Orthodox believers are completing preparations for Christmas have – one of the top twelve great church holidays. It is celebrated always 7 January immediately after the end of Advent, trying to observe and preserve ancient traditions.
Christians began to celebrate Christmas with the IV century. For believers, this festival has always had great importance, not by chance that he is in second place after Easter and it always celebrated in Russia for 10 days. Time period, that comes after Christmas, in the old days they were called Christmastide.
As can be seen from the history of the holiday of the Nativity, on the eve of the birth of Virgin Mary came to Bethlehem, where in the grotto rock was born Christ. The angels told the shepherds about the appearance of the Savior light. Shepherds worshiped the newborn, Lying in a manger, Magi and brought him their gifts - frankincense, gold and myrrh.
Preparation for Holy Supper
Before Christmas the faithful fasted, which lasts for a few weeks. The most rigorous day of fasting is considered to be the last - it is called Christmas Eve. At this time, all eagerly awaiting the appearance of stars in the sky. The very first star, zagoravshayasya in the sky, He points to the birth of the Divine Child.
The appearance of stars in the sky meant, that believers can sit down and take some food. Table this evening, the hostess prepares special - it put twelve meatless dishes, which symbolized 12 months of the year, 12 apostles and 12 major religious holidays.
The main dish on the table was kutia. It was prepared from cooked grains, adding to it honey, poppy, raisins and nuts. Also present at the festive table soup, vegetable salad, fish and cakes with various fillings lean.
Christmas celebration traditions
On the eve of Christmas in churches committed public service, after which the faithful are beginning to break the fast. Such a great holiday, which is the Christmas, housewives cook a variety of meals of fish and meat, as well as hot dishes. One option for the festive Christmas dish is goose, baked apples. Also at the table was served pretzels and vegetable dishes.
In the houses decked Christmas tree – holiday symbol. Under her gifts stacked. Many were building a den - so called cave, where Christ was born.
And Christmas Eve was taken caroling. Tradition, came from time immemorial, It is as follows:: dressed adults and children go from house to house and sing carols, glorifying Jesus Christ was born. For this they are given candy, fruit and petty cash.
Short sms greetings on Christmas
Nowadays, Christmas is also widely noted: people go to visit each other and congratulate on the occasion of family and friends. If you are unable to visit in person, You can send a congratulatory sms-message, choosing the most suitable option in the Network. Here are just a few examples of congratulations in the verses on Christmas.
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Merry Christmas,
Happy Good,
Light and patience,
Peace to you always!
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Get rid of resentment,
And from all the hassle,
Let successful for you
Will this year!
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silence, good, harmony
On this feast of the Nativity!
world, good health
And family warmth!
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Merry Christmas!
I wish you happiness, cosiness in the house,
heat, good, hope,
better to live, than previously lived!
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Merry Christmas!
Be all well,
Light Christmas Star
Let keep you out of trouble.
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On the day of the golden Christmas
Let the house be filled
Regards, love,
And heavenly beauty,
And let God protect you
From errors and injuries!
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Let the ringing of church foreshadows
You happy turn
And Christ himself welcomes you,
Blessing of the gate.
Let him wealth and health
Sprinkle you with love
And he will send forces to fight persistent,
And napastey-lined!
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I wish you for Christmas,
That did not end the magic,
Love and happiness full house,
Let God helps around!
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Holiday knocked at the house.
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas!
meetings, Christmas tree and gifts…
Every moment let it be bright,
Let a hundred years ahead
You are lucky in all things!
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Let the Star of Heaven
For an always leads,
To everyone in its path
At the heart of Christ could find,
Heart - that coveted house,
Congratulations on Christmas!
Tatyana Lenskaya
