-When did Christmas originate? Deriving from the Old English 'Cristes Maesse' meaning the ''mass of Christ'',the Christmas story begins with the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.Although the exact month is unknown,it is believe that Christ was born on the 25th day in 300AD,the birthday of Jesus was determinde to be on Decenber 25.
-How is the Poinsettia flower related to Christmas? Named after America's first ambassador to Mexico,Joel Poinsett who brought the plants to America in 1828,the poinsettia or Christmas flower is native to Mexico. The Mexican in the eighteenth century thought the plants were symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem,which shone over the stable where Jesus was born.
-What does the candy cane Symbolise? Around 1900's,candy began to be decorated with red stripes and bent into shape of a cane.One legend that is often told about the candy cane relates its origin to candy maker in the late 1800's in Indiana who wanted express the meaning of Christmas through a symbol made of candy.
He came up with an idea of bending one of his white candy sticks into the shape of a candy cane to symbolise Christ's love and sacrifice.
First,he used a plain white peppermint stick to symbolise the purity and sinless nature of Jesus.Next,he added three small red stripes to symbolize the pain inflicted upon Jesus before his death on the cross.He added a bold stripe to represent the blood Jesus shed for mankind.The bent part on top was to look like a shepherd's staff because Jesus is called the shepherd ofman,and turned upside down,it becomes a letter ''J'' symbolizing the first letter in Jesus name. The candy maker made these candy canes for Christmas,so everyone would remeber what Christmas is all about.
-How did Christmas become X'mas? The abbrevation ''Xristos''is the Greek transliteration of the word Christ.During the 16th century,educated Europeans began using the first initial of Christ name, ''X' in place of the word Christ in Christmas,with 'X' often symbolizing a cross. Although the early Christians understood that he 'X' stodd for Christ's name,later Christians whod did not understand the Greek language mistook ''Xmas'' as a sign of disrespect or commercialism.
Cleary,there are lots of interesting Christmas traditions that are practiced by different countries all over the world during the holiday season.And as we've seen,these traditions can be as diverse as the culture and religious practices of each and every nation.
However varied the traditions,though,one thing about Christmas remains the same everywhere-it's a time of reflection,of giving and celebrating life.Regardless of how it all began or how is celebrated,it stand as a reminder to Christians of how much God loves the world.And that love,essentially,is what Christmas is all about.
Yesterday went to pyramid luhs,din't know so many people gonna turn up.But really having fun =]
Ohya one more thing,while me_Carmen and Poh Hian was walking and finding for christmas present.We pass by the stage and got perfomance also,Poh Hian was so excited seeing the Powerpuff Girls.[funny lahs she]
Later that we went for a movie:I am Legend.Erm,don't know how to describe the movie.You can go watch bahs =p
Was chatting with my old schoolmates.So long never see each other edi.And we were talking about the life in primary,many memories actually~~
Leslie, a talkative person when he's in primary and I have to sit beside him,lolx.I think he's still talkative.But still he is a good friend =]
An Jie,we were friends since standard 3 or 4 bahs,can considered close friend.Although sometimes we will fight,but after for while everything back to normal.She's a clever girl too,the one also help me in subject I'm poor.
Eugene,is also a talkative person with a loud voice.If he din't come to school,our class will be quiet,lolx.
Sarah,have a pair of small eyes.Erm,some of the boys make her a nickname,they are just playing around. She's friendly,we know each other when we were standard 1.
Aaron,have a pikachu face_red red one^^
Chole,helpful person.Hahax,I remember once,she use a purple colour pen write my name on my pink colour pencil box.The pencil box still keeping it,lolx That time kinda angry,but later on din edi.Now think back real funny.=p
Okays,I don't think I can describe all bahs!!Stop still here luhs
Hey,sorry for the late update. Almost one month bahs never update this blog,kinda 'dead'
What month is it?!Is alreadi December!! Time really fly fast isn't it?Me and Kimberly also agree the time really fly fast. During school time,everyday will hoping that can faster have a biggie holiday and take a rest,no schoolworks and other stuff. But now think back again,hope that there's a time machine like doreamon one!!Hahax,can turn back,but too sad don't have.
So fast we gonna say Bye to 2007 and say Harlow to 2008!! Okie end of post...^^
-Sharlene & Me-
