Merry Christmas
by Sandy Mitchell on January 7th, 2008
Yes, Merry Christmas…to those who celebrate Christmas on the Julian calendar, such as Christians in Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Bosnia, and Montenegro, among other countries. The Eastern Orthodox religion uses this traditional calendar, where December 25 falls on January 7 of the Gregorian (modern) calendar. Some primarily Orthodox countries, such as Greece, have modified their celebration to mark Christmas on December 25, but to many around the world, today is Christmas!
Christmas in Russia
Christmas in Russia is especially poignant since the celebration was outlawed during most of the 20th century, during the Communist regime. Traditions include fasting on Christmas Eve, followed by a feast at sundown, which includes 12 dishes (representing the 12 apostles) such as beet soup, cabbage stuffed with millet, and fish.
Hay is thrown on the floor Christmas Eve to encourage horse feed to grow during the coming year (indicating prosperity).
One of the most charming Russian customs is that of Babushka. She is the traditional Christmas figure who distributes presents to the Russian children. The older woman, whose name means grandmother, decided not to go with the wise men to see Jesus because of the cold weather, according to legend. She later regretted not going and set off to try and catch up, filling her basket with presents. She never found Jesus, and that is why she visits each house, leaving toys for all of the good children.
Christmas in Ethiopia
Approximately 60 percent of the population of Ethiopia is Christian, most of these belonging to the Orthodox Church. In this country, Christmas is called Ganna and is marked by a large candle-lit church service, followed by a traditional Ethiopian feast. Ethiopian food is customarily eaten by using a soft, spongey bread (injera) to envelope and food and bring it to the mouth, rather than cutlery. Gift giving is a lesser part of the celebration, and presents are usually practical items, such as clothes.
(photo credit: marky marko/cc license)
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