Holiday Traditions Of Other Countries- Part 2Jerusalem / Italy / France / IndiaThis section will give a small insight into the festive times from Jerusalem, Italy, France, and India. I'm sure you will enjoy catching a small glimpse of the rest of the world. Celebrate the Jewish Festival of LightsThe Festival of Lights, otherwise known as Hanukkah, is an eight day Jewish holiday that starts on the 25th day of Kislev. This may be in December, late November, or, early January, though that is only a rare occurrence. The festival is observed in Jewish homes by the kindling of lights on each of the festival's eight nights, one on the first night, two on the second night and so on.Jews celebrate Hanukkah to commemorate the Miracle of the Oil. According to the Talmud, which is a record of Jewish law and customs, at the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem following the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. But somehow quite miraculously the oil burned for eight day, which just so happened to be how long it took to press, prepare and consecrate newly made oil. The lights can be candles or oil lamps. Electric lights are sometimes used and are acceptable in places where open flame is not permitted, such as a hospital room. Most Jewish homes have a special candelabra or oil lamp holder for Hanukkah, called a Menorah. The reason for the Hanukkah lights is a reminder to those walking by the home of the holiday's miracle. Therefore the Menorah is displayed at a prominent window or near the door leading to the street. Typically three blessings are recited during this eight-day festival. On the first night of Hanukkah, Jews recite all three blessings, but only recite the first two on the nights that follow. The blessings are said before or after the candles are lit depending on tradition. On the first night of Hanukkah one light or candle is lit on the right side of the Menorah, on the following night a second light is placed to the left of the first and is lit first proceeding from left to right, and so on each night. Celebrate the Novena in ItalyIn Italy, the Christmas season celebration lasts for three weeks and starts eight days before Christmas. It's known as the Novena, and during this period, children go from house to house dressed as shepherds, reciting Christmas poems and singing. In some parts actual shepherds bring musical instruments into the villages, play and sing Christmas songs. The children are given money to purchase presents.A strict fast is observed the day before Christmas Eve, and is followed by a celebration meal known as cenone which is a traditional eel story. It may also include chocolate and a light Milanese cake called panettone or a Veronese cake called pandoro. Presents and empty boxes are drawn from the Urn of Fate, which contains one gift for each person. By twilight, candles are lighted around the family's nativity crib called the Presepio. Nativity scenes are very popular in Italy and nearly every house has one. After prayers are recited, children read poems. At noon on Christmas Day the Pope gives his blessing to crowds gathered in the huge Vatican square. In Italy the children wait until Epiphany, January 6, for their presents. According to tradition, the presents are delivered by a kind but ugly witch called Befana on a broomstick. Legend has it that though she was told by The Three Kings that the baby Jesus had been born, but she was busy and delayed visiting the baby. Therefore she missed seeing the Star of Bethlehem in the night sky and lost her way and has been flying around ever since, leaving gifts at each house that has children in case the child Jesus is there. She slides down chimneys like Santa and fills stockings and shoes with good things for good children leaves coal for children who are not so good. Decorate your Sapin de Noel in France for ChristmasNearly every French home at Christmastime displays a Nativity scene which are called crèche, and is the centerpiece of the Christmas celebration. It's often decorated with small clay figurines called santons that represent little saints. Santons are a tradition that's been handed down through the generations. They are made by craftsmen in the south of France, and can be purchased during annual Christmas fairs.The Sapin de Noël, or Christmas tree, is also an important Christmas centerpiece. It is found decorating homes, streets, shops, offices, and factories. It was introduced to France by a German princess called Hélène de Mecklembourg. She brought one to Paris after her marriage to the French heir to the throne, the Duke of Orléans. The idea of the Christmas tree came from Alsace in the 14th century. In those days, people decorated Christmas trees with apples, paper flowers, and ribbons. To the French, the Christmas tree symbolizes light and the movement of angels, the gifts of the orchards and fields, forests and sea. All of these gifts are topped off by the star atop the tree that points to Heaven. The French bake a traditional Yule cake in the shape of a log, called the Buche de Nol, meaning Christmas log. It's served at the great seasonal feast called the Le Reveillon, a supper served following midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Depending on the region of France, the menu might include goose, turkey, or oysters. French children receive gifts from Pere Noel who travels with his stern disciplinarian companion Pre Fouettard whose job it is to remind Pere Noel exactly who has behaved that year and who has not. In some parts of France Pere Noel brings small gifts on St. Nicholas Eve, December 6, and visits again on Christmas. In other places it is believed to be Le Petit Jesus, or baby Jesus, who brings the gifts. Adults generally wait until New Year's Day to exchange gifts. Giving Out Baksheesh in India during ChristmasIn a country where the population is well over 1 billion people, India is widely known to be a Hindu and Moslem country. However, there are still over 26 million Christians residing there. So during the Christmas holiday season, you'll still find carolers singing and Father Christmas in many storefront window displays. Bombay, Delhi and Calcutta hold Christmas bazaars and markets where you can find Christmas ornaments, decorations, and Christmas-themed gifts.You might find outdoor Christmas decorating in some areas. In Southern India, small clay oil-burning lamps are used as Christmas decorations; they are placed on the edges of flat roofs and on the tops of walls. Tribal Christians of the Bhil people go out every night in Northern India during the Christmas season singing Christmas carols and retelling the story of the birth of baby Jesus to residents throughout the night. One of the largest Christian contingents can be found in Bombay, the majority of which are Roman Catholic. Many homes in Bombay take great pride in creating a beautiful crèche, or Nativity scene, to be displayed in their front window. Some also decorate with large paper lanterns that look like huge stars dangling between the outdoor walls of the homes. Some choose to display artificial Christmas trees, but others choose to simply decorate a banana plant or a mango tree instead. Gift giving is also prevalent, a tradition most likely carried over when India was still under British rule. Many Christians choose to give baksheesh, or charitable gifts, to those who are less fortunate. The Christmas dinner might include turkey or chicken served with curried rice and vegetables. Vindaloo, which is a pork dish served with rice, almonds and raisins may also be on the menu. Occasionally, homemade ginger wine is also available. | ||||||
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Holiday Traditions- Part 1 England / Germany / Mexico Holiday Traditions- Part 2 Jerusalem / Italy / France / India Holiday Traditions- Part 3 Africa- Kwanzaa / Holland / Ireland Holiday Traditions- Part 4 Canada- Boxing Day / Brazil / Australia / Greece | ||||||
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