What does Christmas Eve mean?

Christmas Eve, also known as Christmas Eve, is Christmas Eve (65438+February 24th), which is one of the festivals celebrated in most Christian societies. Christmas in traditional churches begins on Christmas Eve. Unless it is Sunday (see Health Day), the vigil is said to be on the morning of February 24th, 65438. However, it is not allowed to attend the Christmas party before midnight. The Christmas season lasts until 65438+10.4, and if that day is Saturday, it lasts until 65438+10.5 to celebrate epiphany.

Basic information

Chinese name

Christmas Eve

Foreign name

Quiet night

time

65438+February 24th

Another name

Christmas Eve

catalogue

1 Basic introduction

2 historical origins

3 Historical tracing

Four ways to celebrate

5 Blessing SMS

1 Basic introduction

2 historical origins

2. 1 the first sentence

2.2 the second statement

3 Historical tracing

Four ways to celebrate

4. 1 traditional celebration

4.2 Modern Celebrations

4.3 Celebration methods in different places

5 Blessing SMS

Basic introduction

Christmas Eve, that is, Christmas Eve (65438+February 24th), also known as "Christmas Eve" in Chinese (from the famous Christmas song "Stille Nacht"), is one of the Christmas celebrations in most Christian societies. Christmas Eve is traditionally a time to decorate Christmas trees, but with the early start of Christmas celebrations, for example, after Thanksgiving in the United States, many Christmas trees have been decorated several weeks before Christmas.

In Britain, if Christmas Eve falls on a working day, banks and trading companies sometimes regard it as a short day (afternoon break).

Christmas in traditional churches begins on Christmas Eve. Unless it is Sunday (see Health Day), the vigil is said to be on the morning of February 24th, 65438. However, it is not allowed to attend the Christmas party before midnight. The Christmas season lasts until 65438+10.4, and if that day is Saturday, it lasts until 65438+10.5 to celebrate epiphany.

Traditionally, many Christians will attend midnight mass or party on Christmas Eve, which is usually held in churches all over the world, marking the beginning of Christmas. Some churches will hold candlelight worship in the evening, usually with a dramatic performance of the story of the birth of Jesus and a big meal. The traditional dish in Germany is roasted carp.

Historical origin

The first statement

18 181On the night of February 23rd, in Auburn village on the Salza River, a mouse boldly sneaked into the organ building of the old church of Saint Nicholas in the village. This hungry little thing ran around and bit everywhere, and finally did a "far-reaching thing", which led to the birth of a Christmas hymn popular on a safe night. The next morning, a middle-aged man in a black dress and coat walked into the church and went straight to the organ and sat down. This man named Franz gruber is 3 1 year-old, with black hair, a high nose and a pair of emotional eyes. Although he is unknown, he is respected by the villagers in this remote area. Because he is a primary school teacher in the village and an organist at St Nicholas's Church. [2]

He sat down, stepped on the pedal and pressed the button. However, the organ only made a few faint whimpers.

When gruber was about to bend down to find out, his good friend Joseph Moore came. Moore is a priest and musician. The official pastor of Auburn village church has not been sent, and Moore has been temporarily sent to take over this position.

When gruber saw him struggling, he was shocked and asked, "God bless us! What is it, Joseph? " The young acting priest raised his hands and made a desperate expression, signaling his friends to get up and go with him.

On Christmas Eve, Si Nuo Moore led gruber to the back of the organ keyboard in the building, pointed to a big hole in the blown leather bellows and said, "I found this hole this morning. It must have been bitten by a mouse. Now when I get off the stage, there is no sound! " Gruber carefully examined the hole in the bellows. It's incredible to go to mass on Christmas Eve without playing the organ! He couldn't help shouting, "damn it! It's terrible now. What should we do? "

"Yes," Father Moore said shyly, "I wrote a short poem that can be used as a lyric poem." Then he said seriously, "This is not that kind of song."

Gruber couldn't help laughing when he saw his friend so excited. Because as we all know, what Moore really likes is "that kind of" songs-that is, the so-called vulgar folk songs sung by Guzheng when the peasant woman and the boatman are happily drinking. This kind of thing often causes the dissatisfaction of those stubborn and old-fashioned devout believers and makes the respectable elders frown.

Gruber picked up a poem written by Moore and read the first few paragraphs. Suddenly, he felt as if there was a strange aura running through his spine. This is really not that kind of song. It seems to have caught his heart and told him gently, simply and touching. He has never been so deeply moved. The music of these poems faintly sounded in his ears.

Moore said almost apologetically, "I just thought, since our organ is broken, can you give this thing to our guitar and maybe set up a small children's choir to sing, … what do you think?"

On Christmas Eve, gruber said, "Yes, yes, yes! Maybe we can do this. Give it to me, I'll take it back and see if I can write it. "

Gruber walked slowly back to Anxi Village through the snow on the ground. He immersed himself in his own musical ideas all the way.

"Christmas Eve, holy night,

In the darkness, Guanghua bursts.

Like Beethoven who was deaf, he heard all the melodies in his heart:

According to the virgin and the baby,

How kind and naive,

Enjoy a heavenly sleep,

Enjoy a heavenly sleep. "

The music he is going to write for the children's choir has been echoing in his mind. He returned to his humble house, sat by his clavichord, faced the cross hanging on the wall, and finally wrote a complete song.

That afternoon, twelve boys and girls gathered in Moore's study. They wear neat and beautiful wool socks, coats and aprons. They stood side by side under the holly wreath, becoming more and more lively.

The rehearsal of Santa Claus began on Christmas Eve. gruber and Moore each played their guitars and smiled at each other with satisfaction from time to time. At first, everyone was unfamiliar with the songs, and playing and singing were a little rough. The third part was not suitable either, but it was quickly changed. Well, this song is finally finished.

On Christmas Eve, hundreds of candles lit in the church shone brightly on the bright golden plates and communion cups, giving those stiff Gothic statues of the Virgin a vibrant and gentle demeanor. The church is decorated with pine trees, evergreen trees and sacred berries everywhere. All the believers crowded on the long hard bench. Men wear bloated wool coats, and women wear eye-catching aprons and colorful shawls.

When Moore and gruber walked to the altar with twelve boys and girls carrying guitars, the surprised crowd suddenly became a sensation. Gruber nodded slightly to his band, and the strings sounded. Then, Father Moore's tenor and Mr. gruber's bass resounded through the ancient church in harmony.

Thus, the long-standing Christmas carol was sung for the first time. But I forgot it the next day. No one who attended Christmas Mass at that time expected that this song would be popular all over the world.

Later, it was only by chance that this masterpiece was saved from drowning. The following spring, an organ repairman named Carl Morak came here from Chileta. He casually asked in small talk: Since the organ is broken, how can you do Christmas Mass? Only then did gruber mention this piece of music. He said: "It is not worthy of attention. I even forgot where I put it. " At the back of the church, there is a small cupboard full of dusty documents. Gruber found music here.

The organ repairman looked at the score, moved his lips slightly and hummed a tune from his broad chest. "Interesting," he said softly. "Can I take it back?"

Gruber burst out laughing. "Line, line, you take it. Besides, after you fix the piano, this thing is even more useless. " After Morakot left, gruber forgot about it. However, Christmas Eve echoed in the lovely Mount Kiletta, and it began its journey to spread to the world.

As folk music, this song spread from Austria to Germany. It crossed the national border and spread to all parts of the world with German immigrants. But not long ago, Moore and gruber were recognized as the creators of this song. They had nothing at that time and died as poor as when they were born. However, gruber's ancient guitar is still singing for him. It has become a family heirloom, handed down from generation to generation by the gruber family. Now, every Christmas Eve, people will take this guitar to Auburn Village. Christians from all over the world sang this lovely Christmas hymn again. ...

The second statement

Austria is close to the Alps, and there are many rural poets. Together with Austria, this is a nation that loves music. Most of them believe in Jesus Christ. Therefore, every Christmas, in some small towns and villages on high mountains, many men and women of famous singing families, like medieval bards, constantly improve or innovate the lyrics and music of Christmas songs. Many of them are good at playing musical instruments. When several people gather by the fire, they can make new Christmas songs on the spot and become the treasure of later Christmas songs. Some songs, perhaps sung at that time, or sung for a year or two, were replaced by new Christmas songs. But one of them is not only handed down from generation to generation, but also the most famous Christmas song in the world. It is called "Christmas Eve".

It is said that this Christmas song was written by Father Mujosi of Sasburg in the Alps in 18 18, and the music was written by musician Francis Gruber. Unfortunately, it was buried in the transcript of the village temple choir for more than ten years. Later, it was discovered by a person who loves music. He took this Christmas song to a concert in the city and it was very popular. The results gradually spread to all parts of Austria and then to Germany. 1839, this Christmas song was introduced to the United States, and within a few years, it was widely loved by the people. This Christmas song "Silent Night" has been sung by famous singers and broadcast on the radio, and it has spread all over the world, and all countries have translated the lyrics. Whether Christian or not, almost everyone is familiar with this "Christmas Eve" and will hum when listening.

There are many legends about the lyrics and song writing of the Christmas song Silent Night. The following story is the most touching and beautiful.

It turns out that in a small village near SARS, there lived musician Francis Gruber and his wife Anna. They have an innocent and lively son, little Francis. Gruber teaches music in a school in Pere Joseph. On Sunday, he leads the choir in the church. Every night when he comes home, he likes to sit under the big tree in the yard and play the piano and compose music. The three of them live happily. Unfortunately, in the autumn of 18 18, the lovely little Francis died suddenly, and the family suddenly lost their joy. Mr and Mrs gruber never laughed again. On Christmas Eve this year, gruber went to the temple to attend midnight mass alone, and his heart was no longer as active and happy as before. The joy of Christmas seems to have nothing to do with him. After the mass, gruber hurried home, and children's songs and laughter came from the roadside. His mood is heavier. After entering the room, it was desolate. He called his wife's name and didn't answer. When I turned on the light, I saw my wife Yana sobbing in the bed where little Francis used to sleep. Gruber called her again, but she ignored her. Gruber sighed helplessly, so he picked up a musical instrument and wanted to play music to ease his wife's sadness.

When gruber opened the piano cover, a note fell to the ground. He picked it up and saw that it was the lyrics of Silent Night written by Pere Joseph a few days ago and asked him to score it, but he forgot about it because he missed little Francis. At this time, there was silence outside the window. Gruber remembered everything in the past, sat in the chair in front of the lampstand, facing his wife, and began to compose the music of Silent Night. He sang while playing music. At this time, his wife Anna heard this wonderful song and forgot the rest. She approached her husband gruber slowly and said with tears, "Dear gruber, please forgive us! Now I understand the divine will of God. We should not be as sad as the death of little Francis! Because when you play the piano and sing, I seem to see a large group of little angels coming to our house, and little Francis is in the middle, singing happily with them:' The savior is born!' The tune and lyrics of Silent Night are perfectly matched, and people who listen to it, whether Christians or not, are moved by it. If it is one of the most beautiful and moving songs in the world, I believe no one will object.

trace the history (of)

Christmas Eve refers to the night of February 24, 65438+, which is Christmas Eve. The English name is Christmas Eve, and it is also used to mean the day before Christmas. Coincidentally, it is the same as the folk "Dust Sweeping Festival" in our country (on February 24th, 65438, families in most parts of the country have to sweep dust, and "dust" is homophonic with "Chen", so "dust sweeping" means "removing the old"). In old Europe, Christmas Eve was also a day to clean the dust. This day, especially for parents in rural areas, is a very hard day. They have to do a lot of things for Christmas and New Year: they are busy working in the fields, taking care of animals, cleaning the floor, cleaning kitchen utensils, baking Christmas geese, making cakes, arranging Christmas trees, and placing Christmas presents ... When the whole family gets together to celebrate Christmas Eve, parents are usually too tired to help themselves.

Singing Christmas songs on Christmas Eve is an ancient tradition. According to incomplete statistics, there are thousands of Christmas songs recorded in the world; There are more than fifty songs that have been sung for a long time. The most famous Christmas song is Silent Night. This song has six bars, and three bars are usually popular (the first, second and sixth bars in the original text). The main idea of the first paragraph of lyrics is: Christmas Eve, Christmas Eve! /everyone rests in peace,/wakes up alone in holiness. /Kind and curly-haired son,/Sleep, in wonderful peace,/Sleep, in wonderful peace. The first sentence is Silent Night, so the song is also called Silent Night. From then on, Christmas Eve was named "Christmas Eve". [ 1]

1792 65438+February 1 1, Joseph Moore was born in Salzburg, Austria. He is the illegitimate child of Anna Sch? uble, a knitting worker, and an infantry stationed in the local army. His father ran away because of fear. When he was baptized, he had to hire an executioner named Joseph Wolger from Salzburg as godfather. Moore is kind-hearted and good at doing things for the weak, the poor and the children. However, his unhappy life kept driving young Moore away. It was not until 18 15 that Moore became a priest in Oberndorf, a small town near Salzburg, where he met Flantz Xaver Grubel, a primary school teacher and market organizer from the neighboring town of Arns, and they became good friends. Silent Night, a Christmas song composed by Moore (lyrics) and Grubel (composers), was first sung at Oberndorf Town Church on February 24th18. Because the organ was bitten by a mouse, I played guitar temporarily. By the way, Silent Night has been translated into almost all languages in the world. The original lyrics were written in German, and the first sentence was stillnacht (Silent Night or Silent Night). Silence or silence is still different from "peace", but it was first translated into Chinese as "Silent Night", so be preconceived.

On February 24th, 19 14, 14, soldiers from all countries who participated in the First World War spontaneously called for a truce. They heard Silent Night sung by Austrian opera actress oris Schumann on the radio. At this moment, her two sons are listening to their mother's singing at the front, one in the German trench and the other in the front of the allied forces. How much they hope that the war will end as soon as possible and go home to reunite with their mother.

No matter where and how you celebrate Christmas Eve, you should remember that "Christmas Eve" has witnessed people all over the world's desire for peace, so be grateful to your parents on Christmas Eve.

celebrate

Traditional celebration

Christianity

Christmas Eve

In the Christian church on Christmas Eve, traditionally every family will put a Christmas tree. That night, the whole family gathered in the living room to sing Christmas songs around the Christmas tree, exchange gifts, share the joys and sorrows of life, express their inner blessings and love, and pray for happiness in the coming year.

Many Christians will attend midnight mass or party on Christmas Eve, which is usually held in churches all over the world, marking the beginning of Christmas.

Catholicism

The Catholic Christmas on Christmas Eve began. Unless it is Sunday (see Health Day), the vigil is said to be on the morning of February 24th, 65438. However, it is not allowed to attend the Christmas party before midnight. The Christmas season lasts until 65438+10.4, and if that day is Saturday, it lasts until 65438+10.5 to celebrate epiphany.

Other churches

Some churches hold candlelight worship in the evening, and there are usually dramatic performances and big meals of the story of the birth of Jesus, usually with turkey or ham as the main course. The traditional dish in Germany is roasted carp.

Modern celebration

Western countries

Christmas Eve is also considered as a time when Santa Claus and other similar people in other areas give presents to good children everywhere. In Italy, presents are opened on the morning of Christmas Eve, while in Britain, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Portugal and Poland, Christmas presents are usually opened on the night of Christmas Eve or on the morning of Christmas Day. In most parts of Germany, people will open Christmas presents on Christmas Eve. In Iceland, Christmas Eve begins at 6 pm, the church bell will ring, people will have a holiday dinner with their families, and then they will open their presents and spend the night together. In North America, most families open presents on Christmas morning. For divorced families, children may be separated for two days to celebrate with one of their parents. In Spain, gifts are not opened until the morning of Día de reyes. Many traditional Christmas stories take place on Christmas Eve.

In Japan, most people believe in traditional Shintoism and Buddhism. The religious atmosphere of Christmas is very weak, and most people pay little attention to the religious significance of Christmas or Christmas Eve. Influenced by business speculation, most young people equate Christmas with gift exchange, carnival or an extension of Valentine's Day. Young people hold parties, couples often date and eat big meals on Christmas Eve, which makes restaurants and hotels much more crowded than churches.

chinese world

In Taiwan Province Province, only Christians with a small population will celebrate in a traditional way. However, in recent years, under the stimulation of western culture and the influence of Japanese programs and ACG culture, a wave has arisen among young people on Christmas Eve. In addition to transplanting from Japan and the United States, many places will hold Christmas revelry dances. In addition, holidays with a strong romantic atmosphere can easily lead to indulgence. Coupled with the failure to take appropriate contraceptive measures, female abortions often occur after Christmas Eve.

China is not a traditional Christian country. However, Hong Kong and Macao were influenced by Britain and Portugal respectively during the colonial period. Christmas Eve is a day that young people, children and even everyone will celebrate. Hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong people will go to East Tsim Sha Tsui to enjoy Christmas lighting and enjoy a buffet in the hotel. Many people will exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, young couples will go to Tsim Sha Tsui to enjoy Christmas lights, hold Christmas parties, or go to Lan Kwai Fong and other places for revelry, and Christians and Catholics will attend religious gatherings such as good news. Christmas Eve also allows many young people to "taste the forbidden fruit for the first time" on this night, so there is a local saying that "Christmas Eve, the night of virginity", and every year, organizations such as the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and Mother's Choice receive a lot of help.

In Macau, every time you step into the streets of1February, you will be decorated with a strong European Christmas atmosphere. Christmas trees, Christmas trees, ribbons and colored lights can be seen everywhere. On Christmas Eve, young people go shopping with friends in the Central District. They also like to go to the discussion pavilion and St. Paul's archway to enjoy the good news of Christmas organized by the Catholic Church and Christian groups respectively. At midnight, Catholic churches in various parishes in Macao hold Christmas midnight mass, especially the cathedral with the largest number of people, and Christmas bells are ringing all over the city. Even non-Catholic citizens like to go to church to feel the religious atmosphere of Christmas. Macau's Imperial City is also a sea of people, and young people go to bars to celebrate the holidays.

Celebration methods in various places

Christian culture

Christmas Eve is also considered as the time when Santa Claus and similar people in other areas distribute presents to children everywhere. In Italy, presents are opened on the morning of Christmas Eve, while in Britain, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Portugal and Poland, Christmas presents are usually opened on the night of Christmas Eve or on the morning of Christmas Day. In most parts of Germany, people open Christmas presents on Christmas Eve (German: Bescherung). In Iceland, Christmas on Christmas Eve begins at 6 pm. The church bell will ring, people will enjoy holiday dinner with their families, and then they will open presents and spend the night together. In North America, most families open presents on Christmas morning. For divorced families, children may be separated for two days to celebrate with one of their parents. In Spain, gifts can't be opened until the morning of Día de reyes, 65438+1October 6. Christmas Eve Many traditional Christmas stories take place on Christmas Eve.

Non-Christian cultural circle

Japan

In Japan, most people believe in traditional Shintoism and Buddhism. The religious atmosphere of Christmas is very weak, and most people pay little attention to the religious significance of Christmas or Christmas Eve. Influenced by business speculation, most young people equate Christmas with gift exchange, carnival or an extension of Valentine's Day. Young people hold parties, and couples often date and eat big meals on Christmas Eve, which leads to far more people in restaurants and hotels than churches.

Hong Kong and Macau

China is not a traditional Christian country, however, Hongkong and Macau were influenced by Britain and Portugal respectively during the colonial period. Christmas Eve is a day that young people, children and even everyone will celebrate. Hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong people will go to East Tsim Sha Tsui to enjoy Christmas lighting and enjoy a buffet in the hotel. Many people will exchange gifts on Christmas Eve. Young couples will go to Tsim Sha Tsui to enjoy Christmas lighting, have a Christmas party, or go to Lan Kwai Fong and other places to have a carnival; Christians and Catholics will attend religious gatherings such as good news.

Taiwan Province Province, China

In Taiwan Province Province, only Christians with a small population will celebrate in a traditional way. However, in recent years, under the stimulation of western culture and the influence of Japanese programs and ACG culture, a wave has arisen among young people on Christmas Eve. In addition to transplanting from Japan and the United States, many places will hold Christmas revelry dances.

Chinese mainland

The custom of Christmas Eve gradually spread to China, and the day before Christmas was called Christmas Eve. Before Christmas Eve, a kind of gift called "Ping An Fruit" began to pass quietly in people's hands.

It is understood that "Ping An Fruit" is imported from apple decoration, with bright and beautiful colors, mostly red snake fruit and green snake fruit. Of course, there are also domestic red Fuji apples packaged as "Ping An Fruit". It is said that the "fruit of peace" symbolizes peace and harmony. The reason why "apple" is the first choice of "safe fruit" is that it takes the pronunciation of "apple".

It is said that fruit merchants dressed as "safe fruits" were inspired by young people. At first, some young people bought one or two imported apples, and then took them to the gift shop for packaging, ready to give them as gifts to their good friends on Christmas Eve. This "business opportunity" was immediately captured by shrewd businessmen.

Most people who are interested in this new thing are teenagers. They all think it is worthwhile to give a friend a "safe" gift with 5 yuan money. It seems that Christmas Eve is quietly conveying the "fruit of peace" in people's hands, and it is also conveying a beautiful blessing.

However, it is said that the custom of sending Christmas fruits on Christmas Eve is unique to China. Because people in China pay more attention to homophones, such as putting peanuts, red dates and lotus seeds under the quilt on their wedding night, which means "early (jujube) gives birth to a precious child". Christmas Eve is Christmas Eve, Christmas Day is 65438+February 25th, and Christmas Eve is the night of 65438+February 24th. Apple's "Ping" is homophonic with the "Ping" of peace, which is the auspicious meaning of Apple's "Ping" in China. So there is a custom of sending apples on Christmas Eve. Those who send apples on behalf of others wish those who receive the fruits of peace a safe and secure New Year.

Blessing SMS

1. After Christmas, there is the New Year, after the New Year, there is the Spring Festival, after the Spring Festival, there is March 8, after March 8, there is May Day ... Haha! Do you think I have to say all my holiday wishes at once? I just want to say: Merry Christmas!

I told you not to tell him because he told me not to tell you. Now I tell you, don't tell him I told you. If he asks you, did I tell you? Just say I didn't tell you: Merry Christmas!

God said: Happiness means having a grateful heart, a healthy body, a satisfactory job, a person who loves you deeply and a group of trustworthy friends. You will have everything! I say to you: Merry Christmas!

4. Hello, everyone. In order to thank my friends for their care and support over the years, I will hold a reward activity before Christmas, and everyone who has a certain position in my heart will get a Christmas message worth 10 cents for free.

The snowflakes on the Christmas tree fall quietly, and the melodious bells in the distance open your heart and my heart, so that love can spread all over the world.

6. I want to express my thoughts when you are happiest. On a romantic Christmas, my chance finally came-you look like a pig when you are happy, and more like it when you are angry!

7. Take sincerity as the radius and respect as the center, and send a round blessing. I hope the person who loves you loves you more, and the person you love knows you better! Merry Christmas!

8. Message from Santa Claus: Because there were no socks for gifts last night, I had to cash them into your account-please be sure to check your credit card account six times in one hour before you get the account!

9. When winter comes, I hope you will always be healthy and happy, just like a kettle on the stove. Even if your ass burns red, you still whistle happily and bubble your nose happily.

10. Countless Christmas wishes, friendship, accumulated happy memories, human affection and the warmth of heaven have finally brought us all.

1 1. Messenger of Peace Night, I want to tell you peace, and let this melody of peace accompany you through the night.

12. Some people say that if you can receive your blessing three months before Christmas, your blessing will come true in the first three weeks of next year. Now I wish you several blessings: unlimited money, smooth career and love.

13. I picked a crescent moon in my hand, with two stars on my head, three-color eyes and nine roses in my mouth. I came to you with lightning speed: Merry Christmas! Would you like to share Christmas with me?

14. I just made a wish at Santa Claus: give me as a gift to the person who is reading the message, and I am willing to stay with her forever.