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THE NEW YEAR'S EVE IN THE UNITED STATES SOME TRADITIONS ARE SIMILAR TO THE EUROPEAN ONES, WHILE OTHER CUSTOMS ARE TYPICALLY LOCAL AND OWE THEIR ORIGIN TO THE MANY DIFFERENT ETHNIC GROUPS THAT POPULATE THE COUNTRY, DUE TO THE MASSIVE MIGRATIONS OF THE LAST CENTURIES. LET'S DISCOVER TOGETHER THE MOST FAMOUS AND WIDESPREAD ONES. THE MIDNIGHT KISS ONE OF THE MOST WIDESPREAD TRADITIONS IS TO KISS ONE'S PARTNER AT THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT. IN REALITY, THE CUSTOM WANTS YOU TO KISS THE PERSON YOU ARE CLOSE TO, EVEN IF IT IS A STRANGER, BECAUSE THE PURPOSE IS TO DRIVE AWAY EVIL SPIRITS AND FACE THE NEW YEAR WITHOUT THEM. IT IS A COSTUME THAT HAS ANCIENT ORIGINS AND DERIVES FROM THE EUROPEAN PEOPLES.
AULD LANG SYNE KNOWN IN ITALY AS "WALTZ OF CANDLES" IS THE SONG THAT ALL AMERICANS SING TO SAY GOODBYE TO THE OLD YEAR, TO THANK FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES FOR THE TIME THEY SPENT TOGETHER, AND TO WELCOME THE YEAR NEW. IT IS A SONG OF SCOTTISH ORIGIN AND IS THE SONG PAR EXCELLENCE OF NEW YEAR'S EVE. AULD LANG SYNE KNOWN IN ITALY AS "WALTZ OF CANDLES" IS THE SONG THAT ALL AMERICANS SING TO SAY GOODBYE TO THE OLD YEAR, TO THANK FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES FOR THE TIME THEY SPENT TOGETHER, AND TO WELCOME THE YEAR NEW. IT IS A SONG OF SCOTTISH ORIGIN AND IS THE SONG PAR EXCELLENCE OF NEW YEAR'S EVE.
TIMES SQUARE SINCE 1907, ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS AND POPULAR EVENTS IS THE ONE HELD IN TIMES SQUARE IN NEW YORK TO WELCOME THE NEW YEAR. EVERY YEAR, 1 MILLION PEOPLE CROWD THE SQUARE, WHILE MILLIONS MORE WATCH THE EVENT FROM THE TELEVISION. THE CLIMAX IS WITH THE LIGHTING OF A CRYSTAL BALL OF MORE THAN 5 THOUSAND KILOS THAT MARKS THE LAST MINUTE OF COUNTDOWN UNTIL MIDNIGHT, DESCENDING FROM A POLE MORE THAN 40 METERS HIGH PLACED ON THE ROOF OF THE BUILDING AT NUMBER 1 OF THE SQUARE . ALL THIS, ON THE NOTES OF THE MUSIC AND THE VOICE OF FRANK SINATRA. LUCKY FOODS A TYPICAL CUSTOM OF THE SOUTHERN STATES, BUT ALSO OF THE COUNTRIES OF HISPANIC ORIGIN, IS TO EAT BLACK-EYED BEANS (THE FAMOUS BLACK-EYED PEAS). A TRADITION THAT BRINGS GOOD LUCK AND PROSPERITY FOR THE YEAR TO COME TO ANYONE WHO EATS THEM, ESPECIALLY IF SERVED WITH CABBAGE (IN WHICH CASE, THE YEAR WILL BE REALLY FRUITFUL). THE BEANS, IN FACT, REPRESENT THE COINS AND EAT SO MANY GIVES HOPE TO RECEIVE A LOT OF MONEY IN THE FOLLOWING MONTHS. MANY AMERICANS OF EUROPEAN ORIGIN, HOWEVER, EAT PORK BECAUSE IT IS A SYMBOL OF ABUNDANCE, BUT ALSO BECAUSE ITS TYPICAL MOVEMENT IS TO DIG INTO THE GROUND PUSHING
NEW YEAR'S EVE TRADITIONS IN THE USAGIOIA GIOSI CLASSE 3B THE NEW YEAR IS CELEBRATED IN EVERY PART OF THE WORLD WITH DIFFERENT TIME ZONES AND TRADITIONS. IN THE USA THERE ARE SOME TRADITIONS SIMILAR TO THE EUROPEAN TRADITIONS. OTHER CUSTOMS ARE LOCAL BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT ETHNIC GROUPS. • TIMES SQUARE EVERY YEAR SINCE 1907, ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS EVENTS TAKES PLACE IN TIMES SQUARE IN NEW YORK, TO WELCOME THE NEW YEAR. OVER ONE MILLION PEOPLE CROWD THE SQUARE AND MILLIONS MORE WATCH THE EVENT ON TELEVISION. THE CELEBRATION INCLUDES MUSICAL PERFORMANCES AND FIREWORKS. THE CULMINATION OF THE FESTIVITIES IS THE MIDNIGHT LOWERING OF A BALL FROM THE TIMES TOWER. THE ORIGINAL BALL WAS ILLUMINATED AND MADE OF WOOD AND IRON. THE MODERN BALL IS COVERED IN WATERFORD CRYSTALS THAT MAKE IT SHINE.
THE KISS OF MIDNIGHT SOME PEOPLE GRAB A LOVED ONE OR A FRIENDLY STRANGER AND BESTOW THE FIRST KISS OF THE YEAR, BECAUSE IT DRIVES AWAY EVIL SPIRITS. • AULD LANG SYNE MANY AMERICANS SING “AULD LANG SYNE”, AN IRISH SONG, TO SAY GOODBYE TO THE OLD YEAR. THIS SONG IS KNOWN IN ITALY WITH THE NAME “IL VALZER DELLE CANDELE”.
COLORED UNDERWEAR IN THE USA THERE'S THE TRADITION OF WEARING COLORED UNDERWEAR: RED AS A SYMBOL OF LOVE; YELLOW AS A SYMBOL OF HAPPINESS; WHITE AS A SYMBOL OF PEACE AND HARMONY; GREEN AS A SYMBOL OF GOOD HEALTH. • LUCKY FOOD SOME AMERICANS EAT CERTAIN FOOD TO BRING GOOD LUCK: THE BLACK-EYED PEAS THAT BRINGS GOOD LUCK AND PROSPERITY AND THE PORK AS A SYMBOL OF ABUNDANCE, NOT ONLY BECAUSE THE PIG'S PLUMPNESS PLENTY BUT ALSO BECAUSE PIGS DIG WITH THEIR SNOUT IN A FORWARD MOTION. PEOPLE LIKE THE IDEA OF “MOVING FORWARD” INTO THE NEW YEAR. OTHER TRADITIONS IN SOME AMERICAN CITIES OFFICE WORKERS THROW OLD CALENDARS OUT OF THE WINDOWS ON 31ST DECEMBER. THEY ARE “THROWING” THE OLD YEAR AWAY. BY THE EVENING THERE ARE LOTS OF PAPERS IN THE STREETS! SOME PEOPLE DECIDE TO WATCH FOOTBALL MATCHES BY UNIVERSITY TEAMS. AT MIDNIGHT, IN EVERY CITY, IT IS CELEBRATED THE NEW YEAR WITH FIREWORKS AND TOASTS.
CHRISTMAS IN THE USA THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA HAS MANY DIFFERENT TRADITIONS HOW PEOPLE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS, BECAUSE OF ITS MULTI-CULTURAL NATURE. MANY CUSTOMS ARE SIMILAR TO ONES IN THE UK, FRANCE, ITALY, THE NETHERLANDS, POLAND AND MEXICO. ALMOST ALL AMERICANS SPEND CHRISTMAS WITH THE FAMILY. • DECORATIONS PEOPLE IN AMERICA LIKE TO DECORATE OUTSIDES OF THEIR HOUSES AND STREETS WITH LIGHTS AND STATUES OF SANTA CLAUS, SNOWMEN AND REINDEER TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS. THE MOST FAMOUS CHRISTMAS STREET LIGHTS IN THE USA ARE AT THE ROCK FELLER CENTRE IN NEW YORK WHERE THERE IS A HUGE CHRISTMAS TREE WITH A PUBLIC ICE SKATING RINK.
IN NEW ENGLAND THERE ARE SHOPS CALLED ‘CHRISTMAS SHOPS' THAT ONLY SELL CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS AND TOYS ALL THE YEAR AROUND! SOME AMERICANS USE POP-CORN THREADED ON STRING TO HELP DECORATE THEIR CHRISTMAS TREE!
CHRISTMAS CAROL ONE OF THE TRADITION THAT CHARACTERIZE CHRISTMAS ARE CHRISTMAS CAROLS, SUNG BY GROUPS OF CHILDREN. • CHRISTMAS IN DIFFERENT STATES IN THE SOUTHWEST OF LOUISIANA, ON CHRISTMAS EVE, FAMILIES IN SMALL COMMUNITIES ALONG MISSISSIPPI RIVER LIGHT BONFIRE ALONG THE LEVEES TO HELP ‘PAPA NOEL' FIND HIS WAY TO THE CHILDREN'S HOMES. IN THE SOUTHWEST USA, THERE ARE TRADITIONS SIMILAR TO SOME CUSTOMS OF MEXICO. THESE INCLUDE ‘LUMINARIAS' OR ‘FAROLITOS' WHICH ARE PAPER SACKS PARTLY FILLED WITH SAND AND THEN HAVE A CANDLE PUT IN THEM. THEY ARE LIT ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND ARE PUT AT THE EDGES OF PATHS. THEY REPRESENT ‘LIGHTING THE WAY' FOR SOMEWHERE FOR MARY AND JOSEPH TO STAY. IN HAWAII, SANTA CLAUS IS CALLED KANAKALOKA . HE ARRIVES ON A BOAT CALLED ‘CHRISTMAS TREE SHIP', FULL OF TREES AND GIFTS TO DISTRIBUTE.
CHRISTMAS IN THE USA THE INGREDIENTS OF CHRISTMAS IN THE UNITED STATES ARE MANY: FROM SANTA CLAUS TO UNRESTRAINED SHOPPING, FROM LUCULLIAN LUNCHES TO KWANZAA, THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD IS INTENSELY FROM ALL THE UNITED STATES. • BEFORE CHRISTMAS THE DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS, STARTING FROM BLACK FRIDAY, THE SEASON OF GIFT HUNTING FOR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES IS OPEN, BUT AS ALWAYS MANY PEOPLE ARE REDUCED AND THE RESULT IS THE SHOPS ARE CROWDED UNTIL THE END OF DECEMBER 24TH, IN A CRESCENDO OF COMMERCIAL FRENZY THAT STOPS ON DECEMBER 25TH. CHRISTMAS, IN FACT, IN ALL STATES, IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY, THAT IS A DAY OF WAITING FOR BANKS AND BUSINESSES.
THE AMERICANS, THEN, REAPPROPRIATE THE MOST INTIMATE CHARACTER OF THE PARTY: WHILE ON ONE HAND, FAMILY GATHERINGS AND A DELICIOUS CHRISTMAS LUNCH ALL THE AMERICANS JOIN, FROM THE OTHER FAMILY THAT YOU GO TRADITION THAT YOU FIND. THE TRADITIONS OF VARIOUS CULTURES BECAUSE OF THE MULTIETHNIC COMPOSITION OF THE POPULATION, EACH FAMILY UNIT FOLLOWS DIFFERENT WAYS AND CUSTOMS, HONORING THEIR BELIEFS AND THEIR ORIGINS. MANY CHRISTIANS ARE AT MASS TO HONOR THE BIRTH OF JESUS AND THE CHURCHES ORGANIZE THE LIVING NATIVITY SCENES, COLLECTIONS OF BENEFITS FOR THE LESS WELL OFF AND IT IS NOT RARE TO SEE GROUPS OF CHILDREN SINGING CHRISTMAS SONGS ON THE STREETS. ON THE OTHER HAND, AFRICAN AMERICANS LIVE QUIETLY AT CHRISTMAS, CELEBRATING THE DAYS FROM DECEMBER 26TH TO JANUARY 1ST (KWANZAA) WHERE THEY PROUDLY CLAIM THEIR CULTURAL ROOTS. TYPICAL CHRISTMAS DISHES STUFFED CHRISTMAS TURKEY, USA SAVE
AT THE TABLE, THE REAL AMERICAN CHRISTMAS LUNCH SEES THE UNDISPUTED DOMINANCE OF THE STUFFED TURKEY, NOW ALSO ADOPTED BY IMMIGRANTS WHO PROPOSE IT ALONGSIDE THEIR LOCAL DISHES. THE TURKEY (ALTERNATIVELY, THE BEEF OR GOOSE) IS FREQUENTLY MADE WITH CHESTNUTS AND ACCOMPANIED BY AN ABUNDANT SIDE DISH OF MASHED POTATOES AND GREEN BEANS; BLUEBERRY SAUCE! THE TYPICAL SWEETS ARE THE CHRISTMAS PUDDING AND THE TRIT PIES, WHILE THE TRADITIONAL DRINK IS THE EGGNOG. ITALIAN-AMERICAN FAMILIES ALSO INCLUDE LASAGNA OR ZITI IN THE MENU. AMERICANS ABOUND IN PREPARING APPLE PIE, A SHORT PASTRY PIE FILLED WITH FRUIT JAM AND DRIED FRUIT, A CAKE SO SWEET THAT EVEN SANTA CLAUS, ACCORDING TO TRADITION, ADORES IT. AND SO, THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, THE CHILDREN PREPARE A LUNCH FOR SANTA, TO REFRESH HIM OF HIS NIGHT TOIL. STARTING FROM HIS HOME (THE MOST PROBABLE LOCATIONS IN TORRINGTON, CONNECTICUT, WILMINGTON, NEW YORK) THE SANTA RUNS THE US FAR AND WIDE, BRINGS GIFTS AND SWEETS SOMETIMES ON A REINDEER, OTHER TIMES ON BOATS OR SURF.
DO NOT BE SURPRISED, THEREFORE, IF YOU WILL SEE WANDERING OVER SANTA CLAUSES ON US BEACHES: THE POSTCARD CHRISTMAS TO WHICH WE ARE ACCUSTOMED (THAT OF THE JOURNEY AND THE SNOW THAT DESCENDS) SPRING) OF THE MOST AREAS (AS IN FLORIDA, FOR EXAMPLE), WHERE IT IS NOT UNLIKELY TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS ON THE BEACH. NEXT TO THE PALM TREES, THEN, WE SEE THE LIGHTS (THE AMERICANS ARE CRAZY AND THEY ARE A TEST IN MCADENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, WHICH LITERALLY DRESSES UP FOR CHRISTMAS), HOLLY, MISTLETOE AND CHRISTMAS TREES RICHLY DECORATED (THE MOST FAMOUS IN THE UNITED STATES, IT IS THAT OF A ROCKEFELLER PLAZA, IN NEW YORK, AND THE ONE LIT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE STATES IN WASHINGTON DC, IN FRONT OF CAPITOL HILL).
CHRISTMAS IN BRITAIN AT CHRISTMAS NEARLY ALL HOUSES IN BRITAIN HAVE A CHRISTMAS TREE AND MISTLETOE HUNG ON THE DOOR. THE BRITISH EXCHANGE KISSES UNDER THE MISTLETOE FOR GOOD LUCK AND REMOVE A BERRY FOR EACH KISS. MANY TOWNS AND CITIES HAVE A PUBLIC EVENT INVOLVING A LOCAL OR REGIONAL CELEBRITY TO MARK THE SWITCHING ON OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. ON CHRISTMAS EVE STOCKINGS ARE PUT AT THE FOOT OF CHILDREN’S BEDS FOR FATHER CHRISTMAS WHO FILLS THEM WITH PRESENTS. ON CHRISTMAS DAY CANDLES AND CARDBOARD TUBES (CRACKERS) CONTAINING A PAPER HAT, A SMALL PRESENT AND A JOKE ARE PLACED ON THE DECORATED TABLE. THEN THE TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DINNER IS SERVED: TURKEY OR ROASTED GOOSE WHIT CARROTS, PEAS, POTATOES AND BRUSSEL SPROUTS.
DINNER WITH THE CHRISTMAS PUDDING. WHEN THE PUDDING IS CUT AND SERVED EVERYONE SEARCHES FOR THE SILVER COIN OR ANY OTHER SMALL OBJECT IN HER/HIS SLICE, THIS IS THE TIME FOR PULLING THE CRACKERS FOUND ON THE TABLE AND HAVING FUN WITH JOYOUS GREETINGS. THEN EVERYBODY SITS BY THE TV SET FOR THE QUEEN’S SPEECH AND LATER THERE ARE BOARD GAMES AND CARD GAMES WHILE TASTING SOME OTHER MINCE PIES, AND DRINKING A GLASS OF MULLED WINE OR SOME HOT CHOCOLATE. TEA-TIME ON CHRISTMAS DAY CONSIST OF A COLD BUFFET. ALL DECORATIONS ARE REMOVED BEFORE THE TWELFTH NIGHT (6TH JANUARY). CHRISTMAS TREE THE CHRISTMAS TREE TRADITION WAS BROUGHT FROM GERMANY BY QUEEN VICTORIA’S HUSBAND, PRINCE ALBERT, IN 1841. IT BECAME POPULAR IN ENGLAND IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY.
CHRISTMAS CHRISTIANS IN MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS ON 25 TH DECEMBER. THIS FESTIVITY CELEBRATES THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST. MEMBERS OF THE RUSSIAN AND SERB ORTHODOX CHURCH CELEBRATE ON 7 TH JANUARY. THE HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS WE DO NOT KNOW EXACTLY WHEN CHRISTMAS FIRST STARTED TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. MANY HISTORIANS BELIEVE THIS WAS IN THE FOURTH CENTURY, WHEN CHRISTMAS BEGAN TO TAKE THE PLACE OF THE PAGAN CELEBRATIONS OF THE WINTER SOLSTICE, THE SHORTEST DAY OF THE YEAR. THE BIBLE DOES NOT SAY WHEN CHRIST WAS BORN. EARLY CHRISTIANS PROBABLY CHOSE 25 TH DECEMBER BECAUSE IT WAS NEAR THE DATES OF TWO PAGAN FESTIVITIES.
THE ANCIENT ROMAN GOD OF AGRICULTURE WAS SATURN, AND IN DECEMBER HE ROMANS CELEBRATED SATURNALIA. THIS FESTIVAL LASTED FOR MANY DAYS AND INCLUDED THE WINTER SOLSTICE. THIS DAY WAS UNUSUALLY ON 2ND OR 22ND DECEMBER. DURING SATURNALIA THE ROMANS HAD PARTIES AND GAVE PRESENTS TO THEIR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND CHILDREN. THE PAGAN PEOPLE OF SCANDINAVIA ALSO HAD A WINTER FESTIVAL. IT WAS CALLED YULE. IT ALSO INCLUDED THE WINTER SOLSTICE AND LASTED FOR MANY DAYS. THE MEN BROUGHT HOME A BIG LONG AND BURN IT. THEY BELIEVED THE LOG HELPED TO BRING BACK THE SUN. THE FAMILY CELEBRATED UNTIL THE LOG STOPPED BURNING, AND SOMETIMES THIS TOOK TWELVE DAYS! TODAY, A POPULAR CAKE AT CHRISTMAS IS IN THE FORM OF A YULE LOG. THE TRADITIONS OF YULE WERE FIR TREES, HOLLY, MISTLETOE, CAKES AND PRESENTS. THEY ARE ALL STILL SYMBOLS OF CHRISTMAS. ANCIENT EUROPEANS BELIEVED THAT MISTLETOE HAD MAGIC POWERS. EVEN TODAY, IF A BOY AND GIRL MEET UNDER THE MISTLETOE THEY KISS. THE TRADITION IS THAT THIS BRINGS GOOD LUCK, AND IT IS A SIGN OF FRIENDSHIP AND AFFECTION.
TODAY’S TRADITIONAL BRITISH CHRISTMAS COMES FROM THE VICTORIAN PERIOD, WHEN VICTORIA WAS QUEEN (1837-1901). CHRISTMAS THEN STARTED TO BECOME AN IMPORTANT FESTIVITY. IT WAS A TIME FOR THE FAMILY TO BE TOGETHER, AND A TIME TO ENJOY SPECIAL FOOD, MUSIC, CAROLS AND GAMES. IN BRITAIN THERE WERE MORE THINGS TO BUY IN SHOPS, AND THE TRADITION OF GIVING PRESENTS GREW. BUT AT THIS TIME THERE WERE ALSO BIG DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE SOCIAL CLASSES: THERE WERE THE VERY RICH AND THE VERY POOR. RICH CHILDREN RECEIVED AN APPLE, AN ORANGE OR A VERY SMALL TOY. CHARLES DICKENS DESCRIBED THE VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS IN HIS CHRISTMAS STORIES, ESPECIALLY IN A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1843). IN THIS STORY DICKENS SHOWS THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE RICH AND THE POOR IN VICTORIAN SOCIETY DURING CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION.
PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS WHEN WE THINK OF CHRISTMAS WE THINK OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE. THE TRADITION OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE COMES FROM GERMANY. GERMANS HAD A FIR TREE IN THEIR HOMES AND THEY DECORATED IT WITH BISCUITS AND CANDLES. IN GREAT BRITAIN THE CHRISTMAS TREE BECAME POPULAR AFTER 1840, WHEN QUEEN VICTORIA MARRIED PRINCE ALBERT, A GERMAN. HE BROUGHT THE TRADITION OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE TO THE ROYAL FAMILY THEN MANY PEOPLE STARTED TO HAVE CHRISTMAS TREES IN THEIR HOMES. TODAY ALMOST EVERY CHRISTIAN FAMILY HAS A CHRISTMAS TREE AT HOME OR IN THE GARDEN. SOME FAMILIES PUT UP THE TREE ON CHRISTMAS EVE WHILE MANY OTHERS PUT IT UP AT THE BEGINNING OF DECEMBER.
PEOPLE DECORATE THE TREE WITH COLOURED LIGHTS AND AT THE TOP OF THE TREE THEY USUALLY PUT AN ANGEL OR A STAR. THEY ALSO LIKE TO DECORATE THEIR HOMES AND GARDENS WITH OTHER CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS SUCH AS HOLLY, MISTLETOE AND PAPER DECORATIONS. TOWNS AND CITIES, TOO USUALLY DECORATE THE TREE IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE IN LONDON. IT IS A PRESENT FROM THE PEOPLE OF NORWAY. THIS TRADITION STARTED IN 1947, WHEN THE NORWEGIANS WANTED TO THANK THE BRITISH FOR THEIR HELP DURING WORLD WAR II. THIS TREE IS ABOUT TWENTY-FIVE METRES TALL AND IT IS DECORATED WITH WHITE LIGHTS. SHOPPING FOR CHRISTMAS PRESENTS CAN BE FUN. DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON SHOPS ARE OPEN UNTIL LATE, AND THEY ARE OFTEN OPEN ON SUNDAYS, TOO. THERE ARE ALWAYS A LOT OF PEOPLE IN THE SHOPS LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PRESENTS FOR THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
THE SHOPS WINDOWS HAVE DECORATIONS, AND MANY TOWNS AND CITIES PUT CHRISTMAS TREES AND OTHER CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS IN THE SHOPPING STREETS. IF YOU WANT TO BUY TOYS, IN LONDON THERE IS A GREAT TOY SHOP CALLED HAMLEYS. CHILDREN AND ADULTS LOVE IT: THERE ARE SIX FLOORS FULL OF TOYS AND INTERESTING GAMES FOR ALL AGES. CHRISTMAS IS A HAPPY TIME, BUT IT IS ALSO A TIME TO HELP AND REMEMBER OTHERS: NO ONE WANTS TO BE ALONE AT CHRISTMAS. THE CHRISTMAS SEASON CHARITY ORGANIZATIONS ASK FOR MONEY FOR THE POOR PEOPLE AND THE HOMELESS IN THEIR TOWN. THEY ORGANIZE FREE MEALS AND OFTEN GIVE TOYS TO POOR CHILDREN. IN GREAT BRITAIN AND AMERICA PEOPLE SEND CHRISTMAS CARDS TO THEIR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES; THEY USUALLY BUY BOXES OF CHRISTMAS CARDS, OFTEN FROM CHARITY ORGANIZATIONS. MANY FAMILIES SHOW ALL THE CARDS THEY RECEIVE: THEY PUT THEM ON THE WALLS IN THEIR HOUSES.
THE BRITISH PAINTER JOHN CALLCOTT HORSLEY DESIGNED THE FIRST CHRISTMAS CARD IN 1843. THE DESIGN WAS A FAMILY PARTY WITH THE WORDS “A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU”. Folgori Silvia CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND CHRISTMAS MUSIC ARE VERY POPULAR. MANY CHRISTMAS CAROLS ARE VERY OLD. A LOT COME FROM EUROPE BUT SOME ARE AMERICAN, TOO. PEOPLE SING CHRISTMAS CAROLS IN CHURCH, IN TOWNS CENTRES AND SOMETIMES IN FRONT OF THEIR NEIGHBOURS’ HOUSES. IF PEOPLE LIKE THE CAROLS THEY GIVE THE CAROL SINGERS MONEY. THE CAROL SINGERS USUALLY GIVE THIS MONEY TO CHARITY ORGANIZATIONS. IN GREAT BRITAIN PANTOMIMES ARE VERY POPULAR. THIS WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT IS A FORM OF COMIC THEATRE WITH SONGS. THE STORIES ARE USUALLY FAMOUS FAIRY TALES SUCH AS CINDERELLA, SLEEPING BEAUTY OR ALADDIN.
A MAN USUALLY ACTS THE PART OF AN OLD WOMAN: THIS IS A FUNNY PART. PANTOMIMES CAN BE VERY NOISY BECAUSE THE AUDIENCE PARTICIPATES IN THE PERFORMANCE A LOT. THE ACTORS SOMETIMES SPEAK TO THE AUDIENCE SAYING “BOO!”. PANTOMIMES ARE LOTS OF FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY. A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DAY SOME CHRISTIANS GO TO CHURCH AT MIDNIGHT ON CHRISTMAS EVE, WHILE OTHERS GO ON CHRISTMAS MORNING. THERE ARE SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SERVICES IN ALL CHRISTMAS CHURCHES. SOME PEOPLE DON’T GO TO CHURCH, BUT ON CHRISTMAS DAY FAMILIES TRY TO BE TOGETHER. PEOPLE TRAVEL LONG DISTANCES TO SPEND A FAMILY CHRISTMAS. CHILDREN AND ADULTS USUALLY OPEN THEIR PRESENTS ON CHRISTMAS MORNING AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE, OR SOMETIMES EVEN IN BED! THIS IS A VERY HAPPY MOMENT, ESPECIALLY FOR THE CHILDREN.
IN GREAT BRITAIN THERE IS A BIG CHRISTMAS LUNCH WITH SPECIAL FOOD. PEOPLE START COOKING THE CHRISTMAS MEAL VERY EARLY, ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE IS A TURKEY. A BIG TURKEY TAKES A LONG TIME TO COOK. CHRISTMAS CRACKERS ARE AN OLD TRADITION AND ARE PART OF THE CHRISTMAS LUNCH. TWO PEOPLE PULL THE CRACKER UNTIL IT GOES “BANG” AND OPENS. INSIDE THERE IS A SMALL PRESENT, A PAPER HAT AND A JOKE. PEOPLE SOMETIMES WEAR THE PAPER HAT DURING THE REST OF CHRISTMAS LUNCH! IN THE EVENING THEY HAVE A BIG CHRISTMAS DINNER WITH LOTS OF SPECIAL FOOD.
BOXING DAY BOXING DAY IN THE UK IS THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY AND FALLS ON DECEMBER 26TH . TRADITIONALLY, IT WAS A DAY WHEN EMPLOYERS DISTRIBUTED MONEY, FOOD, CLOTH OR OTHER VALUABLE GOODS TO THEIR EMPLOYERS. IN MODERN TIMES, IT IS AN IMPORTANT DAY FOR SPORTING EVENTS AND THE START OF THE POST-CHRISTMAS SALES. SOME BRAVES PEOPLE GO FOR A SWIM IN THE SEA –THE WATER IS ALWAYS FREEZING!- IN MANY VILLAGES, THERE’S A PERFORMANCE BY SOME MUMMERS. THE NAME OF THE DAY COMES FROM TRADITION IN THE PAST WHEN RICH PEOPLE GAVE BOXES OF FOOD TO POOR PEOPLE ON THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS. ON BOXING DAY THE BRITISH VISIT THEIR RELATIVES AND EXCHANGE GIFTS. IN IRELAND, 26TH DECEMBER IS CALLED “ST. STEPHEN’S DAY” OR “WREN’S DAY” BECAUSE IN SOME PLACES IT IS STILL TRADITIONAL TO HUNT THE WREN. IN TOWNS AND VILLAGE, GROUPS OF PEOPLE, “WREN BOYS”, DRESS UP IN COSTUMES MADE OF STRAW. THEY LOOK FOR A SPECIAL TOY WREN AND WHEN THY FIND IT, THEY PUT IT ON A STICK AND PARADE AROUND THE STREETS WITH A BAND OF TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSICIANS.
THE CUSTOMS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AT NEW YEAR IN THE UNITED KINGDOM EACH CONSTITUENT NATION RETAINS ITS OWN RITUALS TO AWAIT THE ARRIVAL OF THE NEW YEAR. IN ENGLAND, IT IS USED TO CELEBRATE ESPECIALLY WITH EXTRAVAGANT GROUP GAMES, SUCH AS FISHING FOR DRIED FRUIT IN HOT LIQUOR, JUMPING IN THE CIRCLE OF 13 CANDLES PLACED ON THE FLOOR OR THE APPLE BITE HANGING ON A STRING. THE ENGLISH TRADITION SAYS THAT THE FIRST PERSON (FIRST-FOOTER), PREFERABLY MALE AND GOOD-LOOKING, TO CROSS THE FRONT DOOR IN THE NEW YEAR BRINGS GOOD LUCK. IT WILL HAVE TO BRING WITH IT MONEY, SALT, COAL AND BREAD IN HONOR OF PROSPERITY. LONDON, BESIDES BEING THE CAPITAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, IS ALSO THE CAPITAL OF THE NEW YEAR. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE COME FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO WITNESS THE WONDERFUL PYROTECHNIC SPECTACLE OF THE FERRIS WHEEL THAT BEGINS WITH THE STROKE OF THE MIDNIGHT OF THE BIG BEN CLOCK. IN SCOTLAND, INSTEAD, AS A SIGN OF PURIFICATION, THE ARRIVAL OF THE NEW YEAR IS BEING PREPARED FOR DOMESTIC CLEANING. THE FIRST-FOOTER'S ENTRY IS ALSO EXPECTED HERE, EATING TRADITIONAL FOODS SUCH AS SHORTBREAD BUTTERED BISCUITS, OATMEAL CAKES, WINE AND WHISKEY.
IN WALES, YOUNG PEOPLE RUN THE ENTIRE NIGHT OF THE FIRST DAY OF THE YEAR HOUSE AT HOME WITH AN EVERGREEN BRANCH TO BRING GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE HOUSES. FINALLY, IN IRELAND, THE CROWN PLANT IS THE MISTLETOE; THE GIRLS ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE YEAR FALL ASLEEP, PLACING BRANCHES OF MISTLETOE UNDER THEIR CUSHIONS TO DREAM THEIR FUTURE HUSBANDS. IN THIS NATION IN ANCIENT TIMES THE NEW YEAR WAS CELEBRATED THE END OF OCTOBER, WHICH CORRESPONDS TO THE CURRENT HALLOWEEN PARTY.
ITALIAN’S CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES CHRISTMAS IS CELEBRATED TO REMEMBER THE BIRTH OF JESUS. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT WAYS OF CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS IN ITALY IS THE NATIVITY CRIB SCENE. USING A CRIB TO TELL THE CHRISTMAS STORY WAS MADE VERY POPULAR BY ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI IN 1223 (ASSISI IS IN MID-ITALY). THE PREVIOUS YEAR HE HAD VISITED BETHLEHEM AND SAW WHERE IT WAS THOUGHT THAT JESUS WAS BORN. NOW A LOT OF ITALIAN FAMILIES HAVE A NATIVITY CRIB IN THEIR HOMES.
CRIBS ARE TRADITIONALLY PUT OUT ON THE 8TH DECEMBER. BUT THE FIGURE OF THE BABY JESUS ISN'T PUT INTO THE CRIB UNTIL THE EVENING/NIGHT OF DECEMBER 24TH! WHEN PEOPLE RETURN FROM MASS, IF IT'S COLD, YOU MIGHT HAVE A SLICE OF ITALIAN CHRISTMAS CAKE CALLED 'PANETTONE' WHICH IS LIKE A DRY FRUITY SPONGE CAKE AND A CUP OF HOT CHOCOLATE! FOR MANY ITALIAN-AMERICAN FAMILIES A BIG CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL OF DIFFERENT FISH DISHES IS NOW A VERY POPULAR TRADITION! IT'S KNOWN AS THE FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES. THE FEAST SEEMS TO HAVE ITS ROOT IN SOUTHERN ITALY AND WAS BOUGHT OVER TO THE USA BY ITALIAN IN THE 1800S. IT NOW SEEMS MORE POPULAR IN AMERICA THAN IN ITALY!
FOR MANY ITALIAN-AMERICAN FAMILIES A BIG CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL OF DIFFERENT FISH DISHES IS NOW A VERY POPULAR TRADITION! IT'S KNOWN AS THE FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES. THE FEAST SEEMS TO HAVE ITS ROOT IN SOUTHERN ITALY AND WAS BOUGHT OVER TO THE USA BY ITALIAN IN THE 1800S. IT NOW SEEMS MORE POPULAR IN AMERICA THAN IN ITALY! EPIPHANYIS ALSO IMPORTANT IN ITALY. ON EPIPHANY NIGHT, CHILDREN BELIEVE THAN AN OLD LADY CALLED “BEFANA” BRINGS PRESENTS FOR THEM. CHILDREN PUT STOCKINGS UP BY THE FIREPLACE FOR BEFANA TO FILL. IN PARTS OF NORTHERM ITALY, THE THREE KINGS MIGHTBRING YOU PRESENT RATHER THAN BEFANA. ON CHRISTMAS DAY “BABBONATALE” MIGHT BRING THEM SOME SMALL GIFTS, BUT THE MAIN DAY FOR PRESENTS IS OF EPIPHANY.
CHRISTMAS IN ITALY CHRISTMAS IS COMING AND WE ARE THRILLED! IN ITALY, CHRISTMAS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FESTIVITY OF THE YEAR AND MOST PEOPLE LOVE IT: FAMILIES GATHER TOGETHER FOR LUNCH AND DINNER, THEY EAT UNTIL THEY BURST, THEY PLAY BOARD GAMES TOGETHER AND EXCHANGE PRESENTS. AT THE BEGINNING OF DECEMBER, CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ARE SWITCHED ON IN EVERY VILLAGES AND TOWNS, CHRISTMAS MARKETS- WHICH ARE VERY POPULAR- OPEN AND PEOPLE START TO LOOK FOR THE BEST PRESENTS FOR THEIR RELATIVES AND FRIENDS. THE 8TH DECEMBER IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT AS WE CELEBRATE A CATHOLIC ANNIVERSARY, "L'IMMACOLATA CONCEZIONE", WHICH IS ALSO A PUBLIC HOLIDAY. AS EVERYONE IS AT HOME, BOTH PARENTS AND CHILDREN, FAMILIES ARE ACCUSTOMED TO TRIM THE CHRISTMAS TREE ON THESE DAY.
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, AT NIGHT, FATHER CHRISTMAS POPS IN TO EVERY HOUSE BRINGING GIFTS TO CHILDREN. ADULTS,INSTEAD, PUT USUALLY THEIR PRESENTS UNDER THE CHRISTMAS TREE AND THEY OPEN THEM AFTER CH RISTMAS EVE DINNER. ON 24TH DECEMBER,FAMILIES GATHER AROUND THE TABLE FOR DINNER AND ACCORDING TO THE TRADITION,WE EAT FISH(EVERY ITALIAN REGION HAS ITS OWN TYPICAL DISHES).THEN,RELIGIOUS PEOPLE GO TO CHURCH AT MIDNIGHT,OR THE FOLLOWING MORNING FOR THE CHRISTMAS MASS. CHRISTMAS EVE IS CHILDREN'S FAVORITE DAY BECAUSE THEY ALL WAIT FOR SANTA CLAUS TO COME. KIDS USUALLY WRITE A LETTER TO FATHER CHRISTMAS WHERE THEY LIST ALL THE PRESENTS THEY WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE AND THEY SEND IT TO THE NORTH POLE.
WE ALSO HAVE NATIONAL TRADITIONAL CAKES,AS PANDORO AND PANETTONE. AFTER CHRISTMAS LUNCH,PEOPLE USE TO PLAY BOARD GAMES,CARD GAMES OR TOMBOLA.YOUNGER PEOPLE OR FAMILIES LIKE GOING TO THE CINEMA IN THE EVENING. ON 26TH DECEMBER,WE CELEBRATE SAINT STEPHAN AND IT S NATIONAL HOLIDAY:IT S THE PERFECT DAY FOR ANOTHER LUNCH WITH FRIENDS AND RELATIVES,TO VISIT A TOWN OR TO DISCOVER CHRISTMAS MARKETS OR ANIMATED NATIVITY SCENES,WHICH ARE VERY POPULAR IN ITALY. WE REALLY CANNOT GIVE UP CHRISTMAS: IT' S THE MOST AWAITED MOMENT OF THE YEAR AND IT' S A DAY OF JOY,FUN,FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE WE KEEP GOING TO SHARE AND CELEBRATE PROUDLY. ON CHRISTMAS DAY,ITALIAN FAMILIES GATHER FOR LUNCH.EVERY REGION HAS ITS OWN TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DISHES:IN THE NORTH,FOR EXAMPLE,RAVIOLI,POLENTA AND SALTED CODFISH,CAPON,TRIPE AND ROE DEER ARE AMONG THE MOST POPULAR FOODIN TUSCANYAND CENTRAL ITALY,INSTEAD,PEOPLE LOVE TO EAT LASAGNE,TORTELLINI,CULATELLO,STEWBOAR MEAT,CAPON ,TRIPE AND ROE DEER ARE AMONG THE MOST POPULAR FOOD.IN THE SOUTH,TRADITIONAL DISHES INCLUDE STRUFFOLI,LARGE EEL,FRISELLE,CAPON BROTH,SOPPRESSATA AND SAUSAGES,TURNIP TOPS,ROASTED LAMB,SARDINE PASTA.DESSERTS,TOO,DIFFER FROM REGION TO REGION,BUT
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR IN AUSTRALIA PEOPLE ALSO DECORATE THEIRHOUSES AND GARDENS WITH CHRISTMAS TREES AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. NEIGHBOURSSOMETIMESHAVELITTLECOMPETITIONS TO SEEWHOHASGOT THE BEST LIGHT DISPLAY. THE NEIGHBOURSOFTENVISITEACHOTHER TO LOOK AT THE LIGHT DISPLAYSAT NIGHT. IN EACH STATE CAPITAL CITY THEREIS A LARGE CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT SERVICE. FAMOUSAUSTRALIANSINGERSLIKE THE WIGGLES, JOHN FARNHAM, ANTHONY WARLOW, COLIN GERY, NIKI WEBSTER AND MANY MORE HELP TO SING THE CAROLS. MANYTOWNS, CITIES AND SCHOOLSALSOHOLDTHEIROWNCAROLS BY CANDLELIGHTSERVICES, WITH LOCALBANDS AND CHOIRSSOMETIMESHELPING TO PERFORM THE CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND SONGS. IN AUSTRALIA, CHRISTMAS COMES IN THE SUMMERHOLIDAYS! CHILDRENHAVETHEIRSUMMERHOLIDAYS FROM MIDDECEMBER TO EARLYFEBRUARY. IT'S SO HOT AT CHRISTMAS TIME IN AUSTRALIA. AUSTRALIANSHANGWREATHS ON THEIR FRONT DOORS AND SOMETIMES GO OUT SINGING CHRISTMAS CAROLS ON CHRISTMAS EVE.
MOST FAMILIES TRY TO BE HOME TOGETHER FOR CHRISTMAS AND THE MAINMEALISNORMALLYEATENAT LUNCH TIME. MOSTPEOPLENOWHAVE A COLD CHRISTMAS DINNER, OR A BARBECUE WITH SEAFOODSUCHASPRAWNS AND LOBSTERSALONG WITH THE 'TRADITIONALENGLISH' FOOD. ON CHRISTMAS EVE, FISH-MARKETS ARE OFTEN FULL OF PEOPLEQUEUING TO BUYTHEIRFRESHSEAFOOD FOR CHRISTMAS DAY.. MAJOR AUSTRALIANCITIESHAVE SPECIAL NEW YEAR’SEVEEVENTSTHAT INCLUDE PARADES, MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT CELEBRITIES ARE OFTEN INVITED AS GUESTS OF HONOUR OR HOSTS FOR LARGE NEW YEAR’SEVEEVENTS. NEW YEAR’SEVEBALLS ARE POPULAR AND HAVE VARIOUS THEMES SUCH AS MASQUERADE, BLACK-TIE AND FORMALWEAR, TROPICAL, OR GANGSTER AND GLAMOUR. PRIZES FOR MOSTINTRIGUING OR BEST-DRESSEDOUTFITS ARE AWARDEDATTHESEEVENTS. MANYPEOPLEALSOPREPARETHEIR NEW YEAR’SRESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEXTDAY. MANYAUSTRALIANS CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’SEVE ON BOAT CRUISES, URBANPARKLANDS OR BEACHES. OTHERS HOLD SPECIAL PARTY
OR BARBECUE SAT THEIR OWN HOMES. PUBLIC COUNTDOWNS TO NEW YEAR'SDAY ARE MADE AT LARGE EVENTS IN MAJOR CITIES, SUCHAS SYDNEY, AND ARE OFTENTELEVISED SO THOSEAT HOME CAN JOIN IN THE CELEBRATIONS. AS THE CLOCK STRIKES MIDNIGHT TO MARK NEW YEAR’SDAY, FIREWORKS ARE LAUNCHED TO FAREWELL THE OLDYEAR AND TO WELCOME THE NEW YEAR. PEOPLE OFTENHUG, SHAKE HANDS OR KISSEACHOTHER ON THE CHEEK TO SHOW THEIRJOY AND APPRECIATION FOR THE OLD AND NEW YEARS. MANYPEOPLEALSO TOAST THEIRGLASSES AND DRINK CHAMPAGNE OR WINE TO COMMEMORATE THISOCCASION.
