Between 4 BC and 30 AD
Later in the 1st century In the 4th century
This religious festival commemorating the birth of Jesus was established only in the 4th century because the early Christian tradition in general was to celebrate the death of remarkable persons and not their birth. The Western Christian Church observes Christmas on December 25 and the Russian Orthodox (Pravoslavnaya) Church - on January 7.
The Christmas story comes from the Bible. On a winter night, Mary and Joseph were on their way from Nazareth to Jerusalem. Mary was about to give birth to Jesus. They couldn't find a place in Bethlehem inns, no one would let them stay in their house and so the only place they could find to rest was a barn. That is where Jesus was born and where three wise men from the East (the Magi, called in Russian "Volhvy" - Волхвы) came, led by a wondrous star which showed them the way, to present gifts to the baby Jesus. The nativity scene - the birth of Jesus Christ - is very important in a true celebration of Christmas. At Christmas time, you can see it in most Christian countries: from small figurines, or post-cards, to real life re-enactments. Christmas is a time for rejoicing, merry-making, giving presents and feasting.
2. Which of these songs is traditionally sung by the British people when they see the New Year in at 12 o'clock on December 31st?
'Jingle Bells'
'Silent Night' 'Auld Lang Syne'
'Auld Lang Syne' is a Scottish song, especially popular in Scotland - for obvious reasons. However, at New Year celebrations you will hear it all over Britain and in other countries of the English-speaking world.
3. When is the Jewish New Year celebrated?
In September-October
In November-December
In March-April
Rosh Ha Shana, the Jewish New Year is celebrated in September or October. The exact day is determined by the Hebrew calendar. On Rosh Ha Shana, the Jews gather to cast bread upon the water, an ancient tradition representing casting off sins.
4. What is another name for the Chinese New Year?
The Winter Festival
The Firecracker Day The Spring Festival
Traditional Chinese New Year is also called Spring Festival and the date changes every year depending on the lunar calendar. This can possibly come in between January 15th and February 15th.
5. What can Chinese children get for their presents?
Toys
Pets A red envelope with money inside
The money in the red envelope is the so called Ya Suiqian. Traditionally the older generations give money to the youngest one to bless them.
6. When do the British cook traditional Christmas Cake?
On Christmas Day
On Christmas Eve At least a week before Christmas Day
The cake should have time to mature. Would you like to try a real Christmas Cake? You will find the recipe in Hello Encyclopedia section.
7. When do the British take down their Christmas decorations and remove their Christmas trees?
Whenever they feel like doing it
On the Boxing Day On the twelfth night - 12 days after Christmas
12 days after Christmas, the twelfth night is the time when people are supposed to take down their Christmas decorations and remove their Christmas trees.
8. When do Russians remove their New Year trees?
Together with the British, 12 days after the Western Christmas
On the day following the Russian Orthodox Christmas - January 8th Whenever they feel like doing it but in most cases after January 13th
You know Russian ways! Russians will celebrate the so-called 'Old New Year' on January 13th and only then remove their New Year trees.
9. What are "Dame Mince-Pie", "Maid Marian", "Roast Beef", "Plum Pudding"?
Traditional Christmas food The characters traditionally participating in Christmas performances
Dances at New Year celebration
"Dame Mince-Pie", "Maid Marian", "Roast Beef", "Plum Pudding" are the characters traditionally participating in Christmas performances. One of the personages, Maid Marian, was incorporated in the English legend of Robin Hood. In some ballads about Robin Hood, her name is only twice mentioned, but there is a later ballad, by a certain S.G., which tells how Maid Marian sought Robin, who was disguised as a page, in the forest, and fought with him for an hour before she recognized him by his voice.
10. Which is purely American?
Christmas pudding
Mince pies Christmas cookies
Americans bake special biscuits called Christmas cookies which they eat over the Christmas season.
