Christmas Traditions

Page
3

Their main celebration is called La Posada. This is a procession of the re-enactment of the search for shelter by Mary and Joseph, before the birth of Jesus.

Santa is not predominant, but the bright red suit is represented in the traditional flower of the season, the poinsettia.

The belief is that a young boy, on his way to see the nativity scene gathered green branches to give as a gift. He was laughed at as he walked. Upon placing the branches near the manger, bright red poinsettia flowers started to bloom.

On Christmas day a piñata is broken.

Those children that have been good also receive a gift on January 6, from the Three Wise Men.

Return to Index

Slide 12

Christmas in New Zealand

It is combined with summer holidays, so as well as present-buying and parties, families are preparing for trips to the beach.

The persona of Fr. Christmas has changed and he has become more like the Santa Claus in the United States and Ireland.

As well, people have been forced to change as a result of the Maori culture. The spirits and creatures of this culture resemble the elves and gnomes of the European Christmas traditions.

The story of the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated with a special service. This is appropriate to New Zealanders way of life as they had no motels, and they have many shepherds who take care of their flocks, in doing so, they can see the true meaning of Christmas.

Return to Index

Slide 13

Christmas in Portugal

The tradition of gift-giving was defined mostly by the strong Christian religious beliefs of the people.

On the eve of January 5, the children place their shoes along the windowsills and doorways and fill them with carrots and straw.

They do this hoping to lure the Wise Men to their homes to fill their shoes with gifts and treats.

The Portuguese "Christmas log," is a piece oak that burns on the hearth all day.

Return to Index

Slide 14

Christmas in Russia

The feast of St. Nicholas (December 6) was observed for many centuries, but after the communist revolution, the celebration of the feast was suppressed.

During the communist years St. Nicholas was transformed into Grandfather Frost.

Babouschka brings gifts for the children. Like Italy's La Befana, the story is that Babouschka failed to give food and shelter to the three wise men during their journey to visit the Christ Child.

Return to Index

Slide 15

Christmas in Sweden

Christmas season begins with the St. Lucia ceremony. This begins at dawn on Dec. 13th. The youngest daughter from each family puts on a white robe with a red sash. She wears a crown of evergreens with tall-lighted candles attached. She wakes her parents and serves them coffee and Lucia buns. (Swedish pastry)