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Author: anezka.urbanova@gpjp.cz
Christmas in Japan
A Commercial Celebration In Japan, Christmas is not a religious holiday in the same way it is in Western countries, as the majority of the population practices Shinto or Buddhism, with only a small percentage being Christian. Instead, Christmas is largely seen as a commercial and cultural event, with an emphasis on fun, romance, and the joy of giving. It’s more…
Christmas in Alaska
A Unique Celebration Amidst Winter Wonderland Christmas in Alaska is a magical time, where the holiday season is celebrated in a stunning, snowy landscape, filled with distinct traditions, family warmth, and a touch of adventure. Due to Alaska’s unique location—near the Arctic Circle—Christmas here is marked by long, dark winter nights, breathtaking winter vistas, and a special…
Christmas in Ancient Greece
A Celebration of Winter and the Divine While ancient Greece did not celebrate Christmas as we know it today, there were various winter festivals and religious observances that marked the season and held deep significance. Many of these celebrations revolved around the gods and the cycles of nature, particularly the return of the sun during…
Saturnalia
The Ancient Roman Festival of Revelry and Reversal Saturnalia was one of the most famous and widely celebrated festivals of ancient Rome, known for its joyous spirit, indulgence, and role reversals. Held in honor of Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture, wealth, and time, Saturnalia was a time for merriment, feasting, and social subversion. It became…
La Befana: The Italian Christmas Tradition
La Befana, a beloved figure in Italian folklore, is one of the most charming and unique characters associated with the Christmas season. Known as the Christmas Witch, Befana is said to visit children on the night of January 5th, the eve of the Epiphany, leaving sweets and small gifts for those who have been good, while leaving a…
The Christ Child and Christmas Traditions
The figure of the Christ Child has deeply influenced Christmas traditions around the world. In nativity scenes, He is often depicted as the central figure, surrounded by Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men, and the animals. These depictions are a reminder of the humility and simplicity of His birth, and they call us…
Santa Claus
Santa Claus—he’s the man in the red suit, the jolly old elf who delivers joy to millions of children around the world each Christmas Eve. But beyond the twinkling eyes, the snowy beard, and the reindeer-led sleigh, Santa represents something far greater: the spirit of giving, kindness, and the magic of childhood wonder.
Christmas around the world
The observance of Christmas around the world varies by country. The day of Christmas, and in some cases the day before and the day after, are recognized by many national governments and cultures worldwide, including in areas where Christianity is a minority religion. In some non-Christian areas, periods of former colonial rule introduced the celebration (e.g. Hong Kong); in others, Christian minorities or foreign cultural influences have led populations to observe…
History of Christmas
The early Christian community distinguished between the identification of the date of Jesus’ birth and the liturgical celebration of that event. The actual observance of the day of Jesus’ birth was long in coming. In particular, during the first two centuries of Christianity there was strong opposition to recognizing birthdays of martyrs or, for that matter, of Jesus. Numerous Church Fathers…