Christmas Traditions in Europe

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Christmas traditions in Europe Christmas The origin and the name given to this celebration are different depending on the country. For exemple, for the French word Noël definitely comes from the Latin word natalis(birth). The masses of Christ, held by English evangelists in December, gave birth to the English word "Christmas". "The Holy Night" is translated in German as Weihnacht.Taking place in the last few days of December, this holiday is not celebrated in the same way in every country. There are many symbols attached to this holiday in Europe, and each country has kept its own identity and traditions, while enriching them with influences form various other sources. This diversity and richness prove the importance given by Europeans to the Christmas holiday. Advent, its crown and its calendar... Advent corresponds to the four-week period that precedes "the arrival"(adventus in Latin) of baby Jesus, that is Christmas. In certain parts of Germany, Advent begins on the 11th November, on Saint Martin's Day. Depending on the country, various saints (Saint Martin, Saint Catherine, Saint Eligius, Saint Barbe, Saint Nicholas or Saint Lucia) are honoured in a meaningful way during this period. These celebrations sometimes become more important than Christmas itself. • The Advent Crown The Advent Crown, made of woven fir branches and four candles, representing the four seasons of the year, appeared quite late in the Protestant regions of Germany. It reached Scandinavia before spreading to various other countries. The four candles are lit one by one, on each of the four Sundays before Christmas. The Advent Calendar The Advent Calendar is a tradition of German origin aimed to encourage children to be patient until Christmas. Thus, in order to feel that they have less time to wait, children are given an Advent Calendar at

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