Hello, Christmas soon. On this occasion I present a short article about how Christmas is celebrated in Poland, European countries and the world. The following Christmas and New Year greetings in several languages including the neighboring countries of Polish.in Polish – Wesołych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia oraz Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku
in Slovak – Všetkým vám želám veselé Vianoce a úspešný nový rok
in German – Frohe Weihnachten und ein gutes neues Jahr
in Russian – С Рождеством и счастливого Нового Года
in Lithuanian – Linksmų Kalėdų! Laimingų Naujųjų Metų!
in Ukrainian – Veseloho Vam Rizdva i Shchastlyvoho Novoho Roku!
in Belarusian – Winshuyu sa Svyatami i z Novym Godam!
English – Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
in French – Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année !
in Japanese – メリークリスマス
明けましておめでとうございます
あけましておめでとうございます
in Chinese – Shèng dàn kuài lè Xīn nián kuài lè
Beliefs and superstitions Christmas
Christmas Eve is full of superstitions allegedly having extraordinary power, typically having its origin in the ancient local pagan beliefs. Even in the nineteenth century, it was believed that during the Christmas Eve, you can see the person who died this year – if only to get out into the hallway and look into the room through the keyhole and sees her sitting up in association with others. Until recently it was believed that on Christmas Eve there are souls of the dead. For such a „visitor from beyond” left to even a free place at the table – this custom has survived to this day probably as free space left for an unexpected visitor. Superstitiously believed also that holy night disrespect can cause various evils. To this day, adheres to make the time Christmas Eve did not argue and show each other kindness. Survived superstition that if on Christmas morning, the first guest in the house is a little boy, it will bring a happy year. There is also a habit of putting a penny in the tab in the borscht – to the person who hit him will assign happiness in the coming year. Any injury and illness during the holidays perceived as a preview of health problems. Hunters on Christmas Eve traditionally go on the hunt, and its successful outcome is to provide care for the patron Saint of hunting. Hubert. There is a tradition to try each of the twelve Christmas Eve dishes in order not to run out in the next year. Some leave the wallet carp scales „lucky”.
Christmas traditions – European Countries
• In the UK, the majority of people work on Christmas Eve. On the first day of Christmas dinner is a typical dish of roast turkey with cranberry. At Christmas, the British also distribute gifts to each other.
• Christmas Eve is not well in the Netherlands and, increasingly, in Belgium, where it is converted into festive Christmas breakfast in the restaurant.
• In Belgium, Christmas Eve is a day set aside for religious ceremonies and cribs.
• In France, the most important is the Christmas dinner, the Strasbourg pate from goose or duck liver (foie gras), oysters and smoked salmon. Vigil commonly eaten poultry, especially turkey.
• In Denmark, during the Christmas Eve administered roast duck, and at the end of rice with almonds.
• In Austria, for the Christmas table is a carp or a duck, and in Germany it is more lavish, warm dinner, consisting mostly of fish appetizer.
• In Norway, during the Christmas Eve is given pork ribs (Norwegian Ribbe) and boiled mutton (Norwegian pinnekjøtt) or a special dish is prepared with salted and boiled fish (which previously lay in caustic soda for 2-3 days), which is then given to the bacon. This dish is called Lutefisk.
• In Greece, the morning after the kids go carol. On each table we find bread of Christ – large sweet loaves in different shapes and with different ornaments. Christmas tree first appeared in 1833. The custom brought by King Otto I, king of Greece (son of the king of Bavaria). Traditional Greek custom is decorated boat or ship.
Christmas Traditions – Other Countries
• In the non-European countries associated with Catholicism meets features characteristic of the culture:
Bolivians on Christmas Eve enjoying enormous handmade figurines. Then the fun lasts all night.
• In Colombia, is celebrated from December 8, przystrajając shrubs ornaments and lights. There is no supper, but after the last Mass celebrated all night.
• In Mexico, where Christmas is celebrated in a religious atmosphere, a typical practice to Piñata.
• In the Philippines, for the entire period of Advent adorned the houses and streets and presents a nativity scene with actors.
• In Cameroon, where the holidays are in the holiday period and increased field work, Christmas Eve is a day off; burns the fire, reading the Bible and singing songs.
• In Panama a lot of attention is paid to the trinkets outside. Christmas Eve does not exist. In many homes it is a normal day like any other.
I wish you all a happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas
and a Happy New 2015 year, I cordially greet, admin Regina