Christmas in the World. Spain (VIDEO)
By Diana Ungureanu/ Chisinau / Moldova.ORG/ -- Christmas in Spain is really a religious holiday and an occasion of joy for all the family.
Christmas season begin in Spain on December 8, with the feast of the Sinless Conception or of Immaculate Birth. This festival is organized in the honor of the purity of Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus.
In the city Seville, this day is marked by "los Seises" or "the dance of sixes", which takes place annually in the city cathedral. After completing the religious service, 10 boys from the chorus, dressed up in costumes, are involved in this dance consisting of precise movements, well-known, in front of the altar, while singing a hymn.
Christmas Eve is known as Nochebuena (the Good Night). On Christmas Eve, on December 24, people kindle fires and place candles outside the houses.
According to an ingrained habit, Spaniards spend Christmas Eve at home, with the family. With nightfall, there is put a lamp near a window, lit candles around the Nativity scene or around the family altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
According to tradition, in Spain, there is not served anything earlier than nine or ten o'clock. After that, people participate at the midnight religious service, named "La Misa Del Gallo" ("Liturgy of the Rooster").
Holidays in the family continues on Christmas day. The figurines representing the Christ child are placed in the Nativity scene. In some families there was accepted the habit of exchanging Christmas gifts but, according to tradition, children receive gifts for Christmas, made by the Three Wise Men or Kings, on January 6 - the day of Epiphany or the Night of Kings.
On December 28, the Spaniards celebrate day of Innocent Saints (having originally the fact of baby killing by King Herod), very similar to the 1 April for us, a day dedicated to the fool of all sorts. Also, on this occasion the children enjoy the numerous games and parties. Although the day of Innocent Saints celebrates a bloody event, this day habits are rather humorous and fun.
And to give a note and an atmosphere as close to the Spanish, I wish you "Feliz Navidad" and Happy Celebrations.
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