Reading
to the paragraphs (1-6). there are two headings that you don't need to use.
christmas customs and traditions
sending christmas greetings to friends was initiated by sir
henry cole in england. the year was 1843 and it was designed by j.c. horsley.
1 was commercial – 1000 copies were sold in london. an english artist, william
broduced a popular poster in 1849. from the beginning the themes have
been as varied as the christmas customs worldwide.
une astrological/astronomical phenomenon which triggered the travel of the magi to give presents to child
sus. variously described as a supernova or a conjunction of planets it supposedly happened around the year
b.c. -- the most probable true birth year of christ. the thing is often put to the top of the christmas tree.
3.
jesus was born in a stable in bethlehem. in catholic countries this fact is brought to mind with miniature
replicas of the nativity scene. the manger, animals, miniatures of jesus, joseph, maria, the shepherds and the
three magi are part of this very popular symbol. it was started (says the legend by st. franciscus of assisi,
the pope has his own in rome but nowadays the custom is followed in protestant countries, too.
4.
sacred to ancient druids and a symbol of eternal life the same way as christmas tree. the romans valued
it as a symbol of peace. kissing under it was a roman custom, too.
5.
anything goes nowadays. in old times they were simple, wood, paper, straw and often very intricate.
themes follow the general taste of each time but national traditions can be discerned even now. people often
have competitions where people use extravagant christmas lights to light up their whole house.
6.
there are many roots of this custom. there is st. nicholas the anonymous benefactor, there is the tradition
of magi giving precious gifts to jesus, there is the roman custom of giving gifts of good luck to children
during saturnalia. the day of gift giving varies greatly in different christian cultures and times.
trigger — ihiuilobath, bukjykatu (wo-hebyab), aath moyatok (40my-hebyáb)
conjunction – 3'cdhahha, 36j1xehha hebechix tiji
sacred – cbawehhhé, cbathé, 6oxectbehhné
a mistletoe
b christmas card
c decorations
d christmas carols
e christmas gifts
f christmas crib
g christmas plays
h star
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