WHAT HAPPEN TO St LUCIA?

Christmas is Sweden begins on December 13, which is St Lucia’s day. Long ago the early Christians were persecuted and had to meet in dark underground caves. St Lucia risked her life to bring them food. On her head she wore a crown of candles to light her way. One day she was caught by the Rome Emperor’s soldiers and killed. Today she is remembered each Christmas by young Swedish Girls. They get up early on St Lucia’s day, dress as she did to take buns and coffee to their families – who are still in bed!

*What does word Advent mean?

Christians all over the world celebrate Advent during the four weeks before Christmas. Advent means ‘arrival’ or ‘coming’, and people prepare for the coming of Christ on Christmas Eve.

*Facts interesting about Advent Calendar?

In Germany children look forward to opening the 24 numbered doors on this special calendar. Just one door us opened each day to find a small Christmas picture inside. The last one is opened on Christmas Eve.

*What hits a Pinata?

In Mexico all through the Christmas festival, children have great fun when they are blind-folded and hit a piñata with a stick. The hallow clay piñata jars are hung above the children’s heads. They hit them with sticks, and when at last the jar splits, sweets and treats spill all over the floor!

*Who are Julnissen?

In Scandinavian countries these are little elves that live under the floorboards and in barns. They look after the family and the animals. On Christmas Eve, if a bowl of porridge is left for these little fellows, they will come out and hide presents all round the house. If the porridge is forgotten the Julnissen will play tricks on the family all the next year!

*Who is Befana?

In Italy children wait for the good witch Befana. She rides over the rooftops astride her broomstick on Epiphany Eve or Twelfth Night. She drops gifts for the good children down the Chimney, and a piece of coal for the naughty ones!

*What is Epiphany?

This is Christian festival celebrated on January 6^th, when the three kings arrived in Bethlehem to bring their gifts to the Christ child.

*Facts interesting about reindeer?

In America, England and many other countries, Father Christians or Santa Claus has become the symbol of Christmas for children. With his white beard and red cloak, carrying a sackful of presents over his shoulder, he travels from North Pole on his sleigh pulled by reindeer. On Christmas Eve he rides over the rooftops and climbs down the chimney with gifts for well behaved boys and girls.

WHERE DID THE FIRST OLYMPIC GAMES TAKE PLACE?

These ancient games were part of a religious event, sacred to the God Zeus. They were held every four years on the plain Olympia, at the foot of the Mount Kronos in the Southern Greece.

Were the games held in special buildings?

On the site at Olympia was a great temple and altar to Zeus. Athletic events were held in the stadium, and races for horses and chariots took place in the Hippodrome. There was a wrestling ground by the river, a gymnasium and baths. Ruins of the site can still be seen today.

How many years did the ancient Olympics last?

The games lasted for almost 1200 years form 776 BC until AD 393, when the Christian emperor of Rome, Theodosius I, abolished them. He said the games were pagan!

Which five events make up the ancient pentathlon?

Running, jumping, discus, javelin and wrestling.

What happen to Olympia?

Most of the building collapsed during an earthquake 1000 years after they were built.

How did the ancient competitors dress?

They didn’t! Ancient athletes wore no clothes at all when they competed in the events.

Did the Grecian women break any record?

None at all! Women were barred form competing in the games. Young girls were allowed in as spectators, but wives could be put to death for watching or taking part. All competitors had to be male, of Greek descent and Greek speakers.

How did the marathon get its name?

Marathon was a town in the ancient Greece. In 490 BC a great battle was held there between the Greeks and the Persians. News of the Greek victory was taken 26 miles to Athens by a runner named Pheidippides, who fell dead from exhaustion as he entered the city. The Marathon commemorates his amazing run.

WHO WAS THE FIRST SANTA CLAUS?

Many people believe it was Saint Nicholas. He was the bishop of Myra in Asia Minor back in the fourth century. One day this kind old man heard of a merchant who was too poor to give his three daughters money to be married. So St Nicholas dropped three bags of gold down the chimney of their house. Next morning the three girls found the bags of gold in their stocking, which they had hung up the night before.

That is why children in some countries hang up straight hoping that Santa Claus will fill those gifts. St Nicholas becomes the patron saint of children, and his feast day is on December 6^th.

What happens on St Nicholas’s Day?

In some countries it is a children’s holiday and St Nicholas bring his gifts on December 6^th, three weeks before Christmas. Other countries look forward to the visit of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, but some lucky children receive gifts on both days!

How does St Nicholas arrive in Holland?

On St Nicholas Eve, December 5^th, a boat sails into Amsterdam carrying St Nicholas and his servant Black Peter. Good children get presents, but Black Peter chases the bad ones with his stick! Santa Claus comes from sankt Klaus, which was the Dutch name for St Nicholas.

Who leaves shoes by the fireside?

On Christmas Eve in France, children put their shoes by the fireside to be filled with presents by Pere Noel or Father Christmas. In some parts of France they keep a yule log burning for all the 12 days of Christmas.