~ Christian Festivals ~

[MysteRy]

Santa Claus

Christmas is one of the most popular festivals around the world. It is celebrated in order to commemorate the birth of Lord Christ, the founder of the Christianity religion. As the festival is celebrated from a long time, there have been several new additions in the traditions and rituals of the festival since it started. The concept of 'Santa Claus' bringing gifts for kids is one of them. However, with time Santa Claus has become so much a part of this festival that at least kids can't look beyond Santa Claus when Christmas is arriving. Santa Claus has been phenomenal in popularizing Christmas in Asian countries where Christmas was a less popular festival compared to the west.

Origin
The matter of Santa Claus being a mythological character is often debatable. While some people claim that Santa was once a real character who has now been made fictional with mythological tales and stories, many others claim that Santa was never real and is the result of the commercialization of Christmas. Several similar characters are also popular in Europe and other parts of the world. Santa is also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle. The legend may have its origin in the hagiographical stories relating to the historical figure of gift giver Saint Nicholas.

It is said that Santa Claus loves children and brings gift for them on December 24 (late evening and overnight hours of Christmas Eve) or on Saint Nicholas Day i.e. December 6. Though formerly Santa was illustrated wearing the bishop's robes, along with time Santa's character changed into a jolly, white-bearded man with a red coat and white collar along with white-cuffed red trousers, and black leather belt and boots. He also carries a huge bag with him in which he is said to store all the gifts he wants to disseminate on earth. Gradually this image has been popularized through song, radio, television, and films. In Europe too, a similar character commonly called Father Christmas is popular.

Legend
There are also several legends associated with Santa Claus. According to one popular legend Santa lives in the far north, in an unending land of snow. The American legend of Santa Claus explains his abode at the North Pole. In England, the synonym of Santa i.e. Father Christmas is said to be residing in the mountains of Korvatunturi in Lapland Province, Finland. It is said that Santa lives with his wife Mrs. Claus, umpteen numbers of miraculous elves, and eight or nine flying reindeers.

Santa is also the central character of several bed time stories of kids. One of these popular stories tell that after looking at the records of entire year, Santa makes a list of children throughout the world, classifying them according to their behavior and then delivers presents, including toys, candy, and other gifts to all of the kids accordingly. It is said that he completes this deed with the help of the elves who make the toys in the workshop and the reindeer who pull his sleigh when he heads towards the Christmas celebrations on Christmas Eve.

[MysteRy]

Christmas Symbols

Christmas is the most popularly celebrated festival all over the world. It is celebrated with immense joy and zeal in all the Christian families. This festival is celebrated in order to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity. On this day, people apart from feasting and partying, the followers of Christianity also take part in several traditions; customs and rituals. These customs are often explained by the interesting icons and symbols that are associated with Christmas. These symbols have now become so common with the celebration of Christmas, that once the Christmas arrives, the entire market is seen overcrowded with these items.

Popular Christmas Symbols

Christmas Tree
Christmas tree is the most popular symbol associated with the Christmas celebrations. It is basically an evergreen coniferous tree which is decorated with lights, stars and colorful ornaments during the days around Christmas. One can't even imagine Christmas ambience without Christmas tree.

Christmas Star
The Christmas star is an unavoidable part of Christmas ambience. It is associated with the spirit of the celebration, big hopes and high ideals. There are several legends associated with this star which relate it to the birth of Jesus Christ.

Mistletoe
Mistletoe is associated with the Christmas festival since a time immemorial. This plant is said to have mystical power of saving life and securing peace. There are several Christmas folklores associated with this plant. Kissing under Mistletoe is a popular ritual.

Holly
Holly is an inevitable symbol of Christmas. It is said to be a man's plant and is considered to bring good luck and protection to men. It is said that whoever in the family brings the first sprig of Christmas holly into home, will wear the pants that year.

Christmas Rose
Christmas rose is a European evergreen plant with white or purplish rose look-alike winter flowers. As in U.S.A and surrounding countries, the Poinsettia has become synonym of the Christmas flower, in Germany and other European countries; the flower of Christmas rose is the Christmas flower. It can be seen on Christmas table clothes, napkins, wrapping paper and cards.

Poinsettia
Poinsettia flowers are beautiful small, and situated in the middle of the bracts. There is a beautiful legend associated with this flower which explains how this flower became a bright red Christmas flower.

Glastonbury Thorn
Glastonbury Thorn, generally referred as 'The Holy Thorn of Glastonbury' is the legend that ties in Christ's death as well as the celebration of his birth. It is said that Glastonbury Thorn relates to the piece of the Crown of Thorns, placed on Jesus' head before he was crucified.

Christmas Stocking
On the occasion of Christmas, Children all over the world hang the Christmas stockings on their window in order to receive gifts from Santa Claus. Originally, they used their regular everyday socks, however with time special Christmas stockings were created for this purpose.

Christmas Wreath
Christmas Wreath is a beautiful holiday wreath available in different types and materials. They can be made with twisted grapevines. However, people popularly use the artificial Christmas wreath available readily in market. It is said that these wreaths symbolize life and hope.

Christmas Toys
Christmas toys are one of the most popular items on the occasion of Christmas. It is actually a popular trend to exchange Christmas toys as a gift. Umpteen numbers of toys are also available in almost infinite variety of choices on the occasion of Christmas. Stuffed toys of Santa and electronic toys are popular Christmas toys.