THE STAR
THE STAR symbolises the star that appeared quite miraculously in the eastern sky on the birth of Jesus Christ.
The star is believed to have
guided the Magi, who were the three wise men from the East to find the newborn king.
One wonders whether the star that shone that fateful night is any different from those of today. Astronomers continue to be at loss to explain the star that shone on the night of the birth of Jesus. It could not have been a meteor, because it lasted for only a few seconds, nor was it a comet because astronomers found out that there were no comets visible to humans around the time of Christ's birth.
The Magi from the East were also astrologers of their time. They had studied the Jewish rabbis and were well aware of the triangular shape that had already appeared before the birth of Moses. This was perhaps the reason why it was interpreted that a great man was to be born on the Jewish land.
The star was indeed a strange star and people continue to believe that a miracle had occurred around the time of the birth of Christ.
The Christmas star continues to adorn churches and houses as part of the traditional Christmas celebrations. The star stands for high hopes and ideals, a hope for a good fortune and to reach above oneself.
GIFTS
The Christmas spirit is all about caring and sharing with your loved ones. And what better way to express these feelings than gifts. Christmas, in many ways, is the season to give gifts to loved ones. And the tradition traces back to the birth of Christ.
In the legend, the Magi from the East came along with gifts to see and get blessing, from the newborn king. These three men brought gold, frankincense and myrrh as gifts for baby Jesus.
The gift of gold symbolises Jesus as the King of kings. Frankincense is also a unique gift. In Exodus 30:34-38, God told Moses that frankincense was only to be offered on the brazen altar in front of the Holy of Holies and on the Day of Atonement. Similar to the frankincense, myrrh is a burial ointment and it has cleansing qualities.
The gifts the Magi brought to Jesus foretold God's plan. They symbolise faith, hope and love all in the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The gifts of today, too, wrapped with flashy coloured paper, bring along with them love and wishes from friends and family. Some of the common gifts of the season are porcelain birds, porcelain blossoms, brass menagerie, porcelain elephant, dolls and toys, jewellery and many more gifts of personal choice.
THE CHRISTMAS ROSE
Christmas Rose is a celebrated English plant that is regarded as a true Christmas flower. It is sometimes called the 'Snow' or 'Winter Rose'. It blooms in the depths of winter in the mountains of Central Europe. Legend links it with the birth of Christ and a modest shepherd maiden named Madelon.
As Madelon tended to her sheep one cold and wintry night, wise men and other shepherds with their gifts for the Christ child passed by the snow-covered field where she was. The wise men carried the rich gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense, and the shepherds, fruits, honey and doves.
Poor Madelon began to weep at the thought of having nothing to offer, not even a simple flower for the newborn king, because she was very poor. As she stood there weeping, an angel passing saw her sorrow, and stooping he brushed aside the snow at her feet revealing a most beautiful white flower tipped with pink the Christmas rose.
Also in Northern and Central Europe, it is a tradition to break off a branch of a cherry tree at the beginning of the Advent and keep it in water in a warm room; the
flowers should burst into bloom at Christmas time.
THE POINSETTIA
Poinsettia is a much-loved flower in the United States with its stunning red star-shape. It is called the 'Flower of the Holy Night' or the 'Flame Leaf' in Central America. The botanical name, Euphorbia Pulcherrima was assigned to the poinsettia by the German botanist, Wilenow. Dazzled by its colour, he gave it this name meaning 'very beautiful'.
The legend of the poinsettia comes from Mexico. It tells of a girl named Maria and her little brother, Pablo. They were very poor, but always looked forward to the Christmas festival. Each year a large manger scene was set up in the village church, and the days before Christmas were filled with parades and parties.
The two children loved Christmas, but were always disappointed because they had no money to buy gifts. They especially wished that they could present something to the church for the baby Jesus. But they had nothing.
One Christmas eve, Maria and Pablo set out for church to attend the service. Not knowing what else to do, Maria knelt by the roadside and gathered a handful of common weeds, fashioning them into a small bouquet and deciding to take them as their gift to the baby Jesus in the manger scene. Looking at the scraggly bunch of weeds, she felt more saddened and embarrassed than ever by the humbleness of her offering.
Of course, other children teased them when they arrived with their gift, but they said nothing for they knew they had given what they could. Maria and Pablo began placing the green plants around the manger and miraculously, the green top leaves turned into bright red petals. Soon the manger was surrounded by beautiful star-like flowers; all who saw them were certain that they had witnessed a Christmas miracle right before their eyes.
MIDNIGHT MASS
OR SERVICE
Midnight Mass and day services are held in churches during the eve and the day of Christmas. The message and sermons of love and redemption are given out. Large numbers of people gather to pray and thank God for his sacrifices that are believed to have saved mankind.
FLAVOUR OF THE SEASON
No celebration is complete without a feast, and the Christmas feast is a special one too. Christmas also brings with it all the fun and lively parties in our homes.
The snowman, the sounds of the bells, Santa with gifts, music, bands, the colourful procession with many custom wear etc. add more fun and makes Christmas a very glamorous fest.
Enhancing the Christmas and fun spirit are some of the delicacies that include the Christmas pie, cookies, Christmas cakes, ginger bread, turkey meat, pudding, wine, and brandy.
Some dishes that you can include in your menu this Christmas are almond baklava, apple squares, biscotti di vino, caramel popcorn, Turkish baklava, sour cherry bars, peanut clusters and nutmeg rolls. As for beverages try out the egg nog, Santa's punch, and hot cranberry punch, along with the quintessential wine.
