Christmastide: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Christian liturgical period}} | {{Short description|Christian liturgical period}} | ||
{{Distinguish|Christmas and holiday season}} | |||
{{For multi|the album by Bob Bennett|Christmastide (album){{!}}''Christmastide'' (album)|the EP by Tori Amos|Christmastide (EP){{!}}''Christmastide'' (EP)}} | {{For multi|the album by Bob Bennett|Christmastide (album){{!}}''Christmastide'' (album)|the EP by Tori Amos|Christmastide (EP){{!}}''Christmastide'' (EP)}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}} | ||
[[File:Christmas Crib.jpg|A [[nativity scene]] and a [[Christmas tree]], two popular decorations displayed by Christians during Christmastide|thumb|200px]] | [[File:Christmas Crib.jpg|A [[nativity scene]] and a [[Christmas tree]], two popular decorations displayed by Christians during Christmastide|thumb|200px]] | ||
[[File:Adoration of the sheperds - Matthias Stomer.jpg|thumb|''Adoration of the Shepherds'' by Dutch painter [[Matthias Stomer]], 1632]] | [[File:Adoration of the sheperds - Matthias Stomer.jpg|thumb|''Adoration of the Shepherds'' by Dutch painter [[Matthias Stomer]], 1632]] | ||
'''Christmastide''', also known as '''Christide''', is a season of the [[liturgical year]] in most [[Christianity|Christian]] churches. | '''Christmastide''', also known as '''Christmas time''', '''Christmas season''', or '''Christide''', is a season of the [[liturgical year]] in most [[Christianity|Christian]] churches. | ||
For the [[Catholic Church]], [[Lutheran Church]], [[Anglican Church]], [[Methodist Church]] and some Orthodox Churches, Christmastide begins on 24 December at sunset or [[Vespers]], which is [[liturgy| | For the [[Catholic Church]], [[Lutheran Church]], [[Anglican Church]], [[Methodist Church]] and some Orthodox Churches, Christmastide begins on 24 December at sunset or [[Vespers]], which is [[Christian liturgy|liturgicus]] the beginning of [[Christmas Day]].<ref name="Satter2005"/><ref name="Hickman1984">{{cite book|last= Hickman|first=Hoyt Leon |url=https://archive.org/details/unitedmethodista00hick |url-access= registration|title= United Methodist Altars|access-date= 5 January 2015|date= 1 April 1984|publisher= Abingdon Press|isbn= 978-0-68742985-1|quote=Christmas eve: Begins at sunset December 24 and is part of Christmas, since the days of the Christian year traditionally begin at sunset the previous day.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.gbod.org/resources/introduction-to-christmas-season|title= Introduction to Christmas Season |year=2013|work= General Board of Discipleship (GBOD)|publisher= The United Methodist Church|access-date= 5 January 2015|quote= Christmas is a season of praise and thanksgiving for the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ, which begins with Christmas Eve (December 24 after sundown) or Day and continues through the Day of Epiphany. The name Christmas comes from the season's first service, the Christ Mass. Epiphany comes from the Greek word epiphania, which means "manifestation." New Year's Eve or Day is often celebrated in the United Methodist tradition with a Covenant Renewal Service. In addition to acts and services of worship for the Christmas Season on the following pages, see in the lectionary.... Signs of the season include a Chrismon tree, a nativity scene (include the magi on the Day of Epiphany), a Christmas star, angels, poinsettias, and roses.}}</ref><ref name="Hickman">{{cite book|last= Hickman|first=Hoyt Leon |url=https://archive.org/details/unitedmethodista00hick |url-access= registration|title=United Methodist Altars |access-date=5 January 2015 |date=1 April 1984|publisher= Abingdon Press|isbn= 978-0-68742985-1|quote= Christmas Season: From sunset December 24 through January 6. The season celebrating the birth and manifestation (epiphany) of Christ.}}</ref> Most of 24 December is thus not part of Christmastide, but of [[Advent]], the season in the Church Year that precedes Christmastide. In many liturgical calendars Christmastide is followed by the closely related season of [[Epiphanytide]] that commences at sunset on 5 January—a date known as [[Twelfth Night (holiday)|Twelfth Night]].<ref name="ManganWyse2001">{{Cite book |title=Rediscovering the Seasons of the Christian Year |last1=Mangan |first1=Louise |last2=Wyse |first2=Nancy |last3=Farr |first3=Lori |publisher=Wood Lake Publishing Inc. |year=2001 |isbn=9781551454986 |page=69 |quote=Epiphany is often heralded by "Twelfth Night" celebrations (12 days after Christmas), on the evening before the Feast of Epiphany. Some Christian communities prepare Twelfth Night festivities with drama, singing, rituals - and food! ... Sometimes several congregations walk in lines from church to church, carrying candles to symbolize the light of Christ shining and spreading. Other faith communities move from house to house, blessing each home as they search for the Christ child.}}</ref><ref name="Pennick2015">{{Cite book |title=Pagan Magic of the Northern Tradition: Customs, Rites, and Ceremonies |last=Pennick |first=Nigel |date=21 May 2015 |publisher=[[Inner Traditions – Bear & Company]] |isbn=9781620553909 |pages=176 |quote=On Twelfth Night in German speaking countries, the Sternsinger ("star singers") go around to houses carrying a paper or wooden star on a pole. They sing an Epiphany carol, then one of them writes in chalk over the door a formula consisting of the initials of the Three Wise Men in the Nativity story, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, with crosses between them and the year date on either side; for example: 20 +M+B 15. This is said to protect the house and its inhabitants until the next Epiphany.}}</ref> | ||
In many [[Christian denomination]]s, Christmastide is identical to [[Twelvetide]] (Twelve Days of Christmastide). There are several celebrations within Christmastide, including [[Christmas]] Day (25 December), [[Saint Stephen's Day]] (26 December), [[Innocents day|Childermas]] (28 December), [[New Year's Eve]] (31 December), the [[Feast of the Circumcision of Christ]] or the [[Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God]] ([[New Year's Day|1 January]]), and the Feast of the [[Holy Family]] (date varies). The Twelve Days of Christmas terminate with [[Epiphany Eve]] or [[Twelfth Night (holiday)|Twelfth Night]] (the evening of 5 January).<ref name="Wickham2013">{{cite book|last=Wickham|first=Glynne|title=Plays and their Makers up to 1576|date=5 September 2013|publisher=Routledge|language=en |isbn=9781136288975|page=42|quote=Again, however, the feasts appointed to follow Christmas [Day] like those following Easter are all celebrations: St Stephen (26 December), St John the Evangelist (27 December), Holy Innocents (28 December), Circumcision (1 January) and Epiphany (6 January). Collectively they make up the Twelve Days of Christmas, terminating with Twelfth Night.}}<!--|access-date=30 December 2015--></ref> | In many [[Christian denomination]]s, Christmastide is identical to [[Twelvetide]] (Twelve Days of Christmastide). There are several celebrations within Christmastide, including [[Christmas]] Day (25 December), [[Saint Stephen's Day]] (26 December), [[Innocents day|Childermas]] (28 December), [[New Year's Eve]] (31 December), the [[Feast of the Circumcision of Christ]] or the [[Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God]] ([[New Year's Day|1 January]]), and the Feast of the [[Holy Family]] (date varies). The Twelve Days of Christmas terminate with [[Epiphany Eve]] or [[Twelfth Night (holiday)|Twelfth Night]] (the evening of 5 January).<ref name="Wickham2013">{{cite book|last=Wickham|first=Glynne|title=Plays and their Makers up to 1576|date=5 September 2013|publisher=Routledge|language=en |isbn=9781136288975|page=42|quote=Again, however, the feasts appointed to follow Christmas [Day] like those following Easter are all celebrations: St Stephen (26 December), St John the Evangelist (27 December), Holy Innocents (28 December), Circumcision (1 January) and Epiphany (6 January). Collectively they make up the Twelve Days of Christmas, terminating with Twelfth Night.}}<!--|access-date=30 December 2015--></ref> | ||
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[[File:Elim2.jpg|thumb|250px|The [[Moravian star]] is a common decoration seen in many Christian households and churches, especially those of [[Moravian Church|Moravians]], during Christmastide and Epiphanytide]] | [[File:Elim2.jpg|thumb|250px|The [[Moravian star]] is a common decoration seen in many Christian households and churches, especially those of [[Moravian Church|Moravians]], during Christmastide and Epiphanytide]] | ||
During the Christmas season, various festivities are traditionally enjoyed and buildings are adorned with [[Christmas decorations]], which are often set up during [[Advent]].<ref name="Michelin2012">{{cite book|last=Michelin|title=Germany Green Guide Michelin 2012–2013|quote=Advent – The four weeks before Christmas are celebrated by counting down the days with an advent calendar, hanging up Christmas decorations and lightning an additional candle every Sunday on the four-candle advent wreath.|date=10 October 2012|publisher=Michelin |isbn=9782067182110|page=73}}<!--|access-date=9 April 2014--></ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.graphicgarden.com/files17/eng/sweden/xmas2e.php|title=Modern Christmas|last=Normark|first=Helena|year=1997|publisher=Graphic Garden|access-date=9 April 2014|quote=Christmas in Sweden starts with Advent, which is the await for the arrival of Jesus... Most people start putting up the Christmas decorations on the first of Advent.}}</ref> These Christmas decorations include the [[Nativity Scene]], [[Christmas tree]], [[Moravian star]], [[Illumination (decoration)|Illuminations]] and various [[Christmas ornament]]s. In the Western Christian world, the two traditional days on which Christmas decorations are removed are [[Twelfth Night (holiday)|Twelfth Night]], [[Baptism of Jesus]] and [[Candlemas]]. Any not removed on the first occasion should be left undisturbed until the second.<ref>{{cite web|url= | During the Christmas season, various festivities are traditionally enjoyed and buildings are adorned with [[Christmas decorations]], which are often set up during [[Advent]].<ref name="Michelin2012">{{cite book|last=Michelin|title=Germany Green Guide Michelin 2012–2013|quote=Advent – The four weeks before Christmas are celebrated by counting down the days with an advent calendar, hanging up Christmas decorations and lightning an additional candle every Sunday on the four-candle advent wreath.|date=10 October 2012|publisher=Michelin |isbn=9782067182110|page=73}}<!--|access-date=9 April 2014--></ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.graphicgarden.com/files17/eng/sweden/xmas2e.php|title=Modern Christmas|last=Normark|first=Helena|year=1997|publisher=Graphic Garden|access-date=9 April 2014|quote=Christmas in Sweden starts with Advent, which is the await for the arrival of Jesus... Most people start putting up the Christmas decorations on the first of Advent.}}</ref> These Christmas decorations include the [[Nativity Scene]], [[Christmas tree]], [[Moravian star]], [[Illumination (decoration)|Illuminations]] and various [[Christmas ornament]]s. In the Western Christian world, the two traditional days on which Christmas decorations are removed are [[Twelfth Night (holiday)|Twelfth Night]], [[Baptism of Jesus]] and [[Candlemas]]. Any not removed on the first occasion should be left undisturbed until the second.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/holydays/candlemas.shtml|title=Candlemas|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |date=16 September 2009 |access-date=9 April 2014|quote=Any Christmas decorations not taken down by Twelfth Night (January 5th) should be left up until Candlemas Day and then taken down.}}</ref> Leaving the decorations up beyond Candlemas is considered to be inauspicious.<ref name="Raedisch2013">{{cite book|last=Raedisch|first=Linda|title=The Old Magic of Christmas: Yuletide Traditions for the Darkest Days of the Year|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kcirAAAAQBAJ&pg=PT161|access-date=9 April 2014|date=1 October 2013|publisher=Llewellyn Publications|isbn=9780738734507|page=161}}</ref> ''The Saint Andrew Daily Missal'' (1945), authored by [[Gaspar Lefebvre|Dom Gaspar Lefebvre]], stipulates:<ref name="Lefebvre1999"/> | ||
{{quotation|Every Christian home should have its own little crib round which, on these days, morning and evening prayers should be said. At this season, consecrated to childlike joys, children will understand that they must join with the shepherds and the wise men together with Mary and Joseph in worshipping the Child Jesus, the Babe who lying on His bed of straw is God and beseech Him that through His grace they may become ever increasingly children of God together with Him. The greetings of "Happy Christmas" which remind us of the artless mirth of the shepherds on that holy night; the Christmas tree, often with a source of joy to the poor, representatives of Christ in the property of His manger bed; Christmas gifts recalling God's great gift of His Son to us on the first Christmas night; the Twelfth-Night cake; all these are Christian customs which ought to be preserved. —The Saint Andrew Daily Missal<ref name="Lefebvre1999"/>}} | {{quotation|Every Christian home should have its own little crib round which, on these days, morning and evening prayers should be said. At this season, consecrated to childlike joys, children will understand that they must join with the shepherds and the wise men together with Mary and Joseph in worshipping the Child Jesus, the Babe who lying on His bed of straw is God and beseech Him that through His grace they may become ever increasingly children of God together with Him. The greetings of "Happy Christmas" which remind us of the artless mirth of the shepherds on that holy night; the Christmas tree, often with a source of joy to the poor, representatives of Christ in the property of His manger bed; Christmas gifts recalling God's great gift of His Son to us on the first Christmas night; the Twelfth-Night cake; all these are Christian customs which ought to be preserved. —The Saint Andrew Daily Missal<ref name="Lefebvre1999"/>}} | ||
On [[Christmas Eve]] or [[Christmas]] Day (the first day of Christmastide), it is customary for most households in [[Christendom]] to attend a [[Church service|service of worship]] or [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]].<ref name="Aloian2008">{{cite book|last=Aloian|first=Molly|title=Christmas|url=https://archive.org/details/christmas0000aloi|url-access=registration|date=30 September 2008|publisher=Crabtree Publishing Company|isbn=9780778742876|page=[https://archive.org/details/christmas0000aloi/page/17 17]|quote=Going to Church Christmas Eve is a special time for many people...Churches usually have candlelight services or midnight masses.}}<!--|access-date=28 March 2015--></ref><ref name="Altar1885">{{cite book|last=Altar|title=Before The Altar|url=https://archive.org/details/beforealtardevo00altagoog|access-date=28 March 2015|year=1885|page=[https://archive.org/details/beforealtardevo00altagoog/page/n33 25]|quote=The Church orders you to receive at least three times a year, of which one time is to be Easter, the other two presumably Christmas and Whitsuntide.}}</ref> During the season of Christmastide, in many Christian households, a gift is given for each of the [[Twelve Days of Christmas]]tide, while in others, gifts are only given on [[Christmas Eve]], [[Christmas Day]] or [[Twelfth Night (holiday)|Twelfth Night]], the first and last days of the festive season, respectively.<ref name=Kubesh>{{cite book|last1=Kubesh |first1=Katie |last2=McNeil|first2=Niki|last3=Bellotto |first3=Kimm|title=The 12 Days of Christmas|publisher=In the Hands of a Child|page=16|quote=The Twelve Days of Christmas, also called Twelvetide, are also associated with festivities that begin on the evening of Christmas Day and last through the morning of Epiphany. This period is also called Christmastide ... one early American tradition was to make a wreath on Christmas Eve and hang it on the front door on Christmas night. The wreath stayed on the front door through Epiphany. Some families also baked a special cake for the Epiphany. Other Old Time Traditions from around the world include: Giving gifts on Christmas night only. Giving gifts on the Twelfth Night only. Giving gifts on each night. On the Twelfth Night, a Twelfth Night Cake or King Cake is served with a bean or pea baked in it. The person who finds the bean or pea in his or her portion is a King of Queen for the day.}}</ref> The practice of giving gifts during Christmastide, according to Christian tradition, is symbolic of the [[Adoration of the Magi|presentation of the gifts]] by the [[Biblical Magi|Three Wise Men]] to the [[Christ Child|infant Jesus]].<ref name="BashBash2012">{{cite book|last1=Bash|first1=Anthony|last2=Bash|first2=Melanie|title=Inside the Christmas Story|date=22 November 2012|publisher=A&C Black|isbn=9781441121585|page=132|quote=Popular tradition has it that there were three Magi because they presented three gifts to Jesus out of their treasure chests...The presentation of the gifts is supposed to be the origin of the practice of giving Christmas presents.}}<!--|access-date=28 March 2015--></ref> | On [[Christmas Eve]] or [[Christmas]] Day (the first day of Christmastide), it is customary for most households in [[Christendom]] to attend a [[Church service|service of worship]] or [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]].<ref name="Aloian2008">{{cite book|last=Aloian|first=Molly|title=Christmas|url=https://archive.org/details/christmas0000aloi|url-access=registration|date=30 September 2008|publisher=Crabtree Publishing Company|isbn=9780778742876|page=[https://archive.org/details/christmas0000aloi/page/17 17]|quote=Going to Church Christmas Eve is a special time for many people...Churches usually have candlelight services or midnight masses.}}<!--|access-date=28 March 2015--></ref><ref name="Altar1885">{{cite book|last=Altar|title=Before The Altar|url=https://archive.org/details/beforealtardevo00altagoog|access-date=28 March 2015|year=1885|page=[https://archive.org/details/beforealtardevo00altagoog/page/n33 25]|quote=The Church orders you to receive at least three times a year, of which one time is to be Easter, the other two presumably Christmas and Whitsuntide.}}</ref> During the season of Christmastide, in many Christian households, a gift is given for each of the [[Twelve Days of Christmas]]tide, while in others, gifts are only given on [[Christmas Eve]], [[Christmas Day]] or [[Twelfth Night (holiday)|Twelfth Night]], the first and last days of the festive season, respectively.<ref name=Kubesh>{{cite book|last1=Kubesh |first1=Katie |last2=McNeil|first2=Niki|last3=Bellotto |first3=Kimm|title=The 12 Days of Christmas|publisher=In the Hands of a Child|page=16|quote=The Twelve Days of Christmas, also called Twelvetide, are also associated with festivities that begin on the evening of Christmas Day and last through the morning of Epiphany. This period is also called Christmastide ... one early American tradition was to make a wreath on Christmas Eve and hang it on the front door on Christmas night. The wreath stayed on the front door through Epiphany. Some families also baked a special cake for the Epiphany. Other Old Time Traditions from around the world include: Giving gifts on Christmas night only. Giving gifts on the Twelfth Night only. Giving gifts on each night. On the Twelfth Night, a Twelfth Night Cake or King Cake is served with a bean or pea baked in it. The person who finds the bean or pea in his or her portion is a King of Queen for the day.}}</ref> The practice of giving gifts during Christmastide, according to Christian tradition, is symbolic of the [[Adoration of the Magi|presentation of the gifts]] by the [[Biblical Magi|Three Wise Men]] to the [[Christ Child|infant Jesus]].<ref name="BashBash2012">{{cite book|last1=Bash|first1=Anthony|last2=Bash|first2=Melanie|title=Inside the Christmas Story|date=22 November 2012|publisher=A&C Black|isbn=9781441121585|page=132|quote=Popular tradition has it that there were three Magi because they presented three gifts to Jesus out of their treasure chests...The presentation of the gifts is supposed to be the origin of the practice of giving Christmas presents.}}<!--|access-date=28 March 2015--></ref> | ||
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Under the [[state atheism]] of the [[Soviet Union]], after its foundation in 1917, Christmas celebrations—along with other Christian holidays—were prohibited. [[Saint Nicholas]] was replaced by [[Ded Moroz]] or [[Father Frost|Grandfather Frost]], the Russian Spirit of Winter who brought gifts on New Year's, accompanied by the snowmaiden ''Snyegurochka'' who helps distribute gifts.<ref name=DeLaine>[https://russianlife.com/stories/online/christmastide-tradition/ DeLaine, Linda. "Christmastide Tradition", ''Russian Life Magazine'']</ref> | Under the [[state atheism]] of the [[Soviet Union]], after its foundation in 1917, Christmas celebrations—along with other Christian holidays—were prohibited. [[Saint Nicholas]] was replaced by [[Ded Moroz]] or [[Father Frost|Grandfather Frost]], the Russian Spirit of Winter who brought gifts on New Year's, accompanied by the snowmaiden ''Snyegurochka'' who helps distribute gifts.<ref name=DeLaine>[https://russianlife.com/stories/online/christmastide-tradition/ DeLaine, Linda. "Christmastide Tradition", ''Russian Life Magazine'']</ref> | ||
It was not until the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]] in 1991 that the prohibition ended and Christmas was celebrated for the first time in [[Russia]] after seven decades.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-01-07-mn-5892-story.html|title=A Russian Christmas—Better Late Than Never : Soviet Union: Orthodox Church celebration is the first under Communists. But, as with most of Yeltsin's pronouncements, the holiday stirs a controversy.|last=Goldberg|first=Carey|date=7 January 1991|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|language=en|access-date=22 November 2014|quote= For the first time in more than seven decades, Christmas—celebrated today by Russian Orthodox Christians—is a full state holiday across Russia's vast and snowy expanse. As part of Russian Federation President Boris N. Yeltsin's ambitious plan to revive the traditions of Old Russia, the republic's legislature declared last month that Christmas, long ignored under atheist Communist ideology, should be written back into the public calendar.}}</ref> Russia had adopted the custom of celebrating New Year's Day instead. However, the Orthodox Church Christmas is on 7 January. This is, also, an official national holiday.<ref name=DeLaine/> | It was not until the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]] in 1991 that the prohibition ended and Christmas was celebrated for the first time in [[Russia]] after seven decades.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-01-07-mn-5892-story.html|title=A Russian Christmas—Better Late Than Never : Soviet Union: Orthodox Church celebration is the first under Communists. But, as with most of Yeltsin's pronouncements, the holiday stirs a controversy.|last=Goldberg|first=Carey|date=7 January 1991|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|language=en|access-date=22 November 2014|quote= For the first time in more than seven decades, Christmas—celebrated today by Russian Orthodox Christians—is a full state holiday across Russia's vast and snowy expanse. As part of Russian Federation President Boris N. Yeltsin's ambitious plan to revive the traditions of Old Russia, the republic's legislature declared last month that Christmas, long ignored under atheist Communist ideology, should be written back into the public calendar.}}</ref> Russia had adopted the custom of celebrating New Year's Day instead. However, the Orthodox Church Christmas is on 7 January. This is, also, an [[Public holidays in Russia|official national holiday]].<ref name=DeLaine/> | ||
=== Nazi Germany === | === Nazi Germany === | ||
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==See also== | ==See also== | ||
{{Portal|Christianity}} | {{Portal|Christianity}} | ||
* [[Advent]] | |||
* [[Blue Christmas (holiday)]] | |||
* [[Christmas and holiday season]] | * [[Christmas and holiday season]] | ||
* [[Christmas Eve]] | * [[Christmas Eve]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Embertide]] | ||
* [[Epiphany season]] | * [[Epiphany season]] | ||
* [[Nativity Fast]] | * [[Nativity Fast]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Yuletide]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Latest revision as of 14:14, 24 December 2025
Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Distinguish". Template:For multi Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Christmastide, also known as Christmas time, Christmas season, or Christide, is a season of the liturgical year in most Christian churches.
For the Catholic Church, Lutheran Church, Anglican Church, Methodist Church and some Orthodox Churches, Christmastide begins on 24 December at sunset or Vespers, which is liturgicus the beginning of Christmas Day.[1][2][3][4] Most of 24 December is thus not part of Christmastide, but of Advent, the season in the Church Year that precedes Christmastide. In many liturgical calendars Christmastide is followed by the closely related season of Epiphanytide that commences at sunset on 5 January—a date known as Twelfth Night.[5][6]
In many Christian denominations, Christmastide is identical to Twelvetide (Twelve Days of Christmastide). There are several celebrations within Christmastide, including Christmas Day (25 December), Saint Stephen's Day (26 December), Childermas (28 December), New Year's Eve (31 December), the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ or the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (1 January), and the Feast of the Holy Family (date varies). The Twelve Days of Christmas terminate with Epiphany Eve or Twelfth Night (the evening of 5 January).[7]
Customs of the Christmas season include carol singing, gift giving, attending Nativity plays, church services,[8] and eating special food, such as Christmas cake.[9] Traditional examples of Christmas greetings include the Western Christian phrase "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!" and the Eastern Christian greeting "Christ is born!", to which others respond, "Glorify Him!"[10][11]
Dates
Christmastide, commonly called the Twelve Days of Christmas, lasts 12 days, from 25 December to 5 January, the latter date being named as Twelfth Night.[12] These traditional dates are adhered to by the Lutheran Church and the Anglican Church.[1]
However, the ending is defined differently by other Christian denominations.[13] In 1969, the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church expanded Christmastide by a variable number of days: "Christmas Time runs from... up to and including the Sunday after Epiphany or after 6 January."[14] Before 1955, the 12 Christmastide days in the Roman Rite (25 December to 5 January) were followed by the 8 days of the Octave of Epiphany, 6–13 January, and its 1960 Code of Rubrics defined "Christmastide" as running "from I vespers of Christmas to none of 5th January inclusive".[15] The Saint Andrew Daily Missal (1945) says Christmastide begins with "the vigil of the feast [Christmas Day] and ends in the temporal cycle on the octave day of the Epiphany...[and] in the sanctoral cycle on the Purification of our Lady (Feb. 2)."[16] Within the Christmas Cycle is "the time before, during and after the feast itself, thus having for its aim to prepare the soul for them, then allow it to celebrate them with solemnity and finally to prolong them several weeks"; this references Advent, Christmas, and the Time after Epiphany (Epiphanytide).[16]
History
Script error: No such module "Sidebar". In 567, the Council of Tours "proclaimed the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany as a sacred and festive season, and established the duty of Advent fasting in preparation for the feast."[17][18][19][20][21][22] Christopher Hill, as well as William J. Federer, states that this was done in order to solve the "administrative problem for the Roman Empire as it tried to coordinate the solar Julian calendar with the lunar calendars of its provinces in the east."[23][24][25] Ronald Hutton adds that, while the Council of Tours declared the 12 days one festal cycle, it confirmed that three of those days were fasting days, dividing the rejoicing days into two blocs.[26][27][28]
In medieval era Christendom, Christmastide "lasted from the Nativity to the Purification."[29][30] To this day, the "Christian cultures in Western Europe and Latin America extend the season to forty days, ending on the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the Purification of Mary on 2 February, a feast also known as Candlemas because of the blessing of candles on this day, inspired by the Song of Simeon, which proclaims Jesus as 'a light for revelation to the nations'."[31] Many Churches refer to the period after the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas and up to Candlemas, as Epiphanytide, also called the Epiphany season.[32][33] The Puritans referred to the season as Christide as they did not affirm the sacrificial aspect of the Mass.[34]
Traditions
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During the Christmas season, various festivities are traditionally enjoyed and buildings are adorned with Christmas decorations, which are often set up during Advent.[36][37] These Christmas decorations include the Nativity Scene, Christmas tree, Moravian star, Illuminations and various Christmas ornaments. In the Western Christian world, the two traditional days on which Christmas decorations are removed are Twelfth Night, Baptism of Jesus and Candlemas. Any not removed on the first occasion should be left undisturbed until the second.[38] Leaving the decorations up beyond Candlemas is considered to be inauspicious.[39] The Saint Andrew Daily Missal (1945), authored by Dom Gaspar Lefebvre, stipulates:[16] Template:Quotation On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (the first day of Christmastide), it is customary for most households in Christendom to attend a service of worship or Mass.[40][41] During the season of Christmastide, in many Christian households, a gift is given for each of the Twelve Days of Christmastide, while in others, gifts are only given on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Twelfth Night, the first and last days of the festive season, respectively.[42] The practice of giving gifts during Christmastide, according to Christian tradition, is symbolic of the presentation of the gifts by the Three Wise Men to the infant Jesus.[43]
The tradition of the Nativity scene comes from Italy. One of the earliest representation in art of the nativity was found in the early Christian Roman catacomb of Saint Valentine.[44] It dates to about AD 380.[45] Another, of similar date, is beneath the pulpit in Sant'Ambrogio, Milan. For the Christian celebration of Christmas, the viewing of the Nativity play is one of the oldest Christmastime traditions, with the first reenactment of the Nativity of Jesus taking place in A.D. 1223 in the Italian town of Greccio.[46] In that year, Francis of Assisi assembled a Nativity scene outside of his church in Italy and children sang Christmas carols celebrating the birth of Jesus.[46] Each year, this grew larger, and people travelled from afar to see Francis' depiction of the Nativity of Jesus that came to feature drama and music.[46] Nativity plays eventually spread throughout all of Europe, where they remain popular. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day church services often came to feature Nativity plays, as did schools and theatres.[46] In France, Germany, Mexico, and Spain, Nativity plays are often reenacted outdoors in the streets.[46]
In several parts of the world, it is common to have a large family feast on Christmas Day, preceded by saying grace. Desserts such as Christmas cake are unique to Christmastide; in India and Pakistan, a version known as Allahabadi cake is popular.[9] Panettone, an Italian type of sweet bread and fruitcake, originally from Milan, Italy, usually prepared and enjoyed for Christmas and New Year in Western, Southern, and Southeastern Europe, as well as in South America, Eritrea,[47] Australia and North America.[48] During the Christmas season, it is also very common for Christmas carols to be sung at Christian churches, as well as in front of houses—in the latter scenario, groups of Christians go from one house to another to sing Christmas carols.[49] Popular Christmas carols include "Silent Night", "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus", "We Three Kings", "Down in Yon Forest", "Away in a Manger", "I Wonder as I Wander", "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen", "There's a Song in the Air", and "Let all mortal flesh keep silence".[50] In the Christmas season, it is very common for television stations to air feature films relating to Christmas and Christianity in general, such as The Greatest Story Ever Told and Scrooge.[51]
On Saint Stephen's Day, the second day of Christmastide,[52] people traditionally have their horses blessed,[53] and on the Feast of Saint John the Evangelist, the third day of Christmastide,[54] wine is blessed and consumed.[53] The fourth day of Christmastide, Childermas (Children's Mass), is observed through the blessing of children at church, as well as the remembrance of the Holy Innocents as the first Christian martyrs.[55][56] On New Year's Eve (the seventh day of Christmastide), it is common for many Christians to attend a watchnight service to thank God for being blessed in the previous year and resolving to serve Him in the coming year.[57] Throughout the twelve days of Christmastide, many people view Nativity plays,[58] among other forms of "musical and theatrical presentations".[53]
In the Russian Orthodox Church, Christmastide is referred to as "Svyatki", meaning "Holy Days". It is celebrated from the Nativity of Christ (7 January N.S.) to the Theophany or Baptism of Christ (19 January N.S.). Activities during this period include attending church services, singing Christmas carols and spiritual hymns, visiting relatives and friends, and performing works of mercy, such as visiting the sick, the elderly people, orphans, and giving generous alms.[59]
Liturgy
Western Christianity
Readings
| Calendar Day | Feast | Revised Common Lectionary | Roman Lectionary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 December | Christmas Eve | Isaiah 9:2–7 Psalm 96 (11) Titus 2:11–14 Luke 2:1–14 [15–20] |
Is 62:1–5 Acts 13:16–17, 22-25/Mt 1:1–25 or 1:18–25 |
| 25 December | Christmas Day (first day of Christmastide) | Isaiah 52:7–10 Psalm 98 (3) Hebrews 1:1–4 [5–12] John 1:1–14 |
Is 52:7-10/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1–18 or 1:1–5, 9–14 |
| 26 December | Saint Stephen's Day (second day of Christmastide) | 2 Chronicles 24:17–22 Psalm 17:1–9, 15 (6) Acts 6:8—7:2a, 51–60 Matthew 23:34–39 |
Acts 6:8–10; 7:54-59/Mt 10:17–22 |
| 27 December | Feast of St John the Apostle (third day of Christmastide) | Genesis 1:1–5, 26–31 Psalm 116:12–19 1 John 1:1--2:2 John 21:20–25 |
1 Jn 1:1-4/Jn 20:1a, 2–8 |
| 28 December | Feast of the Holy Innocents (fourth day of Christmastide) | Jeremiah 31:15–17 Psalm 124 (7) 1 Peter 4:12–19 Matthew 2:13–18 |
1 Jn 1:5—2:2/Mt 2:13–18 |
| 29 December | Feast of Saint Thomas Becket (fifth day of Christmastide) | 1 Chronicles 28:1–10 1 Corinthians 3:10–17 Psalm 147:12–20 |
1 Jn 2:3-11/Lk 2:22–35 |
| 30 December | (sixth day of Christmastide) | 1 Samuel 2:18–20, 26 Psalm 148 Colossians 3:12–17 Luke 2:41–52 |
Sir 3:2–6, 12-14/Col 3:12–21 or 3:12-17/Lk 2:41–52 1 Sm 1:20–22, 24-28/1 Jn 3:1–2, 21-24/Lk 2:41–52 (Year C) |
| 31 December | Saint Sylvester's Day / New Year's Eve (cf. watchnight service) (seventh day of Christmastide) | Ecclesiastes 3:1–13 Psalm 8 Revelation 21:1-6a Matthew 25:31–46 |
1 Jn 2:18-21/Jn 1:1–18 |
| 1 January | Feast of the Circumcision of Christ (Lutheran and Anglican Churches, Catholic Church, Extraordinary Form) Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Catholic Church, Ordinary Form) (eighth day of Christmastide) |
Numbers 6:22–27 Psalm 8 Galatians 4:4–7 Philippians 2:5–11 (alternate) Luke 2:15–21 |
Nm 6:22-27/Gal 4:4-7/Lk 2:16–21 (18) |
| 2 January | (ninth day of Christmastide) | Proverbs 1:1–7 James 3:13–18 Psalm 147:12–20 |
1 Jn 2:22-28/Jn 1:19–28 |
| 3 January | (tenth day of Christmastide) | Job 42:10–17 Luke 8:16–21 Psalm 72 |
1 Jn 2:29—3:6/Jn 1:29–34 |
| 4 January | (eleventh day of Christmastide) | Isaiah 6:1–5 Acts 7:44–53 Psalm 72 |
1 Jn 3:7-10/Jn 1:35–42 (207) |
| 5 January | Twelfth Night (twelfth day of Christmastide) | Jeremiah 31:7–14 John 1:[1-9] 10–18 Psalm 72 |
1 Jn 3:11-21/Jn 1:43–51 (208) |
Eastern Christianity
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, as well as in the Greek Catholic Churches and Byzantine-Rite Lutheran Churches, Christmas is the fourth most important feast (after Pascha, Pentecost and Theophany). The day after, the Church celebrates the Synaxis of the Theotokos. This means that Saint Stephen's Day and the Feast of the Holy Innocents fall one day later than in the West. The coming of the Wise Men is celebrated on the feast itself.
Readings
| Calendar day | Feast | Service | Old Testament Lesson(s) | Epistle(s) | Gospel(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11–17 December | Sunday of the Forefathers[60] | Divine Liturgy | Colossians 3:4–11 | Luke 14:16–24 | ||
| 18–24 December | Saturday before Christmas | Divine Liturgy | Galatians 3:8–12 | Luke 13:18–29 | ||
| 18–24 December | Sunday before Christmas | Vespers | Genesis 14:14–20 Deuteronomy 1:8–11, 15–17 Deuteronomy 10:14–21 |
|||
| Divine Liturgy | Hebrews 11:9–10, 18–23, 32–40 | Matthew 1:1–25 | ||||
| 24 December | Christmas Eve[61] | Royal Hours | First Hour | Micah 5:2–4 | Hebrews 1:1–12 | Matthew 1:18–25 |
| Third Hour | Baruch 3:35–4:4 | Galatians 3:23–29 | Luke 2:1–20 | |||
| Sixth Hour | Isaiah 7:10–16; 8:1–4, 9–10 | Hebrews 1:10–2:3 | Matthew 2:1–12 | |||
| Ninth Hour | Isaiah 9:6–7 | Hebrews 2:11–18 | Matthew 2:13–23 | |||
| Vespers (+ Divine Liturgy) | Genesis 1:1–13 Numbers 24:2–3, 5–9, 17–18 Micah 4:6–7; 5:2–4 Isaiah 11:1–10 Baruch 3:35–4:4 Daniel 2:31–36, 44–45 Isaiah 9:6–7 Isaiah 7:10–16; 8:1–4, 9–10 |
Hebrews 1:1–12[62] or Galatians 3:15–22[63] |
Luke 2:1–20 | |||
| 25 December | Christmas Day | Matins | Matthew 1:18–25 | |||
| Divine Liturgy | Galatians 4:4–7 | Matthew 2:1–12 | ||||
| 26 December | Synaxis of the Theotokos | Divine Liturgy | Hebrews 2:11–18 | Matthew 2:13–23 | ||
| 26–31 December | Saturday after Christmas | Divine Liturgy | 1 Timothy 6:11–16 | Matthew 12:15–21 | ||
| 26–31 December | Sunday after Christmas | Divine Liturgy | Galatians 1:11–19 | Matthew 2:13–23 | ||
| 27 December | Saint Stephen's Day | Divine Liturgy | Acts 6:8–15; 7:1–5, 47–60 | Matthew 21:33–42 | ||
| 29 December | Holy Innocents' Day | Divine Liturgy | 2 Corinthians 5:15–21 | Matthew 2:13–23 | ||
| 30 December-5 January | Saturday before Theophany | Divine Liturgy | 1 Timothy 3:14–4:5 | Matthew 3:1–11 | ||
| 1 January | Feast of the Circumcision of Christ Saint Basil's Day |
Vespers | Genesis 17:1–2, 4–12, 14 Proverbs 8:22–30 Proverbs 10:31–11:12 |
|||
| Matins | John 10:9–16 | |||||
| Divine Liturgy | Colossians 2:8–12 Hebrews 7:26–8:2 |
Luke 2:20–21, 40–52 Luke 6:17–23 | ||||
| 2 January | Repose of St Seraphim of Sarov | Vespers | Wisdom 3:1–9 Wisdom 5:15–6:3 Wisdom 4:7–15 |
|||
| Matins | Matthew 11:27–30 | |||||
| Divine Liturgy | Galatians 5:22–6:2 | Luke 6:17–23 | ||||
| 2–5 January | Sunday before Theophany | Divine Liturgy | 2 Timothy 4:5–8 | Mark 1:1–8 | ||
| 5 January | Theophany Eve[64] | Royal Hours | First Hour | Isaiah 35:1–10 | Acts 13:25–33 | Matthew 3:1–6 |
| Third Hour | Isaiah 1:16–20 | Acts 19:1–8 | Mark 1:1–8 | |||
| Sixth Hour | Isaiah 12:3–6 | Romans 6:3–11 | Mark 1:9-11[65] | |||
| Ninth Hour | Isaiah 49:8–15 | Titus 2:11–14; 3:4–7 | Luke 3:1–18 or Matthew 3:13–17 | |||
| Vespers (+ Divine Liturgy) | Genesis 1:1–13 Exodus 14:15–18, 21–23, 27–29 Exodus 15:22–16:1 Joshua 3:7–8, 15–17 4 (2) Kings 2:6–14 4 (2) Kings 5:9–14 Isaiah 1:16–20 Genesis 32:1–10 Exodus 2:5–10 Judges 6:36–40 3 (1) Kings 18:30–39 4 (2) Kings 2:19–22 Isaiah 49:8–15 |
1 Corinthians 9:19–27 | Luke 3:1–18 | |||
| 6 January | Theophany | Matins | Mark 1:9-11 | |||
| Divine Liturgy | Titus 2:11–14; 3:4–7 | Matthew 3:13–17 | ||||
| Great Blessing of Waters[66] | Isaiah 35:1–10 Isaiah 55:1–13 Isaiah 12:3–6 |
1 Corinthians 10:1–4 | Mark 1:9-11 | |||
| 7 January | Synaxis of John the Baptist | Divine Liturgy | Acts 19:1–8 | John 1:29–34 | ||
| 7–13 January | Saturday after Theophany | Divine Liturgy | Ephesians 6:10–17 | Matthew 4:1–11 | ||
| 7–13 January | Sunday after Theophany | Divine Liturgy | Ephesians 4:7–13 | Matthew 4:12–17 | ||
| 11 January | St Theodosius' Day | Vespers | Wisdom 3:1–9 Wisdom 5:15–6:3 Wisdom 4:7–15 |
|||
| Matins | Luke 6:17–23 | |||||
| Divine Liturgy | 2 Corinthians 4:6–15 | Matthew 11:27–30 | ||||
By country
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Italy
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Christmas is one of the major holidays of Italy. Christmas festivities in Italy (Template:Langx, Script error: No such module "IPA".) begin on 8 December, with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the day on which traditionally the Christmas tree is mounted and ends on 6 January, of the following year with the Epiphany (Template:Langx, Script error: No such module "IPA".),[67] and in some areas female puppets are burned on a pyre (called Script error: No such module "Lang".), to symbolize, along with the end of the Christmas period, the death of the old year and the beginning of a new one.
Suppression by antireligious governments
Revolutionary France
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Soviet Union
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Under the state atheism of the Soviet Union, after its foundation in 1917, Christmas celebrations—along with other Christian holidays—were prohibited. Saint Nicholas was replaced by Ded Moroz or Grandfather Frost, the Russian Spirit of Winter who brought gifts on New Year's, accompanied by the snowmaiden Snyegurochka who helps distribute gifts.[71]
It was not until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 that the prohibition ended and Christmas was celebrated for the first time in Russia after seven decades.[72] Russia had adopted the custom of celebrating New Year's Day instead. However, the Orthodox Church Christmas is on 7 January. This is, also, an official national holiday.[71]
Nazi Germany
Script error: No such module "labelled list hatnote". European History Professor Joseph Perry wrote that in Nazi Germany, "because Nazi ideologues saw organized religion as an enemy of the totalitarian state, propagandists sought to deemphasize—or eliminate altogether—the Christian aspects of the holiday" and that "Propagandists tirelessly promoted numerous Nazified Christmas songs, which replaced Christian themes with the regime's racial ideologies."[73]
People's Republic of China
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The government of the People's Republic of China officially espouses state atheism,[74] and has conducted antireligious campaigns to this end.[75] In December 2018, officials raided Christian churches just prior to Christmastide and coerced them to close; Christmas trees and Santa Clauses were also forcibly removed.[76][77]
See also
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- Advent
- Blue Christmas (holiday)
- Christmas and holiday season
- Christmas Eve
- Embertide
- Epiphany season
- Nativity Fast
- Yuletide
References
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- ↑ Second Sunday before Christmas
- ↑ If Christmas Eve falls on Saturday or Sunday, Royal Hours are said on the previous Friday and Vespers separately from Liturgy at the Vigil
- ↑ at Liturgy
- ↑ efn|at Vigil
- ↑ If Theophany Eve falls on Saturday or Sunday, Royal Hours are said on the previous Friday and Vespers separately from Liturgy at the Vigil
- ↑ continues to verse 15 in some traditions
- ↑ Also held after Liturgy on Theophany Eve
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- ↑ a b DeLaine, Linda. "Christmastide Tradition", Russian Life Magazine
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