The end of the year is here and so is the Christmas. The special time of the year has finally begun when markets are lit up with stars, shimmery balls and bells, and unique wreath garlands. The unique display of Christmas tree decor, Santa figurines, candles, and countless festive wonders.
Christmas is when Indian streets and markets come alive, and the soft melodious music adds more shine to it. While this festival holds a religious significance for millions of Christians, it has evolved into a delightful celebration which embraced by people from diverse backgrounds.
In India, the birth of Jesus Christ not only limits to singing prayers and hymns but is also crafted with rich local customs, unique rituals and gatherings.
Christmas and Its Historical Significance
Christmas commemorated the birth of Jesus Christ. According to the Christian belief, Jesus is the Son of God, and his birth in Bethlehem is seen as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the arrival of the Messiah.
Birth of Jesus Christ
A Christan legend describes that Gabriel, an angel visited Mother Mary and announced that she would conceive a baby, betrothed to Father Joseph.
Following this Mother Mary and Father Joseph travelled to Bethlehem where Jesus Christ was born. It is believed that birth of Jesus marks the beginnings of the divine testament between God and humanity. Christians believe that through Jesus’s life teachings and sacrifice one can achieve the salvation.
Lesser-Known Facts about Christmas
Christmas was Not Always on December 25
It is true that Christmas was not always celebrated on 25th December. The date 25th December is not directly based in the Bible. The exact date of Jesus’ birth remains unknown, and early Christians did not originally celebrate it. The choice of December 25th was decided in 4th century CE, during the reign of Emperor Constantine, the first Christian emperor of Rome.
The Origin of Iconic Christmas Tree
The tradition of iconic Christmas originally emerged from Germany. According to the historical chronicles, people started bringing decorated trees into their homes, during the 16th century. The decorated trees tradition then spread across Europe and to the United States in the 19th century.
The Color Red and Santa Claus
It would be fascinating to know that the color red wasn’t always part of the tradition and Santa wasn’t always the jolly man. The earlier depictions of 1900s described him as a stern and serious figure. Coca-Cola played a big role in popularizing Santa’s red suit in the 1930s with its advertisements. The iconic jolly image of Santa was illustrated by artist Haddon Sundblom and became globally recognized.
Jingle Bells Wasn’t Originally a Christmas Song
The iconic Jingle Bells song was written by James Lord Pierpont in 1857. However, it wasn’t written as a Christmas song. Originally, it was called “One Horse Open Sleigh” and was meant for Thanksgiving. The evolution of Jingle Bells song amassed over the time for its wintery themes.
The Pickle Tradition
The lesser-known tradition widely followed in U.S. and Germany is the pickle tradition. The unique tradition involves hiding a pickle ornament on the Christmas tree. The first child to find it on Christmas morning receives a gift or good luck for the coming year. Though widely followed, its origin is still unclear. Some believe it’s an American invention, despite its association with Germany.
How India Celebrates Christmas?
India celebrates this festival in a very unique way, where rituals and celebrations are blended together. The joy and excitement of the festival is evident on all faces. The kids eagerly wait for the Santa to give them gifts. The way they hang stocking in their home is the most adorable thing to admire about the day. Apart from this, the two famous traditions in India are Evening Choirs and Cakes.
Evening Choirs or Midnight Mass Choirs
Churches across the country are seen filled with the sound of carols sung by choirs, often in both English and local languages, as a way of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. In many regions, Choirs go from home-to-home, and sing the praises of God, the tales of their birth and sacrifices.
The Tradition of Cakes Christmas in India is also marked by the sweet and rich tradition of baking Christmas cakes.
Fruit Cakes: The traditional Christmas cake in India is a fruitcake, rich in dried fruits, nuts, and spices, often soaked in rum or brandy. The cake is known for its dense texture and vibrant flavors, making it a special treat during the festive season.
The celebrations of the festival have evolved over the centuries. The joyous festival will always remain a time for reflection, joy, and a reminder of the values that connect humanity across cultures and time.
Read more related stories,
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Naina Jaggi is an author deeply rooted in Journalism, mainly writing on lifestyle, entertainment, travel, politics and financial markets. This diverse experience has allowed her to blend rich details with engaging narratives that capture the essence of various worlds. When she is not crafting tales, you’ll find her immersed in music and enjoying the company of dogs. She is also into K-dramas, thriller and horror movies that fuel her imagination, bringing the same spark to her stories.
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