Bethlehem, Germany and England
Christmas celebrated by the current generations has evolved after centuries of religious and secular customs and traditions of different people from all the continents of world. It could be worthwhile to glance through the traditions of various natives. This article illustrates some of the unique – current and historical – events and traditions of three countries Bethlehem, Germany and England.
It would be unwise not to begin with Bethlehem, as it is regarded as the birthplace of Jesus. Bethlehem is famous for its Church of Nativity, which becomes a seat of beautiful sight with wonderful decoration during Christmas. Church of Nativity is the place where thousands of people congregate on the Eve of Christmas to view an amazing parade led by Arabian horse-ridden Police personnel. In the center of the procession is a lone horse-rider carrying a cross.
Clergies and officials of the Church go along the procession. The procession ends upon the members placing an ancient effigy of Jesus in the Church. The site where Jesus is believed to have born is marked by a silver star, which is located deep inside an underground cavern of the Church. In Bethlehem’s town square, there is a pole with a star atop it. It is a tradition in almost all the houses of Bethlehem to place a cross over the door. It is also a custom to have a manger scene set up inside the house.
It is widely acknowledged that Germany is the origin of the tradition of Christmas tree. It isn’t until the Eve of Christmas; the Christmas Tree makes it appearance in the entrance of the home. The Christmas tree is kept in some other rooms for decorations, which is generally kept secret from the children and guests. Fully decorated and lighted Christmas tree with lots of gifts and goodies underneath is a beautiful surprise for the children on the Eve of Christmas tree. December 6 is celebrated as St. Nicholas day in Germany.
As the legend goes, Santa visits the children to distribute gifts and sweets. Children gear up to place a shoe at the doors or at the fireplace on December 5 in anticipation of sweets, candies, toys and other gifts. As the fairy-tale goes further, nice boys and girls receive candies and goodies and bad children are presented with twigs. Traditional Christmas Dinner in German household encompasses roast goose, long loaves of raisin stuffed bread, nuts, dried fruits and an assortment of sweet dishes.
Thousands of English immigrants to United States brought along with them customs and traditions of England. Owing to the immigrants, several traditions of Christmas are alike in England and United States. Tradition of sending greeting cards to friends, family and business associates during Christmas season, which originated in England, is still very popular in England, United States, Europe and other countries. Children hanging stockings on the doors in anticipation of gifts from Santa is a common sight in England like all the other countries. Holly, ivy and mistletoe are few commonly used accessories in Christmas decorations.
Traditional English dinner on a Christmas day goes with roast and stuffed turkey, goose or chicken, vegetables, roast potatoes followed by pudding with brandy sauce as dessert and above all a delicious cake at the end of the day. Bursting of colorful crackers filled with hat, riddle, toys and trinkets at the time of Christmas dinner is a popular British tradition. Every year, the Queen of England broadcasts on Radio and television a Christmas message to the nation in the afternoon of the Christmas day. Next day to Christmas day is the Boxing Day, which is a national holiday Day in England.