Presented 10 «A» class: Slobodyanyuk Natalia, Teacher:N.G.Ter-Pogosova

Dates of celebration of Christmas Christmas for Catholics begins on December 25. Christmas for Orthodox Christians begins on January 7.

Christmas traditions Around the mid XIII century Church began to exhibit symbolic a manger with a statue of Christ child. This tradition of Christmas has become more widespread. According to strict old traditions believers are to refuse food until the appearance in the sky of the first star. The first star is the symbol of the star of Bethlehem and when it lights up the night holiday heaven, then a traditional dish – sochivo is served.

Christmas traditions in Russia mean a magnificent feast. Traditionally, children sang carols, and went home with Christmas ideas - "the Nativity". The den was a small box, painted in different colors, which was a portable puppet theater, where mounted on the axis of the characters depicted the biblical story of Christ's birth. For it performance, songs and carols, the children received treats, sweets and gifts. Orthodox Christmas traditions

The most famous tradition related to this period "the advent wreath" — a kind of crown made of fir branches, which are interwoven with 4 candles. Candles are lit alternately, adding one to each subsequent Sunday, and represent a gradual enlightenment. Catholic Christmas traditions

Christmas house Catholics are very sensitive to the decoration of their homes, paying the matter much attention. Windows should present a lot of garlands, so that the house glowed inside and out. The shelves and tables there are many nice trinkets and symbolic figures representing faith and devotion. Orthodox churches and homes for Christmas are beautifully decorated with pine and spruce branches, representing eternal life. The same tradition of the Christmas tree comes from the Paradise tree "decorated" with bright fruit.

The rites of the Church Christmas is a Christian holiday, which is celebrated three services: at midnight (it identifies the unity of the Father and the Son), dawn (as the analogue of the birth from the womb of the mother), and afternoon (allows you to convey a symbol of the birth of Christ in the soul of all believers). Christmas services in the churches on Christmas day last until late in the evening and the festivities end on January 19, the day of Epiphany.

Merry Christmas! In conclusion we`d like to say that Catholic and Orthodox Christmas traditions are very interesting and peculiar.

Thank you for your attention