Interesting talk about western festivals

1. Christmas Eve (65438+1February 24th, February 24th)

On February 25th, 65438, Christians commemorated the birth of Jesus, which was called Christmas. From 65438+February 24th to the following year, 65438+1October 6th is Christmas. During the festival, Christians from all over the world will hold grand commemorative ceremonies. Christmas was originally a Christian festival. Because people pay special attention to it, it has become a national festival. The biggest festival in the western countries in a year can be compared with the New Year, similar to the Spring Festival in China.

The origin of Christmas

When is Jesus' birthday? In fact, there is no evidence to prove it. Why should 65438+February 25th be designated as Christmas? This was stipulated by the church in the middle of the 5th century. In 354 AD, it was stated for the first time in the calendar of "Philo Calian" that 65438+February 25th was the birthday of Jesus. By the 5th century, it was generally accepted as Christmas in the West.

It is said that the first Christmas was held in A.D. 138 at the initiative of Bishop St Clemens of Rome. The first Christmas in the history of the church was in 336 AD. Because the Bible does not clearly remember the time when Jesus was born, the date of Christmas varies from place to place. It was not until 440 AD that the Holy See designated 65438+February 25th as Christmas. In A.D. 1607, church leaders from all over the world gathered in Bethlehem, which further confirmed this point. Since then, most Christians in the world have regarded 65438+February 25th as Christmas. /kloc-In the 20th century, Christmas cards became popular, Santa Claus appeared, and Christmas became popular. Because the Bible records that Jesus was born at night, the night of 65438+February 24th is traditionally called "Silent Night" or "Silent Night".

The legend of the birth of Jesus

According to the Bible, the holy book of Christians, God decided to let his only son Jesus Christ be born on the earth, find his mother, and then live on the earth, so that people can better understand God, learn to love God and love each other better. "Christmas" means "celebrating Christ", celebrating the moment when a young Jewish woman, Maria, gave birth to Jesus. According to the Bible, Maria was engaged to Joseph, a carpenter. However, before they got married, Joseph found out that Maria was pregnant. Joseph wants to break up with her quietly, because he is a decent man and doesn't want to tell her about it and embarrass her. While he was thinking about it, the angel of God appeared in his dream and said to him, "Stop whispering and marry Maria home. The child she conceived came from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a boy, and you will name him Jesus, because he will save people from sin. " Although the exact birthday of Jesus is not clear, about 2000 years ago, the calendar divides the time into BC (before the birth of Jesus Christ) and AD. In the first 300 years after AD, Jesus' birthday was celebrated on different days. Finally, in 354 AD, church leaders designated 65438+February 25th as the birthday of Jesus Christ.

Christmas custom

Westerners use red, green and white as Christmas colors. When Christmas comes, every family should decorate it with Christmas colors. The red ones have Christmas flowers and Christmas candles. The green one is the Christmas tree. It is the main decoration of Christmas, decorated with evergreen trees such as fir and cypress that have been cut into towers. Colorful lanterns, gifts and paper flowers are hung on it, and Christmas candles are lit. The contrast between red and white is Santa Claus, who is the most popular figure in Christmas activities. Before going to bed on Christmas Eve, western children should put a sock in front of the fireplace or beside the pillow. When they fall asleep, Santa Claus will put presents in the sock. Playing Santa Claus is also a custom in the west.

The origin of Santa Claus

Christmas is an exciting day, especially for children. I believe everyone is familiar with Santa Claus? Once upon a time, there was an old man named Nicholas who loved to help poor families all his life. Once he helped three poor teenagers and gave them three bags of gold, which saved them from being sold. When Nicholas secretly gave a bag of gold to one of the women, he threw the gold out of a window and fell into a sock on the wall. Therefore, the way to give gifts by wearing Christmas stockings is to ask for candy from door to door!

It is said that on the night of Christmas Eve, the Santa Husbands Association will drive reindeer sleigh full of gifts to send some children who have behaved well in the past year. He would sneak into the house from the chimney and stuff gifts into socks hanging on the bedside. Therefore, children always hang colorful socks on the bedside and put a cup of hot milk next to them to quench their thirst for hard-working Santa Claus and give themselves a big gift. The next day, every child can't wait to open the ceremony and want to know what reward he got.

1822, after a Dutch missionary spread the story of this great philanthropist to the United States, American businessmen used this festival every year to publicize advertisements with special marketing techniques and made a lot of money. Japan and other Asian countries followed suit. Therefore, the custom of dressing up as Santa Claus to celebrate Christmas has gradually become popular all over the world.

The origin of Christmas tree

1. It is said that around16th century, Germans first placed evergreen pine and cypress branches in their houses as decorations. Later, German missionary Martin Luther put candles on fir branches in the forest and lit them, making them look like starlight leading people to Bethlehem, just as the Magi found Jesus according to the stars in the sky two thousand years ago. Today, people have switched to light bulbs instead of candles.

Legend has it that a long time ago, a farmer met a poor child at Christmas. He received the child warmly. When the child left, he broke a pine branch and put it on the ground. The pine branch immediately turned into a tree, and the tree was covered with gifts to thank the farmer for his kindness.

However, the Christmas tree really appeared at Christmas, first seen in Germany, and then introduced to Europe and America, becoming an indispensable ornament for Christmas. They usually use colorful lights, wax, gifts or angels to install Christmas trees, especially people living in the northwest of the United States. Because the local forest resources are rich, they will choose a real tree as a Christmas tree with their whole family. There are many kinds of Christmas trees, including natural pine and cypress trees, artificial Christmas trees and white Christmas trees. Every Christmas tree is covered with dazzling decorations, but there must be a very big star at the top of each tree, just like the star that guided the Magi to find Jesus. Moreover, in traditional customs, only the head of the family can hang this star of hope, and no one else can intervene.

Christmas decoration

Christmas decorations are mostly meaningful: lights represent Christ as the light of the world; Green evergreen trees, holly trees and mistletoe serve as Christmas trees, representing the life that Jesus brought us; The symbols of Christianity-angels and stars-make these trees stand out. Moreover, each tree has its own different meanings: Cedar stands for the identity of King Jesus; The sharp point of holly and the red orange represent Christ being crucified.

The origin of Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is also called Christmas Eve. That night, the whole family will gather in the living room, sing Christmas songs around the Christmas tree, exchange gifts, share the joys and sorrows of life in the past year, and express their inner blessings and love. On this night, I will see a group of lovely little boys or girls, playing guitars with poems in their hands, singing poems one after another, bringing good news. How on earth did the Jiayin team come from this festival? On the night of Jesus' birth, a shepherd was guarding his flock in the wilderness when he suddenly heard a voice from the sky telling them the good news of Jesus' birth. According to the Bible, Jesus came to be the king of the world, so angels spread the news to more people through these shepherds.

Later, people followed the example of angels and spread the news of the birth of Jesus everywhere on Christmas Eve. Until today, good news has become an indispensable program for Christmas.

Usually, the good news team consists of about twenty young people, plus a little girl dressed as an angel and Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, after about nine o'clock, a family began to hear good news. Whenever the good news team goes to a family, they will sing some familiar Christmas songs first, then the little girl will read the Bible to let the family know that tonight is the birthday of Jesus, then everyone will pray together and sing a poem or two, and then the generous Santa Claus will send Christmas presents to the small hall of that family, and the whole good news process will be completed! The whole good news activity will last until about four o'clock the next morning.

Christmas socks

Many families hang special socks during Christmas. This sock is related to Santa Nicholas. It is said that Nicholas wants to help a father prepare a dowry for his daughter. He threw a bag of gold into their house through the window. My daughter was hanging up her socks to dry when the bag of gold fell into them.

Christmas gifts

According to the Bible, saints from the East gave gifts when Jesus was born, which is the origin of the custom of Santa Claus giving gifts to children. British children put stockings by the fireplace on Christmas Eve, believing that Santa Claus will come down the chimney at night and bring them presents full of socks. French children put their shoes at the door, so that "when the baby comes, put the gift in the shoes."

Christmas dinner

Just as people in China eat New Year's Eve dinner during the Spring Festival, Europeans and Americans also attach great importance to the whole family sitting around the Christmas tree for a festive meal. The custom of eating turkey for Christmas dinner began at 1620. This custom prevails in America. The Christmas dinner in England is roast goose, not turkey. On Christmas Eve, Austria likes to invite relatives and friends of the whole family to a restaurant for Christmas dinner in droves. Among them, turkey, preserved chicken, roast cowboy meat and pork leg are essential. With famous wine, everyone has a good time.

How do western countries celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is a day of celebration and joy for everyone. Due to different traditional habits, every country or nation in the world has different Christmas customs.

England: They think Christmas must be enjoyed. So Christmas dinner is very rich, including pork, roast turkey, Christmas pudding, Christmas meat pie and so on. Everyone in the family has presents, even servants. Gifts are distributed on Christmas morning. Sometimes when the choir sings Christmas songs from door to door, the host will invite them into the house to entertain refreshments or give small gifts.

France: On Christmas Eve, everyone goes to church for midnight mass. After the mass, the family got together with their brothers and sisters in previous years, enjoyed the Christmas dinner and shared the important events in the family in the past year. Occasionally, family members are at odds, and they often bury the hatchet because of Christmas parties. Therefore, in the eyes of the French, Christmas is regarded as a day of kindness and harmony.

Italy: In Italy, every Christmas, everyone likes to put some models about the story of the birth of Jesus at home. On Christmas Eve, families get together to have a big meal, attend Christmas Mass at midnight, and then visit relatives and friends, but only children and the elderly will receive gifts. Italy has a good custom at Christmas. In order to thank their parents for their kindness over the past year, children will hide their compositions or poems in napkins, tablecloths or plates before eating Christmas dinner. Take it out after a big meal.

Spain: Children in this country often put their shoes outside windows or doors to receive Christmas presents. In many cities, boys always have many advanced gifts for beautiful women. Cows are also treated best at Christmas. Because there is a local legend: "When Jesus was born, a cow blew on him to keep him warm." .

Sweden: During Christmas, Swedes are very hospitable. Every family, rich or poor, welcomes friends to visit, and even strangers can come in for dinner. They put all kinds of food on the table and let everyone choose freely.

Switzerland: Santa Claus in this country wears a white robe and a mask. They are often dressed up by the poor, begging for food and gifts from the rich in droves, and sharing the harvest when they leave the team.

Denmark: the first country to issue Christmas stamps. This Christmas stamp is issued to raise money to prevent tuberculosis. Danes like to put this stamp on Christmas cards and mails.

Chile: When celebrating Christmas in this country, there must be a "monkey tail" cold drink. This drink is made of coffee, milk, eggs, wine and fermented grapes. Why this drink is called "monkey's tail" is unknown.

Norway: On Christmas Eve, every family member should arrange their shoes from big to small before going to bed. Norwegians believe that family members can achieve harmony and peace in the coming year by doing so. The next morning, when the family met, they sang their favorite Christmas songs to each other.

Ireland: On Christmas Eve, families in this country will put candles or lights on the window frames to welcome the birth of babies.

Scotland: Before Christmas, things borrowed from home should be returned to their original owners. In the first week of the new year, children and servants will receive gifts.

Holland: It's always surprising that people in China give Christmas presents. Even the presents are hidden in pudding and sheep intestines!

Germany: the origin of the Christmas tree. Christians will put a beautiful Christmas tree in their homes, and Christmas cakes will be varied and exquisite.

America: a free and colorful country. Christmas is a time for them to have fun and revel. The ethnic groups in the United States are complex, so the way to celebrate is often different because of different immigrants. Most rooms have a unique layout, with beautiful garlands and decorations hanging outside the doors.

Vatican: If you want to attend the Christmas Mass hosted by the Pope in St. Peter's Church, the largest church in the world, although it can accommodate 35,000 people, you still need to make a reservation in advance. Its Christmas Mass is mostly held at 0: 00 on1February 25th. The Pope walked through the crowd in a sedan chair carried by eight followers, blessed the believers and walked to the altar. Wearing a white robe and a golden robe, the Pope boarded the altar of St. Peter's Cathedral and read a prayer in Latin. At zero o'clock, the trumpeter blew his horn, and the cradle on the big altar was covered. At this time, the white cloth on the baby Jesus was slowly removed. In the church, believers from all over the world sang the melodious Silent Night in their own language with tears in their eyes. Catholics all over the world regard going to St. Peter's Cathedral, visiting the Pope and being blessed by the Pope as the greatest honor in their lives.

New Zealand: Christmas in this country has a two-week holiday. On Christmas Eve, family and friends get together and have a "party" to celebrate. New Zealand law clearly stipulates that Christmas celebrations should be held at home, so restaurants and teahouses close at 6 pm. Ordinary shops can only open until 9 pm at the latest. You can see bands in kilts touring the street.

Colombia: They celebrate Christmas with a fancy dress ball. Everyone wears a mask and tries not to be recognized. Whoever can recognize the most will win the prize.

Australia: Women of marriageable age pour molten tin into cold water at Christmas, and predict the appearance of future husbands by observing the shape of tin, whether they are tall or thin.

Czech Republic: Unmarried Czech girls leave peeled apples behind at Christmas. They think that by doing so, they can see the first letter of the future husband's surname.

Bulgaria: According to the Bulgarian calendar, Christmas is a day when souls haunt and evil spirits run rampant. Therefore, people should use fire to exorcise evil spirits. On Christmas Eve, every household must light a fire until dawn, and never put it out, otherwise it will bring disaster. A man lit a Christmas tree and read aloud: "Christmas is coming, cows, sheep, pigs and horses are all covered with circles, and wheat seedlings are also growing. Everyone is very lucky." The people waiting in the room said in unison, "Amen!"

Second, April Fool's Day (April1April 1st)

April Fool's Day, also known as April Fool's Day, is called April Fool's Day in English. This is a traditional western and American folk festival, which is held every April 1 day. April Fool's Day has been around for hundreds of years, and there are different opinions about its origin. One view is that this custom originated from India's "Interpretation Festival". This section stipulates that every year on March 3 1 day, men, women and children can play jokes on each other and fool each other for entertainment.

In the beginning, any American can concoct shocking news without any moral and legal responsibility, and the government and judicial departments will not pursue it. On the contrary, whoever fabricates the most bizarre lies and who can deceive people the most will win the championship. This practice has brought a lot of confusion to the society, which has caused people's dissatisfaction. Nowadays, people's fooling and cheating during festivals are no longer as outrageous as in the past, but for relaxation and joy.

Today, April Fool's Day has developed into an international festival, which is almost popular in Europe and North America. Scotland calls the deceiver of this day "cuckoo", which seems to be related to the goddess of agriculture. The French call it "April fish", probably because the April fish just hatched, muddled through the bait and easily swallowed it.

As time goes by, the tricks of April Fool's Day are also bringing forth the new and bringing forth the new. For example, a newly married wife may receive a letter accusing her husband of disloyalty, a mediocre civil servant may receive a promotion order, and a son may receive a telegram about his father's death. On April 1 a certain year, the British Daily Mirror published a photo of a man who looked like the president of a country, holding an almost naked beauty in one hand. If you believe all these things, you will be taken in. Of course, if you are really fooled, you don't have to be as furious as Demeter. You'd better be a gentleman and laugh it off, which is in line with the true meaning of April Fool's Day and be kind to others.

April fool's day customs

In western countries, April Fool's Day 1 every April means that one can play all kinds of tricks without having to bear the consequences. Call it "April Fool's joke" and your prank will be forgiven.

This is a day to distinguish between soft-hearted and hard-hearted, but soft-hearted people make deceived people look stupid. A woman collected the business cards she got from other women over the years, then asked some unsuspecting friends, and then brought many such business cards to the April Fool's Day party. She flirted with people unscrupulously, suggesting that spending the night with her would be "unusual" fun, and then gave each man who asked to meet again a business card of another woman.

There is no doubt that the magic shop will provide many refurbished tricks every holiday. For example, a cushion that makes harsh noise when sitting on it; Matches that turn into fireworks when lit; There are also sarcomas, fake noses, glasses, beards and putty for those who want to change their faces at the dance.

Sometimes some practical jokes have the opposite effect. A wine tasting expert, always proud of his knowledge of wine, found an inferior wine shop on the corner and took out a bottle of inferior Planck wine from the wine cabinet. On April Fool's Day, he appeared at the door of a hostess with this bottle of wine that he thought was "a hillbilly's wine and delicacies" and gave it to her as a gift. When he stood there, expecting a disgusting expression on his hostess's face so that she could shout "idiot", the hostess was too polite to show disdain for his taste. On the contrary, she sincerely thanked him and said that the wine was "just what she liked", then put it in the refrigerator and enjoyed it at dinner.

More than one prankster used the quarrel in the tape to make the guests fall into the "April Fool's Day" situation. The host and hostess left the living room, as if going to the kitchen, and there was a fierce quarrel inside. In fact, the two directors who recorded this dramatic quarrel in advance are hiding in the living room at this time, so as to stand behind the living room and check the various reactions of the guests.

There is a man who holds an April Fool's Day lunch for those who have strange similarities every year. One year, he invited three people from different occupations. They had no common interest in anything ... because each of them had a beard. The guests didn't realize why they were invited until the last dessert was served. Another year, three women with red hair were invited. Among all his practical jokes, the meanest one, and the one that kept the guests in the dark for the longest time, was a luncheon for the dwarves. All the guests were less than 5 feet 3 inches, and they didn't understand their similarities until the lunch ended and the guests stood up.

At the end of 18, Grimau René ch, a French prankster who is famous for compiling the Cooking Yearbook, held a dinner on April Fool's Day to imitate funeral arrangements. In the room decorated with black, there is a mourning platform in the center of the dining table. During the endless meal, onlookers will walk up and down the verandah around the restaurant, and the undertaker will be invited to watch the diners' guests. Renic is worried that some guests will leave early, thus ruining his dinner party. Since the atmosphere of the dinner was so good, he might have reason to be worried, but he took measures-he closed all the exits and refused anyone to leave before announcing the end of the dinner.