast, avoiding food of animal origin. In the morning on December 25, the Assyrians perform religious ceremonies in their own language at churches.
The Armenian Church, like some of the Eastern Orthodox Churches, celebrate Christmas on January 6, the day which coincides with December 25 on the Julian calendar.
The word Christmas and similar words are formed with the unification of Khristos (Messiah in Greek) and messa (the ceremony of Mass in Latin).
What do people do at Christmas?Modern-day Christmas celebrations begin months before. The period in which the Christians wait for the birth of Jesus is called the "Advent" and advent calendars with 24 windows are prepared. In this calendar, pictures or candies are hid behind the windows. One window is opened every day. In some countries advent candles are burnt. Choruses formed by children and adults perform gospels at churches and on streets. People do Christmas parties on the weekend before the Christmas. Christmas trees and decorative lights are set up at homes, gardens and on streets. People give presents and cards to each other. On the Christmas Eve, the arrival of Santa Claus is animated. In many countries, on the afternoon on December 25, Christmas meal is prepared and family members gather on table. Although the meal changes from country to country, the most common are turkey and sausage. In some countries, the Christmas pudding is ignited with brandy. Children send their wish lists with letters to Santa Claus long before Christmas. At the night of the Christmas Eve, food are left in homes for Santa Claus and his reindeers. On the Christmas day, people take the presents under the Christmas tree. Candies and presents are put into huge socks for children. The are told the Santa Claus brought those presents. |
(EKN/VK)
