The Traditions of Christmas

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Traditions of Christmas � PAGE �2�

Running Head: Traditions of Christmas

The Traditions of Christmas

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The Traditions of Christmas

Christmas is a time for sharing stories and traditions with family and friends. A time for giving to others, carols, a time when everyone seems to be a little nicer to their fellow man and a time when children try to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus. Most people have a special memory of a family tradition at Christmas. Cultures around the world have their own set of special traditions regarding Christmas. In the following paper, our team will discuss how Russia and Germany celebrate Christmas and the traditions surrounding it.

Russian Culture and Religion

Russia is a land filled with mystery, beauty and amazing traditions. During the 11th century a Duke by the name of Vladimir Krasno Solnyshko had been baptized into Christianity and liking what he had learned he had the entire country baptized as well.

Those who refused were baptized by force. In spite of that fact, most Russians embraced Orthodox Christianity and the many rituals that go with it. Orthodoxy is a religion filled with strict rules, restrictions, and fasts and is very comparable to the Catholic and Baptist faiths (Guide to Russia). Judaism can also be found in large communities around Saint Petersburg. The Russian Orthodox Church held most of the power and Jews were persecuted openly so many fled to other countries that allowed more freedoms. When the Mongolian people settled into Russia in 1741 they brought Buddhism with them. During the Soviet times monks were killed and many of the temples destroyed. More recently in the 1990's Buddhism received official status in Russia and begin doing better (Guide to Russia). Although not to common by any means anymore there are small sects of...