Blog Archive Christmas is a special Orthodox holiday. What do you know about Christmas around the world? What the Bible Says About Christmas

For billions of people on planet Earth, Christmas is a meaningful and bright, truly great holiday. It is traditionally celebrated throughout the Christian world in honor of the birth of the baby Jesus in the city of Bethlehem. According to the new style - December 25 (for Catholics), according to the old - January 7 (for Orthodox), but the essence is the same: a holiday dedicated to Christ - that's what Christmas is! This is the opportunity for the salvation of all mankind, which came to us with the birth of little Jesus.

Significance

What is Christmas for Catholics? This most revered church considers it even superior to Easter, highlighting the physical birth of Christ, which made it possible to atone for universal sins. For Orthodox Christians, the holiday is the second most important after the Resurrection. In the first place is the spiritual birth - the resurrection and ascension of the Teacher to heaven.

Christian history

What is Christmas? The description, the origin of the holiday are well known to us from the Gospel. Mary lived with her parents in Nazareth (Galilee). She was born when her parents, Joachim and Anna, were already in years, became a desired and late child. When Mary was 3 years old, she was taken to the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, where she was brought up in piety. When the time came to get married, they found a God-fearing and righteous husband for her - the carpenter Joseph. Mary and Joseph got engaged.

Appearance of the Archangel

One day Mary goes to the spring for water. She is an angel who proclaims the future birth of a baby from the Holy Spirit. There will be that male baby, and he is destined to die for the sins of the human race, taking upon himself the redemption and purification. The Virgin is amazed, but accepts the will of God. Soon, her position can no longer be hidden, and people begin to condemn Mary, since she was still just engaged. Even Joseph intends to leave her. But the angel, who dreamed of him at night, tells about from the Holy Spirit, and Joseph submits. By the command of the Lord, he will have to stay with his wife with the baby. The righteous man declares Mary his wife.

In Bethlehem

Mary, being already in the middle of a demolition, together with her husband Joseph, goes to Bethlehem. They failed to find shelter upon arrival in the city, but they see a cave outside and take refuge there. Maria feels that the time of childbirth is coming. Here, in the shepherd's cave, the baby Jesus is born, and the fact of birth is announced by the bright Star of Bethlehem. Its light illuminates the whole earth, and far in the east, the Magi, the Chaldean wise men, understand that the prophecies of the sacred writings have come true: the King Savior is born!

Gifts of the Wise Men

To see the Messiah, the Magi are going on a long journey. And the shepherds, grazing cattle in neighboring pastures, are the first to worship the Savior, hearing the singing of angels who announce the birth. Upon arrival in Judea, the wise men find a cave where the Holy Family is hiding by a brightly shining star. Approaching Christ, they bring gifts: frankincense and myrrh, as well as gold. And then they leave to glorify Jesus, each to their own lands.

Massacre of the innocents

King Herod, who heard about the birth of the King of the World in Bethlehem, orders his subordinates to destroy all male babies under two years old. But the Holy Family flees from the city to Egypt to save Jesus from reprisal. Here is a summary of the Christian story of what Christmas is.

In Russia

We began to celebrate this bright holiday in the 10th century, since the spread of Christianity in the lands subordinate to Prince Vladimir, who is believed to have baptized Russia. In a strange way, Christmas was combined with a pagan holiday in honor of the spirits of ancestors - Christmas time. Therefore, in the Russian context of the celebration, there are also Christmastide rites. To understand what Christmas is in Russia, you need to know these, more ancient, Slavic traditions.

Christmas Eve

This is the name of the day that precedes Christmas, the last day of Lent (December 24 - for Catholics, January 6 - for Orthodox). The word "sochivo" literally translates as " vegetable oil". This was the name of the porridge seasoned with vegetable oil, which was supposed to be eaten on this day. In the morning on Christmas Eve, they put things in order, cleanliness in all rooms, scraped the floor and rubbed it with juniper branches. Then - a hot bath for the purity of the body and soul.

Kolyada

In the evening they gathered in large companies - to sing carols. They dressed up in strange clothes, painted their faces. On the sleigh they put Kolyada, as a rule, a doll dressed in white shirt. They sang ritual songs.

What is Christmas for children?

Children made a star and walked around the village. They sang under the windows or went into houses. These were songs, mostly glorifying the holiday. They also called the owners and for this they received gifts from them - money, pastries, sweets and sweets. Thus, with early years the children knew what Christmas was and were taught the traditions and beliefs of Orthodoxy.

Ritual dishes

There was a tradition (relevant even in our time) of preparing special dishes that accompany the great holiday, playing a symbolic role. Kutya meant in sacred sense continuity of life, fertility and well-being. Vzvar is a drink prepared in honor of the birth of the baby Jesus. This combination of kutya and vzvara was usually served on the table at Christmas. Kutya was cooked, as a rule, early in the morning from cereal grains, then simmered in the oven and seasoned with honey, butter. The broth was prepared from dried fruits and berries on the water. And such dishes were placed under the icons for hay in honor of Jesus, who was born in a manger. They also baked various figurines of animals - sheep, cows, chickens - as holiday symbols, and then distributed them to relatives and friends.

star of bethlehem

What is the Nativity of Christ and how did the further process of celebration take place? In the evening, everyone was waiting for the exit to heaven symbolizing the birth of the Savior. Only after this event it was possible to take food. At the same time, both the table and the benches were supposed to be covered with hay. This symbolized the cave where Christ was once born.

On Christmas Eve it was not supposed to work. That evening, young girls usually guessed.

Christmas time

From Christmas to Epiphany (January 19), days passed, called Christmas time. On the first day, early in the morning, "sowing" of huts was carried out. The shepherd, entering the room, scattered a handful of oats. It symbolized prosperity, health and fertility.

About Christ for children

For kids, Christmas is always a fairy tale, do not forget about it. If the child is small, he can also participate in the holiday with pleasure. Buy him some coloring books about what Christmas is like for kids. Help me learn a verse or a carol to tell it to the guests who have come. You can do it yourself by cutting and painting small figures actors along with your baby.

If the child is older, you can teach him to sing Christmas carols, and even go with the children to carol to the neighbors. Of course, the child should receive various rewards for this - sweets, small money, sweets. And in many countries it is customary to give gifts to children at Christmas. Let's keep this good tradition alive!

Every time when the New Year and Christmas holidays come, the expectation of a miracle settles in the soul - exciting and touching. These are truly magical days when people become kinder, their faces become more cheerful, and winter days are filled with a special meaning.

Who creates this harmony? Who Invented Christmas?

Today, no one can say with 100 percent certainty the exact date of the birth of Christ. Historians argue, give their arguments, religious dogmatists - their own. And the truth, as usual, is somewhere in the middle.

Fact: Christmas is celebrated by Christians around the world. This is the fourth part of the population of the planet Earth. It turns out that Christmas is the most popular religious holiday on Earth.

Who Invented Christmas?

In disputes about the exact date of the birth of Christ, more than one spear has been broken. Many religious historians rely on the writings of Clement of Alexandria, who lived at the beginning of our era. Clement designated May 20 as Christ's birthday, not December 25 or January 7.

As ordinary historians assure, the Christmas essence of December 25 is an invention of Catholic Rome. It was the Catholics who introduced into the Christmas tradition to celebrate midnight mass on the night of December 24-25.

The date was not taken from the head, but borrowed from pagan sun worshipers, who on December 25 celebrated the Birth of the Sun, the main god in the divine cohort of pagans. On December 25, the night decreases, and daylight grows - a very suitable time to sing the praises of the Sun.

Rome replaced the Sun with Jesus Christ. So another religious holiday appeared - Christmas.

Fact: the first Christians were Jews and did not celebrate Christmas, since, according to the Jewish concept, the birth of a person is “the beginning of sorrows and pains.” Like, nothing to be happy about.

What does the Bible say about Christmas?

According to the Bible, there is no doubt that Christmas is precisely Christ's.

The name "Jesus" in Hebrew means "salvation." The Bethlehem star announced the birth of the Savior to the world - it shone brightly in the night sky over the place where Mary gave birth to a son from the holy spirit.

This act of birth was programmed by heaven and was warned about by the Old Testament prophets. Like, there will be a day when the savior of the human race will appear and atone for his sins. The prediction was quite accurate - with an indication of the time and place.

The exact address of the Nativity of Christ: the year 5508 from the creation of the world, Bethlehem.

The tradition of celebrating Christmas has evolved over the centuries. Each nation contributed its own contribution, its bright touch. This is how Christmas happened, which is so appreciated and loved all over the world - a kind, fabulous holiday that makes people kinder and more humane.

Facts:- the first mention of the celebration of Christmas, as the day of the birth of Jesus Christ, dates back to the 4th century.

- Until the end of the sixth century, Christmas coincided with Epiphany among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Alexandria and the island of Cyprus. Today, the Epiphany is celebrated on January 6 only in Armenia.

Christmas traditions

Christmas is preceded by a strict 40-day fast - until the first star. The last day of fasting is called "Christmas Eve" - ​​on behalf of the only food allowed before the "first star" - sochiva. Sochivo was prepared simply - grains of barley or wheat were soaked in water. The grains swelled, it turned out something like porridge on the water. According to another version, honey was still present in the sochiva.

Church services begin on Christmas Eve - the eve of the Nativity of Christ - evidence of the special importance of the current moment. Companions are celebrated only on very important occasions. Even at Easter, for example.

In the evening there are different services-hours. The royal ones are the last ones. They were attended by kings from ancient times. They worshiped the King of kings, who was born on this day, that is, Jesus Christ.

The beginning of Christmas is still announced by the first star that appears in the night sky on the night of January 7 - for the Orthodox and on the night of December 25 - for the Catholics.

Fact: Christmas in a new style, that is, January 7, is celebrated by Russian, Ukrainian, Georgian, Serbian, Jerusalem Orthodox churches. And also the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

But regardless of the date of the celebration, Catholics, like Orthodox world, there is Christmas Eve, and Christmas time, and the tradition of celebrating Christmas in the family circle at the table, on which exactly 12 dishes are placed - in honor of the 12 apostles or 12 months of the year.

A special Christmas tradition among the Orthodox was caroling: going from house to house with special carol songs and a homemade star in their hands. It is customary for carolers to serve refreshments.

And the most fun time came at Christmas time. There are festivities, and rides from the hills, and fortune-telling, and games with songs.

Fact: In Russia, Christmas was officially banned in 1917. This holiday, beloved by the people, was released only in 1991.

At present, the spirit of Christmas can be traced in the tradition of doing charity work - helping the poor, doing various good deeds. It is also a time of good thoughts and intentions. Christmas calls to forgive your enemies and cleanse your hearts from black thoughts.

The tradition of giving gifts also comes from Christmas. In the Bible there are references to the Magi who brought gifts to little Jesus. Historians recall the real-life Saint Nicholas, who started the custom of treating children with sweets. And modernity offers us Santa Claus and Santa Claus with large gift bags.

Fold gifts under the tree, on the top of which the Star of Bethlehem reigns, hang a wreath of evergreen needles, show generosity to your neighbor, gather a family for festive table. This is how Christmas is born - the brightest and kindest holiday on Earth.

Happy New Year 2017 to you! And Merry Christmas!

Nika Kravchuk

6 facts about Christmas you didn't know

When is Christmas to be celebrated? What year was Jesus born? Why did the Magi come to worship the newborn Savior? What is the difference between the Christmas traditions of the Orthodox and Catholics? What is Advent? Which writer dedicated his prose to Christmas? The most interesting facts about Christmas, which we have collected especially for you in one article, will help you find out about this.

1. Not all Orthodox celebrate the birth of Christ on January 7

We are used to the fact that an Orthodox xmas celebrate on January 7, and Catholic - on December 25. But this is not entirely true. It turns out that not all Orthodox people celebrate Christmas on the seventh day of the year, but only some Churches, among which Russian, Jerusalem, Serbian, Georgian, as well as Athos.

Other Orthodox Churches celebrated on December 25, but not according to the Gregorian calendar, but New Julian. According to calculations, by 2800 these two calendars will coincide, but for now, the New Julian is about five days behind.

What happens? If Catholic, and in most cases Protestant Christmas is celebrated on December 25, then Orthodox Christmas in our time is celebrated on the last days of December and January 7.

2. In what year was Christ born?

This question could be headed Interesting Facts about Christmas. After all, it turns out that the date is not so simple. We are accustomed to elementary logic: if the chronology is from the Nativity of Christ, then the Savior was born in the first year! But not everything is so elementary, Watson. The Roman abbot Dionysius the Small, who in 525 was compiling paschals, made a mistake ... in a few years.

This is confirmed by information about some events recorded in the sources of that time. For example, according to the Gospel, Herod ordered to kill all the kids under two years of age who lived in Bethlehem and the surrounding area. So that the Divine Infant would not suffer, an angel appeared to Joseph and ordered him, along with Mary and Jesus, to find temporary shelter in Egypt.

After some time, the same heavenly messenger informed the pious family of God's will - to return back, since Herod had already died. According to the date recorded in the sources, it was the 4th year BC. e. It can be assumed that Abbot Dionysius made a mistake somewhere by 5-7 years.

3. Was the birth and baptism of the Savior celebrated on the same day?

If you love facts about Christmas related to numbers and dates, then the following information is also for you.

The first Christians, newly converted Jews, did not celebrate Christmas at all, because in Jewish teaching, birth was considered the beginning of sorrows. After some time, they began to remember the Nativity of the Savior on a holiday Epiphany. It is not known exactly when these two holidays were separated: according to some sources, this happened in the 3rd century, and according to others - in the 4th, after the First Ecumenical Council.

4. Why did the Magi see the Star of Bethlehem?

Perhaps one of the most remarkable facts about Christmas. Many believers know that three wise men from the East came to worship the Divine Infant. The guests even brought gifts to Christ: gold, frankincense and myrrh. It must be said that they went not just to the Baby, but to the King, and therefore they brought Him such generous gifts.

The Magi were Eastern sages, they were interested in astronomy, they observed various celestial bodies. Therefore, the Lord sent them a symbol that they could not help noticing. But that is not all. Where did the Eastern sages come from? Historians agree that, most likely, from Persia, where at that time it was especially popular Zoroastrianism. He had much in common with the religious ideas of the Jews:

1. Monotheism;
2. Belief in the resurrection of the dead and the afterlife;
3. The Jews were waiting for the coming of the Messiah, and the Persians were waiting for the three saviors who would come to earth in the last days to take people one by one.

In addition, in Zoroastrianism, the last savior must fulfill the highest mission: to defeat the dark force, resurrect the dead and transform the world. Reminds no one? But that's not all: Zoroastrianism did not rule out that a savior could come from any nation.

If we compare the facts about the Nativity of Jesus Christ and the ideas of Zoroastrianism and partly Mithraism, it becomes clear why the Magi came to bow to the Divine Infant.

5. Orthodox and Catholics Prepare for the Birth of the Savior in Different Ways

40 days of fasting - this is how long the preparation for Christmas lasts for the Orthodox. This is a time not only for restriction in food, but also for a prayerful mood and repentance. During the Fortecost, believers purify their souls with repentance in order to meet the Christ Child as worthy as possible.

For Catholics, the preparation time looks different: they have four weeks for enhanced repentance. The name of this period claims to be inscribed in interesting facts about Christmas - . This word has Latin roots: adventus is translated as "arrival".

What do Catholics do during the four weeks of waiting for the coming of Christ into the world?

Previously, they always fasted, but today they try to do it as much as possible. The focus is on repentance and doing good deeds. True Catholics consider it obligatory to come to confession and the Eucharist during Lent, the priests at this time put on vestments purple symbolizing repentance.

Each Sunday of Advent has its own theme: on the first, they remember the coming of Christ in recent times, and in the fourth - the expectation of the Birth of the Divine Infant.

6. Many famous writers wrote about Christmas

Our facts about Christmas would seem incomplete if we did not remember how many masterpieces this holiday brought fiction. Today's children still read in school Dickensian"A Christmas song in prose", but not even all adults know that the English classic had a whole collection of "Christmas stories".

O.Henry dedicated to one of the most important Christian holidays touching novel "Gifts of the Magi".

Without Christmas, there would be no heartbreaking stories "The Boy at Christ on the Christmas Tree" F. Dostoevsky or "On Christmas Eve" A. Chekhov. Also, this list would be incomplete without Gogol"Christmas Nights".

We hope that in this modest list you will find a work that you will like or that you want to re-read again.

And in addition, we suggest you watch a 26-minute film about the Christmas holiday:

Take it, tell your friends!

Read also on our website:

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For example, this is how we offer you.

January 7 - Christmas

Today will be Christmas

The whole city is waiting for a secret,

He slumbers in the crystal hoarfrost

Waiting for the magic to happen.

Christ is born

Alyonka and Sasha's mother prepared a huge package of sweets. Who is this for? Sasha asked. “This is for carolers! Tonight a star will shine in the sky - and will be the first to tell about the Christmas miracle. And then the carolers will bring this news to us, and we will give them sweets, ”Alyonka laughed.

Sasha thought: “I also want to hear the news from the star!”

Mom overheard their conversation and said, “Children, I will tell you a Christmas story. Just listen carefully..."

Christmas is a holiday in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on January 6th. The night before Christmas is considered magical. If you make a wish and ask God, it will come true. Only the desire must be necessarily kind and wise. Jesus Christ taught people kindness and wisdom. Do you know how he was born? This story is very interesting...

The miracle of Christmas is that for the first and only time, forever and ever, the immaculate Virgin gave birth to a Child. An angel brought the news of the birth of Jesus the Son of God. Mary and her betrothed Joseph were looking forward to a child of God. That year, the Roman emperor Augustus wanted to know how many people lived in his country.

He ordered all residents to go to the census. Mary and Joseph went to the city of Bethlehem. They walked for a long time, the night was already approaching. I had to look for accommodation. Nearby they found only a cave - a nativity scene, where shepherds drove their flocks in bad weather. They spent the night there. It was on that night that Mary's son was born. She wrapped the Messiah (Savior) in a hem and laid in a manger with hay.

Shepherds guarded their flock nearby. Suddenly they saw a bright light. An angel descended to them from heaven:

- Do not be afraid! I bring you good news. The news has spread all over the world! God sent His Son to earth to save people from their sins. Go to Bethlehem. There you will see Him swaddled in a manger!

At that moment, many angels appeared in heaven. They praised God by singing: "Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace, and good will to people." Everything around was glowing. When the angels returned to heaven, darkness again enveloped the earth.

The second news of the birth of the Son of God was a star. She appeared in the sky and was the brightest. She was seen by oriental sages - magi. They guessed that the star was a harbinger of a true miracle. And then we decided to follow her. An amazing star led them to Jesus. They saw Mary with the Child in her arms and gave the Child gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. And then they called Him the King of Heaven and Earth. Thus was born Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

Once upon a time, Christmas began to be celebrated on January 6th. While mom was preparing a festive 12-course dinner, the children were waiting for the first star to appear. As soon as she appeared in the sky, Christmas Eve began. Then the father brought hay into the house. The hostess laid it on the table. (After all, it was on the hay that little Jesus was put!) From this hay they made a nest, in which they put a pot with kutya.

Before dinner, a wax candle was lit and everyone prayed aloud together. It was joyful and solemn at that moment. And only after the prayer it was possible to start dinner.

The most important dish on the table is kutia. It was prepared from wheat, poppy seeds, nuts, raisins and honey were added. It was said to be the true food of God. In addition to kutya, according to custom, they served fish, cabbage rolls with mushroom sauce, pies with cabbage, buckwheat, pancakes ... The food was washed down with uzvar - dried fruit compote. For dessert, donuts were served, stuffed with fruit jam with grated bun or poppy seed filling.

After home Christmas Eve, the children went to their godparents. It was their sacred duty. The kids were carrying dinner (kutya, bread and salt, kalachi), and the godparents were looking forward to the little godchildren. They treated them, gave sweets, money.

On Christmas Eve, it is customary to carol until morning. Children and youth sing songs - carols. In them, the owners wish good, prosperity, health. And hospitable hosts in return give carolers sweets and ringing coins. The more carolers visit the house, the more joy there will be this year.

And that evening they showed a nativity scene - a play about the birth of Jesus. Children in groups went from house to house with a small chest covered with colored paper, which depicted the cave where the Son of God was born. Via homemade dolls, fixed on sticks, played Christmas performances. The plots of the nativity scenes were connected with the birth of Christ.

The night is quiet...

The night is quiet.

On firm ground unsteady

The southern stars tremble.

Mother's eyes with a smile

Quiet looking into the manger.

No ears, no superfluous eyes,

Here the roosters crowed -

And for the angels in the highest

Shepherds praise God.

The manger quietly shines in the eyes,

Illuminated face of Mary.

Star choir to another choir

Hearing quivering pricked.

And above Him burns high

That star of distant countries;

To her are the kings of the East

Gold, peace and Lebanon.

(Excerpt)

Today will be Christmas

The whole city is waiting for a secret,

He slumbers in the crystal hoarfrost

Waiting for the magic to happen.

Blizzards took over him

Similar to a dream.

In cathedrals, the flutter of candles and singing,

And incense silvery smoke ...

M. Yu. Lermontov

(Excerpt)

Having tied the riza crosswise,

Tied a candle to a stick

The angel flies is small,

Flies through the forest, light-faced.

In snow white silence

From pine flutters to pine,

Touches a branch with a candle -

It will crack, the fire will flare up,

Round up, tremble,

Like a thread, run

Here and there, and here, and here...

The winter forest shines all over!

Kolyada, Kolyada,

You give me a pie

Or a slice of bread

Or half the money

Or a chicken with a crest,

Cockerel with comb.

carol, carol

How many donkeys - so many pigs for you,

How many trees - so many cows,

How many candles - so many sheep!

Happiness to you

Owner with hostess

Great health

Happy New Year

With all kind!

Carol, carol!

Good aunt

good aunt,

Give me sweet cookies.

Kolyada-molyada,

Christmas Eve

Give it, don't break it

Give everything whole

Do not serve cakes -

Let's break the windows.

Carol is light!

Kolyada came

Forward Christmas.

Kolyada-molyada

Rolled young!

We found a carol

In the Mironov yard.

Hey, uncle Myron,

Take out the good in the yard.

Like it's cold outside

Freezes the nose.

Does not tell you to stand for a long time,

Orders to submit soon

Or a warm pie

Or butter, cottage cheese,

Or money with a spear