~ Christian Festivals ~

[MysteRy]

Easter Lamb

The festival of Easter is celebrated with great fanfare by Christian people across the world. The day, which commemorates the Resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ three days after crucifixion, is observed with religious fervor. On the occasion, special services are conducted in churches, where the altar is decorated beautifully with the traditional Easter flowers, such as white lily. After offering prayers to the almighty, people head towards their respective places to spend the rest of the day with their loved ones. Usually, a lavish lunch is prepared in the households. This is followed by a scrumptious meal containing traditional Easter recipes. When it comes to traditional dishes, the recipes made by using lamb are prominent.

Apart from being a traditional delicacy in the Easter dinner, Easter lamb is also a part of religious symbolism. It is a prominent Easter symbol in central and eastern European countries. Easter lamb represents Jesus and relates his death to that of the lamb, sacrificed on the first Passover. Lamb has been mentioned in the seventh-century holy book of the Benedictine Monastery. Christians traditionally refer to Jesus as "the Lamb of God". The Easter lamb, draped with the flag of victory, may be seen in pictures and images in the homes of every central and eastern European family, during the holiday season.

Along with smoked ham, lamb has been an integral part of the traditional Easter feast. Over the years, people have been preparing a number of recipes using lamb. Apart from the usual roasted ones, you can also find a variety of fried lamb recipes, cooked specially for Easter. In many households, lamp-shaped cakes are also prepared as the dessert item for the Easter dinner. Roast lamb has been the main feature of the Pope's Easter dinner, for many centuries. After the tenth century, in place of the whole lamb, smaller pieces of meat were used. In some Benedictine monasteries, however, even today, whole lambs are still blessed with the ancient prayers.

The ancient tradition of the Pasch lamb inspired among the Christians to make use of lamb meat as a popular food for the festival of Easter. Apart from serving as a lip smacking food, lamb is also used as a theme for table decorations for the festival. Nowadays, you can find little figures of a lamb made with the help of butter, pastry or sugar, serving as beautiful Easter table centerpieces. The symbol is also used to make attractive craft items, which serve as decorative pieces for homes and premises. You can also make use of the images of lamb to paste in front of handmade greeting cards and send them to your loved ones, to convey your Easter wishes to them.

[MysteRy]

Easter Lily

Among the multitude of spring flowers, the Easter white lily is the traditional Easter flower. The beautiful flower is considered the symbol of the Resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ, three days after his crucifixion. The large, pure white blooms of the Easter Lilies are symptomatic of the pure new life that comes through the Resurrection of Jesus. In the present time, on Easter morning, churches are bedecked with white lilies in remembrance of the loved ones, who passed away. The white flower creates a pacifying atmosphere, when it is used in the decorations of homes and premises. Read on to know more about the Easter symbol.

Easter Lily

The white Easter lily symbolizes purity and sanctity. For centuries, artists have portrayed Angel Gabriel coming to the Virgin Mary with a spray of lilies in his hand, to announce that she is chosen to be the mother of the holy child - Christ. Roman mythology associates the white lily with Juno, the Queen of Gods. It is said that when Queen Juno was feeding her baby son Hercules, a portion of the milk fell on to the earth, leading to the blooming of gorgeous white lilies. Therefore, white lilies have emerged as arbitrary symbol of Easter.

Lilies have six-part flowers (three petals and three sepals colored alike) and usually six stamens. The lovely white Madonna lily was used for years as the traditional flower of Easter. However, it often failed to bloom during the festive season of Easter. Therefore, Bermuda lilies were substituted. Bermuda lilies are called so, because they were first found in Bermuda by Ms Thomas P Sargent, in the 1880s. Since they bloom naturally in springtime, she brought its bulbs in back home in Philadelphia. There, a nursery man, called William Harris, made it popular among other florists.

In case you want to place Easter lilies in your home garden, then choose a plant with flowers and buds in various stages of development. It is suggested to go for a plant with tight buds in it. Check whether the foliage of the plant is dense or not. Moreover, the foliage should extend all the way down the stem, to the soil line. Ensure that the foliage is health and green. The plant should be about two-times as tall as the pot, in which you are going to place it. It is not suggested to pick a plant, which shows signs of insects or dark spots in the leaves.

To keep your lily plant blooming for the entire spring season, you need to take good care of its flowers. Ensure that you have placed the lily plant in the presence of bright sunlight. However, keep the lily plant away from direct exposure to sunlight. The flowers should be protected from heat sources such as fireplaces, electric appliances and heaters. You need to remove the yellow anthers from the centers of the flowers, so that they remain fresh for a long time. Water your lily plant regularly, so that the soil doesn’t dry.

[MysteRy]

Easter Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns stand out from other Easter delicacies, for their typical flavor. A prominent Easter icon, hot cross bun is called so, because of the icing cross on the top of the bun, which reminds people of the Crucifixion of Jesus. Hot cross buns were first baked in England, to be served as the traditional Good Friday breakfast. Nowadays, they are served throughout the Easter season. Like so many other Easter symbols, hot cross buns also owe their origin to ancient pagan traditions. They are not a truly Christian tradition, even though there is a Cross on the bun.

Hot cross buns are regarded by many as the outgrowth of the ancient Pagan sacramental cakes, eaten by Anglo-Saxons in honor of their goddess "Eastore". Besides being culinary delights, hot cross buns are believed to be protecting people from evil spirits and having a magical power of curing. Which is why, in ancient times, people used to hang the buns on the kitchen ceilings. The popularity of hot cross buns has given birth to a popular song of the same name. Street vendors used to sing a song when they went around selling their hot cross buns. This song, "Hot Cross Buns", is now a favorite nursery rhyme for children. Check out the easy recipe of hot cross bun, in the article.

Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup Confectioners' Sugar
1/4 cup White Sugar
3/4 cup Warm Water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
3 tbsp Butter
3/8 tsp Salt
1 Egg
1 Egg White
1 tbsp Powdered Milk
2 tsp Milk
3 cups All-Purpose Flour
3/4 cup Dried Currants
1 tbsp Active Dry Yeast
1/4 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1 Egg Yolk
2 tbsp Water

Method

In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, butter, milk powder, ¼ cup of sugar, salt, egg, egg white, all-purpose flour and yeast. Blend well.

When the mixture is blended well, transfer it into a bread maker and set it on the dough program, to make a soft dough.

Add currants and cinnamons, when 5 minutes of kneading are still left. Allow the machine to
knead the dough well until the mixture looks double its original amount.

After the dough is kneaded well, transfer it onto a working surface, say, your clean kitchen countertop.

Dust the surface with all-purpose flour, just to make it smooth. Punch down the kneaded dough on the floured surface and leave it to set, for about ten minutes. 

Take 12 equal parts from the dough and make them into small sized balls.

Grease a 9x12 inch baking pan with butter. Put the balls into the pan and cover them. Let the dough rise in a warm place. Therefore, leave it as such, for about 40 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine egg yolk and two tablespoons of water. Brush the egg yolk-water mixture on the balls, which are now ready to be baked.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Bake the dough balls in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.

When the buns are baked fully, remove them from the pan and transfer them to a wire rack immediately, to cool.

To make the icing - crosses - combine confectioners' sugar, milk and vanilla well. Brush the topping on each cooled bun and serve.

[MysteRy]

Good Friday

The Friday before Easter is the most solemn day for Christians - it is the day on which Jesus Christ died on the cross. This day is known as Good Friday, Holy Friday, Great Friday or Black Friday. As such, Good Friday is a day of mourning, and all the ceremonies and rituals of the day are centered on the feeling of sorrow, at the pain and humiliation that Jesus underwent for the cause of goodness and humanity. The message of Good Friday is that the dictum of "an eye for an eye" cannot work. The way to conquer evil is through good. Similarly, violence can be overcome only by non-violence and hatred by love.

Good Friday is devoted to fasting and prayer, as a way of following the example of Jesus, who stressed the role of prayer in the struggle to conquer evil. The service consists of prayers and readings from the Bible. In many churches, a piece of wood in the shape of the cross is kept. People pray before the cross and kiss it. Jesus is believed to have died on the Cross at three in the afternoon. Therefore, the traditional service lasts for three hours from noon. Some churches concentrate less on prayers, and instead, encourage people to become involved in charitable deeds.

In some churches, mourners wear black and enact the Passion of Christ - scenes of Christ's crucifixion and burial. Many churches cover the cross and the altar with mourning black, and do not light any candles. At other churches, candles are lit, but they are extinguished one by one, with the last one being put out at the moment denoting Jesus' death. The church bells are not rung on Good Friday. Catholic churches follow the tradition of the Stations of the Cross. People pass before paintings depicting the important scenes of the last hours of Jesus' life, reciting prayers and singing hymns.

Good Friday Date 2013: 29 March.

[MysteRy]

Good Friday Activities

The celebration related to Good Friday forms a part of the Paschal Triduum. The festival falls on the Friday proceeding Easter Sunday i.e. during the Holy Week. Very often, Good Friday falls on the same day as Passover, a Jewish festival commemorating the Exodus of Jews from Egypt. After a period of rejoicing over the birth of Christ, his followers observe a time of penance and fasting. This period, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Good Friday, is known as Lent. Fasting and other forms of renunciation or self-sacrifice are recommended as ways of following the example of Jesus, who fasted for forty days in the desert, before he began his preaching.

Good Friday Activities
In some churches, mourners wear black on Good Friday and enact the Passion of Christ - scenes of Christ's crucifixion and burial. Many churches cover the cross and the altar with mourning black, and do not light any candles. At other churches, candles are lit, but they are lit one after another, with the last one being put out at the moment denoting Jesus' death. The church bells are not rung on Good Friday. Catholic churches follow the tradition of the Stations of the Cross.

The entire prayer ceremony on Good Friday is somber, with priests and deacons dressing up in black vestments. The pulpit and the altar are purposely left bare. The purpose behind the solemn presentation is to create an awareness of the grief over the sacrifice of God's only begotten Son. The Roman Catholic Church observes Good Friday with several long-standing traditions. The Liturgy of the Word, the Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion also takes place on this day.

Fun Activity Ideas for Good Friday

Cross Crafts & Coloring Pictures
Cross crafts and coloring pictures can form a great activity for kids on Good Friday. Different online sites provide various different coloring pages depicting crosses, Jesus, lambs, flowering vines and bread. You can download these pages, take a printout and engage your kids into the activity.

Planting Seeds
Planting seeds on Good Friday is considered symbolic of Jesus’ resurrection and the forgiveness of the sin. Explain this symbolism as well as the reason why Jesus had to die on the cross, by planting seeds with your children. Let them plant the seeds in cups and keep in the window or in a garden outside.

Flying Kites
In some countries, kites made with wooden sticks in a cross shape are flown. Let your kids make their own kite or purchase a pre-made kite for them. Flying kites in the sky will help them visualize Jesus’ ascension into heaven. Fly kites with your kids and let them know about Good Friday and the symbolism of kite flying.

Making Hot Cross Buns
Hot cross buns are the most widespread traditions on Good Friday. Made with currants or raisins, these buns are sweet and spiced and have cross placed on top of each other. Engage your kids in preparing hot cross buns in the morning of Good Friday, before proceeding with other activities.

Reading Books
Get some appropriate books about the crucifixion of Jesus. Read out stories and tell your kids about Jesus Christ and the importance of Good Friday. This will generate interest in them, as there arises a good discussion about the events of Good Friday.

Other Activities
On Good Friday, special activities can be organized for kids, to make them learn the whole story behind the crucifixion of Jesus. For instance, drawing competition can be organized on the theme of Jesus. Plays can be enacted to make kids understand the importance of this day. They can also sing prayers in praise of God.

[MysteRy]

Good Friday Celebrations

The Friday before Easter is the most solemn day for Christians, as Jesus was crucified for the sake of humanity on this day. It is celebrated to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus and His death at Calvary. The celebration related to Good Friday forms a part of the Paschal Triduum. The Catholic Church treats Good Friday as a fast day, which in the Latin Rite of the Church is understood as having only one full meal. The day is observed throughout the world as a festival of life and spirit. Read through the following lines to know more about Good Friday celebrations.

Good Friday Festival Celebrations
Good Friday is a day of mourning for Christians, as it commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Liturgical services are held in the church, on this day. They start at noon and continue for the next three hours i.e. till 3 pm. Jesus is believed to have died on the Cross at three in the afternoon. In countries where Good Friday is not a day of rest from work, the afternoon liturgical service is usually put off until a few hours after the recommended time.

There is a three-hour service that consists of reading passages from the Gospel, about the Seven Last Words of Jesus. Each reading is followed by a message from the priest, a few minutes of silent meditation and a hymn. Devotion called "Tre Ore" or "Three Hours' Agony" is held at this time, which is followed by meditating on His Passion - reading the Gospel narratives of the Passion. The service ends with the journey to the cross.

Good Friday rituals and traditions are distinct from those of all other Church observances and add to the festival’s considerable significance. The entire ceremony is somber, with priests and deacons dressing in black vestments. The pulpit and the altar are bare, and no candles are lit. The Roman Catholic Church observes Good Friday with several long-standing traditions. Services include the Liturgy of the Word, the Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion.

Throughout the world, Christian countries have chosen different ways to observe Good Friday. However, the main essence remains the same. Good Friday still marks the culmination of Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday, and it takes place two days before Easter Sunday. Good Friday services are aimed at allowing worshippers to experience some sense of the pain and humiliation that Christ experienced on this day, centuries ago.

[MysteRy]

Cross of Jesus

On good Friday, a plank of wood, representing the cross on which Christ was crucified, is displayed in churches for the veneration of believers. One by one, they come and kiss it. This is followed by a service from noon to 3 pm, in which narratives from the four Gospels are read out. Sermons, meditation and prayers form part of the ceremony, in memory of the suffering endured by Jesus Christ for three hours. This is followed by a general communion service at midnight. In some churches, mourners wearing black, move in a procession with an image of Christ, and a ceremonial burial takes place. A day of prayer and penance, the bells of the churches remain silent on Good Friday. The cross of Jesus, also called the cross of sorrow, holds great importance on this day. Read on to explore its symbolism in detail.

Symbolism Of Cross Of Jesus

The Cross and the Father's Will
The preaching and activities of Jesus provoked the admiration of the multitudes, but also the opposition and hatred of the leaders of Israel. This resulted in His death on the Cross on Good Friday. The entire life of Jesus, in all its details, was in fulfillment of a divine plan. His Passion and Crucifixion were no exception. Overcoming His natural repugnance and horror, Jesus went to meet His enemies when it became absolutely clear that surrender to them was the Father's will. Peter's use of the sword to defend Him was against His Father's will, and therefore an obstacle in His path, a devilish action. When Peter expressed his human reaction to Christ's prediction of His Suffering and Death, Jesus called him Satan (Matthew 16:22-23).

The Cross as Liberation
The death of Christ on the Cross was so entirely against human calculations to establish a kingdom, or to initiate a world movement of liberation, that this event alone can be said to be an argument to prove the divinity of Christ. Man-made-gods were always victorious kings or warriors, who carried out their mission by destroying their enemies through the use of force. Jesus stands unique, as the only Son of God who saved humankind by accepting death at the hands of His enemies. Jesus did not come to kill, but to be killed. Through His sacrifice on the Cross, He destroyed the power of the devil, the real enemy of humanity.

Evil Conquered by Goodness
Mary, standing near the Cross, associated herself in the closest possible way with the sacrifice of Jesus. The message of Good Friday is that evil can never be conquered by evil, but only by goodness, violence by non-violence, hatred by love for the enemy. Jesus stood for these ideals and reiterated them, while being crucified. The cross of Jesus is symbolic of the suffering one may have to face when standing for the right principles, but also stresses the fact that this should not deviate from the right path, as good always wins over evil in the end.

[MysteRy]

Good Friday Date

Good Friday is a day of mourning and all the ceremonies and rituals of the day are centered on the feeling of sorrow at the pain and humiliation that Jesus underwent for the cause of goodness and humanity. The followers of Christianity observe this day primarily commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. Jesus is believed to have died on the Cross at three in the afternoon on Friday. The traditional service ends around this time only.

On Good Friday, each reading is followed by a message from the priest, a few minutes of silent meditation, short sermons and hymns. Good Friday services are aimed at allowing worshippers to experience some sense of the pain and humiliation that Christ experienced on this very day, centuries back, for the purpose of serving and saving humanity. The church services are usually observed between 12 noon and 3 p.m.

The Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, and Good Friday falls two days before Easter Sunday. The rituals follow a three-hour service, which consists of reading passages from the Gospel about the Seven Last Words of Jesus. Two most noted sentences are: ‘Father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing' and ‘Father, into your hands I commend my spirit'. Both of them are read and remembered in church services on this day.

A day of fasting, prayer and repentance, Good Friday is meant to commemorate the suffering of Jesus. Christians across the world do not mark the day as a historical event, but the sacrificial death of Christ. It also marks the end of the 40-day period of fasting and renunciation during Lent.

Good Friday Date 2013: 29 March.

[MysteRy]

History of Good Friday

Good Friday is also called Holy Friday, Black Friday, and Great Friday. It is a solemn day in the Christian calendar, which is meant to commemorate the passion, suffering and death of Jesus Christ. On this day, followers observe a time of penance and fasting (after celebrating the birth of Lord Jesus in the first phase). This period of birth till crucifixion is also termed as Lent. There are different rituals followed on this day. Some people fast and other follow forms of renunciation or self-sacrifice, as Jesus fasted for forty days in the desert, before He began His preaching. In this article, we will help you explore all about the history and origin of Good Friday.

History & Origin of Good Friday   
Jesus fasted for forty days in the desert, before He began His preaching. Thereafter, He taught the need of prayer and fasting to overcome the Evil One. Good Friday marks the end of the 40-day period of fasting and renunciation during Lent, which recalls the days Jesus spent in the desert. After this period, Jesus returned to Jerusalem, and was welcomed as the King of the Jews. The wholehearted acceptance of Jesus by the people made the rulers fear that they would lose the people's loyalty, and prompted them to plot against Him.

With the help of Judas, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, Jesus was arrested for treason and condemned to be crucified. This happened on Maundy Thursday, a day before Good Friday. The next day (which is now known as Good Friday) became the darkest day in Christianity. On this very day, Jesus was made to carry the cross, on which he was later crucified as well. Jesus, by his act of forgiving and praying for even those responsible for his death, won a victory for good over evil.

The Roman Catholic Church observes Good Friday with several long-standing traditions today. It is a day of fasting and the altars of the churches are made without candles. The Liturgy of the Word, the Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion also takes place on this day. The practice of austerities has always been considered important in Christian spirituality and this is especially followed on Good Friday, since it is a day of mourning, a day on which Jesus sacrificed his life for the sake of humanity.

[MysteRy]

Good Friday Hymns

Good Friday is an auspicious day, observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. On this day, Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus and His death at Calvary. Hymns are sung in His praise, to remind people of the sufferings He had to face to save humanity. In any form of prayer, a hymn is a way of expressing one’s love for the supreme power. It is, usually, a religious song written in form of praise or prayer, addressed to god. On Good Friday, hymns are sung in groups, as part of offering to remind people of all the sacred things that Christ did during his life, of all the things He said and all the pain he underwent during his crucifixion. Read on further to find some hymns for Good Friday.

Good Friday Hymn Lyrics

O Thou Who Camest from Above - by Charles Wesley

O Thou who camest from above,
The pure celestial fire to impart;
Kindle a flame of sacred love,
Upon the mean altar of my heart.

There let it for thy glory burn,
with inextinguishable blaze,
and trembling to its source return,
in humble prayer and fervent praise.

Jesus, confirm my heart's desire
to work and speak and think for thee;
still let me guard the holy fire,
and still stir up thy gift in me.

Ready for all thy perfect will,
my acts of faith and love repeat,
till death thy endless mercies seal,
and make my sacrifice complete.

Depth of Mercy - Charles Wesley

I have long withstood His grace,
Long provoked Him to His face,
Would not hearken to His calls,
Grieved Him by a thousand falls.

I have spilt His precious blood,
Trampled on the Son of God,
Filled with pangs unspeakable,
I, who yet am not in hell!

And having sung these things, it makes
The mystery of grace all the more unfathomable!

[MysteRy]

Good Friday Significance

Good Friday is a holy day observed by the Christian community, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus. According to the Bible, Jesus is believed to have died around 3 p.m. in the afternoon. Jesus was crucified for the sake of humanity in 33 A.D. It was termed as the victory of good over evil and since then, the day has been celebrated as Good Friday. The need of sacrifice for human sins is acknowledged in most of the world's oldest religions. It is believed that Jesus was the medium between human and God. He was God's perfect sinless substitute, who bore the punishment on behalf of the sinful human race. Through his sacrifice, Jesus became the bridge between humans and god. He is believed to be the son of God.

Importance of Good Friday
Good Friday is a day of mourning in church. It is observed as a day of fasting and penance in the memory of Jesus. On this day, the followers solemnly remember the atonement of Lord Jesus Christ and His great sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. It is followed by peaceful prayer and mediation. The service also calls for reading from all the four gospels. These gospels recount the events of the passion, from the Last Supper through the Crucifixion and the burial of Jesus.

Good Friday rituals and traditions are distinct from those of all other Church observances and add to the day’s considerable significance. The entire ceremony is somber, with priests and deacons dressing in black vestments. The pulpit and the altar are bare, and no candles are lit. The purpose behind the solemn presentation is to create an awareness of grief over the sacrifice of God's only begotten Son.

The Roman Catholic Church observes Good Friday with several long-standing traditions, all of which aim at remembering Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for the sins of humans. Good Friday is a day of fasting and the altars of the churches are made without candles. The Liturgy of the Word, the Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion also takes place on this day. Though Good Friday is celebrated in different ways around the globe, the basic essence of the holiday remains the same.

[MysteRy]

Good Friday Traditions

Good Friday seeks to commemorate the day on which Jesus Christ was crucified, for the sins committed by the entire humankind. On this day, as per the Catholic Church, people recite prayers and sing hymns. While some churches focus specifically on the events of the last week of Jesus’ life, many of the liturgies symbolize larger themes that marked Jesus’ entire ministry. Observances during this week range from daily liturgical services in churches to informal meetings in homes. Many people also participate in a Christian version of the Passover Seder. Read on to know more about the rituals that are observed on Good Friday.

Customs & Traditions of Good Friday
Good Friday rituals are distinct from those of all other Church observances and add to the holiday’s considerable significance. The entire ceremony is somber, with priests and deacons dressing in black vestments. The pulpit and the altar are left bare, with no candles lighting them up. The main aim behind this solemn celebration is to make people aware of the grief over the sacrifice of God's only begotten Son. The Roman Catholic Church observes Good Friday with several long-standing traditions, one of which is fasting, with only one meal taken in the whole day.

Throughout the world, Christian countries have chosen different ways to observe Good Friday. In almost all of them, there is a three-hour service in the church, wherein passages from the Gospel are read about the Seven Last Words of Jesus. Each reading is followed by a message from the priest, a few minutes of silent meditation and a hymn. As Jesus was on the Cross between noon and 3:00 pm, when he finally left the world, the three hours are considered the most sacred of all. A devotion called Three Hours Agony is held at this time and is followed by meditation and reading the Gospel narratives of the Passion.

Good Friday rituals also involved the making of select recipes. For instance, many people make and eat hot cross buns. These buns are small rolls marked with a cross on top. While the Roman Catholic Church observes Good Friday with several long-standing traditions, the most intense observance of the holiday is found in the Philippines. Here, Christians hold processions in the streets and enact plays that recreate the events of Jesus Christ’s final day. Devoted Christians allow themselves to be whipped and beaten, and a few even get themselves nailed to a cross, to demonstrate their faithfulness towards God.

Last Word of Jesus

Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.
Luke 23:34

Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.
Luke 23:43

Woman, here is your son... Here is your mother
John 19:26

Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? (My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?)
Mark 15:34

I am thirsty
John 19:28

It is finished
John 19:30

Father, into your hands I commend my spirit
Luke 23:46

[MysteRy]

Christmas

December 25th, the day of Christmas is the day of celebration and of fun and frolic. As the long awaited winter holidays arrive, Christmas spirit builds up. The lovely snowflakes, our dear Santa, decorated homes complete with whole range of Christmas star, mistletoe, the good-luck plant, ivy, laurels and Christmas tree are some of the inseparable parts of the picture. The soft music of the Christmas carols and children eager to open their gifts certainly lend unique warmth to the coldest day of the year.

The birth of Christ is perhaps the most popular festival around the world. The dark night sky, the chilly winters all just provide the perfect backdrop for the reigning red and green colors that cheer up the entire scenery. People visit their families and arrange some of the most lavish parties. The most awaited festival, the Christmas signifies love and kindness, joy and happiness. The holiday spirit of the season in one word is - infectious!

Christmas 2012: 25 December

[MysteRy]

Christmas Celebrations

Christmas is a popular festival celebrated throughout the world. Though the main theme behind the celebrations is same everywhere, every country has slightly different customs related to Christmas celebration. However, the zeal and enthusiasm of Christmas celebrations remain the same everywhere. Be it countries of Europe or the countries of Asia, or counties in America or Africa there is a special fervor about the arrival of this festival. Markets all over the world get a special boost around this festival. Let's explore here some of these unique and interesting ways to celebrate Christmas around the world.

Christmas Holiday Celebrations

Asia
In comparison to the other parts of the world, Asian countries have relatively less Christian. So, the celebration of Christmas is not as widely celebrated as other parts of the world. However, the zeal and fervor of the people in Asia is no less as compared to the other parts of the world. The celebrations here are very much western in nature. The customs and traditions such as attending the midnight mass, religious services, exchanging of gifts, thanksgiving, singing carols, decorating their house and Christmas trees are very similar to those done in Europe and America.

However, gradually the festival is becoming popular in countries like Japan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines. On the eve of Christmas, the streets here are decorated with lights, gifts are exchanged, and Christmas trees and other Christmas accessories are available at each departmental store. The culture of Santa Claus has also become gradually very popular in this continent. Party and feasting are inevitable part of the Christmas celebrations here.

Africa
Very much like Asia, the celebration of Christmas, as a festival is not so widespread due to the little Christian population in most of the African countries. However, amongst the scanty Christian population in the continent brought along with the missionaries here, Christmas customs and traditions are inevitable part of their culture. The celebrations are very much a replica of the western traditions and rituals.

The Christmas celebrations here in Africa begin with the Christmas carols and hymns in their own languages. At early morning, the carolers start moving to and fro through the village, along the roadway, by the houses of the missionaries, singing the wonderful Christmas carols. Most of the people are be awakened by the group of carolers who are heading towards the house of worship singing the carols. They return home to make ultimate preparation like the clothes one must wear and also as to one's offering for the Christmas service. In South Africa, Christmas is a summer holiday.

Europe
The celebration of Christmas is most beautiful and attractive in Europe. As Christmas falls at the most wonderful time of the season, the festivities of Christmas are also given a boost up by the wonderful weather of the place. As Christmas is the most original and ancient festival in Europe, there are also several folklores and folk traditions related to this festival here. The Christmas celebrations are also very authentic in nature at this place. The celebrations are almost similar in all the countries of Europe.

In England, it is a tradition to choose Boy Bishops on the occasion of Christmas in order to honor of St. Nicholas' love for children. These little bishops then perform various duties except delivering the Mass. The day next to Christmas day is called 'Boxing Day' here as the young boys used to go round collecting money in clay boxes on this day. In Britain, the gift giver is called Father Christmas. Just like Santa Claus, Father Christmas delivers the gifts during the night before Christmas. The traditional Christmas dinner in England consists of roasted turkey with vegetables and sauces and the most popular dessert is fruity Christmas pudding with brandy sauce.

Australia
In Australia, Christmas on 25th December actually falls in the mid of the warmth of summer and it is often very hot here during Christmas. The Christmas here is celebrated along traditional lines with people attending the great mass in church on the Christmas Day. The services are held early in the morning. This is how the day of Christmas begins in Australia along with the decoration of their homes with flowers and other plants and Church rituals in the morning.

The festivities of Christmas begin from the noon when generally people prefer to go out for a picnic in the wood or on the beach. The feasts are also organized at these places. The popular Christmas dishes include the traditional hams, turkeys and plum pudding. As the climate is very hot, salads and other summer foods also form an important part on the Christmas menu. Lots of events and concerts are also held through out the country on this day. Many people also prefer to celebrate their day in a pool, playing cricket at the backyard or any other outdoor activities.

America

North America
The United States of America is a vast country with people from different ethnic groups residing here. This is why, Christmas celebrations do not only vary from state to state but also from house to house. The Jewish people in USA celebrate Hanukkah other than the Christian celebration on this day. Generally, the houses, streets and stores are wonderfully decorated with colorful lights and Christmas trees and Santa Claus on this day. The entire atmosphere is made musical by the auspicious Christmas carols being played all the time. The entire city is decorated till New Year in the colors of Christmas. Feasting and Partying are extended week long and even Schools are generally closed till 2nd January. All the countries in North America have a similar celebration.

South America
In South America, unlike other parts of the world, the Christmas is celebrated as a harvest festival. Places like Argentina, Venezuela, Uruguay in South America, celebrate the festival in similar way. The native of the place, the Bolivians observe this day as thank giving day after the completion of a year's agricultural work. The festival is completely dedicated to Mother Earth and all the celebrations and feasting is done in order to commemorate her presence. The people here pray for their well being and prosperity and ask her to bring a fruitful harvest in the coming year. In Brazil, Santa Claus is popular by the name of Papa Noel. Here instead of Christmas trees, the crèche or Presepio, representing the Christ's birth is popular. Gifts and toys are also exchanged during the holiday season. There is also unique tradition in some parts of South America, where children write letters to the Christ-child on the eve of Christmas and place shoes in the window in which he may place toys when he comes to his place.

[MysteRy]

Christmas Angels

Angels form a significant part of Christmas legends. In Greek, the word 'angel' means messengers. In the popular Christmas stories, angels are the messengers of God, who played a prominent part in the birth of Lord Jesus Christ. They are personified as heavenly creatures with a pair of wings and a halo. The wings symbolize immortality, virtue, peace, love, cleanliness and innocence, while the halo is the symbol of their native to heaven. Many fairy tales and bedtime stories are centered on them and their good deeds done to humankind. Read on to know more about Christmas angels.

History
The history of Christmas angels finds its mention in the New Testament, according to which, angels are categorized into nine ranks, Seraphim and Cherubim holding the top ranks. Saint Michael, an archangel, is regarded as the head of all angels. According to the legends, every human being has his/her own guardian angel, which protects him/her from evil spirits. Angels were perceived as per the Christian doctrine only around 1100-1200 AD. The heavenly creature plays a significant role in Christianity.

According to the popular story of Christmas, angels told Joseph to marry Virgin Mary. Angel Gabriel served as the messenger of the God, who brought the glad news to Virgin Mary about her being chosen as the mother Jesus Christ. Therefore, Gabriel is regarded as a Christmas angel. The Christmas angels also spread the news of the birth of Lord Jesus Christ. Legends say that angels looked over, as Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem, when she was bearing the holy child.

When angels came to know about the birth of Lord Jesus Christ, they sang serenade for the newborn baby. They were assigned by the Go to fly closer to earth and sing a melodious song, which was heard in the heavens and throughout the earth. The angels were ecstatic, when they came to know about the birth of Jesus. As per the story, a Christmas angel spread the news of the birth of the Son of God, to the shepherds. Hence, angels have acquired a significant position in the stories and legends connected to Christmas.

Significance
When Christmas is round the corner, angels virtually appear everywhere. It is believed that the Christmas angels fill the air with festivity. They are with the human beings, to protect them throughout the festive season. Small children are told bedtime stories, depicting the goodness of angels and their divine relation with human beings. Apart from the fairy tales, angels feature in manger, which depicts the Nativity Scene. The heavenly creatures can be seen in embellishments used for tree as well. Christmas angels are adored by almost every one and are especially liked by small children.