Christmas In Denmark

2012
Denmark
CHRISTMAS
MARIANA GONZALEZ, PAOLA HERRERA, MARIANA CUSPINEIRA, MARCO GARCIA.
universidad la salle cancún

Christmas is "jul" (pronounced "yuul") in Danish, Old Norse name that means "party", and is the most important holiday in Denmark with traditions dating back centuries.
At that time, Christmas was not celebrated as the Danes celebrate it today, though many customs andtraditions have survived. So Christmas was primarily a religious event. Today it still is for many but also has other connotations. It is an important family event and a chance to meet with friends.
Christmas and its celebration in Denmark has a long history. Even before the birth of Christ knew the concept of "Christmas" in the Nordic countries and some of the pagan customs of that party havecontinued to the present day, as the abundant Christmas dinner, among other things.
In the middle Ages, after the Christianization of the Danes, Catholic traditions mingled with old Nordic traditions, particularly in the cities, and adopted the custom of candles. Feasted candles, food and money to the poor for charity, and today we still refer to Christmas as the festival of lights.
Little changed inthe field. It was believed that during the Christmas magic powers had ruled that exploit or avoid. For example, bread was left on the table during the holidays and then spread it in the spring before planting, to ensure a good harvest.
After the Reformation in 1536 (when Denmark became Lutheran Protestantism), the Church tried to get rid of the old ways - both pagan and Catholic. But people didnot follow easily from their old traditions, although some changes if they happened over the next two centuries. Christmas was still the most important festival and during the month of December were held all preparations. In the field became the pig slaughter, cakes and pastries, beer and candles. Also done a general cleaning of the house, and the family finally took the Christmas bath. Also, atChristmas people cared a little more for the animals and servitude. They were given a little more feed the animals and servitude is also served some more food such as apple fritters "Aebleskiver" that still today are taken in Denmark in Christmas accompanied by "Gløgg" a hot drink consisting of red wine, a little brandy ("snaps"), many spices, raisins and almond slices.
Gradually other customs wereintroduced, such as the Christmas tree, a tradition imported from Germany. In Denmark was decorated with paper dolls made by the family, cones full of pastries and sweets, red apples, candles and Danish flags. Christmas also introduced and gifts, and Christmas elf (Julenissen). The elf Christmas used to be a very small old man with a white beard, dressed in gray hat and red socks and clogs.According to tradition suited to get along with him, because if you do all kinds of knavery. So people let him rice pudding, which was his favorite food in the attic. Today Christmas elves have a lot of family, and how they live hundreds of years before.
In the early twentieth century introduced the figure of Santa Claus, a concept imported from the United States. From England came the mistletoe andholly, and after World War II began with the Christmas calendar, the Advent wreath, the Santa Lucia procession, and it was like Christmas as we know it today took shape.

In Denmark, Christmas begins with Advent means "arrival". It refers to the coming of Christ and initially also meant Lent and penitence in preparation for the feast of Christ, Christmas. The fourth Sunday before Christmas Eve -the first Sunday of Advent - Prepare a fir wreath and he put four candles and red ribbons or silk violets. Lit a candle. The following Sunday was light two, the third three and the fourth four candles.
On December 1 is the first day of Christmas and starts to open the Christmas calendar. Every child has one and there is a variety. Some are paper and hide or a drawing or a chocolate behind each...