Part 1.
The history of Christmas.
Look for the answers to the
following questions and share your answers with your partner.
1.- What did Europeans celebrate
long before the birth of Jesus?
Early Europeans celebrated light and birth
in the darkest days of winter.
2.- Why did people celebrate during
the winter solstice?
Because the worst of the winter was behind
them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.
3.- Who celebrated Yule from 21st
December in Scandinavia?
The Norse.
4.- How did fathers and sons mark
the return of the sun?
In recognition of the return of the sun,
fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire.
5.- Up to how many days was it
possible for the Yule feast to last?
The people would feast until the log
burned out, which could take as many as 12 days.
6.- What did the Norse believe that
each spark of the fire represented?
The Norse believed that each spark from
the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming
year.
7.- Why was December a good time for
celebrating?
For many, it was the only time of year
when they had a supply of fresh meat.
8.- Why were German people terrified
of the god Oden? How did they show their fear?
Germans were terrified of Oden, as they
believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and
then decide who would prosper or perish.
Because of his presence, many people chose
to stay inside.
Part 3
Christmas around the world!
Twenty Christmas traditions from
around the world.
1.- During the Christmas meal,
Christmas crackers, containing toys, jokes and a paper hat are pulled.
Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South
Africa.
2.- White sponge cake covered with
cream and decorated with strawberries is often consumed.
British, the United States, Canada, India,
Japan, Philippines, Germany, Stolen, Italy, France, Cyprus
3.- Children put their shoes in the
window in the hope that the three wise men will deliver their presents.
Spain.
4.-Christmas carols are heard as
early as 1st September.
Philippines
5.-On 6th January, female
puppets are burned on a pier to symbolize the death of the old year and
beginning of the new year.
Italy
6.-They celebrate the cavalcade of
lights festival.
Canada
7.-The Christmas tree usually stands
centrally in the home, decorated with ornaments, tinsel and lights, with an
angel or star at the top.
United States
8.-People dress up in fancy hats,
stand in a line and sing Spanish songs.
Guatemala
9.-Potato salad with frankfurters
and weiner sausages is a popular meal in some families.
Germany
10.-Children take presents of
fruits, nuts and other candies to older relatives.
Armenia
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