Presentations on the topic of the Nativity, download for free for class and extracurricular activities. Catalog of presentations Musical presentation of the story of Christmas for schoolchildren

The history of the holiday

In the Christian Church, from the end of the 2nd century until the 4th century, the events of Christmas were remembered on the day of Epiphany - January 6. Around the year 200, Clement of Alexandria mentioned this practice. The first reports of the appearance of a separate holiday of Christmas and its celebration on December 25 date back to the middle of the 4th century . According to one version, this was due to the desire of the Christian church to supplant the cult of the Invincible Sun, widespread in the Roman Empire, whose birth was celebrated on December 25 - then the winter solstice fell on this day.

Dates of celebration in various churches

The Roman Catholic Church and most Protestant churches celebrate December 25 according to the modern Gregorian calendar.

The Russian, Jerusalem, Serbian, Georgian Orthodox churches and Mount Athos, as well as the Eastern Catholic churches, celebrate December 25 according to the Julian calendar (the so-called "old style"), which corresponds to January 7 of the modern Gregorian calendar.

Constantinople (except Athos), Antioch, Alexandria, Cyprus, Bulgarian, Romanian, Greek and some other Orthodox churches celebrate December 25 according to the New Julian calendar, which until March 1, 2800 will coincide with the Gregorian calendar, that is, simultaneously with other Christian denominations celebrating Christmas according to the “new style”.

Ancient Eastern churches celebrate Christmas on January 6 on the same day as the Epiphany under the common name of Epiphany.

States in which Christmas is a day off

One day off

• Armenia - January 6 rya
• Brazil - 25 Dec rya
• Georgia - January 7 rya
• Jordan - 25 Dec rya
• Kazakhstan - January 7 rya
• Kyrgyzstan - January 7 rya
• Macedonia - January 7 rya
• Mexico - 25 Dec rya
• Portugal - 25 Dec rya
• Russia - Jan. 7 (beginning with 1991 )
• The Republic of Korea - 25 Dec rya
• Serbia - January 7 rya
• USA - 25 Dec rya
• France - 25 Dec rya
• Ukraine - Jan. 7

Russian Christmas Eve

Christmas has been celebrated in Rus' since the 10th century. The evening from January 6 to 7 was called Christmas Eve. It was preceded by a strict fast that began on November 28. During these days, it was forbidden to eat anything fatty or meat until the first star appeared on January 6 - a symbol of the birth of Christ.

The first dish on the table was kutia, a sweet porridge made from rice cereal. The Christmas table was distinguished by its abundance. They invited as many guests as possible to the house, sang carols, and provided those who came with sweets, pastries, and sausages.

They always put “sochivo” on the table - a dish similar to kutya, but made from wheat grains. An indispensable attribute in the home was a sheaf of hay as a memory of the manger in which Christ was born. Homemade wine, beer, and brew were served as drinks.

Pagan traditions are clearly visible in the celebration of Christmas in Rus'. It was customary to light bonfires in honor of the victory of good over evil spirits. After January 7, the week of Christmastide began.

This period was considered the best for fortune telling, and all dreams that could be seen at this time were perceived as prophetic. And the carols and sowings themselves, which we still love so much, are nothing more than a tribute to the pagan god Kolyada, who personified the sun, which has turned to spring.

This is how you and I are still at the mercy of different ideas about the world, but they coexist perfectly in our life and in our soul.

German entertainment

In Germany, as throughout Catholic Europe, Christmas is celebrated on the night of December 24-25, but preparations take place a month before the holiday. This period is called “Advent”. A solemn service is held in churches, communion and repentance are performed.

The Germans love to decorate their premises with fabulous “nativity scenes” - small scenes based on Christmas themes. Here is the cave in which Christ was born, and the Christmas star, and even the Magi. Candles entwined with ribbons and biblical figures are hung on the doors.

A mandatory attribute is the branches of the mistletoe coniferous tree, from which round wreaths are woven and placed on the walls.

Toys in the shape of cucumbers and carrots are hung on the Christmas tree. Children must find cucumbers hidden in the needles, for which they receive additional gifts. Carrots are usually given to newlyweds as a symbol of well-being in the family.

And how can we do without Santa Claus, who brings gifts to children? Unlike the Russian Father Frost, he comes at Christmas, not New Year. On the eve of the holiday, it is customary to visit fairs where edible chestnuts, mulled wine, chocolate, and honey gingerbread are sold in abundance. Children are bought beautiful clothes and new clothes.

Each region of Germany has its own customs that differ from the generally accepted ones. And now we’ll find out how Christmas is celebrated in another European country, interesting for its traditions - France.

French log

In many ways, Christmas traditions in France coincide with those in other Catholic countries:

• the spruce is decorated with toys and balls;
• Christmas “dens” are installed in the home;
• Christmas-themed mini-performances are staged in churches.

Here are some interesting facts that are specific to French celebration customs.

Interesting facts about Christmas in France

• Instead of Santa Claus, Pere Noel comes to the children. This character was “brought” to France by American soldiers during World War II.
• Another tradition appeared in France a long time ago, when logs were lit in fireplaces for heating in homes. At Christmas, they took the best log, carried it around the table with sentences, and then put it in the fireplace. Today, the real log has been replaced by a tasty roll of similar shape.
• In general, much attention is paid to the table in France. There are sweets, champagne, turkey and other delicious dishes.

Father Christmas from England

Christmas traditions in England may differ slightly from those in Europe, since the country is located on an island and contrasts itself with the rest of the continent. Instead of Santa Claus and Peer Noel, Father Christmas brings gifts to the children.

At night he puts souvenirs in children's socks, and the next morning the kids and their parents run into the living room to see what the fairy-tale hero brought them. To appease Father Christmas, the children prepare for him a piece of meat pie, a glass of milk and a carrot.

Celebrate Christmas with family. Guests gather for lunch and celebrate around lunchtime. At the same time, the Queen's speech is broadcast on television. Traditionally, appetizers are served, followed by turkey cooked in currant sauce. For dessert - Christmas cake.

The main Christmas tree of Great Britain is installed in the main square of England - Trafalgar Square. Public celebrations also take place here. The day after Christmas is dedicated to St. Stephen. At this time, it is customary to give money and donations to the poor.

American generosity

In America (USA), Christmas is marked by massive lights and decorations on the streets. The homes of ordinary Americans are not far behind the shops, firms and various organizations. It has become a good tradition to hang an elegant wreath on the outside of the door of the house.

Americans give each other a huge number of gifts. It is for this reason that on the eve of Christmas, stores offer huge discounts, thanks to which high-quality products can be purchased at a price 2-3 times less than the usual price.

At home, Christmas is celebrated with close friends and relatives. Appetizers, salads, roast goose or turkey, pie or pudding are served on the table.

But no matter what Christmas is like in different countries, it is united by a common tradition for all northern peoples - to celebrate the turning of the sun into spring and the victory of good over evil, as it originated in pagan times and only changed form with the advent of Christianity.

Celebration of Christmas by non-Christians

Among non-Christians, many cultures associate Christmas primarily with the tree, gift-giving, and making wishes. The custom of giving gifts at Christmas is strongly encouraged by sellers, which has led to the commercialization of Christmas. In the period leading up to Christmas, specialty store revenues can account for half or more of the rest of the year.

In most countries of the world, Christmas is a public holiday, or this day is declared a day off. This has been criticized by some members of other faiths and atheists as a violation of the right to freedom of conscience and the separation of religion and state. It should be noted that in countries where Christmas is not a national holiday, holidays of other religions are usually established as public holidays ( Morocco) or residents are deprived of the right to freedom of religion and state atheism is established on the communist model ( China).

IN USA public figure and atheist by conviction Richard Stallman suggested celebrating his birthday on December 25 Isaac Newton as a symbol of the triumph of human science.

In the Soviet Union and Russian Federation

Main article: Christmas in Russia

In the Soviet Union until 1929 Christmas was a public holiday and a day off and was celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar, but after weekends on religious holidays were abolished, most Christmas customs (tree, gifts) switched to celebrating New Year .

Once again, Christmas Day became a day off in 1991: in December 1990, the Supreme Council of the RSFSR issued a decree declaring the Orthodox holiday of Christmas a non-working day . Already January 7, 1991 was a non-working day. However, in some republics of the RSFSR, for example, Tatar ASSR, this is a resolution was ignored, and the day was recognized as working .

Through federal channels Russian television on Christmas night a solemn service is broadcast (after the restoration of the temple - from Cathedral of Christ the Savior).

Christmas

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Christmas. Christmas Kachlavova Olga Vladimirovna, English language teacher of the highest category, methodologist. Valentine's Day and Easter (Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day and Easter). It's no secret that the most popular holiday all over the world is Christmas. The selection of material and the creation of a script for the holiday are undertaken by the oldest - 7th grade. But everyone else, without exception, participates in the performance, be it a song, a dance or a skit, which are fragments of the overall performance. Fairy tales are taken as the outline of the script: “Alice in Wonderland”, “The Wizard of the Emerald City”, “The Snow Queen”, “Snow White and 7 Dwarfs”, etc., but traditional Christmas characters, songs and poems are invariably included in the scene. - Christmas.ppt

Nativity

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Wonderful and unusual events are associated with the Birth of Jesus Christ. Massacre of the innocents. Icon of the "Bethlehem Infants". In Rus', Christmas began to be celebrated in the 10th century. Christmas has long been a quiet and peaceful holiday. The last day of Lent was especially difficult. Previously, the long Christmas service began late at night. Christmas Eve, New Year (old style) and Epiphany. Immediately after Christmas, the so-called terrible evenings began. Fortune telling on mirrors. The shepherds and wise men bow to the baby. Fortune telling using a rooster was very common. A story about Christmas for my son. Merry Christmas! - Christmas 1.ppt

Christmas presents

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What is Christmas? Stocking for gifts. Hanging stockings by the fireplace for gifts. The British were the first to decorate the house. Holly, mistletoe, ivy, poinsettia... Holly has become a recognized symbol of Christmas. Mistletoe (Mistletoe). Christmas Carols. The British consider carols to be the most important Christmas tradition. Christmas Candy Candy. Cookies for Santa. The Christmas candy resembles the letter J, which is the beginning of the name Jesus. Candle. Every Sunday a new red candle is lit. Christmas Tree. - Christmas 2.ppt

Holiday Christmas

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The carol has arrived - open the gates! Listen to “The Way Kolyada Was Going.” From the east with the wise men the star travels with precious gifts to bestow upon Christ. We came to glorify Christ and congratulate you on the holiday. For fun for you, and for nuts for us. Listen to “Children's Album” by P.I. Tchaikovsky: "Morning Prayer". Listen to the song “Lullaby” performed by the Rainbow ensemble. For the holiday you will need mummers' costumes. Masks were made from paper, some would make a blue nose, some would make a red one. Bring forth, O God, every kind of spring wheat. There is goodness in the house, There is grain in the field. There is pie in the house. In the field it’s spiky. - Holiday Christmas.ppt

Christmas celebration

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Christmas. Feast of the Nativity of Christ. Exact date of birth. Divine baby. Event. Magi. Selma Lagerlöf. Sheep. Grandmother. Shepherd. Santa Claus. Christmas Eve. New Year. Christmas in Switzerland. Nativity. Classical music. - Celebrating Christmas.ppt

Holiday of Christmas

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Nativity. History of the holiday. The first mention of the celebration of Catholic Christmas is found in chronicles of the 4th century. Christmas. According to tradition, the Christmas Eve fast ends with the appearance of the first evening star in the sky. On the eve of the holiday, Old Testament prophecies and events related to the Nativity of the Savior are remembered. Traditions of the Nativity of Christ. Gifts for Christmas. Symbols of the Nativity of Christ. - Holiday of Christmas.pptx

Orthodox holiday of Christmas

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Nativity. Christmas Events. Purpose of the study. Stages of work. Angel. Events of the Nativity of Christ. Gospel of Matthew. Stars. The Savior was born. Magi. Holy Church. King Herod. Christ. Dates of celebration in various churches. An Orthodox xmas. Divine service on the Nativity of Christ. Forefeast. Eve of the Nativity of Christ. Holiday traditions. Christmas Eve. Christmas evening. Christmas fortune telling. Celebration at school. Traditions of celebrating Christmas. - Orthodox holiday of Christmas.ppt

New Year's and Christmas

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Where did New Year come from? Questions. -When was the New Year celebrated for the first time? -The symbolism of the New Year... Purpose of the study: From ancient origins. New Year's holiday is the oldest of all existing ones. New Year's Eve was the first day of January. The New Year in medieval England began in March. New year in Russia. History of the Christmas tree. Christmas. It’s gratifying that Advent, Holy Week and Christmas were successfully combined. There was a custom of giving gifts to children before Christmas. Gifts (gingerbreads, sweets) were hung on the Christmas tree as decoration. New Year in my family. New Year is the best, most favorite holiday in our family. - New Year and Christmas.ppt

Christmas story

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History of the holiday. Birth of Jesus Christ. Nativity of the Savior. Nativity. Star of the East. Gifts of the Magi. Frankincense, gold and myrrh. Holiday traditions. Christmas time. Caroling. Christmas tree. Legend. - History of Christmas.ppt

The Night Before Christmas Lesson

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“The Night Before Christmas” is an encyclopedia of folk traditions, beliefs, and rituals. Lesson objectives. Project typology. Preparatory stage Creation of groups and formulation of problematic issues. Independent work in groups: presentation of terms. Structuring information. Good evil. Crap. Vakula. Oksana. Solokha. Patsyuk. Discussion of hypotheses for resolving problematic issues. The witch pursues her own selfish goals (to seize Chub's wealth). Systematization and generalization of the obtained theoretical and practical data in accordance with the problems raised. 2nd group Christmas traditions and rituals. - The Night Before Christmas lesson.ppt

Games for Christmas

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Christmas game. Complete several tasks and you will find out who you can meet at Christmas. From which direction did the Magi come? From North. From South. From the east. From the west. Right! Which of the animals helped people the most during the Birth of the Savior? Where is the icon of the Nativity of Christ? Collect the letters with the following numbers and you will find out the name of the sorcerer: 2, 3, 7, 10, 12, 16. Which piece of the icon is missing? Why did the holy family have to flee soon after their birth? Eruption. Meteor Rain. The wrath of King Herod. Where did the holy family go? To China. In Egypt. To Japan. -

The presentation about the Nativity of Christ was made for children who, together with their parents, are preparing to celebrate one of the most revered holidays in Christianity. You can download the free electronic manual for a class lesson, for viewing at home with friends, for enjoying beautiful slides with your family on a holiday.

41 slides are dedicated to the story of the Nativity of Christ. On most pages, next to beautiful illustrations, there are poems by Russian poets about the people's favorite holiday. Let this work on such a burning topic leave an indelible mark on the souls of our schoolchildren.

The second part of the presentation offers an intellectual literary game on the theme “Once on Epiphany evening.” Middle school students can handle it. The questions cover knowledge of Christmas traditions and literary works that mention the holiday. We'll have to remember the symbols of Christmas - a Christmas tree and a five-pointed star.

The presentation on the topic “Christmas in Russia” talks about what wonderful traditions of the Christmas holiday exist in our country, which were in the villages of Ancient Rus'. You can download the development for any class. On the eve of the Christmas holidays, both primary and secondary school students will be interested in feeling the mood that this bright date gives.

An electronic resource was produced on 24 slides. Each of them contains an illustration on a given topic, small text materials, and congratulations for those who view the work. Enjoy watching this wonderful tutorial and rejoice in the winter holiday of the Nativity of Christ in Russia.

A presentation on the topic “Christmas in France” will tell you about the favorite family holiday of all French people without exception. There is not a person in this country who would not prepare in advance for this winter celebration. If you happen to visit this country at this particular time at the end of December, you will be able to see the Christmas traditions with your own eyes, but for now you can get an idea of ​​the celebration of Christmas in France from the presentation, which we offer to download for a class hour or a French lesson.

The work was done in Russian, although some words are translated in French: PERE NOEL - Santa Claus in France, and L’ARBRE DE NOEL - this is nothing more than a Christmas tree.

A presentation on the topic “Christmas in Germany” was made by Nikita Pinzhur, a 5th grade student. You can download the boy’s work to tell children about what traditions the Germans have when celebrating this winter holiday. The work will be especially interesting for those who have just begun to get acquainted with the German language and the culture of the country. You can use the electronic resource both in a German lesson and in class.

The presentation describes the holiday traditions characteristic of Germany:

• Christmas Day;
• Christmas tree and lights are a symbol of the holiday;
• a wreath with candles - decorating every home for Christmas;
• holiday treats;
• Besherung - the tradition of giving each other gifts;
• Saint Nicholas is a German Christmas character.

The presentation talks about how Christmas is celebrated in England. It turns out that this wonderful holiday in each country has acquired its own traditions. In Great Britain, they begin to prepare for Christmas ahead of time. Since autumn, everyone has been trying to make Christmas gift lists so as not to forget anything on the eve of such an important day, when boxes with bright bows should appear under the tree in special red socks.

It will be interesting for our children to get acquainted with the history of Santa Claus, who is the main character of Christmas in England and English-speaking countries. It turns out that Clement Clarke Moore once wrote a fairy tale about him, where he created his unique image: an old man in elegant clothes, traveling on eight deer, descending into every house through a chimney to leave a gift for children by the fireplace. Want to know even more about English Christmas traditions? There is nothing simpler, you just need to download the presentation for free and watch it with your schoolchildren.

A presentation on the topic “The Feast of the Nativity of Christ” is an amazing electronic guide that will make it possible to interestingly tell schoolchildren about the traditions of the brightest winter holiday. The work consists of 15 colorful slides that will attract attention with meaningful material and memorable illustrations. The story of the Nativity of Christ is told in simple, understandable language. The viewer will see and find out from what time this date began to be celebrated in the Christian Church, what traditions of celebration remain in our days. Much attention is paid to the story about Kolyada and Christmastide, the customs that accompany the holiday in Rus'. There is information on the slides about the old New Year and Epiphany. At the end of the class hour, you can hold a quiz about the winter holidays, where the children will have to answer questions about the traditions of the Nativity of Christ and Christmastide.

The presentation tells about the Christmas traditions that exist in different countries of the world. They can be found in Russia, England, Germany, and other countries. It is recommended to download the manual for conducting thematic classes. The topic is interesting, so both primary and secondary school teachers can use the resource.

Christmas is the brightest holiday. They prepare for it for a long time so that everything is special on this day. Everyone strives to observe those Christmas customs that have been created by the people for centuries and symbolize the celebration. Schoolchildren will be interested to learn about the Christmas wreath, tree, gifts, bells, Christmas tree decorations, holiday garlands and other celebration customs preserved in families.

The presentation will introduce schoolchildren to the history of the Nativity of Christ. It is proposed to conduct a class hour for children in the form of Christmas gatherings. The development can also be downloaded for free for organizing extra-curricular activities, to cover the topic in ORKSE lessons in 4th grade.

How accurately and soulfully B. Pasternak described the mood of the moment when the baby Christ was born. The poet's poem will become that intriguing moment that will capture the souls of children, capture their attention and not let go until the end of the viewing. There are 29 slides in total. The child learns something new from every page. Peering into the bright faces, he approaches the holiday.

The presentation is filled with material that tells the story of the appearance of Christmas cards. Downloading the manual will be interesting for those who are preparing a class lesson or are planning to make a gift for their family with their own hands. The teacher will be able to organize a demonstration of the manual during technology lessons, art lessons, and when conducting classes in circles.

The topic is presented broadly and fully. Since you are about to hear a story about postcards that have become a symbol of Christmas, the manual contains a lot of illustrative material. Children will enjoy those stories that are created with love on the eve of the holiday and are also very symbolic. There are angels, Christmas trees, family dinners, and houses decorated for the holiday. And somewhere Santa Claus rushes forward with gifts, Father Frost rushes along the snowy roads, children and adults carol.

The presentation presents material for conducting a Christmas quiz on the eve of the Nativity of Christ. You can download the manual for use in class hours, during extracurricular activities and themed games. This development can be the basis for holding an event, or it can only become the final chord in consolidating the theme.

Students can answer questions individually or in teams. There are answers to all questions, which will please the children and make it easier for the teacher to prepare for the lesson. All questions relate to the holiday of Christmas. Schoolchildren must answer when this celebration is celebrated in the world, where Christ was born, what was his mother's name, who was the first to come to worship the baby, and what gifts were given to him as the first gifts.

The presentation will help organize the work of a creative workshop for making a Christmas star with your own hands, the light of which informs us of the onset of the bright holiday of the Nativity of Christ. You can download the manual for labor and technology lessons. At home, children can make this craft on their own or together with their parents.

16 slides show the step-by-step production of paper crafts. Step by step, bending a sheet of yellow paper or cardboard in the right direction, children will receive an elegant product. You can decorate your house with it, or you can go caroling, congratulating your loved ones and neighbors.

Now it is becoming commonplace to hold family holidays of the secular and church calendar at school with the participation of parents and children. This work will help the teacher build communication with church-going participants in the educational process.

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God is with us! The Nativity of Christ is a great, bright, joyful holiday, when “angels rejoice in heaven and people rejoice.”

According to the Old Testament prophets, in 5508 from the creation of the world, Jesus Christ was born from the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit in the city of Bethlehem!

Annunciation Christmas is celebrated exactly 9 months after another church holiday - the Annunciation (April 7), when an angel appeared to the Virgin Mary and announced the good news that she would give birth to the Son of God.

THE STAR OF CHRISTMAS According to legend, on the day of the Annunciation of the Mother of God, a star lit up over Babylon. She was followed by the Magi, that is, holders of secret knowledge, familiar with the prophecy of Daniel, who lived long before in Babylon.

For the census in Bethlehem When Mary was already pregnant, she and Joseph had to go on a long journey to the city of Bethlehem, because the Roman Caesar Augustus ordered a census of the population throughout his land.

By the time of the earthly life of Christ the Savior, Judea was part of the huge Roman Empire and was ruled by the governor of Syria and a procurator subordinate to him. To streamline taxation, Emperor Augustus decided to conduct a census throughout the state. The Roman authorities respected local customs, and the census was carried out in Judea in accordance with the laws of the people. Mary and Joseph belonged to the family of David, and therefore had to enroll in the city where their ancestor came from - in Bethlehem - the House of Living Bread. Why was the census needed?

Cave - nativity scene When Joseph and Mary reached Bethlehem, there were no places in the hotel. Many came to Bethlehem for the census. The time has come for Mary to give birth. “...And she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger,” we read in the Gospel. This means that they were housed in a cattle pen. According to ancient legend, this stable was located in a cave.

When Christ came the world received its King in the cattle cave. Only animals warmed the Baby with their breath on a cold winter night. They did not touch the food so that in an armful of hay, as in a soft bed, He could hide from the cold. The baby in the Bethlehem cave exuded a wondrous light.

Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Holy Cave of the Nativity, Orthodox throne above the birthplace of the Savior.

Christ's Manger The silver star under the throne marks the place where Jesus Christ was born

Adoration of the Shepherds The first guests of the divine baby were simple shepherds, to whom an Angel announced the Nativity of Christ: “I proclaim to you great joy that will be to all people: for today a Savior has been born to you in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord! And here is a sign for you: you will find a Child wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12).

At this time, according to the Apostle Matthew, Magi from the east (magi are ancient sages) came with gifts to the King of Peace. They, following her movement across the sky, crossed several states and arrived in Jerusalem. There they turned to the ruling ruler of this country, Herod, with a question where they could see the newly born King of the Jews, obviously assuming that the ruler should be related to him by family ties. Star of Bethlehem

Adoration of the Magi Herod was alarmed by this news, but did not show it and politely escorted the Magi out of the palace, asking them, when they found the King, to tell him where he was, “so that I too could go and worship Him.” The travelers left Jerusalem and followed the guiding star, which led them to Bethlehem. There they found Mary and the baby, bowed to him and brought gifts.

Adoration of the Magi The Magi brought gifts to the Baby: gold, incense and myrrh. These gifts had a deep meaning: gold was brought as a tribute to the King, incense as a tribute to God, and myrrh as a person who was about to die (in those distant times, myrrh was anointed with the dead).

According to legend, one of the magicians was a Persian, another was an Arab, and the third was an Ethiopian. Their names were Gaspar, Melchior and Belshazzar. After worshiping Jesus, the Magi, more than thirty years later, received Baptism from the Apostle Thomas and themselves became preachers. Their relics were discovered in the 3rd century and are now in the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. Cologne Cathedral

Massacre of the Innocents Herod the Great, having learned of the birth of the Child who was destined to become “king of the Jews,” and fearing that his own power would thus be usurped, ordered the killing of all the infants in Bethlehem and its environs.

What did Herod achieve by sending soldiers to massacre the infants in Bethlehem? Should we just kill little Christ? It must be assumed that he knew: if God sent the Savior into the world, then no weapon would strike Him. Then what was he trying to achieve? Fear! The horror that will take over the people! This is what Herod needed. So that the people would not recognize the Savior, remembering the fanaticism that accompanied His coming.

Massacre of infants 14,000 infants were killed in this way. They are considered the first martyrs for Christ. But the Holy Family, warned by an angel, had already fled to a safe place by this time.

Flight to Egypt “An angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream and says: Arise, take the Child and His Mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod wants to look for the Child in order to destroy Him” (Matthew 2: 13). Joseph obeyed. He put the young mother with her newborn son in her arms on a donkey, and they left Bethlehem. The old carpenter himself walked ahead, leading the donkey by the bridle. Their path lay to the west, to the border of Egypt.

But is this really how the born Christ was received? The Holy Church sings that all of God’s creation met the Savior: the angels brought Him singing, the wise men brought gifts, the shepherds met the Child, the earth prepared a den-den, and the Virgin Mary became the Mother of the Lord.

Once begun, the Nativity of Christ continues endlessly in human souls and always occurs in silence and solitude.

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The first time the Feast of the Nativity of Christ was celebrated in Rus' was in 988. Christmas is one of the most beautiful and solemn Christian holidays. Throughout the Christian world, including in Rus', Christmas has always been celebrated with special reverence. On this day, decorated Christmas trees stand everywhere, symbolizing the gospel tree, candles are burning, similar to those that burned in the Bethlehem stable. Celebrating Christmas in Rus'

Christmas tree It is believed that the tree is an integral part of the New Year. This is not entirely true. Putting up a Christmas tree is a Christmas custom. Since ancient times, all nations have had a tree as a symbol of peace. The symbol of heaven is the evergreen spruce, which is usually decorated on Christmas night and left throughout the holidays. By the way, the Christmas tree differs from the New Year’s tree in that it was decorated exclusively with white and blue balls.

Mercy They prepared for the holiday thoroughly; a few days before Christmas, all work stopped: it was believed that otherwise the year would pass in hard work, without rest. Strict fasting begins 6 weeks before the start of the holiday. People of means considered it their duty these days to help the poor. They set up almshouses, visited prisons and distributed alms.

On Christmas Eve - Christmas Eve - food was not allowed until the appearance of the first star, which marks the birth of the Savior of the world. When this Christmas star rose in the sky, everyone hurried to the festive table. There had to be some hay or straw on the table. Until midnight, at the table they usually consumed lean meat, “Christmas kutya”, and only after that the meat-eater began. Christmas table

The name “Christmas Eve” comes from the word “sochivo”, which was the name of the ritual dish required that evening. It was prepared from poppy or almond “milk” mixed with honey, and porridge from red wheat or barley, rye, buckwheat, peas, and lentils. Whole or crushed kernels of walnuts, sweet almonds, and ground poppy seeds were added there. This dish began the meal, both on Christmas and Epiphany Eve. Sochivo

The solemn service of Christmas Eve in the Christian world is considered exclusively a family dinner. On this day, peace, love and harmony reign in the house. In the old days, the table was sprinkled with hay, then a tablecloth was laid out, and a dish with soch and other dishes was placed in the center of the table. There were enough drinks. In the churches during these festive evening hours a solemn service was held.

The evening of January 6 was also called “Carols”. Kolyada, Kolyada! And there is a carol on Christmas Eve! Kolyada has come - brought Christmas! And God forbid to the one who is in this house: The rye is thick for him, The rye of a supper! He has an octopus from an ear of grain, a loaf of grain from him, a pie from half-grain! The Lord would endow you with life, existence, and wealth! And create for you, Lord, even better than that! Give you, Lord, Livestock, a belly, a cow with a calf, a sheep with a lamb, a horse with a foal, a pig with a piglet!

Christmastide On the eve of Christmas and on the day of the holiday, they dressed in everything new, and even changed their clothes several times, so that they would be new all year. Christmastide begins on January 8, lasting 12 days until Epiphany.

Generous gifts According to ancient belief, on Christmastide the newborn God wanders the earth and sends out generous gifts; Whatever you ask for in prayer, you will receive. It was believed that at this time the most cherished desires were fulfilled.

Christmastide was accompanied by its own customs and rituals - Christmastide festivities, Christmastime caroling, generosity, fortune telling at Christmas, New Year and Epiphany. Christmastide was a time of rest, games, entertainment, and festivities.

Candle on the window These days, carolers walked around the courtyards, glorified Christ, sang ritual songs, wished happiness and prosperity to the owners, and collected gifts. But there was one secret - they came only to those houses that had a candle on the window...

Be merciful. Fasting on holy days is canceled. But Christmas time is not only joy and fun. Our pious ancestors did works of mercy on Christmastide, following the commandment of the Savior: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Mummers An indispensable condition of the Christmas holiday in Rus' was dressing up in masks and masquerade costumes. This tradition is also very ancient. The Church has never encouraged such disguises.

And then masquerade lovers had to “cleanse themselves of filth” by swimming in winter rivers (on the day of the Epiphany).

Christmas den About 100-200 years ago in Russia there was a wonderful tradition of home theaters on biblical themes; our ancestors especially loved to organize Christmas dens - that was the name of performances on the theme of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Nativity Scene Theater All members of the family took part in this action, from the smallest children to the gray-haired household members. Children and adults sewed costumes for themselves, learned roles, and made scenery.

And, of course, what would Christmas be without gifts? The custom of giving gifts at Christmas is associated with the Gospel legends about the gifts of the Magi. As you know, these were gold, frankincense and myrrh. But this does not mean that we should give gold and other expensive gifts. The main thing is that the gift is made from the heart. Most often people give figurines of angels, beautiful cards, and books for Christmas.

Cathedral of the Most Holy Theotokos And the day after Christmas is dedicated to the Mother of Christ the Savior - the Most Pure Virgin Mary. From the gathering of believers to the temple to glorify and give thanks to Her, this day is called the Council of the Most Holy Theotokos.

God is with us! That night had already receded into the darkness of centuries, When, tired of anger and anxiety, the Earth fell asleep in the arms of the sky And in silence was born: “GOD is with us!” And much is impossible now: Kings no longer look at heaven, And shepherds do not listen in the desert, As angels talk about God. But the eternal that was revealed that night is indestructible by time, And the Word was born again in your soul, Born over the manger long ago. Yes! God is with us - not there, in an azure tent, Not beyond the bounds of countless worlds, Not in an evil fire and not in a stormy breath, And not in the sleeping memory of centuries. He is here now - amidst the random bustle, In the noisy stream of life's anxieties. You possess an all-joyful secret: Evil is powerless, we are eternal, GOD IS WITH US!

PEACE HOLIDAY According to legend, in the year of Christmas there were no wars on earth. The Lord brought peace, the peace of man with God. He brings peace to a restless soul and a sick conscience. He is the only one who can give peace and tranquility to a person’s heart.

But, like twenty centuries ago, the Nativity of Christ always remains a personal holiday for the people involved in it. Those in whom Christ was born, who recognized Him as God, accepted Him into themselves and subordinated Their lives to Him. There are still few such people. Because living for yourself, and not for Him, seems more reasonable, worldly wiser. True, for the time being - until a person faces the questions: “Why do we live? Why are we dying? Why do we get sick and suffer?”

Based on materials from Orthodox publications. http://www.portal-slovo.ru based on materials from the site rojdestvo.paskha.ru Sources of information