Feast of the christian realm: Noel
Celebrated by Protestants and Catholics on December 25, and Orthodox on January 6, Christmas is considered one of the oldest holidays of humanity.
Identified with the world-famous "Santa Claus" character, decorated pine trees and gifts, Christmas is celebrated by most of the Christian world today. Celebrated by Protestants and Catholics on December 25, and Orthodox on January 6, Christmas is considered one of the oldest holidays of humanity. Celebrations that started on the evening of December 24, which is Christmas Eve, continue until December 26 in some countries. While pagan communities celebrated the "rebirth" holiday on December 25 long before the spread of Christianity, the church, which started to increase its power since the 4th century, worked to celebrate today as a holiday with the claim that it is the birthday of the Prophet Jesus.
WHEN DİD THE CELEBRATİONS BEGİN?
The origin of the word "Christmas" is derived from the Latin word "Natalis" which means birthday, anniversary. Although some historians and researchers have different opinions regarding the birth and death dates of the Prophet Jesus, Hz. BC Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. From 4 to BC. It is believed to have been born around 6 years. According to the Gospel of Luke, when the Prophet Jesus was born, shepherds were grazing their flocks in the meadows, so the birth should be in spring or summer. According to some sources, it is stated that he was born six months after John the Baptist. In this case, Hz. Jesus must have been born in October. In the Roman Empire, Hz. Although it is claimed that the earliest date for the holidays celebrated in the memory of Jesus' birth goes back to 325 or 336, Pope Liberius, M.S. The night connecting 24 December to 25 December in 354, Hz. Christmas celebrations officially began in the last years of the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine the Great, after Jesus declared his birthday as the anniversary.
CHRISTMAS RITUALS
In many countries, Christmas dinner is prepared on the afternoon of December 25 and family members gather around the table. Although the Christmas meal differs in every country, roasted turkey is the most common meal on the table. The children write letters to Santa Claus and make a list of the gifts they want. Food was left in the homes for Santa and his deers the night before. Gifts left under the pine tree on the Christmas day are given to their owners. While gifts and candies are placed inside giant socks for young children, it is said that Santa Claus brought these gifts. Greek Orthodox Church in Turkey, the Catholic Church and the Assyrian Church Christmas on December 25, Armenians in Turkey in Teofaniya Holy (Holy Nativity) they celebrate Christmas on 6 January. Christmas night is spent with families. At the end of the year, thanksgiving ends at the church, and family members, relatives and friends gather in the evenings. In many countries with minority Christians, such as India and Malaysia, Christmas is considered a public holiday.
