By Madison Mangoni
Christmas as we all know is the celebration of God’s ultimate gift: the birth of Jesus, the Christ child. The name ‘Christmas’ comes from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus). A Mass service (which is sometimes called Communion or Eucharist) is where Christians remember that Jesus died for us and then came back to life. The English term Christmas is of fairly recent origin. The earlier term Yulemay have derived from the Germanic jōl or the Anglo-Saxon geōl, which referred to the feast of the winter solstice. The corresponding terms in other languages—Navidad in Spanish, Natale in Italian, Noëli n French—all probably denote nativity. The German word Weihnachten denotes “hallowed night.” Since the early 20th century, Christmas has also been a secular family holiday, observed by Christians and non-Christians alike. Religions around the world have taken Christmas traditions and added their own idea to fit their diverse cultures!
Some of those Religions include:
- Christians: Christians celebrate Christmas with traditions such as decorating trees, hanging stockings, singing carols, and exchanging gifts. They may also attend religious observances like midnight mass or vespers on Christmas Eve.
- Buddhists: Some Buddhists celebrate Christmas as a separate holiday from Christianity, and may participate in traditions like decorating trees, visiting family, and exchanging gifts.
- Hindus: Some Hindu families celebrate Christmas as an extension of Diwali, a lunar celebration that takes place in October or November.
- Chinese: In China, Christmas is not a major holiday, but some people celebrate it as a secular holiday. Popular traditions include decorating trees, exchanging gifts, and eating with family and friends.
- Australians: In Australia, Christmas takes place during the summer, so celebrations often include beach visits and barbecues.
- Maltese: After midnight mass, the Maltese traditionally drink Imbuljuta tal-Qastan, a beverage made with chocolate and chestnuts.
- Slovenes: Slovenes traditionally prepare potica, a Christmas bread.
- French: In France, people traditionally prepare bûche de Noël.
- Italians: In Italy, people traditionally prepare panettone.