Christmas tree
The Christmas tree has not always been a symbol of Christmas. Originally, it was associated with the pre-Christian folk tradition and the cult of the evergreen tree. Supposedly, in ancient Rome, trees were decorated with metal elements on the occasion of Saturn.
In many cultures, a tree, especially a coniferous tree, is considered a symbol of life and rebirth, endurance and fertility. As a Christmas tree, it appeared in the 16th century, but has probably previously appeared as the "tree of good and evil" in the mysteries of Adam and Eve on Christmas Eve.
The tradition of Christmas trees was born in Alsace, where trees were placed and decorated with paper ornaments and apples (a reference to the tree of paradise). A great supporter of this custom was Martin Luther, who recommended spending holidays in the privacy of your home. So Christmas trees quickly became popular in Protestant Germany.
A little later, this custom was taken over by the Catholic Church, spreading it in the countries of Northern and Central Europe.
In the nineteenth century, the Christmas tree came to England and France, and then to the countries of Southern Europe. Since then, it has been the most recognized symbol of Christmas.
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It was moved to Poland by German Protestants at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries (during the partitions) and initially it was found only in cities. It was from there that this custom spread to the countryside, mostly replacing the traditional Polish ornament, which was the podłaźniczka, and replacing a much older, Slavic custom (known from the celebration of the Mating Festival) of decorating a sheaf of grain, called the Diduch
Old, traditional Christmas decorations were cookies, gingerbread (often baked in the shape of a heart), nuts, small, red, so-called Heavenly apples, decorations made by hand during Advent, made of tissue paper, colored papers, feathers, blown eggs, straw and blades of grass, ears of cereals, etc. On Christmas Eve candles and so-called candles were lit on the branches. sparklers. Nowadays, depending on the country, they are dressed differently. The Christmas tree is decorated with baubles, candies, paper decorations (as before), silver and gold angel hair. In most countries, the tree is dressed together by the whole family on Christmas Eve. In countries influenced by the English and American traditions, the tree is dressed earlier.
The lights also play an important role on the Christmas tree. Their tradition dates back to the 17th century - then their role was played by candles. Electric lamps that we use until today were created in 1882 by Edward Johanson, one of Thomas Edison's assistants.
In Italy, the Christmas tree is dressed as early as December 8, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is decorated, in addition to world-famous baubles, also with gilded cones, small dolls and colorful flags.
The story of Santa Claus
We all know Santa Claus as a fairy-tale character of a pot-bellied grandfather in a red jacket, with a huge gray beard and a sack full of gifts. However, Santa Claus is an authentic figure.
He was born after the long prayers of wealthy parents around 270 in the city of Patara in Lycia (today in Turkey). Since childhood, he was distinguished not only by piety, but also sensitivity to the misfortune of his fellow men. After the death of his parents, he willingly shared his considerable fortune with those in need. He became the bishop of Mira (now Demre) in Lycia and won the hearts of the faithful not only with pastoral zeal but also with care.
The miracles he performed brought him great glory.
When Emperor Constantine the Great sentenced three young men from Myra to death for a minor offense, St. Nicholas went personally to Constantinople to plead for pardon for his faithful. Another time, with his prayer, he saved fishermen during a storm. Therefore, it is also the patron saint of sailors and fishermen. During the plague that also struck his parts, he served the sick at the risk of his own life. The legend says that St. Nicholas resurrected three people murdered by the hotelier for not being able to pay him. There is a story about three unjustly imprisoned officers released through his intercession.
One legend has it that a man who fell into poverty decided to sell his three daughters to a brothel. When the bishop found out about this, he threw three pouches of money down the chimney at night. They fell into stockings and shoes that these daughters had placed by the fireplace to dry. Hence, in some countries it is customary to display shoes or socks as gifts.
Today, if someone does not have a fireplace, Santa silently slides the presents under the pillow.
Saint Nicholas, after many years of blessed rule, passed away on December 6, 345 or 352. His body was buried in Mir, from where over a thousand years later it was transported to Bari - an Italian city in southern Italy. The tomb was placed in a basilica in his honor and consecrated by Pope Urban II.
The bishop's goodness has survived in people's memories, as evidenced by the custom of dressing up as St. Santa Claus and giving gifts to children.
Today, Santa Claus is a fairy-tale character - a nice fat man with a white beard living in Lapland, dressed in a red outfit. During Christmas, he and a group of elves deliver gifts to children in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer cart.
In the minds of many people, it replaced the image of a bishop and became a symbol of the Star.
In the Byzantine tradition, its counterpart is Saint Basil, who gives gifts to children on January 1. In Russia and neighboring countries, Grandfather Frost and Snowflake are popular.
In Poland, Saint Nicholas Day is traditionally celebrated on December 6 as a memory of Saint Nicholas - Bishop of Mira. On the morning of that day, children who have been polite throughout the year find small gifts hidden under a pillow or in a sock.