Orthodox Christians, like the Greeks, normally celebrate their Christmas on the 7th of January of every year. However, their festivities begin three weeks earlier, and there are a lot of several rituals to be done. On the first week, children get their hands and feet tied and they are untied when they offer something to their parents. On the second week, the mothers are tied, and are only untied when they present an offering. In the week following that, fathers are tied. This tying symbolizes the tying to God, and the untying symbolizes the release from sin.
The Significance of the Oak Tree at Christmas
Orthodox observes unique Orthodox Christmas traditions, and Christmas Eve is a very holy day. When the morning dawns, the head of the family must fell a young oak tree after praying for it and saying thank you for the sacrifice it is about to make. They must ensure that the tree falls eastward and that it is not damaged. In the evening, the oak tree branch is carried into the house by the head of the family or a boy. He also sings Holy songs and prays, and this symbolizes Jesus Christ’s entrance into the home and the inhabitants’ hearts.
Christmas Decorations in an Orthodox Home
According to Orthodox Christmas traditions, homes should be decorated with wheat, fruit, honey and wine. These symbolize different things:
• Wine-the blood of Jesus Christ
• Wheat, which symbolizes worldly possessions
• Honey-representing joy and happiness
• Fruit
The guest room is also supposed to be decorated with straw at the four corners and gold coins. The straw represents the straw on which Baby Jesus lay on when he was born and the gold coins represent the Three Kings who brought Jesus gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense. When thrown in four cornered rooms they signify God’s all-encompassing presence.
Orthodox Christmas Feasts
Christmas is a time for feasting, and the Orthodox Christmas traditions are no different. On Christmas Eve (the night of January 6), a special feast is normally prepared. The meal will be eaten on straw mats placed on the floor. Menus are usually composed of;
• Bread without yeast to symbolize Jesus Christ
• Salt, to symbolize God’s Holy power and grace
• Fish
• Honey to symbolize happiness and everlasting life
• Beans
• Dates, wine and nuts
Prior to the meal being taken, a prayer is said, a Holy Song is sung and a sign of the cross is made on everyone present and on the food. This sign is made with three right hand fingertips. Everyone holds the bread and turns it clockwise. Usually, the bread will not be cut; instead it is torn by the hand and each person must get a piece.
Holy Symbols at Christmas Celebrations
The wicks of two candles are intertwined and then rolled into a ball. The ball is lit, and this represents God as Light. When three candlewicks are twined into a ball, it represents the Holy Trinity: God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. Seo India