for the Christchild and
so picked some green
branches. The other chil-
dren laughed at him as
he laid them next to the
manger. But by the end of
the service the branches
had blossomed into red
star-shaped flowers.
las posadas
seeking a place to stay in
Bethlehem. The people
of the town divide them-
selves into two groups:
friends and innkeepers.
The procession goes from
house to house asking for
shelter but finding none.
Finally they arrive at a
house where an altar and
set up. The pilgrims are al-
lowed in and great rejoic-
ing takes place. Prayer is
offered and a party fol-
lows celebrating Christ's
arrival to the world.
season. The Fins believe
that Father Christmas
lives in their country!
celebration that includes
mas Day and Boxing Day.
Christmas Eve is very spe-
a special meal of rice por-
ridge and plum fruit juice
in the morning. The day
follows with a spruce tree
ily members. Then at noon
the mayor of Turku reads
out the country on the radio
and television. In the eve-
ning a traditional Christ-
mas meal is enjoyed featur-
ing foods such as ham or
turkey and casseroles that
have ingredients such as
macaroni, rutabagas, car-
rots and potatoes. Many
families also visit cemeter-
ies to place a candle on the
graves of loved ones. The
day ends with children
receiving their gifts, usu-
ally at the hands of a very
friendly Father Christmas.
The church bursts into
color with flags, banners
and other Christmas dec-
orations. On Christmas
able space to see the dra-
matic procession. Led by
galloping horsemen and
police on beautiful Arabian
horses, they are followed by
a lone horseman carrying
a cross while riding a coal-
black steed. Government
and church officials then
solemnly enter the church,
placing a small wooden
in a place of honor. The
procession then goes down
a spiral staircase below the
by a silver star � the place
roads of the capital city are closed to
shoes over their shoulder towards
heel of the shoe lands closer to the door,
the belief is that they will not marry in the
coming year. If, however, the toe of the
shoe points to the door, "Pack your bags,
dearie--you're moving out" to marry in
the coming year.
for a number of days up until the first
the celebrated date in this country. The
moment that first star is sighted, fami-
lies indulge in a twelve-course supper in
honor of the Twelve Apostles.
dren who await a visit from Sinterklass.
horse, Black Pete.
manger.
is much lower than regular first-class
envelope, the postage is processed at a
lesser rate.
or radio on Christmas Day--a rule that also
to-house carrying images of Mary and
Christmas Camel.
observation, feasting, and family to-
rarely happens.
couples to share a romantic meal at a
fancy restaurant.
name. The identities are kept secret until
Christmas Day, when they reveal their secret
and exchange gifts.
December 25 comes in the Summer.
to the beach or go camping.
C) Germany
D) Ethiopia
E) New Zealand
F) Mexico
G) Ukraine
H) The Netherlands
L) Australia
M) Syria
N) Venezuela
O)
h
m
the se
had