More About Christmas

Joyful jingles to his glory

The concluding week of December coincides with Christmas, the divine infancy and year end spirit across the world. All western countries gear up to merry making and grand gala bash after a year of hard work. I took some time to research on Xmas from a totally different perspective.

The birth of Christ is described in only two of the four gospels: Mathew and Luke. These were written independently after 60 A.D. The common features appearing in the two writings about the birth of Jesus are the location in Bethlehem, the father named Joseph and the virginity of Mary. Both of the evangelists wrote in Greek. Among the 12 apostles, it is believed that St. Thomas visited Mylapore around 52 A.D. to spread gospel message.

According to Luke, Mary was visited in her sleep by the angel Gabriel who informed Mary that she would give birth to an infant named Jesus. Mary and Joseph were living in their home in Nazareth at that time but were required to go to Bethlehem for census. Since they could not find an inn there, Jesus was born in a stable and later visited by shepherds. After this they returned to their home in Nazareth. This is known to all of us.

In the Bavishya puranam (pratisargha parvam), Vyasa Muni mentions Isaiah’s birth as ‘Hiranya-garbha’ and who would shed his blood for the people. The Kalki avatar of Lord Vishnu looked at as the second coming of Jesus Christ is a pure coincidence and not for debate. Bible captures Kalki in the holy revelation.

To commemorate the birth of Jesus, Christmas is celebrated throughout the world with pomp and fervour.  Generally the legendary bringer of Christmas gifts, Santa Claus is the much anticipated. He is depicted as a fat, jolly man with a white beard, dressed in red suit trimmed with white and drawing a sleigh drawn by eight reindeers.

Santa also called Saint Nicholas is said to visit on Christmas Eve. Entering the houses through the chimney he leaves the presents under the Christmas tree and in the stocking of all good children. The saint was called Sankt Nikolaus in Germany, Sinter Klass in Holland and Santa Claus in America. In South India we simply say Christmas Thatha.

Christmas brings joy to young children who look forward to so many wonderful things. Christmas has always been a major event for decorating the house, to set up the Christmas tree, to pack Christmas gift boxes, unpack the candles for elaborate lighting ceremony and to prepare the special Christmas dinner.

Christmas Eve- the day before Christmas Day is treated with importance. This is the traditional day where Christians celebrate a midnight mass that is held in churches throughout the world. In the Roman Catholic Church, the season begins on its eve and some begins on its eve and some churches hold a candlelight service. The midnight mass at Vatican is very special and people congregate to listen to the Pope.

Usually, Organ music and church hymns song were considered as Christmas music. At a later part when this was played outside the church, the music intermingled with folk music (carols) having a religious theme. The word carol originated from the Middle English Carole ring – a ring dance with a song. Today the music includes classical piece, popular tunes and rock music.

The non-religious lyric of Pierpont, “Jingle Bells” has been a popular carol in many parts of the world. Could a celebration be thought of without a Christmas tree? No, never.

In Britain the Christmas tree what we know today began in the 19^th century. In the Victorian era, the Norway fir tree was an important part of the Christmas celebration and the main focus was on the exchange of gifts. The tree will be decorated with small gifts, balloons, marigold, almonds, dolls etc.

There is an interesting event to support the existence of Christmas tree tradition. Victoria became the Queen of England in 1837 at the age of 18. In 1840 she married Prince Albert who gifted a well-decorated Christmas tree to his family at Windsor Castle for the Christmas in 1841. He distributed Xmas trees to schools and army to express his love for childhood memories. So gifting sapling kernels to wedding invitees is not at all modern.

The tree is commonly known as the Blue Spruce. Its botanical name is Picea pungens and the specie is a native of Colarado. The evergreen beautiful conical shaped slender tree with needle like foliage is ideal for lawns.

In Britain the Norway Spurce (Picea abeis) decorates the homes. Martin Luther took the credit of placing candles for the first time on the Christmas tree. We can try something to popularize our practice.

In our country the tree is sometimes substituted with Casuarina tree (savuku maram) branch that resembles the pattern. In Chennai, a giant Christmas tree is a regular attraction at the Spencer Plaza and in mega malls.

Come Christmas it is a fun learning experience to kids. It is believed that one million children write to Santa hoping to get a reply before Christmas. Of course Santa is not the one to disappoint them.

You can also write a letter to Santa Claus, North Pole, HOH OHO, Canada. Forget not to include your return address to receive a reply.  This indeed gives the holiday season to employees and retirees of Canada Postal service who take part wholeheartedly. Such is the influence of Christmas on kids around the world. For the visually challenged kids Santa promptly replies in Braille.

Season’s Greeting cards are handled in bulk by every postal and courier service. Ever since Sir Henry Cole introduced Christmas cards in 1843, the British Post Office was flooded with annual card mailings. It was in 1898 that the Canadian Post Office printed the first Christmas stamp. For Season’s greetings it is always nice to say it with a card.

The much-awaited slot to enjoy is the sweet creamy colourful cake, without which the celebration is not complete. In all major hotels, bakeries and Institutes of hotel management, the ceremony for soaking of fruits for baking Christmas cakes starts with jubilation.

In Chennai and Pondicherry, the age-old ceremony of cake mixing starts a few weeks before Christmas. Taj Coromandel, Le Royal Meridan, The Park, Grand Days and other leading star hotels gear up for the occasion.

The traditional Christmas cake has a long shelf life as it contains less flour but a lot of well preserved dry fruits soaked in liquor for a month. Brandy and rum are blended with wine to improve the finished products. Cherries, cashew nuts, raisins and dates are added to enhance the taste of the cake. Several bottles of golden syrup, molasses, honey and vanilla essence are poured into the mix and the flour is kneaded. The aroma of this festive mood may pull on till the New Year Eve.

Many churches in Chennai have arranged for special prayers on the Christmas Eve and midnight mass in some prominent ones like the Santhome Bascilica, Christ Church, Andrew’s Kirk, St.George’s Cathedral, Wesley and St. Paul’s. As a christmas gift, the Tamilnadu government has announced subsidy for Jerusalem pilgrimage and 500 christians will get the state aid.

After the mass on the Christmas Day, December 25, people in new wear enjoy the Christmas feast with family and friends. With the message of love and universal brotherhood, the celebration reaches the peak with mutual visit and greetings. The Indianised Christmas celebration has deep rooted into our tradition and is well received by everyone. Also Xmas eve reminds us of the bitter tsunami that swept seven years ago.

Gear up to welcome the joyous occasion. Santa is sure to visit your house and there… along the skyway the reindeers are speeding ahead to the tune of ‘Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way.’ Merry Christmas!
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* Travel & Shopp, Dec 2007,Chennai (The article has been modified in Dec 2011)