A Christmas Traditionary

Miran PERERA

Many people do not know the origins of Christmas traditions or the meaning and origins of our Christmas customs. Without any understanding of the faith foundation of our religious traditions it is easy to dismiss their relevance in our life today.

We follow them now because they are familiar and it just want be Christmas without them. But do traditions increase the faith of Christ’s adherents?

Are the commercialized traditions a modern convenience or a symptom of a deeper spiritual malnutrition in our society? Seriously we know why, how, and when our Christmas traditions began.

We would gain a greater appreciation of our forefathers and for the faith that inspired them to create traditions which enrich our lives and teach our children.

The many versions of each tradition do not dilute or contradict one another but rather point to the universality of our faith. Every culture and each family is unique and distinct.

Each has its own strengths and blessings. All traditions have something to contribute to the great communion of the church, and the song of joy which is the nativity. There are many Christmas traditions which are being followed in many parts of the world.

The Christmas candle In Christian symbolism candles came to represent Christ as the light of the world. The legend is that a robin visited Jesus in His stable. When the bird arrived the stable was very cold, because the fire was dying so he fanned it with its wings until it glowed again scorching his breast. So as a symbol of safety and protection and to give light a candle is lit at Christmas.

Christmas Star The star of Christmas presents Jesus as the light of the world. According to the legend the star stopped right on top of the place where Jesus was born. Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life?”

To symbolize that cosmic star during Christ birth an ornamental star is placed on top of the Christmas tree indoors to shine bright as a tradition. Some place the star above the crib bringing back memories of that first Christmas Day.

The Christmas cards Visiting friends and relations is a time old tradition during Christmas. But it is not always possible; Therefore in England during the latter half of the 19th century people began to send Christmas cards with greetings by post.

Making Christmas cards is a big business today. It has now become a fashion to send the most expensive cards to friends and relatives. Sir Henry Cole, an Englishman printed a Christmas card in 1843 engaging his friend artist John Horsley to design it. This supposed to be the first Christmas card.

Christmas crackers and Bon Bons: An English confectioner in England in 1840 on a trip to France transformed the French Bon-Bon, a sugard almond wrapped in tissue paper into a cracker making a loud Bang noise.

He did this by using strips of paper coated with chemicals. At present crackers are made with explosive substances rather dangerous but with a much louder noise. Crackers are lit at Christmas time to express joy.

The Christmas tree and ornaments: The image of a glittering fir tree with its lush dark green branches illuminated by twinkling lights at the centre of a happy domestic scene is today one of the most powerful and recognisable images of a traditional Christmas.

The tree originated in Germany and was introduced to England during the Georgian period. Queen Charlotte had a decorated family tree in 1790s.

Prince Albert introduced the Christmas tree to England. The trees popularity came in 1848 when a print showing the English Royal couple with their children was published in the illustrated London News.

Initially edible spice and sugar ornaments were hung on the tree. Later these ornaments became a highly widespread commercial industry with varied and fancy ornaments such as boubles and toys.

Santa Claus (St. Nicholas) and gifts: The true story of Santa Claus begin with St. Nicholas’ the former Bishop of Myra Turkey.

Nicholas was born to wealthy parents and he used his inheritance to treat the poor. To described Santa Claus; He is dressed all in fur from head to foot in red. His eyes twinkle, dimples merry and cheek like roses and nose like a cherry being chubby plump and jolly.

The above description of Santa was accepted by the Edwardian period. Santa is believed to bring presents for children during Christmas.

The Norse God Odin is believed to be a fore runner to Santa Claus. Gifts are exchanged between friends, and family at Christmas.

Elaborately wrapped on special paper these gifts are tied with coloured ribbons, tinsel and glitter and some keep them under the Christmas tree. Some children hand a large long stocking on the mantle shelf thinking that Santa would come down the chimney and fill it with presents.

Mistletoe and Evergreens: Legend has it that the first Christmas tree was a fir tree. The common pinus tree of the Northern hemisphere and Juniper trees or the evergreen shrubs of the Cyprus family has been used for decorations.

The Mistletoe tree used for Christmas decorations has yellowish flowers and white poisonous berries. It is believed that couples kissing under Mistletoe during Christmas bring them fertility and life giving power. A thousand years old tradition is to being a large trunk of the yew tree into houses during Christmas, and burn it in the fire place. Others decorate this evergreen tree.

Christmas carols and songs: It is said that in Bethlehem the people heard the Angels sing one time in unison to announce the birth of Christ. This is considered to be the first Christmas carol. St. Francis of Assisi is credited with being the father of caroling.

The word carol derives from a Greek dance called choraulein which was accompanied by flute music. By the middle ages wandering minstrels were travelling from hamlet to castle performing their carols.

The victorians loved music so it is no surprise that they revived the old medieval carols and also composed new ones, both secular and religious. Hymns such as ‘Oh Come All Ye Faithful’ are also sung at Christmas.

‘The First Novel’ carol appeared in 1833. ‘Hark the Herald the Angels Sing’ was written by Charles Wesley in 1739. Christmas time songs and music began with the litanies or musical prayers of the Christian church. An early historian wrote that in approximately 100 AD the Bishop of Rome urged his people to sing in celebration of the birthday of our Lord.

The Christmas nativity plays: The tradition in staging the Christmas nativity play has become very popular among the children.

The scene at the inn on Christmas day then at Bethlehem is animated today by children dressed up to the occasion including the visitation of the shepherds and the kings. The nativity play is staged with the singing of carols in front of an audience.

The Christmas crib: The crib displayed in churches and in homes during Christmas artificially symbolise all over the world depicting the drama of the nativity of Christ where he was born in a cow shed. It was St. Francis of Assisi in the medieval times who introduced the crib to symbolise the nativity of Christ.

In 1223 Pope Honorious III approved it to be displayed in churches. The Franciscan priests who were the first missionaries to come to Sri Lanka during the Portuguese times introduced the crib to our country.

In 1738 it is recorded that in the island of Kayts off Jaffna a crib was made for the first time and after the service the devotees made merry by dancing and singing.

The advent or Christ wreath: Each liturgical time has its own signs. Advent or Christmas also has them. The Christmas wreath comes from Northern Europe, specifically from Scandinavia.

It consists of a circular support of green branches without flowers on which four candles are placed. The colour purple is the most appropriate.

These candles symbolise the four weeks of the time of Advent and are progressively lit on each of the Sundays.

The wreath must be placed in a visible place in the presbytery very near the alter very near the pulpit on a small table or the trunk of a tree or hung from the ceiling.

The above traditions vary from country to country but they have been practised in numerous ways in the West as well as the east.

These traditions have been followed not only by the faithful but also of other religions. These traditions have prevailed because of the love and devotion of all towards Baby Jesus at Christmas.

The high interest on this festival by all has made sustain the celebrating of Christmas throughout many centuries and these traditions will continue for a long time all because of Christ and those who love and adore him.