December 25 Christians who live in the Gregorian calendar, celebrate one of the major Christian holidays - Christmas. What is special about the Catholic Christmas, and what are its main traditions?
On the night of 24 on December 25, The first evening star marks the birth of Jesus Christ. It was on this day according to the Scriptures, he was born a little Jesus, as shepherds who took refuge in the cave from the elements notified angels. A Catholic Christmas celebrations date has been set in the year 431 at the Third Ecumenical Council in Ephesus.
Many believe that Christmas Day of Orthodox distinguishes only the date, but there are other features.
In the Catholic Church Christmas is the most important holiday, While the Orthodox church in the chapter puts the celebration of Easter.
Advent.At the western rite 4 Sundays before Christmas begins Advent - the time of repentance and spiritual purification. At this time it decided to confess that with a pure heart to participate in the Christmas service and communion. Each person must show kindness and mercy, help the needy and destitute. Each of the four weeks of Advent has a name:
- 1 Week - iron;
- Week 2 - bronze;
- Week 3 - silver;
- Week 4 - gold;
Advent Wreath.The self-titled wreath made of spruce twigs that are woven around by a thin wire. The wreath is inserted 4 candles, each of which is ignited at a certain Sunday and has a spiritual meaning.
On the first Sunday of Advent is lit the first light - candle Prophecies. In this Sunday decided to read the prophecies about the birth of the Messiah, tell about their children.
Second Sunday lit the second candle, whose name - Bethlehem candle - it symbolizes the birth of Jesus Christ and his coming to earth.
On the third Sunday lit the third candle - candle shepherds and it symbolizes faith and the birth of the Lord in the heart of every believer.
On the eve ignite all 4 candles, symbolizing the imminent approach of Christmas.
Christmas Eve.Christmas Eve - Christmas EveIt is also called Vigilius. On this day people dress up a Christmas tree, decorating the house, many houses people make holiday installation manger in which Jesus was born.
December 25 churches committed Three festive liturgy: Night Mass, morning and afternoon.
Since the beginning of Advent begins Christmas marketsWhere you can buy everything you need for home decoration and holiday gifts to buy friends and relatives.
Santa Claus.Santa Claus - a mandatory attribute of the Christmas holiday and look forward to both adults and children. Above the fireplace made to hang Christmas socks for each family member, in which Santa puts gifts.
Catholics Christmas caroling accepted, children go from house to house in festive costumes, sing Christmas songs and congratulate the owners home on a holiday, are over a hundred sweets.
Catholics Christmas - it is not so much a spiritual as a family holiday. which it decided to focus on the family, be sure to give gifts and going to visit relatives and friends.
Also be sure to ask about How long is Christmas Eve, and what rules it is necessary to adhere to the
