(cont. p1.)  
In northern Europe a similar fest, the Yule, took place and a log was decorated with ribbons and greenery then burned to honour the gods in the hope that the sun would shine brighter.

Christmas Revelry

In England during  the middle ages Christmas celebrations lasted for 8 to 9 hours of revelry and lavish feasting - to which the Puritans put an end in 1550.  

The all but died out Christmas traditions were reintroduced by Charles II in 1660, but it took until the Victorian times for it to revive and the rituals to return.  Carolling is a charming Victorian tradition.

Different 'gifting' days
Nikolaus Tag on the 5 of December is the day that Father Nikolaus comes and leaves small gifts in the shoes of good children in Germany, Holland and parts of Belgium.  If they were naughty, then they could expect a switch of twigs as a reminder of what they deserve.

The Santa Lucia Day, Dec. 13 is a lovely tradition.  One is unsure how a favourite Italian Saint became so popular in Sweden, but on this day the eldest daughter of the family wears a white gown and a crown of candles and greenery on her head.  She bears a tray of coffee or tea and sweets to each family member.

For the Spanish, the Nativity Scene is the cherished family heirloom and in recent years, the Christmas tree is a welcome foreign addition to the decorations, though by far not in all homes.  

The Infant Jesus figure is not placed in the nativity until after midnight of  the 24th and often the Three Wise Men are added on the 6th of January Dia de los Tres Reyes (Three Kings Day), the day it is believed that the Wise Men found the Nativity and the infant Jesus. 

In Spain, after the midnight mass one goes home to share a festive feast.  The 25th is a religious holiday and also spent among the family as it is in northern Europe.  Usually gifts are given twelve days later on Jan. 6 in remembrance of the gifts the Wise Men brought - hence the 6. of January in Spain is as celebrated as the 24th or 25th elsewhere in Europe and the world.  

All very logical, in my opinion!  (Some Spanish families do give a few gifts on the 24th and the rest of the gifts on the 6th of January.)

Hanukkah (Festival of Lights) is a lovely Jewish tradition and is as important as Christmas for the Christians.

The Menorah Tradition

Twenty-one centuries ago a small band of soldiers called the Maccabees were victorious over the vast Syrian army.  There is much more to this story, but one candle of the menorah (9 candled candelabra) is lit using the light from the centre candle for eight days.  Today, gifts are given on each of the eight days.

Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of the Muslim holiday, Ramadan and a time to celebrate and share with the poor food and charity as well as giving gifts to loved ones.

In Germany, the evening of Christmas Eve is most important for family, friends, happy celebration, regional culinary traditions and gift giving in the evening.  

Midnight mass is often visited and the 25th is referred to as the first Christmas Day and the 26th as the second.  Both are usually quietly celebrated within the family or visiting.  It is believed that one should pay particular attention to dreams for the following days until the last day of December as they may forecast the New Year.

...at the stroke of midnight, one must very quickly swallow twelve grapes before the last stroke has rung to insure a good New Year - a tradition in Spain.  In Germany, immediately after midnight, one melts a bit of lead in a special holder.  When liquid, it is poured into a container of water.  The form cast will predict the New Year (a little like tea leaf reading).  Usually everyone gives their opinion and it is great fun! 

In Denmark and parts of Germany, a fish dinner is a must on Jan. 1 or at least eating a herring.  The fish is a symbol of prosperity and it is hoped to influence the coming year.  

On Hogmaney (New Year's Eve) in Scotland, the first footing is very important.  It is believed that the first step (footing) over the threshold will indicate the coming year, and so one invites particularly fortunate guests on Dec. 31 and tries to manoeuvre them to be just outside the door by the stroke of midnight. 

...and another universal tradition:  The making and breaking of New Year's resolutions!

May your New Year - no matter when it begins - be a healthy, peaceful and prosperous one...and may your goals and wishes (if they are truly good for you) be realised!

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©Patricia Conant - All worldwide rights reserved. 

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