Christmas is not just about wearing red clothes and decorating Xmas trees. There are a few Christmas traditions that you might not be aware of and want to practice this year along with your friends and family.
Christmas is around the corner, and you have the zeal to celebrate this festival of joy? For the ones who have already planned their Christmas celebration and for the ones who are still confused, sit back and relax because we’ve got some lesser-known Christmas traditions that will make your Xmas insightful one too. Christmas is not just about wearing red clothes and decorating Xmas trees. There are a few Christmas traditions in India that you might not be aware of and want to practice this year along with your friends and family.
Here are some of the Christmas traditions in India that you might want to add to your list.
1. Fasting
Fasting on a festive day is of prime importance in India and so in some Christian communities. Christians in South West of India, mostly in the state of Kerala, fast for almost a month long. They don’t eat food from the 1st of December to the 24th of the month. The traditional Catholics believe in devoting their meal to the almighty until the midnight service (Christmas eve prayer).
Get organic and healthy ingredients to make healthy fasting recipes at Conscious Food India.
2. Christmas Cribs
Christmas Cribs are a representation of how Jesus was born, made with figures and statues. The figures are usually made up of clay, ceramic, or sand and are placed outside the homes and churches. People in Goa make these cribs with utmost perfection to represent the scene in Manger. Hence, it is also known as a Native scene or a Manger scene.
Get your Christmas Cribs at Christian Faith Store in India.
3. Kissing under a Mistletoe
Mistletoe is considered a plant of prosperity and love. The Christmas tradition has been going on for years in Christian communities, and Christians in India also adhere to the same. They believe that hanging a mistletoe inside the house will invite good fortune. Couples who kiss under a mistletoe tree tend to have more affection and love. This plant is also considered a symbol of fertility.
Check out Itsy Bitsy to get your Mistletoe this Christmas.
4. Lamps, Lanterns, and lights
Many people celebrate Christmas by decorating and lighting up their houses. In Southern India, Christians place a small burning clay lamp on their floor to mark the presence of Jesus as the light of the world. Goans hang beautiful star-shaped lanterns on the streets. These lanterns are sure to illuminate your path as you walk down the lanes.
Check Trinity Christmas store, an Indian Brand, to purchase all Christmas decorations.
5. Christmas Carols
What is a Christmas celebration without Christmas Carols? Hymning the religious song to mark the birth of Jesus Christ is what we all cherish. People in various parts of India indulge themselves in singing carols with their friends, family, and neighbors. The Christian people of the Bhil folk in North India go out on the streets every week during Christmas and sing carols the whole night. The more the hymns, the merrier the night.
Find best Christmas Carol books in India at Books Mafia and Niyogi Books online.
6. Midnight Mass
One of the most religious ways to celebrate Christmas is by offering a midnight mass. Catholics, along with their family, walk to churches to celebrate the holy communion. People worship in masses and offer each other presents, followed by a massive feast where they serve different dishes.
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