UAE | General
Christmas festivities take on different hues
Unique cultural traditions add flavour to countries' celebration of the special season.
- By Emmanuelle Landais, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:36 December 22, 2008
- Melodye Rooney tries to organise Christmas gifts out of the back of her car in the parking lot at Mall of the Emirates. As Christmas nears, residents are flooding Dubai's malls eager to finish their last-minute shopping.
- Image Credit: Megan Hirons/Gulf News
Dubai: "Oh Christmas tree! Oh Christmas tree! How lovely are your branches!"
And so goes the hymn sung throughout churches at this time of year as Christians celebrate the birth of Christ around December 25.
The Christmas tree was introduced much more recently, as have a multitude of other traditions that Christians around the world adopt.
December 25 is not thought to be Jesus' actual date of birth, and the date may have been chosen to correspond with either a Roman Festival or with the Winter Solstice.
The month of December however, irrelevant of climate and culture is a very special time.
First star
On Christmas Eve in Poland, Christians fast before they feast. The feast begins with the appearance of the first star after which gifts are given. Although gift giving plays a major role in the rituals, emphasis is placed more on making special foods and decorations.
Armenians celebrate Christmas, called surb tsnund, on January 6. Special foods include rice with raisins, fish and many other things.
In Georgia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7 and traditionally people go on Alilo, derived from Alleluia, which is a mass walk in the streets, dressed in special clothing.
The traditional German Christmas tree is uncovered on December 24 to reveal one loaded with tinsel, lights, fruit, and nuts. Cookies, treats, and gifts are customarily hidden throughout the tree.
The Philippines has the longest Christmas celebration with the first mention of the special day happening as early as September.
Roots: Tree tradition
The tradition of the Christmas tree is widely believed to have its root in the pagan traditions of Northern Europe. "Thor's Oak" of Scandinavian mythology and "Yggdrasil", the "Tree of Life", of the early Germanic tribes closely resemble the modern Christmas tree.
The modern version of the tree was first seen in 16th century Germany.
The first reference is to a fir tree erected at a guild hall for the members' children and decorated with apples, nuts, berries.
Do you celebrate Christmas? Whiat was your most memorable Christmas ? What made it special? Do you have any unique traditions? Fill in the form bellow to send your Christmas comments.
Your comments
Every Christmas is memorable. The colours, the decorations, the presents, the excitement, the laughter, the food, the magic. Families being brought together. Everything! I can still remember each and every Christmas I've had, but I have to say, this year might be the most special one of all because my parents will have left Dubai by next year to retire. It's sad, but it will be a Christmas to remember. I'm making sure of that. Merry Christmas Everyone!
Sarah
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 23, 2008, 12:20
My childhood Christmas in the state of Kerala, in India was the best ever I can think of.
As we get Christmas holidays for about 10 days, all our relatives get together at my mother's house.We used to keep the home more beautiful than usual by decorating trees with stars, making the garden beautiful, changing the curtains and preparing a lot of varieties of food
Delvi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 23, 2008, 12:01
Everytime I think of Christmas, I usually remember the children because for them this time of the year brings happiness. Family reunion is also granted for this special season. I miss Philippines so much.
Erma
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 23, 2008, 11:51
I am not Christian but love the spirit! Ever since I was a child my favorite Christmas pasttime has been procuring a small christmas tree and decorating it with beautiful tiny trinkets. I'm on my way to becoming a mother myself but still can't resist this habit.
Shiuli Dutt Dey
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 23, 2008, 10:38
I was ex-resident of Dubai and have beautiful Christmas memories.
Siper Fatima
Karachi,Pakistan
Posted: December 23, 2008, 10:15
The Most memorable Christmas to me was when I was young, My friends and I went from house to house and sang Christmas carols.
Jo Cajustin
AUH,UAE
Posted: December 23, 2008, 10:08
Christmas makes me remember the time when the family gathered together to celebrate the season.
Irene Josephine
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 23, 2008, 09:12
I have never officially celebrated Christmas but the spirit is hard to resist.Back home in Auckland,we got togethers and played secret Santa where in we give gifts to another colleague but the gift giver remained unknown
Sana
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 23, 2008, 08:51
Christmas is the best time of the year for me as my mum,husband and son decorate the Christmas tree. The best Christmas that I remember was spent in my home country with my other family members.
Humaira Mansoor
Dubai,UAE
Posted: December 23, 2008, 07:13
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