Christmas Around the World

Christmas is widely celebrated around the world in countries in Asia, Europe, South and Central America. In China, the Chinese celebrate Christmas by lighting their homes and decorating their trees with flowers, and paper chains. The children call Santa Clause, “Dun Che Lao Ren” which means “Christmas Old Man.” Since most Chinese people are not Christian their main celebration is the festival of the Chinese New Year, during this time children receive toys, cloths and enjoy the view of fireworks.

In Russia, St. Nicholas is very popular. St. Nicholas popularity started in the 11th-century, when Prince Vladimir traveled to Constantinople to be baptized, and returned with stories of miracles performed by St. Nicholas of Myra. The feast of St. Nicholas was celebrated in Russia on December 6th until the communist revolution. During the communist years, all religious traditions were suppressed. St. Nicholas was transformed into Grandfather Frost. After the communist era, Christmas Eve was celebrated with a festive meatless dinner. The most important ingredient is a special porridge called kutya. It is made of wheat berries or other grains which symbolize hope and immortality, and honey and poppy seeds which ensure happiness, success, and untroubled rest. A ceremony involving the blessing of the home is frequently observed. A priest visits the home accompanied by boys carrying vessels of holy water, and a little water is sprinkled in each room. The kutya is eaten from a common dish to symbolize unity.
In Brazil, Christmas is celebrated by creating a nativity scene called “Presépio” which means the bed of straw upon Jesus first slept in Bethlehem. Santa Clause is called “Papai Noel” which means father Noel, who brings gifts to the children. They celebrate Christmas day by going to church, having dinner and viewing the fireworks.

In Mexico, the Christmas celebration is called “Las Posadas” which refers to the processions of Joseph and Mary during their search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. The processions begin nine days before Christmas because the original journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem took nine days. They also set up a nativity scene. The Mexicans celebrate Christmas Eve in church with food and drinks. Children are entertained by taking turns breaking the piñata. Just like the Chinese and Brazilians they also celebrate with fireworks.

Christmas is commonly observed around the world through religious celebrations, gifts, food, lights, decorations as well as beautiful and colorful fireworks. Even though the Chinese, the Russians, the Brazilians and the Mexicans are in different parts of the world they all celebrate Christmas.

Grammar Point: Write a paragraph about your Christmas celebration and traditions.

Vocabulary

1. Celebration- to observe a holiday, to perform a religious ceremony, or take part in a festival.
2. Miracles- an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment.

3. Suppressed- to put down by authority or force.

4. Communism- a system in which goods are owned in common and are available to all as needed.

5. Symbolize- an act, sound, or object having cultural significance.

6. Kutya- is a sweet grain pudding.

7. Porridge- a soft food made by boiling meal of grains or legumes in milk or water until thick.

8. Ceremony- A formal act or set of acts performed as prescribed by ritual or custom.

9. Processions- The act of moving along or forward; progression.

10. Journey- The act of traveling from one place to another; a trip.

11. Piñata- A decorated container filled with candy and toys suspended from a height, intended to be broken by blindfolded children with sticks, and used as part of Christmas and birthday celebrations in certain Latin-American countries or at children's parties.

Sentences

1. The birthday ______________ was filled with great music, food and many gifts.

2. It was a ____________ that the alligator did not hurt the child.

3. People in Cuba are _____________ by the Communist government.

4. During ________ people were not allowed to have freedom of speech or religion.

5. Pearls have been considered ideal wedding gifts because they __________ purity and innocence.

6. Russians make ________ during the Christmas celebration, which is a special 7._________.

8. The wedding ____________ was held in a beautiful castle.

9. During the Christmas celebration a __________carried through the streets of Mexico in honor Mary and Joseph.

10. The ______________ to Florida can take up to 22 to 24 hours of driving.

11. During the birthday party the children broke the _____________.