Christmas: Tradition and Celebration

By Rons Bantwal
Bellevision Media Network

Mumbai, 24 Dec 2013: Christmas is a universal feast celebrated across the globe.  The guests are welcomed, goodies are shared all that goes with Christmas celebration.  It varies from regions depending on diverse culture and ethnicity. 

The Santa Claus is legendary in Christmas celebration, who brings goodies to distribute among the kids in the neighbourhood.  Santa Claus is known in different names in France and Italy.

On this occasion, Christians share the joys and happiness among themselves shunning enmity, differences and jealousy.  They exchange goodies, while a few send Christmas greeting cards to their kith and kin living in distant lands. 

Christmas cards:

The practice of sending Christmas greeting cards began in England, Royal Academy artist John Lkat Hosli, Sir Henry Cole painted the world’s first Christmas greeting cards.  Its customary now to send Christmas greeting cards that has influence of Deepavali, Yugadi and other Indian festivals.

Christmas crib:

St Francis of Assisi and his associate monks created a replica of Jesus Christ’s birth in a manger at Bethlehem in 1226 AD.  The statues of Joseph and Mary, Infant Jesus, 3 wise men, lambs and bulls were placed in the manger.  At the turn of a few centuries, Christmas cribs began adoring in the courtyards and shopping malls.

 

The manger of Bethlehem is the symbol of introspection.  Here, Jesus is the focal point who dissolves the ego and becomes an ordinary folk in the eyes of God. 

Christmas star:

A star shines above the Christmas crib.  There were no electricity and other lamps during the times of Jesus.  The people were using oil-fed-cotton-torches during the night, when 3 wise men who were rearing their sheep during the night were amazed by guiding star.

Jesus who was born in the manger in a dark night became a light to the poor and downtrodden.  The darkness dissolves in light.  Christmas star is the sign of Jesus Christ, the birth of Messiah.  The folks believed that light will conquer the darkness in their daily struggles of life.  When one is driven to waywardness because of ego and returns to normal self by focusing on guiding star, he would get real meaning of his life.  The people have liberty to cling to light or forgo.

 

There are instances wherein the people display light in their windows and doors to convey hope.  In India, the traditional diyas are also used to display with lighted lamps.  Meanwhile, In Sweden, a tradition of donning the role of St Lucia wearing green-twines crown on theier head and sticking candles who go round the neighbourhood on December 13 early morning. 

Christmas Tree:

It’s the autumn season during Christmas in European countries.  The snow fall is common, the earth is covered with think snow.  It signifies the emptiness of life that is marred with ego and pride, with least concern for love, sharing and caring amongst fellowmen.  The mankind that lacked spiritual-bliss was rejuvenated by Jesus Christ who born into this earth.  The origin of Christmas tree was found in Germany during 1646 as per a book.

 

A plant or a branch chopped off is being planted in a pot, decorated with lights and placed in front of homes.  It’s a symbol that Christmas bring new hope for mankind. 

Christmas carols:

The Christians more so youth go on rounds in the neighbourhood singing Christmas carols ahead of Christmas.  The street plays on Christmas are also staged to bring home the message of Christmas joy and happiness to mankind.

 

 

 

Team bellevision wishes all our readers ’A  Joyful Christmas’