Tradition/ symbolic actions

Question 1

Santa

Answer 1

• St Nicholas
  → Monk named St Nicholas, 280 AD, Myra
  → Christian tradition - the man had a reputation for generosity + kindness that gave rise to legends for the miracles he performed for the poor and unhappy
• Pagan roots
  → Germanic people, followed ODIN the god
  → Celebrated during Yule, a pagan holiday midwinter
  → Said to lead the wild hunt - ghostly procession through the sky (reindeer?)

Question 2

Presents

Answer 2

• Just as the wise men gave gifts to the baby Jesus - frankincense, myrrh

Question 3

Christmas trees

Answer 3

• Evergreen tree - followers’ eternal life with Jesus

- Triangle shape = holy trinity

Question 4

Lights

Answer 4

Symbolise Jesus =

“I am the light of the world”

Question 5

Christmas Carols

Answer 5

• Promise of saviours
  → prophetic nature and recalling the events of his birth (do this with nativity too)

“O Come All Ye Faithful”
The First Noel = “Noel…Born is the king of Israel”
Hark the Herald = “Glory to the newborn King…God and Sinners reconciled”

Midnight Mass - Christmas Eve - sing carols, hymns, take part in Mass

Question 6

Fast - Advent

Answer 6

• Christians prepare themselves for the coming of Jesus, - Christmas Day is the big feast to end the fast

Question 7

Christingles

Answer 7

Orange - the world
Red ribbon - God’s love wrapped around the world + the blood Christ shed on the cross
Dried fruits and sweets - symbols of God’s creations, also represent the 4 seasons
Lit Candle - symbolises Jesus, the light of the world who brings hope to people living in darkness.