At the end of the year, the weather is cold, the shops are brightly decorated, and the streets are filled with red and green colors... signaling the coming festive season – Christmas.
History and meaning
Christmas is celebrated in many countries around the world (Image: Internet)
Christmas is explained as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ. According to the Christian faith, Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, in the Jewish state of Judea (today a city of Palestine) sometime between 7 BC and 2. According to the Roman calendar, the new date begins at sunset. Therefore, Christmas will start on the evening of the 24th and last until the 25th.
From a festival of religious significance, Christmas has become a global festival, celebrated in many countries, including Vietnam. During Christmas, everyone will decorate the churches, parishes, companies, houses, shops, and streets...to create a festive atmosphere. People always believe that this makes life a happier and happier life. In each country, depending on the custom, the style of Christmas decoration may be different. In general, the following decorative symbols are considered "classic" to create the Christmas atmosphere.
Christmas Crib
The Christmas Crib is an indispensable symbol at Christmas (Photo: Internet)
At Christmas, people often decorate cribs at churches or homes. In legend, God was born in a small cave, where the manger of shepherds in Bethlehem. Depending on the conditions, the crib can be large or small. Inside the crib, people decorate with the statues of the Child, St. Joseph, Mary, surrounded by donkeys, sheep, statues of the Three Kings, angels, etc.
Christmas Tree
The green color of the Christmas tree symbolizes intense vitality (Image: Internet)
When everything is covered by winter weather and loses its vitality, evergreen trees (especially pine trees) still grow green. Therefore, the pine tree is seen as a symbol of rebirth and intense vitality. Besides, many people also believe that the green color of pine trees can help to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. On the pine tree, people can decorate with accessories such as pearls, gifts, Santa Claus, snowflakes, and colorful lights, etc.
Santa Claus
Santa Claus often goes through the chimney to give gifts to children on Christmas Eve (Photo: Internet)
In the culture of many Western countries, Santa Claus is often depicted with a stout figure, a long white beard, a red top hat, a red suit with white trim, and a black belt. Before Christmas, children will write letters to Santa expressing their love for him. Through the letter, children also expressed their wish to receive their favorite toys from Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, Santa Claus rides a reindeer carriage, delivering presents to children around the world. Santa Claus is considered a symbol of tolerance and love, bringing joy and happiness to people's homes, especially children.
Wreath
The Advent wreath is a familiar symbol that evokes a jubilant Christmas atmosphere (Photo: Internet)
The wreath is made of green branches and leaves, round in shape, symbolizing a full and happy life. The green color symbolizes survival and intense vitality during winter.
Traditionally, the wreath is decorated four weeks before Christmas with four candles. Every Sunday, people will light a candle on the wreath. The first candle represents hope. The second candle represents love. The third candle represents joy, and the fourth candle represents peace.
Yule log
Yule log is believed to bring good luck and peace to the family (Image: Internet)
According to tradition, the night before Christmas, people often go to the forest to cut a large log and bring it home. People believe that this action helps to protect the house from the invasion of evil, and keeps everyone in the family peaceful.
Around the year 1875, a baker made a cake in the shape of a log instead of a real tree. Many people believe that eating log cake will bring good luck in the new year and avoid bad omens. Currently, in many countries around the world, log cake has become an indispensable dessert on Christmas Eve.
It's time to start decorating the house for Christmas and welcome the good luck in the new year.
