|
The
Many Days of Christmas
by W.Holidays
December 5: St. Nicholas Eve & Sinterklaas Day
Celebrated throughout Europe this day honors St. Nicholas, patron saint
of Christmas, gift giving, and children. In Belgium, children put
their shoes near the hearth the night before in hopes that St. Nicholas
will leave toys and trinkets in them as he rides by. In the
Netherlands, Sinterklaas Day is celebrated. Children put their
shoes by the bed hoping that Sinterklass, a jolly old elf will fill
them with presents.
December 6: St. Nicholas Day
December 13: St. Lucia Day
St. Lucia was a young girl from Sicily who brought food to persecuted
Christians. However, this was a crime. She was caught and burned
at the stake for treason. In Sweden, she is remembered as young girls
dress in white with brilliant red sashes and a wreath of candles about
their heads (today the candles are battery operated). The eldest girl
delivers a tray of saffron buns and coffee or tea to their parents.
Boys also dress in white with white pointed hats covered with
stars. They are called "Star Boys". There are many pageants and
one girl has the honor of being the "Lucia Bride" and leads the pageant
followed by the other children.
December 14: Yuletide Lads, Jólasveinar
Iceland has several "Santa's". The Yuletide Lads are descendants
of Gryla and and Leppalúði, the Ogres. They are
mischievous and originally were suppose to scare naughty
children. Also known as the Christmas Men, they visit Icelandic
homes everyday, one Santa per day beginning on the 12th and by
Christmas they've all arrived. Each one leaves a gift and some
signal they have come. The Door Slammer wakes the house by
slamming doors; the Candle Beggar takes a few candles....
December 16-24: Nine Days of Posada
This is a Latin American celebration commemorating the journey of
Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem and their search for
lodgings. Posada is Spanish for lodging. Each night a "posada" is
held. Children dress as Mary, Joseph, and angels who search for
an inn to stay. Each night the parade of children ends at a different
home. The homeowners open their home and there are songs, story
telling, food, fun and piñatas.
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing Day
Servants were required to work on Christmas. They were responsible for
making the holiday run smoothly for wealthy landowners. They were
allowed to take leave on December 26th and visit their families. The
employers gave each servant a box containing gifts and bonuses. In
addition, around the 800s' churches opened their alms boxes (boxes
where people place monetary donations) and distributed the contents to
poor. Today, few people have servants but the custom of giving
gifts or money to those who provide service continues. It is also
popular to visit grandparents and shop (the after Christmas discounts
begin). Many people get the day off from work. Boxing Day is also
celebrated in places where the English have settled like Australia, New
Zealand, and Canada. Our friends in Scotland tell us it is also
celebrate there! Some places observe Boxing Day on December 26th and
some celebrate it on the first weekday following Christmas, so, if
Christmas falls on Friday or Saturday Boxing Day would be on the
following Monday.
January 6: Befana
In Italy, Befana is a good witch more like a fairy who resides in
chimneys and flys about on her broom on this night. Rather than
cookies, focaccia is left for her near the fireplace. In return she
fills their stockings and shoes with toys and candy. Naughty children
get lumps of charcoal and garlic! Legends tells that Befana was
busy cleaning and sweeping when the Three Kings stopped by. She
was too busy to go with them to see the Christ Child and set out on her
own later but she got lost and she is still looking for Him.
January 6: Twelfth Night
Twelve days after Christmas is known at Twelfth Night or Epiphany and
in Latin counties it is Dia de los Reyes Magos. It was on this night
that the three kings made it to Bethlehem to present their gifts to the
newborn Jesus--gold, frankincense, and myrrh. In Latin countries,
on January 5th the three wise men are added to the nativity scene and
children leave their shoes by the door and hope for fruits, candy, and
trinkets to be left inside them by the Wise Men. Some countries
give presents on this day rather than on Christmas Day. In Mexico, la
Rosca de Reyes, a sweet circular cake is served with a doll baked
inside representing the baby Jesus (similar to the Mardi Gras Kings
Cake) and is served with hot chocolate. The person who finds the baby
in their slice is to host the forthcoming celebration Candelaria or
Candlemas on February 2nd. It is on Candlemas that the nativity scene
and all the Christmas decorations are put away.
1st Sunday following Epiphany: Holy Family
This day is to honor the holy family. For many, this is a time to
celebrate their own family whether biological or a group of close
friends.
1st Monday following Epipany: Plough Monday
Traditionally farmers begin working in their fields. In the old days, the farmers would have their ploughs blessed.
January 13: St Knut's Day
Also known as Little Christmas and Twentieth Day or Tyvendedagen,
Scandinavians "plunder" their trees. All the decorations are taken down
and the candies and cookies may be eaten. Finally the tree is
removed from the home. It is a festive day when friends and families
get together.
recipe for St. Lucia Buns
recipe for Rosca de Reyes
Some information from Herbert H. Wernecke's Christmas Customs Around the World.
modified May 5, 2008
|
