Christmas Traditions

　　For many people, Christmas is a religious (宗教的) occasion (节日) celebrating the birth of Christ. For others, it is only a time to be with family, to feast (享用美食), and to be merry. No matter how Christmas is celebrated, the holiday is rich with customs from many lands.

Santa Claus

This jolly (快乐的) fellow gets his name from a man known as St Nicholas, who lived in western Asia during the fourth century. He gave his wealth to the poor—often children. After he died, his death day was celebrated with gift-giving. The Dutch (荷兰人) brought this legend (传说) to America. Soon the Dutch name, Sinter Klaas, became “Santa Claus”.

Holly (冬青树)

Long ago in northern Europe, people put hollies in their homes during the dark, cold winter. The plant’s bright colors symbolized (象征) a promise (吉兆) of the sun’s return.

Tree and Gifts

　　Hundreds of years ago, to celebrate Christmas. German people began putting evergreens (长青树) in their homes and decorating them. The evergreen had long been a symbol of life. People exchange presents as reminders (回忆) of the Wise Men’s gifts to the Christ child and of the goodwill of St Nicholas.  

Yule Log (圣诞原木)

To Scandinavians (斯堪的纳维亚人) of long ago, the Yule log meant light and warmth during winter. A family member brought the log home on Christmas Eve. It was always lit with a piece of the last year’s log.

Christmas Carols (圣诞颂歌)

St Francis of Assisi, in Italy, set up the first scene in 1223. He invited people to sing the Gospel at the scene. Today, people still sing some of those early carols.

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