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Seasonal Festivals
Advent / Christmas
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In
the northern, Germanic part of Europe, the twelve "consecrated
nights" of the winter solstice gradually became the Christian
feast of "Christmas". The veneration of St. Lucy
- the "Bringer of light" – in Sweden, celebrated
on 13th December, is testament to this. Depicted with a candle
crown, she is also a symbol of the end of the long nights
and the coming of longer days.
In the southern, Roman areas of Europe, Christians transformed the celebration of the Roman god of light Mithras into the annual celebration of the birth of their founder. Thus Christmas is called also in Italian "Natale", in Spanish " Navidad", in French "Noel". "Natale a Roma" is, for example, an uncommonly peaceful and spiritual occurrence that gives strength for the coming year.
However, St. Nicholas, personified in the jolly Christmas Santa Claus and his reindeers, and the lovely baby Christ, also form part of a beautiful tradition which can not be omitted from European Advent celebrations.
The many intricate customs of this formerly "quiet" time of the year are particularly preserved in the Alps, and we recommend some of the most beautiful events with detailed directions and information on this web site.
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