Christmas is a holiday celebrated annually marking the birth of Jesus Christ hence the name “Christmas”.
It is celebrated both religiously and culturally around the world. Originated from the Christian religion, it is usually distinguished on Dec 25th with exceptions of other cultures.
In this festive season, the spirit of giving, forgiveness and happiness are some of the values that people try to embody during this holiday. Santa clause otherwise known to some as the fat man in red, reign deers’ and the Christmas tree are the ultimate symbols of the Christmas holiday.
Having family and friends from around the world, my partner Kaitlyn and I were able to learn and share similar traditions that are carried throughout this holiday. From Eastern Africa Kenya to all the way in the U.K, not forgetting Taiwan and China in Asia our family and friends shared with us pics of the Christmas festivities from their current location that you will see on our graphic map.
In most African countries, most families celebrate Christmas holidays by having family reunions to party and have a full on feast. For those who are Christians, Some will do attend church on the day of Christmas. Gift giving and wrapping is also participated but isn’t as huge compared to America and Europe. ‘Kwanzaa’ is not celebrated in Africa as it is a Black American Holiday.
In China since there are very few Christians, not many celebrate or know what Christmas is. In major cities you will find Christmas Trees, lights and other decorations. But many might not know the meaning or the values of this holiday. Giving apples is a popular tradition on Christmas and Christmas Eve. Stores sell the apples wrapped in different color gift wrappers.
In the U.K Christmas is a huge holiday. Different countries might have one or two slightly different beliefs but all in all it’s the same Theory. In Scotland, On Christmas day, people sometimes make big bonfires and dance around them to the playing of bagpipes. In Ireland, Christmas tends to be more religious than fun with the lighting of candles.
In Latin America, where most people are Catholics there are a lot of church bells ringing to call families to Mass during Christmas Eve. The Christmas season is usually in the summer time compared to Europe and America where the season is usually winter. In the Middle East Christmas is not common due to the high population who are Muslims. Although the decorations are still put up due to tourism.
Christmas around the world map:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=ziiRXcmFxzfw.kg-o0NOutfpM
Santa around the world.
https://www.mystorybook.com/books/6478/
The map is a neat idea. It would be even neater if you combined it with the "Weird Santas around the World" items. Captions would help. The text could use stronger proofreading.
ReplyDelete