Christmas in Canada traditions in English. Christmas traditions

Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrated worldwide. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a sacred religious holiday on the first place and a cultural phenomenon on the second. The word Christmas is derived from Old English and means Christ’s Mass. The date of celebration may vary from country to country. The Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 7, while the Catholic Church celebrates it on December 25.

The traditions of celebration can also be different. For example, in Canada and the United States children write letters to Santa Claus before Christmas describing what they would like to get as a present. People richly decorate their houses and the Christmas tree, send cards to relatives and friends, prepare festive meals for the Christmas dinner. Presents are usually placed under the tree. In Britain children find their presents in special stockings, which are hang over the fireplace.

Christmas Day is a formal holiday in many countries. It is regarded not only as a public holiday, but also as a major festival. Along with such holiday as Easter, Christmas is one of the periods of highest annual church attendance. People hold religious processions or parades. In many Catholic countries joyous carols can be heard everywhere on the days preceding Christmas.

The practice of decorating houses on Christmas has a long history. Nativity scenes have been seen back in the 10th century in Rome. Starting from the 15th century this tradition became widely spread in London. The heart-shaped leaves of ivy and evergreen holly were used a lot in decorations. They were meant to protect the houses from pagans and witches and to denote the coming of Jesus to earth.

Today, the traditional colors of Christmas are red, green and gold. While red symbolizes the blood of Jesus, green has the meaning of eternal life. That’s why the evergreen tree is used for decorations. The color of gold symbolizes royalty and associates with one of the three gifts of the Magi. Apart from evergreen plants, traditional decorations for Christmas include lights and street banners, bells and candles, stockings and candy canes, wreaths and angels.

An important part of Christmas is a traditional family meal. The food served for this meal greatly differs from country to country. For example, in Sicily families prepare 12 kinds of fish for Christmas dinner. Traditional British meal includes roast turkey or goose, cider, meat, gravy, mince pies and pudding for dessert. Traditional main course in Eastern Europe is either fish or lamb. In such countries as Germany and France people prefer pork or goose. Italians like cooking special tarts and cakes. The Maltese prepare a chocolate and chestnut beverage.

Christmas is associated with a number of figures, such as Santa Claus, Ded Moroz, Babbo Natale, Sinterklaas, Joulupukki, etc. Perhaps, the best known of all is a Santa Claus. He is a jolly, white-bearded man, dressed in red, who is believed to bring desired gifts for kids. Although Saint Nicholas was a bishop from Turkey, the modern image of Santa Claus originated in New York.

Christmas

Christmas is a Christian holiday that is celebrated all over the world. This is the memory of the birth of Jesus Christ. This holiday is, first of all, sacred and religious, and secondly, it is a cultural phenomenon. The word Christmas comes from Old English and means “Mass to Christ.” The date of celebration may vary in different countries. The Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 7, while the Catholic Church celebrates it on December 25.

Celebration traditions can also be different. For example, in Canada and the United States, before Christmas, children write letters to Santa Claus describing what they would like to receive as a gift. People luxuriously decorate their houses and Christmas trees, send Greeting Cards relatives and friends, preparing festive dishes for Christmas dinner. Gifts are usually placed under the tree. In Britain, children can find their gifts in special stockings hung over the fireplace.

Christmas is public holiday in many countries. It is considered not only as an official day off, but also as a significant celebration. Along with Easter, Christmas is one of the periods of high annual church attendance. People participate in religious processions or parades. In many Catholic countries, joyful Christmas carols are heard everywhere in the days leading up to Christmas.

The practice of decorating homes for Christmas has a long history. Nativity scenes were seen as early as the 10th century in Rome. Since the 15th century, this tradition has spread widely in London. Heart-shaped leaves of ivy and the evergreen variety of holly were often used in decorations. They were intended to protect the home from pagans and witches, and also to mark the coming of Jesus to earth.

Today, the traditional colors of Christmas are red, green and gold. While red symbolizes the blood of Jesus, green has the meaning of eternal life. This is why evergreen tree is used for decoration. The color gold symbolizes greatness and is associated with one of the three gifts of the Magi. In addition to evergreens, traditional Christmas decorations include illuminations and outdoor banners, bells and candles, stockings and candy canes, wreaths and angels.

An important part of Christmas is the traditional family feast. The food served during this feast may vary dramatically depending on the different countries. For example, Sicilian families prepare 12 types of fish for Christmas dinner. Traditional British food includes roast turkey or goose, cider, meat, gravy, pies and pudding for dessert. The traditional main dish in Eastern Europe is either fish or lamb. In countries such as Germany and France, pork or chicken is preferred. Italians prepare special pies and cakes. The Maltese prepare a chocolate-chestnut drink.

Christmas is associated with a number of personalities, such as Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Babbo Natale, Sinterklaas, Joulupukki, etc. Perhaps the most famous of all is Santa Claus. He is a cheerful, white-bearded man, dressed all in red, who supposedly brings children the gifts they have been dreaming of. Even though Saint Nicholas was a bishop from Turkey, modern look Santa Claus originated in New York.

Hello, dear readers! Despite the fact that the USA and Canada are on the same continent and are very close neighbors with similar traditions, culture and language, there are differences regarding holidays. Even Canada's global holidays have their own unique flavor. National Canadian celebrations are in some ways similar and in some ways different from US holidays. What exactly are we going to find out today?

Features of holidays in Canada

Canada is a country of boundaries and boundaries. The inscription on the state emblem reads: “A Mari Usque Ad Mare”, which translated from Latin means “From sea to sea”. The state is governed by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, and its traditions are very similar to other English-speaking countries. In all Canadian provinces, except Quebec, English is the official language, so the holidays are somewhat adopted from England.

All Canadian holidays are conventionally divided into: generally recognized world celebrations and Canadian national holidays, which are celebrated only by Canadians. With all this, no matter what the holiday, Canadians are very fond of any festive events that are held in the country, especially if they give a day off.

Christmas in Canada is celebrated on January 1st and New Year, not skimping on nice gifts and beautiful decorations. Canada also invariably celebrates such a universally accepted holiday as Easter, that is, the Holy Resurrection of Christ. Believers paint eggs, bake Easter cakes and cookies and distribute them to children, and attend church services.

Many unofficial international holidays also celebrated by Canadians. This April Fool's Day, which, like ours, is celebrated on April 1st. On this day it is customary to joke, have fun and prank each other. Couples in love February 14 (Valentine's Day) they confess their love and exchange pleasant gifts. On the night from October 31 to November 1, it is celebrated Halloween. Children, dressed in costumes, go from house to house and receive sweets, and young people attend themed parties.

Every year on November 11 at exactly 11:00 the entire city stands in a minute of silence for the soldiers killed in the war. This is how they celebrate it in Canada Remembrance Day. The symbol of this holiday is a red poppy, as an analogy of the blood shed in war. The famous autumn festival throughout North America is considered to be Thanksgiving Day, which in Canada is celebrated a little later than in the USA - the second Monday of October.

I talked about traditional celebrations, but the Canadian holidays themselves, which are celebrated only there, are of greater interest. Therefore, I will not delay and will move on to them.

National holidays in Canada

The most famous and important Canadian holiday is Canada Day which all Canadians celebrate on July 1st. This is the date when Canada was granted the status of an independent state. This event is annually accompanied by fireworks, parades, concerts and carnivals, which take place in all settlements of the country.

However, the most magnificent events take place, naturally, in the capital - Ottawa. The city is decorated with state flags and red and white compositions of flowers, symbolizing the colors of the national banner. Ceremonies are held at which certificates of citizenship are awarded to displaced people.

Canada Day is celebrated in the province of Quebec on June 23-24 Saint John the Baptist Day or Days of French-Canadian Culture. This celebration is official in Quebec and Montreal. Today this holiday at the administration level is more of a political nature than a religious one. However, ordinary people quite cheerfully honor St. John the Baptist with concerts and festivities.

Canadians have great respect for their parents, which is why they have two whole days a year when they honor their parents in a special way. On the second Sunday in May we congratulate our beloved mothers - Mother's Day, and on June 19 - beloved dad - Father's Day. Somehow similar to ours on March 8 and February 23. These days, parents are freed from all the troubles around the house, take a walk, accept congratulations and relax.

Unusual Canadian holidays

Worth your special attention Aboriginal Day which is celebrated on June 21 - the day of the summer solstice. The holiday is intended to familiarize local residents with the culture and traditions of the country's indigenous inhabitants, that is, with the northern and Indian peoples. Large-scale festivals and celebrations are held throughout the country, and the main rite is the extinguishing of the sacred fire in the central square. On this day, it is customary to treat each other to fried bread and goose stew. A day off is officially declared for all citizens.

Aboriginal Day in Canada Another unusual Canadian celebration is Victoria Day. Every year on May 25, the birth of Canada's main queen, Victoria, is celebrated. The government gives workers several days off so that everyone has time to see the city fireworks and attend a concert in honor of everyone’s beloved Queen Victoria, who played an important role in the history of the country’s formation.

Another holiday that deserves close attention is St. Patrick's Day, patron saint of the Celts. It is not natively Canadian, as it originated in distant Celtic Ireland. However, Canadians with Irish roots definitely celebrate it on March 17, 1894, singing cheerful songs and dancing Irish dances to the accompaniment of bagpipes, and of course, dressing in traditional green color scheme- clover leaf color.

Canada is a very interesting and mysterious country with a rich history, traditions and festivities. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to attend any Canadian celebration, be sure to take advantage of it. You won't regret it for anything!

I wish you a good holiday mood and bright emotions!

Christmas is Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. For millions of Christians throughout the world it is the happiest and the busiest time of the year. No one knows the exact date of Christ's birth but most Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25. The word Christmas comes from Christes masse, an early English phrase that means Mass of Christ.

People of different countries celebrate Christmas in various ways. People in the United States and Canada decorate their homes with Christmas trees, wreaths and ornaments. City streets are filled with colored lights; the sound of bells and Christmas carols can be heard everywhere.

Children write letters to Santa Claus and tell him what presents they would like to get. Many department stores hire people to wear a Santa Claus costume and listen to children's requests. People send Christmas cards to relatives and friends. Many companies give presents to their employees.

A Christmas tree is one of the main symbols of Christmas in most homes. Relatives and friends may join in trimming the tree with lights, tinsel, and colorful ornaments. Presents are placed under the tree. On Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, families open their presents.

Many children believe that Santa Claus arrives on Christmas Eve in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer and brings presents. Some children hang up stockings so Santa Claus can fill them with candy, fruit and other small gifts.

In many parts of the United States and Canada groups of people walk from house to house and sing Christmas carols. Some people give singers money or small gifts or invite them for a warm drink.

Many people attend church services on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. They listen to readings from the Bible and singing Christmas carols.

A traditional Christmas dinner consists of stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and a variety of other dishes. Some families have ham or roast goose instead of turkey. Pumpkin pie, plum pudding, and fruitcake are favorite desserts.

Christmas

Christmas is Christian holiday, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. For millions of Christians around the world, this is the happiest and most troublesome time of the year. No one knows exact date birth of Christ, but most Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25th. The word "Christmas" comes from "Christes masse", an Old English expression that means "Mass of Christ".

People in different countries celebrate Christmas in different ways. People in the United States and Canada decorate their homes with Christmas trees, wreaths, and various decorations. The city streets are full of colorful lights, bells and Christmas carols can be heard everywhere.

Children write letters to Santa Claus and tell him what gifts they would like to receive. Many department stores hire people to wear Santa Claus costumes and listen to children's requests. People send Christmas cards to relatives and friends. Many companies give gifts to their employees.

The Christmas tree is one of the main symbols of Christmas in most homes. Relatives and friends can gather to decorate the Christmas tree with lights, tinsel, and colorful decorations. Gifts are placed under the tree. On Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, families open gifts.

Many children believe that Santa Claus arrives on Christmas Eve in a sleigh drawn by reindeer. Some children hang out stockings for Santa Claus to fill with candy, fruit, and other small gifts.

In many areas of the United States and Canada, groups of people go from house to house singing Christmas carols. Some give money to the singers or small gifts or invite them inside for hot drinks.

Many people attend church services on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. They listen to passages from the Bible and sing Christmas carols.

A traditional Christmas dinner consists of stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and a variety of other items. Some families eat ham or roast goose instead of turkey. Favorite desserts are pumpkin pie, plum pudding and fruit cake.

Here you can find Canadian holidays. State, national, official and unofficial holidays in Canada.

Canada is a country of borders and boundaries. As the inscription on the country's coat of arms says, it stretches “from sea to sea” (in Latin “A Mari Usque Ad Mare”). In all Canadian provinces, with the exception of Quebec, the official language is English. The country itself is in many ways similar to other English-speaking countries in tradition, and is governed by the Queen of England, Elizabeth II.

All Canadian holidays can be divided into two groups: those that coincide with most generally recognized holidays in the world, and those that are celebrated only in Canada. Whatever the holiday, Canadians are very fond of any events and activities in their country, especially if it is also a day off.

Celebrated very joyfully and magnificently Christmas And New Year(New Year)(December 25 and January 1) in Canada, not skimping on decorations and gifts. Also invariably celebrated Valentine's Day(The 14th of February), April Fool's Day(April 1), Easter(date changes), Halloween(October 31) and some other international celebrations. However, it is the original Canadian holidays that are of particular interest, which radically distinguish the country from other countries.

One of the most important holidays in the country is Canada Day, which is celebrated annually on July 1. It was on this day that Canada became an independent state, or in other words, a Dominion. The celebration of this event is accompanied by parades, fireworks, carnivals, concerts, and takes place in all cities and towns of the country. Events in the capital of Canada, Ottawa, are particularly pompous. On this day, the city is decorated with Canadian flags, the symbolic colors are red and white, ceremonies for awarding Canadian citizenship to new residents of the country are held, and the most important event is the gathering of residents and guests of the city on Parliament Hill. A traditional Canada Day treat is pancakes with maple syrup. Officially, July 1 is considered a day off, and if this date falls on a Sunday, the day off is moved to July 2.

One more an unusual holiday in Canada is Queen Victoria's Birthday. This holiday is celebrated on May 25th every year and is followed by a long weekend. The tradition appeared in Canada in 1952 and was borrowed from the British, who annually celebrate Monarch Day. Victoria Day is quite festive, accompanied by concerts and fireworks.

Deserves special attention National Aboriginal Day. This National holiday, taking place annually on June 21. The date of the holiday was not chosen by chance, since it is on this day that the indigenous population of North America celebrates the summer solstice. This holiday has been celebrated since 1996 and is intended to familiarize everyone with the cultural life of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada, i.e. Indian tribes and northern peoples. On this day, large-scale events take place across the country, including free concerts, summer festivals, charity treats and much more. There are also cheerful chants and dances everywhere. The main rite of the festival is extinguishing the sacred fire. Traditional dishes of this holiday are goose stew and fried bread. In some parts of Canada, this day is a legal holiday.

The Canadian province of Quebec, from June 23 to 24 each year, celebrates Saint John the Baptist Day, also known as French Canadian Culture Day. This official holiday, recognized as a holiday in the province of Quebec. The tradition of celebrating John the Baptist Day came to Canada with the French colonists. Despite the fact that in modern times this holiday has a pronounced political character, residents of Quebec and Montreal celebrate it quite cheerfully with concerts, fireworks and folk festivities.

Canadians highly honor their parents and therefore celebrate every 2nd Sunday in May. Mother's Day and every June 19 - Father's Day. Despite the fact that these holidays do not coincide in date with March 8 or February 23, the events and celebrations associated with them are very similar. Children also give gifts to their mothers on Mother's Day, thanking them for everything and freeing them from household chores. Father's Day is the same. These holidays originally appeared in the USA, and then began to be held in Canada.

One of the must-do events in Canada is Remembrance Day, celebrated on November 11th. This holiday is associated with the end of the First World War and aims to honor the memory of fallen heroes. At exactly 11:00 on November 11, Canada annually holds a Minute of Silence, followed by memorial ceremonies with the participation of veterans and ordinary citizens. Flowers and wreaths are laid at the monuments to the dead. The symbol of this day is a red poppy, and in order to honor the memory of the heroes who fell in Flanders, everyone pins it to their chest.

Well known autumn holiday in Canada is Thanksgiving Day, which is celebrated every 2nd Monday of October. This holiday has a rich history and is directly related to the settlement of America. Thanksgiving Day has been celebrated for a long time in the United States and a little later in Canada in honor of a rich harvest and successful agricultural work. On this day, it is customary for the whole family to gather around a large table and eat traditional dishes. homemade: Roast turkey with cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. For many families, this is a good reason to get together and rejoice in family well-being. Officially, this holiday is a day off, the so-called “long weekend”, which also makes Canadians happy. The external attributes of the holiday are garlands of flowers on the doors and windows of houses, straw effigies or patchwork dolls, and many other cute things that bring comfort and well-being.

Another reason to vacation in Canada is called Labor Day, officially recognized as a day off. The holiday takes place on the 1st Monday of September in honor of all workers who have earned their legal rest.

There is another holiday in Canada that deserves attention, despite the fact that it is not natively Canadian. This holiday is called St. Patrick's Day. It originated far away in Celtic Ireland. Today, many countries in the world gladly honor the memory of this saint and celebrate his holiday every year on March 17th. In Canada, St. Patrick's Day has been celebrated since 1894. This holiday is dedicated mainly to travelers and wanderers, as St. Patrick loved adventure and lived interesting life. IN last years In life he was an Irish priest and Christian missionary. In honor of him, on March 17, people sing funny songs, dance Irish dances to the sounds of bagpipes, and, of course, dress in all green, the traditional color of this holiday.

Canada only at first glance seems northern, distant and inaccessible. In fact, its inhabitants have a lot in common with Europeans. Including holidays. Therefore, Christmas in Canada is a chance to get acquainted with the life and customs of distant neighbors on the planet and learn a lot of interesting things about a country with untouched nature and amazing landscapes.

Christmas trees, sleigh, Santa

New Year and Christmas paraphernalia are approximately the same all over the world. The main symbol of the coming Christmas in Canada is richly decorated Christmas trees and Santa Clauses in large department stores and shopping centers, on whose laps rosy-cheeked children sit and pose for their parents for photos in the family album.
It is children who are the main heroes of the Christmas chaos. Gifts are chosen for them, performances are staged for them, they are invited to charity balls and fairs.
During Christmas, Canadians prefer to go sledding down the icy mountains with the whole family, master snowboarding or alpine skiing, take up ice skating or play hockey. This is perhaps the most sporting nation on the planet, and therefore Christmas in Canada is a reason to join any of the winter species active rest.
Canadian ski resorts are distinguished by high quality trails and a variety of slopes. They are also preferred by the residents of the country. maple leaf, and their closest neighbors from the USA. Europeans are flocking to new sensations and impressions that a country with luxurious mountain landscapes.
For example, the Silver Star Resort is recognized as the best in terms of weather conditions and opportunities for family recreation. It is included in the top three ski regions on the planet and annually becomes a training base for the Canadian ski team. So why not take the breeze down its slopes this Christmas in Canada?
The Whistler ski area is located on the Pacific coast. Ocean proximity provides an unprecedented amount of precipitation - up to 11 meters per year. The height of the snow cover here does not fall below one meter. Whistler is a real paradise for freeriders. The resort is called the snow capital of the world.

City bustle

Those staying in the cities for Christmas in Canada will also find something to their liking. For example, walk through the streets of the most populated metropolis outside of France, whose residents speak the language of Dumas and Hugo. This is Montreal, the capital of the province of Quebec. The croissants and aromatic coffee here are just as excellent as on the Parisian boulevards.
Fans of “high” architecture will be delighted by the skyscrapers of Toronto, and admirers of masterpieces created by nature will not miss the opportunity to go on an excursion to Niagara Falls.
Christmas in Canada is worth the time spent on the flight and will be remembered for a long time. Adventures in the country of courageous people and magnificent natural parks will remain in your memory and photo album. Just don't forget to take your camera with you!

Christmas in Canada