Asking for bilingual information about Christmas

There are many Christmas customs, such as secular, religious, national and Christmas, which vary greatly from country to country. Most people are familiar with Christmas symbols and activities, such as Christmas tree, Christmas ham, Christmas firewood, holly trees, mistletoe and gifts, which were absorbed by Christian missionaries from the early Asachu pagan winter solstice festival Christmas. Long before Christianity arrived in northern Europe, people widely celebrated the winter solstice. Today, the word Christmas is still pagan in Scandinavia. Christmas trees are thought to have first appeared in Germany. Pope Gregory I did not try to ban popular pagan festivals, but allowed Christian priests to reinterpret the meaning they gave to Christianity. He allowed most of the customs to continue, but made some modifications and even remained unchanged. Religions and deals between government authorities and celebrants keep Christmas alive. In areas where Christian theocracy prevails, such as Cromwell's England and early New England colonies, celebrations are prohibited. After the Russian revolution, Christmas celebrations were banned by the Soviet regime for 75 years. Even now, some sects, such as Jehovah's Witnesses, some Puritan organizations and some ultra-conservative Christian fundamentalists still believe that Christmas is a pagan festival without biblical recognition and refuse to celebrate it.

English: Christmas customs

There are countless customs of Christmas, including secular, religious, national, Christmas and differences between countries. Most people are familiar with the symbols and activities of Christmas, such as Christmas tree, Christmas ham, wood, holly, mistletoe and gift exchange, which were absorbed by Christian missionaries from the early Asatru pagan winter festival to Christmas. Celebrating the winter solstice was widely circulated before early Christianity arrived in the north. Today, in Scandinavia, Christmas is still the pagan language. Christmas trees are thought to have first appeared in Germany. Pope g regory I mad e did not try to ban the pagan festivals of popular Christian priests, but allowed them to explain the meaning of Christianity. He was allowed to continue, and most customs were revised or even remained unchanged. Trade between religions and government authorities and the celebration of Christmas continued. In Christian theocracy, such as Cromwell in England and the early New England colonies, celebrations were forbidden. After the Russian revolution, the celebration of Christmas was banned by the Soviet Communist regime for 75 years. Even now, just as some religious Christian fundamentalists are regarded as heresies by Jehovah's Witnesses, some puritan organizations and some ultra-conservative Christian fundamentalists still recognize the Bible as a holiday without Christmas and refuse to celebrate heresy.

Santa Claus and the gifts he brought.

Giving gifts at Christmas has almost become a global habit. The concept of mysterious people bringing gifts to children originated from Saint Nicholas, a kind bishop who lived in Asia Minor in the 4th century. The Dutch imitated him in giving gifts on Saint Nicholas' Day (65438+February 6th). In North America, British colonists integrated this tradition into Christmas celebrations, and Sinterklaas became Santa Claus or Saint Nick accordingly. In Anglo-American tradition, Santa Claus always comes to Christmas Eve happily in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. He climbed into the house from the chimney, left gifts for the children and ate the food (milk and biscuits) left by the children. He is busy making gifts and monitoring the children's behavior and recording it at other times of the year. In French, Santa Claus is called Father Noel. He is almost the same as Santa Claus. His red and white clothes once inspired Coca-Cola Company to draw the images of Santa Claus all over the world in A.D. 1930. In some cultures, Santa Claus is accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht, or a guy named "Black Peter". In some versions, gnomes in toy workshops make holiday presents, and sometimes Santa Claus and his wife are husband and wife. During Christmas, children can ask Santa Claus for presents in many supermarkets in North America and Britain. In many countries, children prepare empty containers so that Santa can put some small gifts, such as toys, candy or fruit. In America, children hang Christmas stockings on the fireplace on Christmas Eve, because Santa Claus said he would come down from the chimney and put presents in Christmas Eve socks. In other countries, children leave their empty shoes outdoors so that Santa can give presents on Christmas Eve (or Saint Nicholas Day 65438+February 5). Giving gifts not only means Santa Claus, but also family and friends give gifts to each other.

Gift giving time

In many countries, Saint Nicholas' Day is still a day to exchange gifts. In many places in Germany, on the evening of February 5, 65438, children took out their shoes and put them on the windowsill. The next morning, they will find their shoes full of sweets and small gifts. In Germany, the main gift-giving date is 65438+February 24th. Santa Claus brings gifts or puts them under the Christmas tree. The same is true in Hungary, except that it is the little Lord who gives gifts instead of Santa Claus. In many areas, including the Netherlands, Christmas still retains its religious nature. In Spain and other countries with similar traditions, the people who gave gifts on epiphany on June 6, 65438 were priests (Magi), fortune tellers and pagan priests. The song "Christmas 12" tells a custom of giving gifts. It describes that the British traditionally give gifts to each other every day from Christmas to Epiphany. In most parts of the world, Christmas presents are given on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. Until recently, the British gave gifts to their friends on Boxing Day.

[Edit this paragraph] Christmas card

Christmas cards can be divided into two types: card cards and network cards. Christmas cards (Christmas cards) are very popular in America and Europe, which is also a good way to keep friends and relatives far away. Many families attach annual family photos or/and family news to their cards, which usually include the strengths and weaknesses of family members in the past year. Web-based is a web page made by programming technology. The effect is good and it is very popular now. Generally, e-cards on web pages have background music, and the material of web pages is also very beautiful. It is very popular to fill in the name on the web page and send it to your netizens or relatives and friends, which shows your own customized name and greeting! Web greeting cards, the effect is also relatively good, very casual, you can make many styles and various background music, you can also customize a variety, these are the reasons why everyone likes web greeting cards!

[Edit this paragraph] Christmas entertainment

In many countries, enterprises, schools and organizations hold Christmas parties and dances a few weeks before Christmas. Some organizations also have Christmas parades, sometimes including the story of the birth of Christ. This kind of performance is particularly common in Latin America. Some organizations also have outdoor singing activities, such as going to neighbors' houses to sing Christmas songs. Sometimes people will use holidays to remind people to pay attention to the relationship between people, take part in special volunteer work or carry out charitable fund-raising activities. On Christmas or Christmas Eve, people often prepare a big Christmas dinner to enjoy. The dishes are generally the traditional dishes of the host country. In many areas, especially in Eastern Europe, people will fast for a while before family Christmas dinner. In many countries, candy and banquets are also important parts of Christmas celebrations.

[Edit this paragraph] The religion of Christmas

Religious celebrations begin with Advent. Advent is to celebrate the expected birth of Christ at the end of June. Advent church will have special activities or ceremonies, including Advent carols. In the meantime, the advent calendar will be used to celebrate, and sweets and chocolates will be distributed to children. Before Christmas, the church will arrange many Christmas activities, and the choir will sing Christmas songs in the church. Other religious beliefs will also celebrate their own winter celebrations during Christmas. The most obvious example is the Jewish Hanukkah. 2/kloc-Today in the 20th century, families began to give gifts to each other on Hanukkah. Christmas is also reasonably accepted by the Islamic world, because Jesus is also a prophet of Islam, and there is no reason to refuse to celebrate his birth. For Muslims in western countries, celebrating Christmas has become very common.

[Edit this paragraph] The influence of Christmas.

Northern Europe

On February 6th, 65438, Germany and the Netherlands celebrated Saint Nicholas Day in English-speaking countries. In Dutch, the day called Sinterklaasavond is much more important than Christmas, although in recent years, some Dutch people have also begun to celebrate Christmas Eve and Santa Claus. The image of Santa Claus is a comprehensive evolution of the real Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus in Britain and America. Sinterklaas will bring gifts to children who ask for gifts on June 5438+February 5. He wore a red bishop coat and a bishop's crown, and rode a white steed from one roof to another. Sinterklaas had a group of assistants who liked pranks. They were called' Zwarte Pieten' (Black Peter). In parts of Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Knecht Ruprecht, which scares children, also appears in legends. In Germany, celebrating Christmas is still one of the traditions in most areas. German 12 February 25th, a bit like China's Spring Festival. Families will have dinner together, listen to music and talk about their life for a year after dinner. Children will spend Christmas at school or make their own handicrafts in their spare time, or buy gifts for their parents with pocket money. Then 12 On February 26th, relatives will visit your home or your parents will take you to visit your relatives' home, which is a bit like the day after China returned to China. After Saint Nicholas, Christmas basically belongs to children's festivals. Generally, real Christmas presents are given on the eve of Christmas. After a simple dinner, Christmas presents will be placed under the Christmas tree. Traditionally, Christmas dinner is on February 25th, 65438. The main course is usually poultry (a typical example is roast goose). Christmas presents are brought by Weihnachtsmann (literally translated as Santa Claus) who looks like Saint Nicholas, or sometimes by a naughty child Christkind, who may or may not represent Jesus as a baby. Commercially, Striezelmarkt is definitely the Christmas gift making center in the world, which is also the pride of the eastern German city of Dresden. Carefully produced and printed products are sold all over the world. But in recent years, with the influx of toys from China, it has brought a lot of pressure to local enterprises in Dresden. Even some companies began to plan to move their workshops to Eastern Europe, Turkey and even Asia, so as to improve the price competitiveness of their products. In Sweden, traditionally, companies invite employees to Christmas parties one week before Christmas. rg？ Buffet lunch (julbord or jullunch) In order to prevent possible food poisoning during Christmas, Swedish newspapers have traditionally spared no effort to report some laboratory test results every year, warning the public not to keep cold meat and mayonnaise at room temperature to avoid spoilage. Everywhere in Sweden, Christmas is a time to enjoy food. The focus of Christmas dinner is still roast ham, but in different places, which day is different. However, there is a custom in Sweden to watch Disney's special program on time at 3 pm on Christmas Eve, that is, 65438+February 24th. The Christmas dinner in Norway will be held on February 24th, 65438, when "Julenissen" will bring gifts to the well-behaved children. After a quiet reunion with their families on February 25th, 65438, there will be another grand celebration after Boxing Day, when children will be entertained from door to door in their neighbors' houses. Joulupukki (or Christmas goat) is the Finnish version of Santa Claus. He sat on a sleigh pulled by reindeer and gave presents to well-behaved children.

Southern Europe

Christmas in Italy combines modern traditions with the custom of celebrating Natale Festival left by Roman ancestors. The possibility of Christmas coming on the same day originated from the pagan celebrations in Shennongjia, ancient Rome, and their festivals began on this day until Epiphany. Food, religious ceremonies, Christmas decorations and gifts are all key items. In some areas, gifts are given by La Befana on Epiphany, while in other areas, gifts are given by Little Jesus on Christmas or Christmas Eve. In recent years, their status has been gradually replaced by Babbo Natale-, a figure like Santa Claus. In Greece, although trees are imported, ships are a traditional symbol of Christmas.

China and the European Union

In the Czech Republic, people mainly celebrate 65438+February 24th or Christmas Eve (? Tě dry den means a generous day) to celebrate Christmas. On this night, people will give gifts to each other. Although February 25th and 26th, 65438 is ok, according to tradition, the gift is from Je? í? Ek ("little Jesus") still brought it. In order to make the festival more interesting, many ancient Christmas traditions have been preserved. People are warned not to eat anything on Christmas Eve until the formal dinner is ready, so as to see the shiny roast pig. Gifts are placed under the Christmas tree (usually spruce or pine). People will open their presents after dinner. In addition, Czech Christmas traditions include predictions for the coming year. They cut apples. If you can see the apple core at first sight, it indicates good luck in the coming year. If not, it indicates bad luck in the coming year. The girls threw their shoes over their shoulders. If the toe of the shoe points in the direction of the door, it indicates that the girl will get married next year. Another tradition is to pour a little molten lead into water and guess the transportation mode in the coming year according to the shape of lead in water. In Poland, Christmas Eve is the first day of a banquet. When the first star appeared on Christmas Eve, the party began. Then everyone began to give gifts to each other. The next day, people will visit relatives and friends. In Slovakia, Christmas is a large-scale celebration of family, food and religion. In 200 1 year, a large-scale nativity scene was built and exhibited in Bratislava, and it is planned to be packaged and exhibited in other cities.

Eastern Europe and Russia

In Eastern Europe, Slavic villages have a tradition called "Ded Moroz". According to legend, he traveled in a magical "Troika" (a beautifully decorated sleigh pulled by three horses) and gave gifts to children. He is considered as Santa Claus, not a descendant of Saint Nicholas. After decades of repression by the * * * regime, Christmas celebrations in Russia began to recover from 1992. The "Eucharist" on Christmas Eve consists of twelve dishes, each of which is in memory of Jesus' disciples. Although some Russian traditions were transferred to the New Year, most of them remain today, such as visiting Grandpa Lin and his snow girl and giving gifts. Many existing Russian Christmas customs, including Christmas tree or "yolka", were spread after Peter the Great's westward journey in the late18th century. In Poland, Christmas Eve is the first day of fasting, and then, after the first star appeared and exchanged gifts, people began to enjoy it. The next few days are usually spent visiting friends.

Britain, England

Christmas firecrackers are an indispensable form of celebrating Christmas in a newly decorated house, and pantomime is very popular among young families. Nine classes and carols are very popular religious activities in Cambridge. Starting from 1947, Oslo, Norway presents a spruce tree to the British people every year as a symbol of Britain's gratitude for supporting Norway in World War II. This tree stands in Trafalgar Square in London. It is the most famous Christmas tree in Britain and symbolizes the friendship between the British and the Norwegians.

North America

Except for Santa Pere Noel in Quebec, Canada, the customs of Santa Claus in the United States and Canada are basically the same. The Rockefeller Center in new york has a Christmas tree and a grand skating rink, and the Christmas decorations made by Washington for the White House are the most beautiful scenery in the United States. The North American Joint Air Defense Command tracks Santa Claus' trip around the world every year, which has attracted the attention and reports of many media. Posada is the highlight of many secular Christmas celebrations in Mexico. In nine days, groups of citizens visited from house to house, symbolizing the visit of the newborn Jesus. People still play at home at certain times in pi? Ata played a Christmas gift game.

South America. See AMERICA

In South America, where Catholicism prevails, Christmas celebrations are full of religious themes. In these countries, secular customs and gift exchange are a mixture of European and American indigenous traditions and are increasingly influenced by American culture. In the tradition of giving gifts in Colombia, there is an "El Nino? O Jesus became Viejo Pasquero in Chile and Papanoel in Brazil. The latter two have a lot to do with the average Santa Claus. Santa Claus in South America wears cooler clothes, which may be related to the warm Christmas in South America. Santa Claus can enter children's rooms in many ways at night, from ladders to trampolines. In Argentina,/kloc-On October 6th, Christmas presents were given at the local "Three Kings' Day". On the way to Bethlehem, children met saints and stuffed their shoes under the bed with snacks and small gifts. Whether in people's homes or in public places, the image of Jesus plays an important role in Christmas celebrations in South America. In Peru, there are a large number of descendants of South American aborigines, and the image of Jesus will be carved by hand with ancient techniques. In Mexico, it is also common for rural residents to participate in story performances around the birth of Jesus Christ. It is very important for the whole family to enjoy Christmas dinner together. The content of the food is different. But Christmas candlelight is almost a landscape in summer nights, especially in Brazilian cities, where fireworks displays can often be seen. Christmas tip: On February 25th, 65438, all churches will hold worship services separately, whether it is Sunday or not. Catholicism and Orthodox Church hold Christmas prayers, while Protestantism holds Christmas services. Christmas Eve refers to the night of February 24th to the morning of February 25th. 10. The church organizes some choirs (or formed spontaneously by believers) to sing Christmas carols from door to door or under the window, which is called "good news", which means to reproduce the good news that angels report the birth of Jesus to shepherds on the outskirts of Bethlehem. People who "give good news" are called Christmas waiting, and this activity often lasts until dawn. There are more and more people, the songs are louder and louder, and the streets are full of songs.

[Edit this paragraph] Christmas decorations

In western countries, Christmas is also a family reunion and festive festival, and a Christmas tree is usually placed at home. In the west, whether Christians or not, a Christmas tree should be prepared for Christmas to increase the festive atmosphere. Christmas trees are usually made of evergreen trees such as cedar and cypress, which symbolizes the longevity of life. The tree is decorated with all kinds of lights and candles, colorful flowers, toys and stars, and hung with all kinds of Christmas presents. On Christmas Eve, people sing and dance around the Christmas tree and have fun. Christmas decorations include Christmas trees decorated with Christmas decorations and Christmas lights, and rooms decorated with garlands and evergreen plants. In particular, holly and mistletoe are traditionally used materials. In North and South America and some European regions, outdoor decorations are traditionally decorated with lights, including sledges, snowmen and other Christmas images decorated with lights.

Christmas window:

Christmas/New Year's Day/China Year, festivals come one after another, and the ideas of exhibition designers are challenged as never before. "Cohim Happy Community" officially launched the "Christmas/Spring Festival furnishings" area, providing you with the most wonderful pictures of holiday furnishings at home and abroad and sharing the deepest ideas of Christmas! Let your creativity constantly upgrade! The municipal authorities will also support Christmas decorations by hanging Christmas slogans on the streets or placing Christmas trees in the squares. In the United States, decorations have also been sued many times for containing religious themes. The prosecution believes that this is the government's recognition of a specific religion and violates freedom of belief.

Christmas ring:

In western countries, decorations hanging at home during Christmas usually consist of green branches and leaves or rattan (pine wool, pine needles, etc.). ), golden bell with silver metal and red ribbon. The main colors of green, white, yellow and red represent joy and celebration, and it says "Merry Christmas", or simply "Christmas". Christmas bread:

High gluten flour-1000g sugar-150g salt-15g improver-10g dry yeast-20g egg-1 fresh milk-250g water-300g cream-65438. Mixing high-gluten flour, sugar, salt, improver, dried yeast, eggs and fresh milk in a container; (2) adding water several times until the dough is evenly stirred; (3) Add cream and stir until uniform (the dough looks smooth and shiny); (4) Mix the fruit into the dough bit by bit, and stir evenly; (5) fermenting for 30 minutes; (6) Divide the dough into small pieces of about 300g. After taking it out, spread cream on the surface of the bread, sprinkle with powdered sugar, bake for 15 minutes, and light it at 190 degrees and 180 degrees, so as to design household articles and accessories for DIY hand-painted Christmas decorations.

Christmas plate:

Under the influence of creative thinking, plates are not only used for eating. In the shops on the street, on the sideboards of friends' houses, and even on the newly renovated walls, you can see all kinds of dishes-they have become indispensable decorations in life. However, it is impossible to buy all the dazzling decorative plates home. After all, it is not a small expense. Instead of spending a lot of money to buy them home, it is better to "tap the potential" in your own plate and reinvent it. In addition, in this process, it is convenient and economical for us to choose patterns and colors.

On Christmas Eve, I just want to hold you quietly, because you are my eternal Christmas gift ... I want to put my hand in your hand and let you take me into the Christmas church to celebrate our Christmas. With the coming of Christmas, the air is full of joy. Just like my mood, let me sing a hymn tonight and beg for a better tomorrow. There are soft snowflakes floating in the Christmas night sky. I still miss you, but do you miss you and me as much as I do? Occasionally, I will shake the calm heart lake and flip through moldy photo albums. I remember that you used to accompany me every Christmas, but this year, you left ... and missed each other every night. Christmas Eve, although I am lonely, it is also good, because at least you gave me your blessing ... Christmas Eve, you are a gift from God. Now, when the bell rings, my heart is snowing all over the sky! Christmas in previous years is to listen to the same music and eat the same things; Because of you, Christmas this year has become so different. If meeting and getting along is the best gift from Santa Claus, may God prepare the greatest happiness for me at this time! On Christmas Eve, dancing. Snowflakes are flying all over the sky. Heart to heart, always accompanied. On this big day of universal celebration, I have thousands of blessings that I can't say. I just want to say four words to you-Merry Christmas! Know each other, know each other, love each other and be together. We are in the same boat through thick and thin. You are God's foot for my happiness in this life. Merry Christmas. I let the blessings of love turn into sparkling snowflakes, kiss your cheeks and melt in your heart. Dear, I wish you a happy New Year! Think of the laughter in the past, think of the warm caress, and wish the teacher every day full of joy. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Jingle bells, on this romantic day, we will hang bells for every star until dawn. May the bright and festive Christmas candle warm you every day and night of the year, just like my smile always fills your heart! Knowing each other depends on fate, knowing each other depends on sincerity No matter where you are, a true friend always cares and loves. May his friends have a safe Christmas. Every snowflake falls, every fireworks is lit, every second flows, and every miss is passed. Represents every blessing I want to give you! Snow is falling, deer bells are ringing, and the sweet Christmas Eve is coming again. What a wonderful Christmas! Boss, after a hard year, have fun! No matter where I am, I am only a turn away from you. Let my heart dance with you on this Christmas Eve. With the arrival of Christmas Eve, I remembered my classmates and friends far away and asked, How are you? Say: Merry Christmas! May friendship last forever! Happy new year! Maybe time will fade away, maybe space will block each other. But what is worth cherishing is still close friendship. I want to say to you again: Merry Christmas! The happiest thing is that you are thinking of one person and another person is thinking of you. Is there such a romantic thing in the world If you are thinking about me, then I am the happiest person. Just want to tell you: Merry Christmas! May sweetness accompany you through every day of the year, warmth accompany you through every moment of the day, peace accompany you through every minute, and happiness accompany you through every minute! Honey, I really want to shrink it so that I can put on your Christmas socks. I think I must be the Christmas present you want most! It is said that meteors are responsive, and I am willing to stay under the starry sky until a star is touched by me, breaking through the sky and bringing my blessing to your pillow. Merry Christmas to you! Happy forever! I don't know how to face your departure. You didn't give me any comfort. I have tears in my eyes. Will you come back for Christmas? Don't break my heart again! Christmas really feels lonely! Because I don't have you around, I really miss you, and I really want you to spend this romantic Christmas Eve with me. The faint friendship is deep, the faint taste is pure, and the faint blessing is the truest. Merry Christmas! Love is silent, love is eternal. Snowy Christmas, baby, our hearts are hugging each other! On Christmas Eve, I will polish the night sky for you. You just need to look up. Every star represents my blessing: happiness, happiness, wishful thinking ... Perhaps a gentle greeting is the most intimate, perhaps a faint feeling is the most charming. I wish I could spend Christmas night with you and say: Merry Christmas. I would like to turn into snowflakes and fall on the Christmas tree, sending you warm wishes!