Christmas in Ecuador and Japan

In Ecuador Christmas is a religious holiday. It is celebrated on December 24 each year to commemorate the birth of Jesus.

This date is the development of births. People are used to pray the novena. Then usually eat turkey or pork. And at noon, after having distributed gifts, the celebration ends with an embrace of those important people in our lives.

Christmas in Japan

More than Christmas, which really celebrate the Japanese is the preparation for the new year. No more start the month of December, they are dedicated to clean everything, their homes, their accounts and even to renew your wardrobe, as symbol of the new year.

The final day of the year is called Omisoka. On this day they tend to enjoy with the entire family of traditional cups of noodles, a symbol of longevity. The year-end festivities end on 4 January.

Origin of Christmas

The origin of Christmas involves the mighty Roman Empire and pagan rites.

The truth, the exact date of Jesus' birth is unknown. Researchers conclude that he was born in April or May, while others say it was in September or October.

The explanation of the origin of Christmas is associated with a series of decisions taken by the Christian church. One of the most important decisions was the motion of Pope Julius I in 350 to establish Christmas on December 25. This was ordained four years later by Pope Libertarian.

This date was chosen because of the need of the Christian religion. In December, the worship of Saturn (god of agriculture) was celebrated. December 25 was considered to birth of the new sun.

Then the Christian church chose December 25 as the birth of Jesus as a strategy in its expansion. His goal was to absorb and merge their celebrations with pagan rites of the peoples converted.

Christmas dinner

Christmas dinner is special. December 24 before midnight usual for dinner is stuffed turkey or chicken, salads and some type of rice with cheese and corn. Wine is also served.

Christmas carols

The songs are called Christmas carols. Families gather together to eat and enjoy caroling next to the Christmas tree.

Originally the carols were sung in any religious festival but over time have become only Christmas songs.

Some of the most popular carols are:

• Bell over Bell
• Tell me boy (who you are)
• The Virgin and San Jose
• The fish in the river

Traditions and activities

A tradition that children have retained is to write letters to Santa Claus. Children believe that Santa Claus will bring gifts if they have been good all year.

Cribs are built at Christmas with moss and porcelain dolls representing the birth of Jesus.
Ecuadorians often gather around the manger to sing carols and make the novena.

There are also games like "secret friend", that is to give gifts to the person who has entrusted us. These gifts are distributed without the sender. On Christmas day, at midnight, "secret friends" are revealed.

During these days everyone starts talking about feelings of love, brotherhood and solidarity.