Why are mistletoe and holly associated with Christmas?(摘錄自網路文章)
Mistletoe has always been a major decoration at
Christmas, and has given rise to a ‘kiss under the mistletoe.’ The plant has a long history of pagan use, and this caused the church to ban the use of mistletoe.
In exchange, the church called for the use of holly. Although the red berries are thought of as traditional
Christmas colors, few people know why. The sharp leaves of holly were once thought to represent the thorns of the crown of Christ, whilst the red berries were his blood.
Why do people kiss under the mistletoe at Christmas?
People who meet under the mistletoe at
Christmas are supposed to kiss. The origins of this romantic slant to mistletoe could stem from the Scandinavian goddess of love, who herself is strongly associated with mistletoe.
Mistletoe gives rise to all sorts of rumors and mischief, and is a favorite at office parties and other festive occasions.
Why do some people hang big socks on their mantelpiece at Christmas?Saint Nicholas, according to old tradition, left his very first gifts ever in the stockings of three poor girls. The original
Father Christmas gave them three gold coins to pay for their wedding dowries.
The stockings had been hung on the hearth to dry above the fire. Nowadays, many families continue this tradition by hanging up stockings either at the end of the bed or above the fire for Father Christmas to fill with presents.
Some families still have small items such as fruit, nuts and sweets in their stockings. Other items traditionally appear in stockings, including tangerines and a lump of coal for naughty children.
What are Christmas Carols?Christmas Carols are songs that are traditionally sung at Christmas time. Carol singers are a major part of Christmas, and many families go to carol services to celebrate by singing.
Carol singing groups, often just a few children, sometimes sing carols door to door or street to street in return for Christmas gifts or small amounts of money.
Christmas carols are generally based on Christian lyrics and are usually concerned with the Nativity. ‘Carol’ the word is a derivative of the French word ‘caroler.’ This word means to dance around in a circle. Many of the oldest Christmas carols were lost for all time after being banned in
England by Oliver Cromwell.
Why do we celebrate Christmas Eve?Christmas Eve is a major part of the basic religion behind
Christmas. Most festivals start with ceremony the evenings before, and this is perhaps why Christmas Eve is a special event. Many people celebrate Christmas Eve with Midnight Mass.
