Christmas - a holiday favorite, covered with light and joy.It concluded that much warmth, kindness and love that I want to give away these feelings, along with gifts to friends and family.But sometimes it turns out that they celebrate this event in a completely different day.How is this possible?When you need to celebrate Christmas, and with associated inconsistencies?Try to understand.
history holiday
Gospel says that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, where his mother Mary and Joseph the Betrothed went to take part in the announced census.Because of the influx of visitors all the hotel was busy, so they had to stay in a cave that served as stables for livestock.It was there, and was born the Son of God.The news of his birth an angel brought the shepherds who hastened to his bow.Another banner of the Messiah was the delightful star of Bethlehem, which is lit up in the sky and pointed the way to the Magi.They brought in the child gifts - frankincense, myrrh and gold - and honored Him as King of the Jews.
first celebration
surprising, but there is no precise evidence of when Christmas came on the calendar, that is, the exact date is not specified.For this reason, the early Christians never celebrated this holiday.The appearance of the date - 6 to January 7 - contributed to the Copts, Egyptian Christians have faith in God that is born, dies and is resurrected, existed since ancient times.It is up to them, of Alexandria, a center of knowledge and science, tradition to celebrate this event in those days spread throughout the Christian world, and all the original followers of Jesus celebrated both Christmas and Epiphany.But in the IV century Roman Empire suffered a celebration of the birth of the Messiah on December 25th.This example was followed not all, such as the Armenian Church remains faithful to the ancient tradition of celebrating two holidays at once.
Calendar vicissitudes
Further developments were such that in the XVI century, Gregory VIII, who was then on the papal throne, has introduced its chronology, which was called the "new style".Prior to that, in the course of the Julian calendar was introduced by Julius Caesar, for him to lay down some "old style".Now the difference between them has 13 days.
Europe after his pastor moved to a new calendar, and Russia did it only after the victory of the revolution in 1917.But the church did not approve of such innovation remained at his calendar.
was another interesting event: in 1923 at the Council of Orthodox churches on the initiative of the Patriarch of Constantinople in the Julian calendar been amended: there was "novoyuliansky" calendar that is completely coincides with the Gregorian.Representatives of Russia because of the political situation at the meeting were not present, attempts to bring the then Patriarch Tikhon, pursuant to the decision of the majority failed, so there is still in force Julian calendar.
celebrate Christmas when different groups of Christians?
result of the spread of various systems of chronology was the confusion with the dates.As a result, adherents of the Vatican and Protestants celebrate Christmas, when December 24 is replaced by the 25th.With them revere the date of 11 local Orthodox Churches, but they are reconciled with her, novoyulianskim, calendar.
On 6 January 7, Christmas comes to Russian, Georgian, Ukrainian, Jerusalem, Serbian Orthodox churches, Athos monasteries, recognizing only the old style, many Eastern-rite Catholics and the Protestants of the Russian.
turns out that celebrating the birth of the Son of God Dec. 25, but each does it in your calendar.
Eve: Orthodox traditions
January 6 - is a special day, Christmas Eve.It is called Christmas Eve.That evening begins Christmas Vigil, which lasts about three hours.Typically, the whole family gathers in the church.It was after the service comes a time when the Orthodox Christmas begins officially.Believers congratulate each other and rushing home for the holiday table.
Traditionally, Christmas Eve was not accepted there until the first stars or a church service.But then exhibited on the table, though celebratory, but meatless meals.Among other edible range occupies a special place sochivo or kutia - porridge made of wheat or rice with honey, nuts and poppy seeds.It was prepared only in the Christmas night.
On Christmas Eve, decorated the house, dressed Christmas tree and laid out beneath her gifts, which can be touched only after a celebratory dinner.Then, the family gathered at the green beauty, and someone from handing over the children assigned to them souvenirs.He received a gift unwrapped and showed it to everyone, thank you.
evening was taken to devote closest family, but it was possible to invite single people to meet together and share a holiday meal.
Popular beliefs
Evening Eve considered a favorable time for all sorts of predictions for the future.Before dinner, it was decided to go out and "watch the stars", which, thanks to the various signs might tell us about the upcoming harvest, and, therefore, the welfare of the family.So, blizzard foreshadowed that the bees will swarm well.A starry night promised a good issue of livestock and an abundance of forest berries.Rime on trees was a harbinger of a successful grain harvest.
meal before the owner had to get around with a pot kuti around the house three times and then throw a few spoonfuls of porridge for a threshold - a feast for the spirits.To appease the "cold", for it opens the door and invited to the table.By the end of
kutyu not eaten, it left a spoon that was a symbolic tribute to the poor.
First day
January 7 began to celebrate Christmas with the whole breadth of the soul.After the morning liturgy Orthodox went to each other's homes.Holiday skoromny table crammed with delicacies, it is not removed, as friends who came to congratulate the owners are constantly replaced.It was considered a good tradition to visit all the relatives, especially those who are old and alone.
Catholic customs
According to Western Christians, no one in the Christmas night should not be left without a gift.Major donors acted St. Nicholas (Santa Claus).He handed out gifts rather remarkable way: putting them in socks and hung over the fireplace, and then he disappeared into the tunnel.
the custom of caroling, when children and young people go from house to house singing.The participants of the action trick out in various costumes and masks.In gratitude for the congratulations and good wishes of the adults gave them sweets.
Another attribute of the festival - "Christmas bread" - a special unleavened wafers, lit during Advent.They ate when Christmas is celebrated at the banquet table or while congratulating each other.
as holiday decorations could act not only spruce, and other tree species.In addition, special house decorated with wreaths of flowers and branches, which is a symbol of the sun.
Christmas - a wonderful holiday, warmed by a warm family and the love of God, which is allowed to make to this miracle.Maybe that's why so eager to deliver a pleasing those who are nearby.It is not so important when Christmas comes to certain people, the main thing it comes and renews the human soul.
