When it comes to the celebration of Christmas, Catholics of all nationalities are united in the core features of the holy day: the Advent preparation is fulfilled with a joyful Christmas Mass, followed by special feasting with family and close friends.
In addition to these main activities, many countries welcome the Christ Child with beautiful and fascinating traditions particular to their region. Let’s look at a few of these traditions:
The Irish set a large candle in the biggest window of their home on Christmas Eve, leaving it to burn through the night. The light serves as a beacon of welcome for the Holy Family, signaling that there is room prepared for them within.
In Italy, the biggest focus is on the Nativity scene—very fitting for the nation that was home to the first crèche! Great effort is poured into the scenes, whether they are reenacted by people and live animals or carefully carved in exquisite detail by craftsmen. The largest Nativity scene is spread beneath an enormous fir tree in St. Peter’s Square.
Mexico keeps the novena of “Las Posadas” (roughly, “The Inns”), in which a young man and woman dress up as St. Joseph and Mary and go door to door, asking for lodging, and followed by a large crowd of faithful. They are turned away until they reach a designated house where a party has been prepared. This occurs every night for nine days, until on Christmas Eve they end at the church and hear Midnight Mass.
Midnight Mass is a major focus in Gambia, Africa, too. Mass marks the beginning of a night of festivities, which include a big parade with colorful lanterns and music.
On Christmas Eve, Poland honors the Star of Bethlehem with the First Star tradition. In the evening, families watch for the first star to appear. As soon as it is spotted, Christmas festivities begin.
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