The Origin and Legend of Christmas

СаломChristmas (Christmas), also known as Christmas, translated as "Christ's Mass", is a traditional Western festival on December 25th every year. It is a day to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity. Christmas did not exist at the beginning of Christianity, and it did not exist until about a hundred years after Jesus ascended to heaven. Since the Bible records that Jesus was born at night, the night of December 24 is called "Christmas Eve" or "Silent Eve". Christmas is also a public holiday in the Western world and many other parts of the world.

 

Christmas is a religious holiday. In the 19th century, with the popularity of Christmas cards and the appearance of Santa Claus, Christmas gradually became popular.

 

Christmas spread to Asia in the mid-19th century. After the reform and opening up, Christmas spread particularly prominently in China. By the beginning of the 21st century, Christmas had organically integrated with local Chinese customs and developed increasingly maturely. Eating apples, wearing Christmas hats, sending Christmas cards, attending Christmas parties, and Christmas shopping have become part of Chinese life.

 

No matter where Christmas comes from, today's Christmas has entered everyone's life. Let us learn about the origin of Christmas and some little-known stories, and share the joy of Christmas together.

nativity story

According to the Bible, the birth of Jesus went like this: At that time, Caesar Augustus issued a decree requiring all people in the Roman Empire to register their household registration. This was done for the first time when Quirino was the governor of Syria. Therefore, all the people who belonged to them went back to their hometowns to register. Because Joseph was from the family of David, he also went from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem, the former residence of David in Judea, to register with his pregnant wife Mary. While they were there, the time came for Mary to give birth, and she gave birth to her first-born son, and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger; for they could find no room in the inn. At this time, some shepherds were camping nearby, keeping watch over their flocks. Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood beside them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly frightened. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid! I now report to you great news for all peoples: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, the Lord Messiah. I give you a sign: You shall I saw a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a large army of heavenly hosts appeared together with the angel, praising God and saying: God is glorified in heaven, and those whom the Lord loves enjoy peace on earth!

 

After the angels had left them and gone up to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see what happened, as the Lord has told us.” So they went in haste, and found Mary. Ya and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. After they saw the Holy Child, they spread the word concerning the Child which the angel had spoken to them. Everyone who heard it was very surprised. Maria kept all this in mind and thought about it over and over again. The shepherds realized that everything they heard and saw was in perfect agreement with what the angel had reported, and they returned honoring and praising God all the way.

 

At the same time, a dazzling new star appeared in the sky over Bethlehem. The three kings from the east came along the star's guidance, bowed to Jesus sleeping in the manger, worshiped him, and gave him gifts. The next day, they returned home and announced the good news.

 

The Legend of Santa Claus

 

The legendary Santa Claus is a white bearded old man wearing a red robe and a red hat. Every Christmas, he drives a sled pulled by a deer from the north, enters homes through the chimney, and puts Christmas gifts in socks to hang on the children's bedside or in front of the fire

The original name of Santa Claus was Nicolaus, born around the end of the third century in Asia Minor. He had a good character and received a good education. After reaching adulthood, he entered a monastery and later became a priest. Not long after his parents passed away, he sold all his property and gave alms to the poor. At that time, there was a poor family with three daughters: the eldest daughter was 20 years old, the second daughter was 18 years old, and the youngest daughter was 16 years old; Only the second daughter is physically strong, intelligent and beautiful, while the other two daughters are weak and sickly. So the father wanted to sell his second daughter to make a living, and when Saint Nicholas found out, he came to comfort them. At night, Nigel secretly packed three socks of gold and quietly placed them by the bedside of the three girls; The next day, the three sisters found gold. They were overjoyed. They not only paid off their debts, but also lived a carefree life. Later, they learned that the gold was sent by Nigel. It was Christmas that day, so they invited him home to express their gratitude.

Every Christmas in the future, people will tell this story, and the children will envy it and hope that Santa Claus will also send them gifts. So the above legend emerged. (The legend of Christmas socks also originated from this, and later, children around the world had the custom of hanging Christmas socks.)

Later, Nicholas was promoted to bishop and made every effort to promote the Holy See. He passed away in 359 AD and was buried in the temple. There are many spiritual traces after death, especially when incense often flows near the tomb, which can cure various illnesses.

 

The legend of the Christmas tree

 

The Christmas tree has always been an indispensable decoration for celebrating Christmas. If there is no Christmas tree at home, the festive atmosphere will be greatly reduced.

 

A long time ago, there was a kind farmer who rescued a hungry and cold poor child on a snowy Christmas Eve and gave him a sumptuous Christmas dinner. Before the child left, he broke off a pine branch and stuck it in the ground and blessed it: "On this day every year, the branch is full of gifts. I leave this beautiful pine branch to repay your kindness." After the child left, the farmer found that the branch had turned into a pine tree. He saw a small tree covered with gifts, and then he realized that he was receiving a messenger from God. This is the Christmas tree.

 

Christmas trees are always hung with a dazzling array of ornaments and gifts, and there must be an extra-large star on the top of each tree. It is said that when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a dazzling new star appeared over the small town of Bethlehem. The three kings from the east came along the star's guidance and bowed to the knees to worship Jesus who was sleeping in the manger. This is the Christmas star.

The Story of the Christmas Song "Silent Night"

 

Christmas Eve, holy night,

 

In the darkness, light shines.

 

According to the Virgin and according to the Child,

 

How kind and how naive,

 

Enjoy the heaven-given sleep,

 

Enjoy God-given sleep.

 

The Christmas song "Silent Night" comes from the Austrian Alps and is the most famous Christmas song in the world. Its melody and lyrics match so seamlessly that everyone who listens, whether Christian or not, is moved by it. If it is one of the most beautiful and moving songs in the world, I believe no one would object.

 

There are many legends about the writing of the words and music of the Christmas song "Silent Night". The story introduced below is the most touching and beautiful.

 

It is said that in 1818, in a small town called Oberndorf in Austria, there lived an unknown country priest named Moore. This Christmas, Moore discovered that the pipes of the church organ had been bitten by mice, and it was too late to repair them. How to celebrate Christmas? Moore was unhappy about this. He suddenly remembered what was recorded in the Gospel of Luke. When Jesus was born, the angels announced the good news to the shepherds on the outskirts of Bethlehem and sang a hymn: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whose favor he is pleased." He had an idea and wrote a hymn based on these two verses, named "Silent Night."

 

After Moore wrote the lyrics, he showed them to Gruber, a primary school teacher in this town, and asked him to compose the music. Ge Lu was deeply moved after reading the lyrics, composed the music, and sang it in the church the next day, which was very popular. Later, two businessmen passed by here and learned this song. They sang it for King William IV of Prussia. After hearing it, William IV greatly appreciated it and ordered "Silent Night" to be a song that must be sung at Christmas in churches across the country.

Christmas Eve One

December 24th Christmas Eve is the happiest and warmest moment for every family.

The whole family is decorating the Christmas tree together. People place carefully selected small fir or pine trees in their homes, hang colorful lights and decorations on the branches, and have a bright star on the top of the tree to indicate the path to worship the Holy Infant. Only the owner of the family can install this Christmas star on the Christmas tree. In addition, people also hang beautifully packaged gifts on Christmas trees or pile them up at the feet of Christmas trees.

Finally, the whole family went to the church together to attend the grand midnight mass.

The carnival of Christmas Eve, the beauty of Christmas Eve, always lingers deeply in people's minds and lingers for a long time.

Christmas Eve Part 2 - Good News

 

Every year on Christmas Eve, that is, the period from the evening of December 24th to the morning of December 25th, which is what we often call Christmas Eve, the church organizes some choirs (or formed spontaneously by believers) to sing door to door or under the window. Christmas carols are used to recreate the good news of the birth of Jesus reported by angels to the shepherds outside Bethlehem. This is the "good news". On this night, you will always see a group of cute little boys or girls forming a good news team, holding hymns in their hands. Playing the guitar, walking on the cool snow, one family after another sang poetry.

 

Legend has it that on the night Jesus was born, shepherds watching their flocks in the wilderness suddenly heard a voice from heaven announcing the birth of Jesus to them. According to the Bible, because Jesus came to be the King of the hearts of the world, angels used these shepherds to spread the news to more people.

 

Later, in order to spread the news of the birth of Jesus to everyone, people imitated the angels and went around preaching the news of the birth of Jesus to people on Christmas Eve. To this day, reporting good news has become an indispensable part of Christmas.

 

Usually the good news team consists of about twenty young people, plus a little girl dressed as an angel and a Santa Claus. Then on Christmas Eve, around nine o'clock, families start to report the good news. Whenever the good news team goes to a family, it will first sing a few Christmas songs that everyone is familiar with, and then the little girl will read out the words of the Bible to let the family know that tonight is the day that Jesus was born. Afterwards, everyone will pray and sing together One or two poems, and finally, the generous Santa Claus will deliver Christmas gifts to the children of the family, and the whole process of reporting good news is complete!

 

People who give good news are called Christmas Waits. The whole process of giving good news often goes on until dawn. The number of people is getting bigger and bigger, and the singing is getting louder and louder. The streets and alleys are filled with singing.

Christmas Eve Part 3

 

Christmas Eve is the happiest time for children.

 

People believe that on Christmas Eve, an old man with a white beard and red robe will come from the far North Pole on a sleigh pulled by a deer, carrying a big red bag full of gifts, entering each child's home through the chimney, and loading the children with toys and gifts. their socks. Therefore, children put a colorful sock by the fireplace before falling asleep, and then fall asleep in anticipation. The next day, he will find that his long-awaited gift appears in his Christmas stocking. Santa Claus is the most popular person during this holiday season.

 

The carnival and beauty of Christmas Eve are always deeply lingering in people's minds and lingering for a long time.

Christmas manger

 

At Christmas, in any Catholic church, there is a rockery made of paper. There is a cave in the mountain, and a manger is placed in the cave. In the manger lies the baby Jesus. Next to the Holy Child, there are usually the Virgin Mary, Joseph, as well as the shepherd boys who went to worship the Holy Child that night, as well as cows, donkeys, sheep, etc.

 

Most of the mountains are set off by snowy scenery, and the inside and outside of the cave are decorated with winter flowers, plants and trees. When it started, it is impossible to verify due to lack of historical records. Legend has it that the Roman Emperor Constantine made a gorgeous Christmas manger in 335.

 

The first recorded manger was proposed by St. Francis of Assisi. His biography records: After St. Francis of Assisi went to Bethlehem (Bethlehem) on foot to worship, he felt particularly fond of Christmas. Before Christmas in 1223, he invited his friend Fan Li to come to Kejiao and said to him: "I would like to spend Christmas with you. I would like to invite you to a cave in the woods next to our monastery. Prepare a manger, lay some straw in the manger, put the Holy Child, and have an ox and a donkey beside it, just like they did in Bethlehem.”

 

Vanlida made preparations according to St. Francis' wishes. Near midnight on Christmas Day, the monks arrived first, and the believers from nearby villages came in groups from all directions holding torches. The light of the torch shone like daylight, and Clegio became the new Bethlehem! That night, mass was held next to the manger. The monks and parishioners sang Christmas carols together. The songs were melodious and touching. St. Francis stood beside the manger and with a clear and gentle voice inspired the faithful to love the Christ Child. After the ceremony, everyone took some straw from the manger home as a souvenir.

 

Since then, a custom has arisen in the Catholic Church. Every Christmas, a rockery and a manger are built to remind people of the Christmas scene in Bethlehem.

 

 

Christmas card

 

According to legend, the world's first Christmas greeting card was created by British pastor Pu Lihui on Christmas Day in 1842. He used a card to write a few simple greetings and sent it to his friends. Later, more and more people imitated it, and after 1862, it became a Christmas gift exchange. It was first popular among Christians, and soon became popular all over the world. According to statistics from the British Ministry of Education, more than 900,000 Christmas cards are sent and received every year.

 

Christmas cards have gradually become a kind of art craft. In addition to printed congratulations, there are also beautiful patterns on them, such as turkeys and puddings used on the Christmas mat, evergreen palm trees, pine trees, or poems, characters, landscapes, Most of the animals and characters include the Holy Child, the Virgin Mary, and Joseph in the cave of Bethlehem on Christmas Eve, the gods singing in the sky, the shepherd boys who come to worship the Holy Child that night, or the three kings riding camels from the east who come to worship the Holy Child. The backgrounds are mostly night scenes and snow scenes. Below are some typical greeting cards.

 

With the development of the Internet, online greeting cards have become popular all over the world. People make multimedia gif cards or flash cards. Even though they are far away from each other, they can send an email and receive it instantly. At this time, people can enjoy the lifelike animated greeting cards along with the beautiful music.

 

Christmas is here again, and I would like to wish all my friends a Merry Christmas!

Christmas is a time of joy, love, and of course, delicious food. Among the many traditional treats enjoyed during the holiday season, Christmas cookies hold a special place in many people's hearts. But what exactly are Christmas cookies, and how can you make them even more special with a custom-wrapped gift box?

 

What are Christmas cookies?

 

Christmas cookies are a beloved tradition that has been around for centuries. These special treats are baked and enjoyed during the holidays and they come in a variety of flavors, shapes, and designs. From classic sugar cookies and gingerbread men to more modern creations like peppermint bark cookies and eggnog snickerdoodles, there's a Christmas cookie to suit every taste.

 

Additionally, Christmas cookies are not only delicious but also have significant sentimental value. Many people have fond memories of baking and decorating these cookies with their families, and they are often a reminder of the warmth and togetherness that the holidays bring. No wonder they are a must-have at Christmas parties, get-togethers and as gifts for loved ones.

 

How to customize Christmas cookie packaging gift box?

 

If you want to take your Christmas cookies to the next level, consider customizing their packaging in a gift box. Not only will this add a personal touch to your meals, but it will also make them look more festive and attractive. Here are some creative and fun ways to customize Christmas cookie packaging gift boxes:

 

1. Personalization: One of the easiest ways to customize your cookie packaging is to add a personal touch. Consider adding a custom tag with your name or a special message, or even include a photo that captures the spirit of the season. This simple addition will enhance your cookies and make the recipient feel more special.

 

2. Festive Designs: To truly embrace the Christmas spirit, consider incorporating festive designs into your cookie packaging. Think snowflakes, holly trees, Santa Claus, reindeer, or even winter wonderland scenes. Whether you choose traditional red and green or a more modern approach, the festive design will make your cookies stand out and look irresistibly attractive.

 

3. Unique shapes: While the cookies themselves may already come in a variety of shapes, you can take it a step further by customizing the shape of the gift box. Consider using cookie cutters to create unique shapes for the boxes, such as Christmas trees, candy canes, or snowflakes. This extra attention to detail will delight the recipient and make the gift more memorable.

 

4. DIY Style: If you’re feeling crafty, consider adding some DIY flair to your cookie packaging. Whether it's a hand-painted design, glitter and sequins, or a bit of festive ribbon, these little details can add a lot of charm and personality to your gift box. Plus, it's a great way to showcase your creativity and show your loved ones that you put extra thought and effort into their gift.

 

5. Personalized Message: Finally, don’t forget to include a personalized message in the cookie wrapper. Whether it's a heartfelt message, a funny joke or a Christmas-themed poem, a personalized message will add extra warmth and love to your gift. It's a small gesture that can make a big impact and show the recipient how much you care.

 

All in all, Christmas cookies are a beloved tradition that brings joy and sweetness to the holidays. You can make these gifts even more special and memorable for your loved ones by customizing their packaging gift boxes. Whether it's through personalization, festive designs, unique shapes, DIY touches or personalized messages, there are countless ways to add a personal touch to your Christmas cookie packaging. So get creative, have fun and spread some holiday cheer with delicious, beautifully packaged Christmas cookies.