Traditions from Fort Mill to across the globe.
Christmas as we know it today is a Victorian invention of the 1860's. Chirstmas is a product of hundreds of years of both secular and religious traditons from around the world, where it is celebrated in 160 countries.
In Sweden, Denmark and Findland, December 13 marks the celebration of St. Lucia and the begining of the Christmas season. Light is a main theme of St. Lucia Day.
Norway is the birthplace to the Yule Log, a large log traditonally burned in a fireplace on Christmas Eve.
The first "Christmas trees", explicity decorated and named after the Christian Holiday appeared in Strasbourg, Germany. In the 1820's the first German immigrants decorated Christmas trees in Pennysylvania.
In Sweden, Denmark and Findland, December 13 marks the celebration of St. Lucia and the begining of the Christmas season. Light is a main theme of St. Lucia Day.
Norway is the birthplace to the Yule Log, a large log traditonally burned in a fireplace on Christmas Eve.
The first "Christmas trees", explicity decorated and named after the Christian Holiday appeared in Strasbourg, Germany. In the 1820's the first German immigrants decorated Christmas trees in Pennysylvania.
In 1828 Joel Poinsett, the American minister to Mexico brought a red-and-green plant from Mexicao to America, which are now called Poinsettias. In 1870 New York stores began to sell them at Christmas and by the 1900's, they were a universal symbol of the holiday. In Mexico, pinatas filled with candy and coins are used.
Christmas greeting cards, plum pudding, and caroling all begain in England. The mistletoe tradition was started by the Celtic and Teutonic peoples. In the United States and England, chidren hung stocking on their bedposts or near a fireplace. In Scandanavia, similar minded children left their shoes on the hearth. This tradition can be traced to legends about St. Nicholas.
In France, Christmas is called Noel, which refers to, "the good news" in the the Gospel. In southern France, some people burn a log from Christmas Eve to New Years day.
Italians celebrate the Feast of the seven fishes on Christmas Eve with meals of fish and other seafood.
In Australia, Christmas day comes in the middle of summer. Beach time and outdoor BBQ's are common. Traditional Christmas day celebrations include family gatherings, gift exchanges and a hot meal with ham, turkey, pork or seafood or a BBQ.
Ukrainians prepare a twelve course meal that can begin when the evening star appears.
Canadian celebrations are very similar to those practiced in the United States. The Eskimos celebrate a winter festival called Sinck Tuck, which are parties with dancing and gifts.
In Greece, many people believe in Kallikantzeri, goblins that appear to cause mischief during the 12 days of Christmas. Gifts are exchanged on January 1, St. Basil's Day.
A manger scene is the primary decor in most Southern European, Central and South American nations.
The first eggnog made in the United Sates was consumed in Captain John Smith's Jamestown settlement.
Here in Fort Mill the Christmas season started on December 1st with the Band Stand, welcoming Santa and the tree lighting ceremony, followed by the Christmas parade on the 3rd, and Christmasville in Rock Hill, SC from the 1st-4th.
In France, Christmas is called Noel, which refers to, "the good news" in the the Gospel. In southern France, some people burn a log from Christmas Eve to New Years day.
Italians celebrate the Feast of the seven fishes on Christmas Eve with meals of fish and other seafood.
In Australia, Christmas day comes in the middle of summer. Beach time and outdoor BBQ's are common. Traditional Christmas day celebrations include family gatherings, gift exchanges and a hot meal with ham, turkey, pork or seafood or a BBQ.
Ukrainians prepare a twelve course meal that can begin when the evening star appears.
Canadian celebrations are very similar to those practiced in the United States. The Eskimos celebrate a winter festival called Sinck Tuck, which are parties with dancing and gifts.
In Greece, many people believe in Kallikantzeri, goblins that appear to cause mischief during the 12 days of Christmas. Gifts are exchanged on January 1, St. Basil's Day.
A manger scene is the primary decor in most Southern European, Central and South American nations.
The first eggnog made in the United Sates was consumed in Captain John Smith's Jamestown settlement.
Here in Fort Mill the Christmas season started on December 1st with the Band Stand, welcoming Santa and the tree lighting ceremony, followed by the Christmas parade on the 3rd, and Christmasville in Rock Hill, SC from the 1st-4th.
Santa is coming to town... on the firetruck. December 17th, Santa will be riding every street in Tega Cay beginning at 8am.
In the new home community of Eppington South, the neighbors across from the CatAtlantic model home (641 Chase Ct, Fort Mill, S) have a wonderful light display set to music!
Tega Cay does a great job of lighting the trees in the parkway along Tega Cay Dr. It is a sparkiling drive!
NarroWay Theatre and Conference Center December 14th 6:30. Enjoy a life-size nativity set at 3327 Hwy 51 N. Fort Mill.
If you live in Fort Mill, Rock Hill or Tega Cay, these Charlotte area neighborhoods have light displays that are sure to please!
Whatever your traditions may be, I wish you a beautiful Christmas and Happy New Year!
In the new home community of Eppington South, the neighbors across from the CatAtlantic model home (641 Chase Ct, Fort Mill, S) have a wonderful light display set to music!
Tega Cay does a great job of lighting the trees in the parkway along Tega Cay Dr. It is a sparkiling drive!
NarroWay Theatre and Conference Center December 14th 6:30. Enjoy a life-size nativity set at 3327 Hwy 51 N. Fort Mill.
If you live in Fort Mill, Rock Hill or Tega Cay, these Charlotte area neighborhoods have light displays that are sure to please!
Whatever your traditions may be, I wish you a beautiful Christmas and Happy New Year!