New Delhi: Christmas is the biggest festival in Christianity and is celebrated with much pomp and splendour all over the world. The celebrations of the festival begins more or less with the Christmas Eve, which denotes the evening or entire day before Christmas. While almost the entire world celebrates Christmas, in many places, Christmas Eve is observed as a full or partial holiday. In the Christendom and the Western society, along with Christmas, it is one of the most culturally significant celebration.
The History and Significance of Christmas Eve
In Western Christianity, Christmas celebrations began way back on Christmas Eve partly since the Christian liturgical day starts at sunset. It is a practice from the Jewish tradition and is based on the story of Creation which is there in the Book of Genesis. In the evening, many churches ring bells and hold prayers in the evening and since Jesus was born at night, Christmas Eve also sees the celebration of Midnight Mass. Which is why, Christmas Eve is refered to in German as the Heilige Nacht (Holy Night), in Spanish as the Nochebuena which means ‘the Good Night’ and is also reflected in songs like the “Silent Night, Holy Night”.
Global Christmas Eve Traditions and Celebrations
As has been said, today Christmas celebrations begin from the day of the Christmas Eve, with people getting into the festive mood with decorations and feasts. While many churches celebrate the Midnight Mass either at or near midnight on Christmas Eve, in some churches the Midnight Mass begins as early as 7 pm so that young children can be accommodated whose choral singing has become a popular feature in some traditions. Midnight Mass is celebrated in churches worldwide since the birth of Jesus Christ was believed to have occurred at night.
In various cultural traditions in the world, friends and family gather on Christmas Eve. They sing the Christmas carols, enjoy the Christmas decorations including the trees, exchange gifts and generally prepare for the main day. On Christmas Eve, legendary Christmas gift-bearing figures like Santa Claus depart for their annual journey to gift the children presents.
Christmas Eve, the day before Christmas, holds immense cultural and religious significance worldwide. Originating from Jewish traditions and the Christian liturgical calendar, it’s a time of preparation and celebration. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
