Activity 1: Christmas traditions

1. What is your tradition called?

Christmas trees.

2. Describe your tradition.

That tradition is with my family. When we finished the school we

placed the tree, with lights of colours, with balls, bows and with the
star.

3. What is the origin of your tradition?

The Christmas Tree originated in Germany in the 16th century. It

was common for the Germanic people to decorate fir trees, both
inside and out, with roses, apples, and colored paper. It is believed
that Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, was the first to light a
Christmas tree with candles. While coming home one dark winter's
night near Christmas, he was struck with the beauty of the
starlight shining through the branches of a small fir tree outside his
home. He duplicated the starlight by using candles attached to the
branches of his indoor Christmas tree. The Christmas tree was not
widely used in Britain until the 19th century. It was brought to
America by the Pennsylvania Germans in the 1820's

4. When is your tradition held?

In Britain, since 19th century.

5. Where is your tradition held?

In Germany, since 16th century.

6. What is the symbolism behind your tradition?

The symbolism was for decorate home’s and nights in Christmas.

Activity 2: Christmas around the world:
Treasure hunt
1. In India, what type of tree is decorated for Christmas?

Instead of having traditional Christmas Trees, a banana or mango

tree is decorated. Sometimes people use mango leaves to
decorate their homes.

2. Russians celebrate Christmas eating kutya. What is it and what

does it symbolize?

A ritual dish and an integral part of the Holy Night Meal, is served
only during the Christmas cycle of holidays which ends with the
Feast of Jordan on January 19th.

3. Mexicans celebrate Christmas with posadas. What is a posada?

After dark, each night of the "Posada," a procession begins led by

two children. The children carry a small pine-decorated platform
bearing replicas of Joseph and Mary riding a burro. Other members
of the company, all with lighted long slender candles, sing the
"Litany of the Virgin" as they approach the door of the house
assigned to the first "Posada." Together they chant an old
traditional song and awaken the mast of the house to ask lodging
for Mary

4. In Rome, Italy, capitone is served on Christmas Eve. What is

capitone?

In Rome, the traditional dish of Christmas Eve is "Capitone," a big

female eel, roasted, baked or fried.

5. In Venezuela people listen to aguinaldos. What are aguinaldos?

The traditional songs of this period are called aguinaldos. In the old
days the aguinalderos would go from home to home singing their
songs and playing traditional instruments.

6. In Provence, France, people put santons in a crèche. What are

santons and what is a crèche?

I think that it was like a “pesebre”.

7. In Japan, people are visited by Hoteiosho. Who is he, and why is
he special?

Hoteiosho is portrayed as a kind old man with a huge sack on

his back. He has two pairs of eyes on his back and is there to
protect and guide everybody.

8. In Greece people have to protect themselves from Killantzaroi.

What are Killantzaroi and how can you keep them away?

The Killantzaroi are goblins or sprites out during a 12 day period

from December 25 to January 6. It has a number of beliefs
connected with them.

9. Germans call Christmas Eve Dickbauch. Why is Christmas Eve

called Dickbauch?

Because, who don't eat well on Christmas Eve will be haunted

by demons during the night.

10.In China, a very important person is named Dun Che Lao Ren.
Who is it?

Santa Claus in China is called Dun Che Lao Ren which means
Christmas Old Man. The Christian children of China hang muslin
stockings hoping that Christmas Old Man will fill them with gifts
and treats. The Chinese Christmas trees are called Trees of Light.

Anna Fresneda