Christmas is just around the corner. I don't know how you guys arrange your Christmas Eve today. Every year from the first to the beginning of December, the streets of England are full of Christmas.
The streets are full of Christmas decorations and lights, and the shops sell Christmas related things. Even friends around us always discuss where to play Christmas and what to eat. Everything about Christmas appears in front of us and reverberates in our ears.
Many children may only know that Christmas is the most important festival in Britain every year, but some traditions and stories behind the festival are not clear. Let's popularize the traditions of Christmas today.
Every year, December 25 is a day for westerners to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Christmas is the abbreviation of "Christ & rsquo; s mass". It comes from ancient English and means "celebrate Christ".
According to the Bible, the Virgin Mary was engaged to Joseph the carpenter. But before they cohabited, Joseph found out that Maria was pregnant.
Joseph is a decent person. He doesn't want to embarrass her by saying this, so he wants to break up with her quietly.
But as he was thinking about it, God's messenger appeared in his dream and said, 'don't hesitate to marry Maria. The child she is carrying comes from the Holy Spirit. You call it Jesus. He will save people from sin. '
Joseph, who obeyed God's orders, gave birth to Jesus, the son of Mary. As the Bible records that Jesus was born at night, it is said that the night of December 24 is called "Christmas Eve" or "Christmas Eve".
So, how do westerners celebrate such a traditional and grand day? And what activities must be held annually?
Christmas lights
Lighting up is usually the first ceremony of Christmas.
Every year, Christmas lights will be lit in the middle of November in England. At the lighting ceremony, not only street lights with unique Christmas design will be lit, but also there will be singing and dancing performances, and even fireworks performances in some places.
In addition to the Christmas decorations on the street, the windows of major department stores will also be decorated in a unique way to celebrate Christmas. If you have a chance to travel for Christmas, it will be a very delicate and unique scene!
Christmas market
Christmas, how can we lose the shadow of Christmas market. Every Christmas, there are various Christmas markets in the UK.
Many Christmas markets call themselves' German Christmas market ', because Christmas markets originated in Germany and have been popular in Britain since then.
Christmas skating
In addition to the Christmas market, there is another very popular activity only at Christmas, that is, ice rinks everywhere.
Every year, they will open only when it's cold near Christmas. Students in London can search the Christmas skating rinks in London, which will bring you a very unforgettable experience.
Elf Advent
Before Christmas, it's a tradition to buy children an advance calendar. This is a tradition unique to the West.
Before the beginning of December, children will receive this Christmas calendar, which is very delicate and special. Generally, 24 or 25 small doors will be designed on it (it can be opened on December 1). Every day, children will open one door. There will be surprises behind every door, pictures or chocolates.
So, foreign children, in fact, have been receiving Christmas gifts since December 1, which is really enviable.
Traditional Christmas food
In the west, Christmas is like the Chinese Spring Festival. At this time of year, the family will get together and have a big meal.
The main meal is usually roast turkey, with various side dishes and Christmas drinks, such as eggnog, mulled wine, and dessert after eating. The traditional and famous ones are rice pie, Christmas pudding and Christmas cake.
Decorate the Christmas tree
This tradition must have been known by all of us~
Traditionally, a real Christmas tree must be used, so the word "Christmas tree for sale" can be seen all over the UK every December.
In addition to the plastic trees sold in the supermarket, the general Christmas trees are pine trees. Family members will decorate the Christmas trees together. Happy and unhappy family affairs can be exchanged with family members in this family time.
Give each other Christmas gifts
Christmas gifts are not only available to children, in fact, there is a custom of sending Christmas gifts to each other among family and friends.
This is a good way for friends to express their love and care. By the end of each year, prepare a gift with love for the people you care about most, and you will feel very warm.
However, gifts for children are usually placed under the Christmas tree and opened on Christmas morning. After the Christmas dinner, you will play some games, the most common one is called 'Christmas cracker', also known as' Bon bons'.
Two people should grasp both ends at the same time and pull apart together. There will be a "bang" after pulling off. There will be a small gift or a joke falling out, which is a necessary part of Christmas celebration.
Mistletoe kiss
Ha ha, first of all, let's popularize the knowledge to the friends who can't read this word. This word reads Hu, the second sound, Hu parasitic.
Mistletoe is a traditional Christmas decoration. The custom is: if anyone stands under mistletoe, they must kiss each other, whether you know them or not.
'if you meet under the mistletoe, the boy will kiss the girl, and the girl cannot refuse (at least indicates friendship and good luck). If lovers kiss under mistletoe, it means that the relationship will go to marriage and grow old together. '
We can call it a 'show your love artifact', or you can call it a kiss artifact. Don't say I didn't tell you~
Christmas movies and music
In addition to eating and playing, Christmas music and watching classic movies related to Christmas are also an indispensable part of Christmas Day! Even as background music, it is also necessary to create an atmosphere!
Famous Christmas songs include 'silent night', 'we wish you a merry Christmas' and' jingle bells'.
Classic Christmas movies include 'love practically', 'the polar express',' a Christmas Carol ',' home alone ',' the Snowman 'and' the nightmares before Christmas'.
Christmas Carols
How can there be less hymns in the holy night? Christmas carols are hymns sung by Christians to God, accompanied by beautiful music, sung by church choir, accompanied by organ music.
Although it is sung in the church with strong solemn and sacred atmosphere, the occasion feels solemn, but most of the Christmas carols are mainly composed of happy rhythm, which sets off the joyful atmosphere of Jesus' coming.
If you want to feel the authentic Christmas, you should go to church and experience the feeling of listening to the hymn on the eve.
Queen's Christmas speech
It's a unique Christmas' tradition 'in England.
Every year at BBC One at 3pm on December 25, the queen will broadcast Christmas greetings live to all the people of her Commonwealth. Every year, the British turn on the TV on time and listen to the blessing of the queen.
Christmas advertisement
It's also a very famous Christmas tradition. Every Christmas, British supermarkets and department stores will launch warm heart and warm stomach Christmas ads. Poke here to review this year's.
John Lewis, an old British department store, is the top brand in the market. Every year, the Christmas advertisement takes a warm heart route. Other British supermarkets, such as Waitrose, mark Spencer and boots, will launch touching Christmas advertisements during Christmas. Now, you can search their Christmas advertisements online.
Boxing Day
Don't miss boxing day if you don't get a satisfactory gift during Christmas.
'Boxing Day' is set on December 26 every year, which is a unique 'discount day' in the UK.
On this day, all the stores will be opened, which is also the biggest discount in the year! Many stores will open at 5 or 6 a.m., and shoppers are running to get what they can.
Because it's a unique Christmas tradition in Britain, December 26 is also a statutory holiday in Britain. Only the shops don't have a holiday. The day after tomorrow is boxing day. Are you ready to go shopping