By: Haley Harper
Some people may think the way Santa looks differs from country to country, but in fact most share the common description of rosy cheeks, a long white beard, and a big stomach. In comparison, ethnicities had their own celebrations and names of Santa but all are still alike.
For example, in Russia Santa is called Ded Moroz or Grandfather Frost. In Russia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th and only few Christians celebrate on the usual 25th. The Orthodox Church celebrates Advent, so their Christmas is 40 days long. Some will fast on Christmas Eve until the first star appears in the sky; some Orthodox Russians don’t eat meat or fish during the Christmas Eve meal. On New Year’s is when “Father Frost” brings presents to the children and is accompanied by his granddaughter. On New Year’s Eve, children make a circle around the tree and sing to Ded Moroz.
In Italy Santa is called Babbo Natale or Father Christmas. The main day for giving presents in on January 6th. Presents are brought by La Befana, who comes during the night to fill stockings. Like in Russia, there is a meatless dinner is eaten by families then a midnight mass. Bonfires are often held in the center of town in southern parts of Italy. Christmas lights and decorations go up as early as late November and are becoming more and more popular.
Christmas is a special times of the year, and many countries have made their own special to their culture and ethnicity. America has their own distinct way of celebrating it, and it couldn’t be anyone else’s but our own!
No comments:
Post a Comment