What do Catholics eat for Christmas? Catholic Christmas: history, traditions, facts

On December 25, Catholics around the world celebrate the Nativity of Christ.

Catholic Christmas Rituals

Catholic Christmas is preceded by five pre-holiday days and another six so-called commemoration days.

Christmas Eve

On December 24, a strict fast is observed, ending at the moment the first star appears in the heavens. The eve of the holiday is called Christmas Eve because the so-called sochivo is prepared for it - boiled grains of wheat or barley, flavored with honey. At this time, special services are held in churches, where events and prophecies are remembered Old Testament, relating to the sacrament of the birth of God's son - Christ the Savior.

Special Supper

Returning from the mass, families have a special supper, which, according to the ancient rites and customs of the First Church, should include exclusively Lenten dishes. Before the start of the meal, the father of the family must read an excerpt from the Gospel of Luke about the Nativity of Jesus - this is a mandatory ritual. One of the most important moments The feast is the breaking of Christmas bread - wafers - by all those present at the meal, as a sign of mutual love and respect. Usually they white, but there are also pink ones - in order to share them with animals.

Uninvited guest

At the Christmas table in Catholic homes there must certainly be one unoccupied place left for an uninvited guest. This is a kind of tribute to the memory of family members who, for a number of reasons, cannot be with the whole family. Also, an empty place symbolizes relatives who have left forever - a separate device is prepared for them and some of the treats and a portion of wafer are left.

Like Orthodox Christians, Catholics place an armful of hay under the festive tablecloth, which reminds them of the poor environment of the cave in Bethlehem, where the Mother of God first laid her divine baby in a manger.

Christmas symbols and Santa

Christmas is invariably associated with the legendary Santa Claus, riding on a reindeer sleigh surrounded by elves and bringing cherished gifts. The image of a good-natured, well-fed old man has been known since time immemorial. Long years it was supplemented with funny details, for example, only back in 1864 did this character acquire a large red bag for gifts. Even later, the character began to sneak into homes using a chimney to leave surprises for the children. It is believed that Santa, who lives in Lapland, has a magic book in which he carefully records the good and bad deeds of children.

The prototype of this glorious hero is Saint Nicholas (Sanctus Nicolaus), with whom another interesting Christmas custom is associated - hanging large socks on the fireplace - such that they can fit as many gifts as possible. There is a legend that the saint, every time he happened to drive past poor houses, threw small bags of coins into the chimneys of the residents and they fell straight into children's stockings hung out to dry.

Holiday plants: Christmas tree and mistletoe

The tradition of decorating a spruce as an embodiment eternal life and fertility, also has its roots in the distant past, back in the days when Christianity began to spread among Europeans. At the end of the 19th century, German settlers brought with them the custom of decorating the evergreen tree to America.

In addition to shining balls, sweets, apples and children's balls are also used to decorate the spruce tree. In ancient times, it was still customary to place candles on it, trying to recreate the light of the evening star, illuminating the way for the wise men who set off from the east to worship the newborn Christ. Today they are replaced with a variety of garlands and sparkling tinsel.

Many signs are associated with another Christmas plant - mistletoe (Viscum). It is an evergreen plant that lives on the branches and trunks of some trees. For example, in Scandinavia she is considered the personification of goodness and peace, and residents of other countries believe that she protects houses from lightning, and also scares away all sorts of evil spirits. The most romantic ritual exists among the British, who kiss under the branches of this marvelous bush when Christmas comes.

Traditions and treats for Christmas around the world

While Christian Christmas is celebrated in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and many CIS countries. On the night of December 25, Christmas is celebrated by another part of the Protestant denominations, Lutherans and Anglicans. Christian church. Each country and people have their own Christmas values.

Spain

The Spaniards call this celebration Nochebuena and also celebrate it with family. The ancient Catholic custom of inviting lonely or poor people to the table, if possible, has not been forgotten here.

Germany

Life in German cities literally comes to a standstill on Christmas Eve. Closer to the night, their bells begin to ring, notifying citizens about the holding church services. Then even those people who could not even remember God on all other days go to church. The highlight of the German meal is delicious pastries, and each region has its own special types- Dresden cake, Aachen gingerbread with glaze and nuts, Nuremberg cookies, star biscuits with aromatic cinnamon.

Poland

Canada and USA

In Canada and the USA, the evening of December 24 has its own special name - “Christmas Eve”, which actually translates as Christmas Eve. Residents of these countries, upon returning from a festive service, sit down at a covered slot, where the signature dish is roast turkey. In the Canadian provinces of Labrador and Newfoundland, churches are supposed to serve fish caught by parishioners in the week before Christmas.

Since the geography of the celebration of Catholic Christmas is indeed very extensive, we can talk about culinary traditions for an endlessly long time. The list of the most famous treats includes: French log, Czech potato salad, Norwegian lamb ribs in honey sauce, Finnish baked ham with crispy mustard crust, Irish pudding, drizzled cream sauce, liqueur and generously sprinkled with candied fruits and nuts. Of course, people prepare all these delights for festive lunch 25th.

The singing of carols begins on holy evening, and continues throughout the next day. Adults and children dress up and walk through the streets singing songs and wishing them well. Catholic Church does not particularly welcome caroling, considering such rituals to be pagan echoes.

Bottom line

Regardless of the specifics of the celebration in different countries, the Merry Christmas of Christ should be celebrated among the closest people. This holiday unites people, and also warms them with warmth and mutual love.

In order not to throw away your holiday tree and not spoil your mood, and also to have the opportunity to save nature, there are several ways to preserve the Christmas tree and use it for next year.

Every year on December 25, Catholic Christmas is celebrated, which in its importance ranks second after Easter. The celebration of the Nativity of Christ is preceded by the Advent period. Advent is the time of waiting for Christmas.

Advent is the name of the pre-Christmas period, similar to the Nativity Fast in Orthodox Church. At this time, believers prepare for the great holiday. The first day of Advent falls on the 4th Sunday before Christmas. From this day the liturgical year begins in the Catholic Church. At this time, preparations for the celebration of Christmas and joyful anticipation of the holiday take place. In addition, the Catholic Church encourages believers to think about the second coming of Christ. Each of the four Sundays of Advent has a different theme. The length of the pre-Christmas period depends on what day of the year Christmas falls on.

Previously, Advent was considered a period of fasting, but now obligatory fasting is not prescribed, although many Catholics prefer to eat lenten dishes at this time. Advent is a time of intense repentance. It is recommended to begin the sacrament of confession, as well as reflect on the coming of Christ to earth. The clergy these days wear penitential vestments, purple. There are some traditions associated with Advent, such as the Advent wreath and the Advent calendar.

Advent wreath: history of origin and meaning

During the pre-Christmas season, Catholics decorate their homes with Christmas wreaths made from spruce branches. There are four candles in the center of the wreath. The decoration is mounted vertically or placed on a table. One candle is lit on each Sunday of Advent.

The wreath was introduced into Christmas traditions by the German theologian and Lutheran pastor Johann Hinrich Wichern, who took in several children from poor families. During Advent, children repeatedly asked the teacher when Christmas would come. So that the pupils could count down the days until the holiday, Wichern made a wreath from an old wooden wheel in 1839. The wreath was decorated with twenty-four small red candles and four large white ones. Every morning the kids lit one small candle, and on Sunday a large candle was added.

Previously, wreaths were made by hand from fir or spruce branches, decorated with ribbons, apples and sweets. Today, wreaths are decorated not only with candles, but also with bells, the melodic ringing of which welcomes Christ and drives away evil spirits, indicates the end of all work and the onset of holidays.

Modern Advent wreaths are complemented by four candles that are associated with the globe and four cardinal directions. The round shape of the product symbolizes eternal life, the candles are the light that illuminates the world at Christmas, and the greenery is the color of life.

Catholic wreaths are often decorated with one pink and three purple candles to match the liturgical colors of the service.

Christmas advent calendar

The Advent calendar shows the time left until Christmas. This special calendar is used in European countries Oh. It is made in the form of a postcard or a cardboard house with opening cells, each of which contains candy and a note with wishes or small gifts. Calendars come in the form of bags, pouches, bundles or bags hung on a ribbon. The advent calendar consists of 24 days, counting down from December 1 to December 24.

The tradition of making Advent calendars began in Germany in the first half of the 19th century by followers of the Lutheran Church. In the second half of the 19th century, the custom spread to Austria and Switzerland. And already at the beginning of the 20th century, the calendar became popular in other European countries.

Now calendars are used to track the time remaining until the most beloved and main holiday of the year. For some it is, for others it is New Year. Basically, the calendar is made for children. Often parents make it with their own hands, using cardboard, fabric, or wood. The cells are made in the form of boxes, windows, cones, pockets, envelopes, children's socks and sleeves.

Tradition of celebrating Catholic Christmas

On Christmas Eve (December 24), the vigil begins - a public worship service that is held from sunset to dawn, and requires all participants to stay awake. In many places, believers observe strict fasting on this day.

On the evening before Christmas, a special mass is celebrated, called the Mass of Christmas Eve. On December 25, three different masses are celebrated - Mass at night, Mass at dawn and Mass during the day. They are slightly different from each other, have different sequences and different readings of Scripture. In the Middle Ages, these masses were viewed as the three births of Christ - from the Father of all ages, in human incarnation from Mary and mystically in the souls of believers. In some countries, these masses are called pastoral, angelic and royal according to the Gospel readings, which tell of the worship of the Divine Child by angels, kings and shepherds.

In parish churches, the first Christmas Mass is often celebrated the evening before. According to tradition, during Mass the priest places a figurine of the Child on the nativity scene. The liturgical chanting of this Mass is distinguished by great solemnity.

The Christmas holiday lasts eight days (from December 25 to January 1), forming the Octave of Christmas. During this time, the clergy at the liturgy dresses in festive white attire. On December 26, the Catholic Church celebrates the day of the Holy Martyr Stephen, on December 27, the memory of the Apostle John the Theologian is celebrated, and on December 28, the day of the Massacre of the Innocents. On Sunday, which falls on one of the days from December 26 to 31, or December 30, if there is no Sunday on these days in the year, the Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated: the Infant Jesus, Joseph and Mary. On January 1, the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated.

And after the end of the Octave, Christmas continues Christmas time. In the past, Christmas, like Easter, was celebrated for forty days, until Candlemas. On January 13, the Epiphany of the Lord was celebrated. This practice is still preserved today among Catholics - supporters of the traditional rite. In the modern rite, the Christmas season ends with the feast of Epiphany.

The editors of I WANT continue the thematic marathon, publishing relevant materials about preparations for the New Year and Christmas holidays. This time we have news about Catholic Christmas: signs of the holiday, information on how to celebrate and what not to do on Catholic Christmas 2018. Details later in the material.

The house is always decorated in a special way for Christmas. concerns the home first of all, since Christmas for Catholics is a calm family celebration, which is met in a narrow circle. Usually they place figurines of the baby Jesus and the Virgin Mary in a manger near the house, and sprinkle them with straw, which for Catholics is one of the main symbols of Christmas. Children must be given instructions.

It begins with a prayer, all family members, according to seniority, break the wafer (unleavened bread). traditionally consists only of Lenten dishes: vegetable salads, apples, honey, nuts, raisins, various vegetables, celery, which symbolize prosperity, health and good luck. On Christmas night they also eat fish, but on December 25th you can treat yourself to poultry. Also, we must not forget about. They are sung at the festive table, and then after the holiday.

Signs for Catholic Christmas on December 25

During the Catholic Christmas holiday, much attention is paid to signs that largely help predict the future. Therefore, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with some of them.

Snow at Christmas means a good year.
Snowstorm on Christmas Eve - there will be early leaves.
Severe cold at Christmas means a rich harvest.
If Christmas is warm, there will be a cold spring.
Fireplace owners are not recommended to turn it off before dawn.
Christmas bells warn of the approach of evil spirits, and Christmas candles protect festive table from the cold and the forces of darkness. The Christmas wreath protects the inhabitants of the house from the unexpected arrival of evil forces.

What not to do on Catholic Christmas

If you read, you will see that each religious date has its own prescription and its own prohibitions. In this regard, it is no exception. Read on to learn what not to do on Catholic Christmas.

First of all, you can’t physically work: it’s better to postpone such work until later or do everything in advance.
You can't sew either. Many people believe that handicrafts church holidays threatens sudden blindness or deafness.
You cannot go hunting in the forest on Catholic Christmas. Previously, it was believed that on such a holy day the hunter would die from the cold or become a victim of the one he was hunting.
You can't skimp on the holiday. The more money spent on organizing the Christmas holiday, the greater wealth awaits the family in the coming year.
You cannot sit down to the Christmas table in worn clothes, otherwise you will face failure.
You can’t wear black on Catholic Christmas, otherwise disaster will come.
Believers will never. There is a special one for this.
You should not use foul language, argue or swear, especially at the table.
You cannot have lunch before the first star rises: only children are allowed a snack.

We must also remember that this is a family holiday, which must be spent in a festive atmosphere and not forget about kindness and mercy towards other people. Happy holiday!

This is our favorite holiday, which unites peoples and countries, called Christmas. Catholic Christmas is traditionally celebrated on the night of December 24-25. This is customary in America and Africa, in many European and Eastern countries.

Why are there two dates for Christmas?

Everyone knows that there are two dates for celebrating Christmas - this is on the night of December 24-25 and on the night of January 6-7, when Orthodox Christians celebrate.

The difference is mainly due to confusion in the chronology calendars - Julian and Gregorian.

When Catholic Christmas is celebrated, the date corresponds to the setting of the Roman Church after the victory of Constantine the Great (320 or 353 AD). Since then, Christians began to celebrate Christmas on December 25, with the exception of a few eastern churches, which set a different date - January 6.

Orthodox Christmas is celebrated from 6 to 7 because this date was set according to the Julian calendar, according to which there was one more day in February. For many years, namely every 128, this “extra” day forced the entire calendar to shift, which is why the holiday of Easter began to come much earlier than expected. It was then that the decision was made to replace Julian calendar to Gregorian in order to correct the current situation. Thus, from the end of the 16th century, the whole world began to use the new calendar, while Russia continued to use the Julian calendar until the 20th century, despite the ban of the church. Later there were attempts to introduce a new calendar, but they were rejected, and Orthodox Christmas it never began to be celebrated at the same time as Catholic Christmas. The date of the last one remained the same - December 25, but everyone has already gotten used to it.

Dishes for Catholic Christmas

Let's move on to even more interesting details celebrating such a wonderful holiday as Catholic Christmas. Let's look at what is customary to cook and serve on this day.

It is worth noting that each country can find its own flavor. For example, in Great Britain, the main dishes for Catholic Christmas are turkey baked in gooseberry sauce and Christmas pudding (which, by the way, is poured with rum and set on fire before serving).

In France, turkey is served with white wine sauce, and in the United States - with cranberry sauce.

Austria and Hungary differ in that Catholic Christmas dishes do not include poultry. The reason for this is the belief that happiness will fly away that evening if it is on the table.

In Poland, at Catholic Christmas, a minimum of 12 dishes are usually served, traditionally these are: kutia, borscht or mushroom soup, zucchini rolls, pies with cabbage or mushrooms, herring and baked carp, as well as sweet plum and poppy seed pies or rolls, the famous gingerbread, uzvar (dried fruit compote), etc.

Germany is also famous for its sweets at Christmas - various types cookies and gingerbread, cinnamon muffins.

Amazing Fishy Christmas

Italian Americans have their own amazing menu based on seafood. This celebration is called The Vigil. There must be at least 7 dishes on the table. They may consist of Baccalà ( salted cod), anchovies, blue whiting, lobster, sardines, smelt, eel, squid, octopus, shrimp, mussels and other shellfish. Moreover, each of these seafood should be on the table. These can be main courses, appetizers and salads, baked or Fried fish, sauces, etc. No celebration is complete without a bottle of good wine.

Fish Christmas is also popular in Spain and Norway.

Catholic Christmas: traditions

On the eve of this holiday - Christmas Eve - it is customary to eat lean food: porridge, honey, nuts, etc. According to Christian traditions, fasting ends with the appearance of the first star in the sky.

This holiday is characterized by special symbols and rituals:

Here are some customs that are accepted around the world on Catholic Christmas. These traditions migrate from country to country. Somewhere they appeared earlier, somewhere later. But today these customs are understandable to any Catholic.

Catholic Christmas in Europe

Most Europeans celebrate Catholic Christmas. Therefore, all the traditions described above are observed by many in Europe, and the holiday menu contains approximately the same list of dishes. As we found out, there are some differences in the celebration of Christmas in each country. Nevertheless, universal love This holiday unites nations, and traditions are passed from country to country, enriching the culture.

Catholicism is characteristic of most European countries. Of course, there are other religions, but Catholicism predominates. Therefore, on December 25, all people gather with their family and friends for a festive dinner, talk and rejoice at the Nativity of Christ.

Cards for Catholic Christmas

Well, the most pleasant symbols of this holiday- these are gifts for Catholic Christmas. Postcards are one of the most popular congratulations. Children all over the world really look forward to the Christmas holiday, because it is on this day that they receive their long-awaited gifts that Santa Claus brings to them.

Who brings joy to the home?

What is characteristic is different countries This cheerful grandfather, who brings the greatest joy to children, is called by many different names. In America and Great Britain it is Santa Claus, as in some other countries. In Russia and Ukraine this is Father Frost. In Germany he is called Nikolaus, in Latin America The name is also its own - Papa Noel.

On this day, adults and children enjoy gifts, but it is also customary to send cards. In these messages, people wish each other happiness and health, love, prosperity and wealth, success and good luck in business.

It is believed that Christmas cards with greetings bring happiness to the house for the whole year! Statistics say that in the United States alone, people send more than 3 million cards at Christmas. And if your little one writes a card with an uncertain hand for grandparents, aunts and uncles, godfathers and godmothers, then believe me, the recipient will treasure it all his life! For loved ones, these children's congratulations are worth more than famous manuscripts!
It is believed that Santa Claus has a magic book in which he records the good and bad deeds of children. And depending on the baby’s behavior, he gives him gifts, large and small. This is one of the good psychological incentives for a child - to learn to be better!
It is believed that it is very useful to teach children to be creative by making Christmas toys! A Christmas tree decorated with handmade toys and hearts becomes a special treasure for both children and adults.
It is believed that the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree as a symbol of eternal life first appeared in Germany. Psychologists say that the process of decorating a Christmas tree is educational and interesting activity for adults and children, it develops tactile sensations, brings closer and unites, brings into the house a feeling of joy and a magical mood.
It is believed that hanging large Christmas stockings on fireplaces will guarantee the receipt of cherished gifts. By the way, the Guinness Book of Records includes the largest Christmas stocking, 32.56 m long and 14.97 m wide, which was made in 2007 in London.

Interesting facts about Catholic Christmas

In the city of Caracas, Venezuela, all Catholics go to church on roller skates. To do this, the streets are blocked in the morning so that believers do not be late for mass.
Christmas in Australia is celebrated at average temperature air +26 0 C. Santa Claus sails on a surfboard right to the beach. But even if Santa Claus comes on a sleigh, the sleigh is pulled by kangaroos instead of reindeer.
In Austria and Hungary they believe that you should not eat poultry on Christmas Eve, otherwise happiness will fly away from home.
In the Czech Republic they love to tell fortunes with apples: if, when cutting an apple crosswise, you get the correct star from the seeds, then it is generally accepted that the next year will be happy.