Рождество и его история

Christmas and its history

One of the most important public holidays In Great Britain Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December. It is one of the most important public holidays. The Queen gives her Christmas message which is broadcast on television, radio and the Internet. The word "Christmas" is derived from the words "Christ's Mass" - the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. But although Christmas is undoubtedly a Christian celebration, it is also true to say that it is an unusual combination of pagan and Christian festivities. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree – a traditional gift from the people of Norway – is displayed in Trafalgar Square. In pre-Christian times evergreens, trees that remain green throughout the year. were worshiped in Northern Europe as symbols of eternal life. Mistletoe, hung up as a Christmas decoration is a symbol of love and reconciliation.

Decorations in the city Shops and shopping centers put up Christmas lights and decorations as millions of people in Britain do the Christmas shopping. Christmas services are held in churches and carol singers perform in the streets and public places, raising money for charity.

Home Decoration People decorate their homes at Christmas. They put up lights and illuminated Christmas figures outside their houses. Rooms are usually decorated with garlands, candles, wreaths and different Christmas plants such as mistletoe, holly and red amaryllis. In the living room people put up a Christmas tree which is traditionally decorated with lights, bells, candy canes and tinsel. Beautifully packed presents are put under the Christmas tree. The traditional colors of decorations are green, red and gold.

There is a tradition to decorate the Christmas tree with trinkets, glass balls, toys and tinsel. It started in Germany in the 16th century. Legend has it that Martin Luther, an important Christian leader, was walking home through the woods one Christmas Eve. Suddenly he looked up and saw a beautiful starry sky. The stars looked as if they were shining on the fir branches. When he came home, he put a small Christmas tree in his house and decorated it with lighted candles. In England, this tradition was introduced by Prince Albert, the German husband of Queen Victoria.

Christmas dinner At Christmas most families come together for a dinner. A traditional Christmas meal in Britain includes roast turkey with potatoes and vegetables with special desserts such as mince pies, Christmas pudding and traditional fruit cake. Coins which are usually added to the cake are believed to bring good luck to anyone who reveals them.

So how did Christmas come about? Orthodox Christians on January 7 joyfully celebrate one of the most important holidays — Christmas. Even those who do not share the Christian faith know that on this day a special baby was born who was destined to change the world. But not everyone knows the detailed history of the holiday, and it is not limited to just one event. The celebration of Christmas began to be celebrated in the fourth century. Before that, there was no such holiday in the Orthodox calendar, but there was an Epiphany symbolizing the Baptism of Jesus and the appearance of the Most Holy Trinity to the world at that moment. Initially, this important holiday was called Enlightenment Day, personifying God with Light and making it clear that he appeared in the world to make it brighter

It is unequivocal that the date of January 7 is not the exact birthday of Jesus, but is assigned only approximately, based on assumptions. According to biblical legends, Christ had to stay on earth for a full number of years, which means that the day of his conception most likely coincided with the date of his crucifixion. There is also an assumption that the date of the celebration of Christmas does not accidentally fall on the day of the pagan holiday of the Birth of the Invincible Sun, symbolizing the beginning of the stay of the sunny day. Perhaps, in this way, the Christian Church wanted to displace ancient customs. It's no secret that Christianity has replaced pagan holidays with its own in a similar way. For example, this happened with Easter and Maslenitsa.