A worldwide feast...

Christmas around the globe.

An assessment about the cultural practices of different countries/races during yuletide season.

Submitted by: Roland Amiel C. Pealoza B.S. Pharmacy 2-A Submitted to: Mrs. Edna Liza Victoria Professor- Soc. Sci. 15

The Philippines
Before we start assessing different cultural practices of other countries, let us first assess our homeland, the Philippines. Yuletide season seems to be the most anticipated celebration in the Philippines every year. In fact, Filipinos are known for having the longest celebration of Christmas which starts as early as September. As soon as ber months hit the calendar, Filipinos begin decorating the streets, establishments and their houses with colorful and vibrant Christmas lights and gigantic Christmas trees. The word Pasko is derived from the Spanish "Pascua de Natividad", which literally means "Easter of the Nativity." However the word "pascua" is associated with "solemnity" or "celebration" for the Spanish, and used for other religious feasts. Historical records show that even before Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines in 1521, an Italian Franciscan friar named Odoric de Perdenon and his colleagues had already landed on the shores of Pangasinan (formerly called Thalma-sin). Their arrival marked the country's first Christmas Mass as de Perdenone celebrated a Natale Mass with a group of native folk on the 25th of December. It was only later in 1565, during Miguel Lopez de Legaspi's rule, when the first official celebration of the Feast of the Nativity happened. However, even before Spanish colonizers came to the country, the natives had long been practicing thanksgiving rituals in the early mornings before working in the fields. Thus, Filipinos' Christmas traditions at present have their roots in this practice. The yuletide celebration in the Philippines exemplifies the country's culturally diverse traditions. It is a blend of cultures, traditions and customs, cherished by both folk and Christian beliefs. Paskong Pinoy is marked by rich Hispanic-influenced traditions such as the: y Belen, which illustrates the Nativity scene, is based on the accounts written by Matthew and Luke in the Bible about Jesus birth. It shows the image of infant Jesus laid in a manger while being watched over by Mary and Joseph. Other Belens also present images of the Magi with their gifts, shepherds, animals and angels. A few days before the much-awaited Christmas celebration, the manger where baby Jesus is placed should be empty. The image of Jesus is laid in the manger on Christmas day to signify His birth. Belens are usually found in houses, churches and even business establishments. In fact, various provinces in the Philippines annually hold Belen-making contest as the Yuletide season approaches. , y Misa de Gallo, December 16, marks the beginning of Simbang Gabi which ends on December 24. Filipinos are eager to complete the nine consecutive days of early morning mass for they believe that doing so will make their wishes come true. The last day of Simbang Gabi is called Misa de Gallo or the Roosters Mass. According to historians, it was called the Roosters mass for it is celebrated at four in the morning when roosters started crowing at the sun. After mass, Filipinos would grab and savor bibingka (rice cakes) or puto bumbong (purple-colored sticky rice cake) partnered with hot chocolate for breakfast.

Parols, which are said to be the most iconic Christmas decoration in the Philippines. These are five-pointed star-shaped lanterns which are made out of bamboo and either papel de Japon or tissues. They are often lit with small candles inside and even surrounded by flashing lights. Filipinos today show their creativity and resourcefulness as they make lanterns out of recycled materials. And Panuluyan, which is held on Christmas Eve. The procession begins with the images of St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary on floats being wheeled out of the church courtyard at about seven in the evening. Two singers vocalize the two parts, accompanied by musicians. They stop at three or four homes throughout the barrio or town, which represent different inns or houses in Bethlehem. At each, they plead for lodging in song. The singers representing the house owners or innkeepers all refuse to provide lodgings and give various reasons. One sings that his house is overflowing with guests; a couple may claim to be too poor to take them in; another person gives the excuse that the real owner is out; another argues that it is unsafe to let in strangers at night. The ritual ends towards midnight, at the church where the midnight Mass is about to begin. At the singing of the "Gloria" the nativity scene is unveiled at the altar. The star-shaped lanterns depict the star that guided the three wise men in their search for the newborn Christ. History reveals that parols were first used by people from various provinces to light and guide their ways as they went to churches to attend Mass before dawn.

Through the years of cross-cultural interactions, the Europeans and Americans brought the traditional chestnut roasting and white Christmas dreams of Filipinos. They introduced Saint Nicholas, carols, and Christmas cards. They brought Christmas trees inside Filipino houses.

Philippines unique cultural practices during the yuletide season

o o o o o

Longest yuletide season Misa de Gallo Belen Parols Panuluyan

Peoples republic of China

Chinese New Year is the foremost winter holiday in Chinese culture. Still, that doesn't mean that Christmas is ignored altogether. In the People's Republic of China, December 25 is not a legal holiday. However, it is still designated as a public holiday in China's special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, both former colonies of Western powers with (nominal) Christian cultural heritage. In the mainland, the small percentage of Chinese citizens who consider themselves Christians unofficially, and usually privately, observe Christmas. Many other individuals celebrate Christmas-like festivities even though they do not consider themselves Christians. Many customs, including sending cards, exchanging gifts, and hanging stockings are very similar to Western celebrations. Commercial Christmas decorations, signs, and other symbolic items have become increasingly prevalent during the month of December in large urban centres of mainland China, reflecting a cultural interest in this Western phenomenon, and, sometimes, retail marketing campaigns as well. In Hong Kong, where Christmas is a public holiday and a major retail period, many buildings facing Victoria Harbour will be decked out in Christmas lights. Christmas trees are found in major malls and other public buildings, and in some homes as well, despite the small living area. Catholics in Hong Kong can attend Christmas Mass.
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Chinas unique cultural practices during the yuletide season

o Christmas is not a public holiday in mainland China o Some observe Christmas even if they are not Christians o In Hongkong, Christmas is a public holiday

Japan .
Encouraged by commerce, the secular celebration of Christmas is popular in Japan, though Christmas is not a national holiday. Gifts are sometimes exchanged. Christmas parties are held

around Christmas Day; Japanese Christmas cake is often a white sponge cake covered with cream and decorated with strawberries. Christmas lights decorate cities, and Christmas trees adorn living areas and malls. Christmas Eve has become a holiday for couples to spend time together and exchange gifts. The first recorded Christmas in Japan was a Mass held by Jesuit missionaries in Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1552. Some believe that unrecorded celebrations were held before this date, starting in 1549 when Saint Francis Xavier arrived in Japan. Christianity was banned throughout Japan in 1612. However, a small enclave of Kakure Kirishitan ("hidden Christians") continued to practice underground over the next 250 years. Christianity in Japan along with Christmas reemerged in the Meiji period. Influenced by America, Christmas parties were held and presents were exchanged. The practice slowly spread, but its proximity to the New Year's celebrations makes it a smaller focus of attention. During World War II, all celebrations, especially American, were suppressed. From the 1960s, with an expanding economy, and influenced by American TV, Christmas became popular. Many songs and TV series present Christmas as romantic, for example "Last Christmas" by Exile. The birthday of the current emperor, Akihito, on December 23 is a national holiday. Businesses soon close for the New Year's holidays, reopening after January 3.

Japans unique cultural practices during the yuletide season

o It is mostly encouraged by commerce o They have Japanese Christmas cake o It is not that popular unlike the birthday of their emperor Akihito and New Year Celebration

United States of America and Canada

Christmas is a widely-celebrated and festive holiday in the United States and Canada irrespective of religion. The Christmas holiday season begins in end of November and ends in beginning of January.

The Christmas traditions are the most similar to those in England but have their own distinct style. The celebration of the sacrosanct nature of "home and hearth" is associated with the tradition of Christmas. The interior and exterior of the home is decorated during the weeks leading up to Christmas Eve. Christmas tree cultivation in the United States and Christmas tree production in Canada provide families with trees for their homes including the White House Christmas tree. Artificial Christmas trees may be substituted for real trees. The tree stands centrally in the home, decorated with ornaments, tinsel and lights, with an angel or a star symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem at the top. Christmas Eve is popularly and appropriately described as the night before Christmas in the poem called "A Visit from St. Nicholas". Better known as Santa Claus (occasionally still referred to as Father Christmas), he is said to visit homes while children are sleeping during the night before Christmas morning. The chimney is now called the fireplace and may in some homes be an electric version but theYule log in the firebox has remained a tradition. Christmas stockings are hung on the mantelpiece for Santa Claus to fill with little gifts ("stocking stuffers"). It is tradition throughout the United States and Canada, for children to leave a glass of milk and plate of Christmas cookies for Santa Claus nearby and a carrot or oats for the reindeer.Children are told the true story of a little girl named Virginia, whose 1897 letter to The Sun (a New York newspaper), inspired the now-famous editorial response, titled "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus". NORAD tracks Santa's sleigh on its journey across Canada and the United States. Presents the family will exchange are wrapped and placed near the tree, including presents to be given to pets. Friends exchange wrapped presents and tell each other, "Do not open before Christmas!" Grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, siblings and occasionally guests from out of town are entertained in the home or else visited. Wrapped presents are most commonly opened on the morning of Christmas Day; however, other families choose to open all or some of their presents on Christmas Eve, depending on evolving family traditions, logistics, and the age of the children involved; e.g., adults might open their presents on Christmas Eve and minor children on Christmas morning, or everyone might open their gifts on Christmas morning. Others follow the tradition of opening familyexchanged gifts on Christmas Eve night, followed by opening of the presents Santa brought on Christmas morning. Children are allowed to play with their new toys and games afterwards. The traditional Christmas dinner usually features either roasted turkey with stuffing (sometimes called dressing), ham, or roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. Potatoes, squash, roasted vegetables and cranberry sauce are served along with tonics and sherry. Mince pies, plum pudding and Christmas cake are served in Canada as Christmas desserts. A variety of sweet pastry and egg nog sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg are served in the United States. Certain dishes such as casseroles and desserts are prepared with a family recipe (usually kept a secret). Fruits, nuts, cheeses and chocolates are enjoyed as snacks. Other traditions include a special church service on the Sunday before Christmas and Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Candlelight services are held earlier in the evening for families with children. A re-enactment of the Nativity of Jesus called a Nativity play is another tradition. Christmas-related tourist attractions, such as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and elaborate animated department store windows in New York City are heavily visited by tourists from all over the world. Christmas music can be heard in the background. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is one whose annual carol singing is well-recognized; another example is the Boys choir heard singing Christmas Time Is Here, a song featured in the animated television special "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Christmas symphony and choral presentation such as Handel's Messiah and

performances of The Nutcracker ballet are attended. Local radio stations may temporarily switch format to play exclusively Christmas music, some going to an all-Christmas format as early as midOctober. A few television stations broadcast a Yule Log without interruption for several hours. News broadcasts and talk shows feature Christmas-themed segments, emphasizing fellowship and goodwill among neighbors. Of particular note is the observance of Christmas for military families of soldiers and sailors serving abroad, on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border. In the Canadian province of Quebec and other French-speaking areas of North America, Christmas traditions include rveillon, Pre Nol ("Father Christmas") and the bche de Nol (Yule log), among others. Christmas crackers are another tradition throughout Canada. The observation of Boxing Day (which coincides with the Christian Feast of St. Stephen) on the day after Christmas Day, December 26, is a tradition practiced in Canada, as it is in the other Commonwealth Realms, although not in the United States. The Royal Christmas Message from Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada is televised nationwide in Canada, the occasion being an observance which unites Canadians with citizens of the other Commonwealth Realms worldwide.

USA and Canada s unique cultural practices during the yuletide season

o They are observed irrespective of religion

o Christmas tree cultivation to be used during Christmas season o

Saint Nicolas (Santa Clause) o rveillon, Pre Nol and the bche de Nol

o Royal Christmas Message from Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada

Italy .
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Italian: Festa dell'Immacolata Concezione) on December 8 is a national holiday in Italy. Christmas decorations, including the presepe, as well as the Christmas tree, are put up on this day.

Saint Lucy's Day (Italian: Giorno di Santa Lucia) is celebrated as a Catholic holiday in Sicily and Northern regions of Italy on the Shortest day of the year which is December 13. Saint Lucy is the patron saint of the city of Syracuse better known as Santa Lucia as she is called in the traditional Neapolitan song. Evening candlelight processions called the parade of light are conducted and are followed by the Feast of St. Lucy. Sicilians pay tribute to a miracle performed by St Lucy during a famine in 1582. At that time, she brought a flotilla of grain-bearing ships to starving Sicily, whose citizens cooked and ate the wheat without taking time to grind it into flour. Thus, on St. Lucy's Day, Sicilians do not eat anything made with wheat flour. Instead they eat cooked wheat called cuccia. Christmas is celebrated in Italy in a similar fashion to other Western European countries, with a strong emphasis given to the Christian meaning of the holiday and its celebration by the Catholic Church, also reinforced by the still widespread tradition of setting up the presepe, a tradition initiated by Saint Francis of Assisi. It is quite common to attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve and practice the custom not to eat any meat. The dinner traditionally consists of seafood, with the Feast of the Seven Fishes, followed by typical Italian Christmas sweets, such as pandoro, panettone, torrone, pan forte, struffoli, caggionetti, Monte Bianco or others, depending on the regional cuisine. Christmas on the 25th is celebrated with a family lunch, consisting of different types of meat dishes, cheese and local sweets. The ancient Christmas festival called Ndocciata is celebrated on Christmas Eve in Molise with a parade of torches leading up to the "Bonfire of Brotherhood". Traditions regarding the exchanging of gifts vary from region to region, as this might take place either on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day. Presents for children are left underneath the Christmas tree either by Santa Claus (called Babbo Natale) or, according to older traditions, by Baby Jesus himself. In some regions children receive gifts earlier (at St. Lucy's Day) or later (on Epiphany). December 26, (St. Stephen's Day, in Italian Giorno di Santo Stefano), is also a public holiday in Italy. Festivities extend to the end of the year and then to the Epiphany. On the 6th of January (Epiphany, in Italian Epifania) decorations are usually taken down, and in some areas female puppets are burned on a fire (called "fal"), to symbolize, along with the end of the Christmas period, the death of the old year and the beginning of a new one. While gifts are now given at Christmas by an American style Santa Claus as well, Italy holds fast to its tradition of native gift-givers. On the eve of the 6th, la Befana, the good Epiphany witch, is thought to ride the night skies on broomstick, bringing good children gifts and sweets, and bad ones charcoal or bags of ashes. In other areas it is the Three Wise Men who bring gifts, especially oranges symbolizing gold, and chocolate symbolizing their kisses to good children. In some municipalities, most famously in Milan, the custom of the "Corteo dei Re Magi" (Three Kings Procession) is elaborately celebrated with a parade welcoming the Wise Men, and the passing out of sweets. In other places, such as Treviso the day is celebrated with bonfires, the sparks of which are said to predict the future of the new year.

Italys unique cultural practices during the yuletide season

Christmas decorations, like Christmas tree and presepe are put up usually starting December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Concepcion

o Evening candlelight processions called the parade of light are conducted and are followed by the Feast of St. Lucy, Sicilians do not eat anything made with wheat flour. Instead they eat cooked wheat called cuccia. o Ndocciata is celebrated on Christmas Eve. o Presents for children are left underneath the Christmas tree either by Santa Claus called Babbo Natale or, according to older traditions, by Baby Jesus himself. In some regions children receive gifts earlier, at St. Lucy's Day or later, on Epiphany. o December 26, (St. Stephen's Day, in Italian Giorno di Santo Stefano), is also a public holiday in Italy. Festivities extend to the end of the year and then to the Epiphany. o On the 6th of January (Epiphany, in Italian Epifania) decorations are usually taken down, and in some areas female puppets are burned on a fire (called "fal"), to symbolize, along with the end of the Christmas period o The custom of the "Corteo dei Re Magi" (Three Kings Procession) is elaborately celebrated with a parade welcoming the Wise Men, and the passing out of sweets.

Israel and other Palestine territories.

Israel is a Jewish state; thus, Jewish Israelis do not celebrate Christmas. The celebration of Hanukkah falls at approximately the same time, but it has not undergone the same osmosis of Christmas-like practices (such as exchange of gifts) that the holiday has in the United States and Europe. Most Israeli Arabs are Muslim, and thus do not celebrate Christmas either, but there is a minority of Christian Israeli Arabs who do celebrate Christmas. Given the diversity of denominations among Christian Israeli Arabs, some celebrate with the Western Churches on the Gregorian 25 December, and others with the Eastern Churches on the Gregorian 7 January (Julian 25 December). The pattern of Christmas observance among the Palestinians residing in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the Palestinian territories is similar to that of Israeli Arabs across the Green Line. Although Christianity is a minority in Israel, Christmas is important in both areas due to the region's significance as the place where Jesus lived, and as a destination for Christian pilgrims around the world, especially during Christmas time. Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, lies in the West Bank, with the Church of the Nativity being a prominent symbol of the city for both Christian and Muslim Palestinians as well as a site of pilgrimage for thousands annually. Nazareth, Jesus' hometown and another pilgrimage site, is a mixed Jewish/Israeli Arab city lying in northern Israel. Finally, Jerusalem contains the Church of the Holy Sepulchre; although it is overall the largest centre of Christian pilgrimage, its associations with the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus tend to focus pilgrimage towards Eastertide rather than Christmas. Christian pilgrimage makes up a significant proportion of the Palestinian economy in the West Bank, and accounts for a substantial proportion of tourism in Israel.

Israels unique cultural practices during the yuletide season o Jewish Israelis do not celebrate Christmas o They celebrate of Hanukkah o some celebrate with the Western Churches on the Gregorian 25 December, and others with the Eastern Churches on the Gregorian 7 January o Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, lies in the West Bank, with the Church of the Nativity being a prominent symbol of the city for both Christian and Muslim Palestinians as well as a site of pilgrimage for thousands annually.