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Why do Europe celebrate Christmas on the 24th?

Why do Europe celebrate Christmas on the 24th?

The Europeans celebrate Christmas on the 24th instead of the 25th of December is because they are celebrating the night that Sinterklaas aka Santa Claus is flying over the earth. They hold that with just as much importance as the Christians do when they celebrate Christ on the 25th.

Why is Christmas Eve celebrated in Sweden?

Originally Answered: Why do Norway, Denmark and Sweden celebrate Christmas on 24th Dec. ? It is because in the old days, before clocks were common, the new day started at 6 pm the day before, and ended 6 pm on the day. People might go to church on Christmas evening and again at Christmas day at 10 am.

Why is Christmas celebrated on December 24th?

In most European countries, gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve, December 24, in keeping with the notion that the baby Jesus was born on the night of the 24th. When the evening of the 24th became the time for the exchange of gifts, the Christmas mass was set into the late afternoon of that day.

What country celebrates Christmas on the 24th?

In Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Colombia, Denmark, Estonia, the Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, French Canada, Romania, Uruguay, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and the Czech Republic, Christmas presents are opened mostly on the …

How do say Merry Christmas in Sweden?

If you happen to find yourself in Sweden for Christmas, it might not hurt to learn how to say “Merry Christmas” in Swedish, which is God Jul. Although most Swedes can speak English, it is nice to make an attempt to defer to the local language.

Where does God say JUL?

Sweden
If you happen to find yourself in Sweden for Christmas, it might not hurt to learn how to say “Merry Christmas” in Swedish, which is God Jul. Although most Swedes can speak English, it is nice to make an attempt to defer to the local language.

When is the main celebration of Christmas in Sweden?

Christmas in Sweden. Christmas (Swedish: jul, IPA: [¹jʉːl] (listen)) is celebrated throughout December and traditionally until St. Knut’s Day on January 13. The main celebration and the exchange of gifts in many families takes place on Christmas Eve, December 24.

Why do they celebrate Christmas on the 24th in Germany?

Christmas celebrates the birth of the Christ child, Baby Jesus. Christmas celebrations start in Germany on 24th December (Christmas Eve) when Christmas gifts are exchanged. During the festive season, many cities and towns hold christmas markets which open usually from beginning of December until Christmas eve. Click to see full answer

Why do Nordic countries celebrate three days of Christmas?

So, we celebrate Christmas at least three days and each one of them has their own character. The Christian faith is slowly disappearing in the Nordic countries and it may be that this highlights the Christmas Eve. But all three Christmas Days still have a meaning at least in Finland. Doctor: “Doing this every morning can snap back sagging skin”.

What do the Swedes sing at Christmas time?

The Lucia celebrations represent one of the oldest and most revered traditions in Sweden, with clear references to darkness and light, cold and warmth. While there are several different Lucia songs, they all have the same theme. It goes: Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia. Swedes know this song by heart, singing it out in the dark room.

Why do Europe celebrate Christmas on the 24th?

Why do Europe celebrate Christmas on the 24th?

The Europeans celebrate Christmas on the 24th instead of the 25th of December is because they are celebrating the night that Sinterklaas aka Santa Claus is flying over the earth. They hold that with just as much importance as the Christians do when they celebrate Christ on the 25th.

Why do Germans open presents on 24th?

Speaking of presents… Gifts are shared and opened on the evening of December 24 in Germany. This tradition is particularly pleasant for those little ones who don’t have the gift of patience. Typically, families enjoy a modest meal on the 24th; less cooking means more time for presents.

What happens on Christmas Day in Germany?

Christmas Day is a public holiday in Germany on December 25. Many people spend the day with their family. Large meals with traditional foods are served and Christmas decorations are displayed. German Christmas decorations include nutcrackers, Christmas pyramids, and cribs.

What countries have Christmas on the 24th?

In Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Colombia, Denmark, Estonia, the Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, French Canada, Romania, Uruguay, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and the Czech Republic, Christmas presents are opened mostly on the …

Is Christmas celebrated on 24 or 25?

Although December 25th (or the late afternoon/evening of December 24th) is the date when most people celebrate Christmas, there are some other dates as well! Most people in the Greek Orthodox Church celebrate Christmas on December 25th. But some still use the Julian calendar and so celebrate Christmas on 7th January!

Do Germans celebrate on the 24th?

Christmas celebrations start in Germany on 24th December (Christmas Eve) when Christmas gifts are exchanged. On 25th December (Christmas Day) and 26 December, usually the family gets together for celebrations and also the religious Christians will visit Christmas mass during these days.

Does Santa bring presents in Germany?

Santa Claus in Germany is known as der Weihnachtsmann, although in some areas in the south and east of the country, it’s not him who brings the gift, but das Christkind.

How long is Christmas break in Germany?

two weeks
Christmas holiday (Weihnachtsferien) – usually two weeks. Winter holiday (Winterferien) – between a few days and two weeks. Easter holiday (Osterferien) – two to three weeks.

What is Santa Claus called in Germany?

Weihnachtsmann
Traditionally, Santa Claus, or Weihnachtsmann in German, does not drop down chimneys and deliver gifts the eve of Dec. 25 in Germany. Instead, the Christkind or Christkindl, an angel-like creature with blond hair and wings, brings gifts to families on the eve of Christmas.

When do people start to celebrate Christmas in Germany?

Christmas celebrations start in Germany on 24th December (Christmas Eve) when Christmas gifts are exchanged. During the festive season, many cities and towns hold christmas markets which open usually from beginning of December until Christmas eve.

Why is Christmas so important to the Germans?

Although it is the Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas is also celebrated by Germans who do not profess any faith – by 78% in all. Celebrating Christmas is an important family tradition for most people. Roughly one in four Germans go to church at Christmas.

Why is Christmas Eve a non working day in Germany?

Christmas Eve is traditionally a partial non-working day. Many employers give their workers at least part of the day off. Expect reduced opening hours. Banks and government offices are usually closed for the whole day. It is also categorized as a silent day ( stiller Tag) in all or part of Germany.

When do Germans celebrate the four Advent Sundays?

In 2016, the four Advent Sundays are celebrated on 27 November, 4 December, 11 December and 18 December as Christmas day is on a Sunday this year. Typically, families decorate an Advent wreath with four red candles. On every Advent Sunday, one more candle is lit until all candles are alight to announce the imminent birth of Christ.