『壹』 有关中西方礼仪的英语作文
Western diners, from formal to form an informal, far more than in China. Roughly speaking, they have the following eight fete form: the banquet, buffet seats, lunch, conference, cocktail party, dinner party, picnics, tea. From the traditional custom, said a Chinese dinner, whether by long and honour, Lord, give full table and sit, big tables, master QuanJiu frequently, guest ritual to obey. Chinese people felt that way can reflect master competitive enthusiasm and sincere. Other diners advocate lively lively atmosphere, exquisite face ostentation and extravagance. The big, the atmosphere strie lively often breathtaking.
『贰』 帮忙写篇关于西方礼仪的英语作文
书面表达
假如你的朋友李明应邀去参加美国朋友的家庭宴会，他不懂如何应付。请你给他提些建议，告诉他如何去做以便给人留下好印象。根据以下提示写一篇100词左右的短文。
1.礼品（一瓶酒或一盒巧克力）；
2.准时到达，可提前十分钟左右；
3.称赞主人的饭菜；
4.饭后不要逗留太长时间；
5.走前再次感谢主人。
【参考答案】
If you want to make a good impression at an American dinner party, you may do as follows:
First of all, you should buy a small gift, such as a bottle of wine or a box of chocolate for your host or hostess. Second, arrive on time. You may arrive about ten minutes earlier. Third, ring the dinner, don’t forget to say that the food is delicious. After you finish eating, you shouldn’t stay too long. Finally, thank your host or hostess for the good dinner when you leave.
『叁』 英语作文带翻译外国餐桌礼仪60词i
你好，朋友！
Seated posture, foot in my seat, can not arbitrary straight, elbows should not rely on table edge, or hand on the back of a chair next to him. Table must be gentle, quiet and calm, can not be impatient. On the table can be selfish, but also to care for others, especially on both sides of the greeting of the ladies. The mouth of food, should avoid to speak.
希望能帮到内您容！
『肆』 向外国人介绍中国礼仪的英语作文要求：见面礼、餐桌礼仪等
你下载一个中英文翻译软件就好啦！，时节可以跟外国人对话聊天
『伍』 关于中国人本国礼仪不重视而对外国礼仪重视的英语作文
Chinese table etiquette boils down to the following points:
1. Admission etiquette. Ask guests seated on the seats. Please elderly guests in attendance were seated next to attendance at from the left side into the chair. Admission Dongkuaizi not after. What more do not come to beep. Not to get up walk. If what happened to the owner notice.
Second, when the meal. Ask guests. Long the Dongkuaizi. Jiacai, each less. Far from the food on their own eat some. Meal not a voice. Heshang also not a sound use Kaitang I spoon a small drink and a small mouth. Pawan front-lips not drink, soup, hot cool after Zaikai. side not to drink while blowing Some people prefer to chew food to eat. extraordinary feel like work is crisp chewing food, a very clear voices. this is not etiquette demands. extraordinary and everyone is eating together, as far as possible to prevent the emergence of this phenomenon.
Third: Do not eat hiccup, other voices will not arise if there sneezing, Changming involuntarily, such as the sound, it is necessary to say "I am sorry."; I am sorry;. "Of the original cooler." Within the words . to show regret.
Fourth if guests or elders give cloth dish. Best use of chopsticks may also be the guests or elders far away from the dishes to their front, according to the habit of the Chinese nation. Dish is a one of the Top. If the same tables leadership, the elderly, the guests said. Whenever of a new dish, let them first Dongkuaizi. rotation or invite them to the first Dongkuaizi. to show their importance.
Fifth: eat the head, fishbone, bones and other objects, not Wangwaimian vomit, not onto the ground still. Slowly to get their hands Diezili, or close on their own or on Canzhuobian prepared beforehand good on paper.
Sixth: To a timely manner about the time and people just a few humorous, to reconcile the atmosphere. Guangzhaotou not eat, regardless of others, and do not devour and destroy the lavish meal, not jail sentence.
7: It is best not to the dinner table Tiya if it is to Tiya, will use napkins or sign blocked their mouths.
8: To clear the main tasks of the meal. Must be clear to do business oriented. Feelings or to the main contact. Mainly or to eat. If it is the former, when attention should be paid to the seating arrangements. Their main negotiators the seats near each other to facilitate conversations, or dredge emotion. If it is the after. need only pay attention to common-sense courtesy on the line, to focus on the appreciation of dishes,
9: The last time left. Must be expressed gratitude to the host. At the invitation of the owner or to their own homes after the house to show back
China is the etiquette of helping people, Minsishiweitian, dining How can no rules! While stressing that no attention is three meals a day, but do not know know better than OK!
1. Inviting guests to notice, Ruxi 6:00, 5:50才叫your elderly guests, it does not. 2. Hosts who looked to be late; guests should be 5-10 minutes late, and this is very considerate guests Oh, and pay attention to grasp, natural host and the guest are Huan. 3. If sit round a table, facing the door of the main blocks, or back * walls, counters; emphasize some hotels will be used napkins distinction, the highest position napkins can not casually sit Oh, unless you intend to good banquet woven?: D
4. Masters of the subject and object of the right hand side, the left hand side of the important guests; * gate facing the master, of course, is run errands entertain the Peiqia sit you. 5. Guests do not directly to the members of a la carte and calling guidance, obediently waiting for the hosts who looked to be a la carte if guests really serious taboos or hobbies, and should be gently told the hosts who looked, the owner of natural putting his interests and meet guests little or significantly requirements. 6. Hosts who looked not need points or less grasping points, or holding food dishes, such as crab, lobster legs, ribs, and so on. For a meal to the three dishes such a rule no. What can be said etiquette! 7. Not a small amount of force will not object to others drink wine without fragmentation feast! 8. On the wine servings! Foreigner likes to boast of skill, people may boast their own point-for the food, hosts who looked at carefully observed Liangcai Qi, every Cup have drinks later, when immediately drank to welcome the start. . . Like, rotating disk or right hand side indicate the subject and object moving first chopsticks. Tuirang subject and object should not be too long, oh, we stomachs are hungry, it will eat you open! Do not forget to eat the praise of some oh. 9. After one of every dish, although the waiter and owner will still go before the subject and object, but not too rigidly stick with you, if just in front of me, dead people rotating disc, I would first folder a small taste of chopsticks ! 10. Hosts who looked often to the disk will cater to the vast majority of guests; Peiqia then added services to entertain; guests can not touch the hands of disk integrity and eat meals, the two sides are also Huan you. 11. If there is no attendant at the food or chopsticks, Gongbiao, Jiacai the first time can be good, must not use their own chopsticks to pick in the session to pick, and even stirring! Not everyone is like love, like you do not mind the saliva chopsticks! Usually identified from their recent selection part. 12. Let chopsticks on the best food in their transition to a dish in only into the mouth. Phase seem to be eating is not so urgent. 13. When chewing food in the mouth, remember Bijin lips is a major event, so to speak, falling objects, Shishui spills, as well as to avoid a "Puma Puma Ji Ji" annoyance beep. 14. During the meal, or both before and after the meal, should be back straight, as far as possible but not later * chairs sit. During the meal, basically in the hands above the desktop. 15. The master of a very good appetite, and weight loss are guests, not the Fanju oh.
『陆』 跪求一篇介绍外国餐桌礼仪的英语作文，高分赏，必需要好的，
TABLE MANNERS AT A DINNER PARTY:
People who go to a formal Western dinner party for the first time may be surprised by table manners in Western culture.Knowing them will help you make a good impression.Having good table manners means knowing,for example,how to use knives and forks,when to drink a toast and how to behave at the table.Beside your napkin you will find a small bread roll and three glasses—one for white wine,one for the red wine,and one for water.There are two pairs of knives and forks on the table,forks on the left and knives in the right of the plate.When you see two spoons,the big one id for the suop and the samll one for the dessert.The knife and fork that are closest to your plate are a litte bit bigger than the ones beside them.When you sit down at the table, you can take your napkin, unfold it and put it on your lap.In Chinese you sometime get a hot,damp cloth to clean your face and face and hands,whinch,however,is nat the custom in Western countries.
Dinner start with a small dish, which is often called a starter.Sime people pray before they start eating , and other people may keep silent for a moment. Then you can say"Enjoy your meal"to each other and everybody start eating.For the starter,which you eat with the smaller pair,you keep the knife in your right hand and the fork in your left.After the starter you will get a bowl of soup—but only one boel of soup and never ask for a seconf serving.
The next dish is the main course.Many Westerners think the chicken breast with its tender white flesh is the best part of the bird. Some people can use their fingers when they eating chicken or other birds,but never touch beef or other meat in bones.It is polite to finish eating everthing on your plate,so don't take more food than you need.
At table ,you should try to speak quietly and smile a lot,but do not laugh all the time.
Most Westerners like soft drink if they will drive home.Many of them drink white or red wine with the food.When drinking to someone's health,you raise your glasses,but the glasses should not touch. The custom of toasting in some parts of China is to finish the drink at once,but Westerners usually take only a sip.For drinking ring a dinner,the best advic is never to drink too much.
Table manners change over time.They follow the fashion of the day .Beside,table manners are only important at formal dinner parties.If you're not sure what to do ,you can always follow your hosts.Although good manners always make you look good,you do not need to worry about all these rules while having dinner with your friends or family.
餐桌礼仪参加晚餐聚会。
人们去参加一次正式的西餐聚会可以第一次吃惊于西方文化中的餐桌礼节知道问题会让你留下一个好印象具有良好的餐桌礼仪意味着知道一旦最坏的情况,例如,如何使用刀叉,何时祝酒以及如何在餐桌上表现在你们的餐巾你会找到一个小面包卷和三个glasses-one为白葡萄酒,一为红酒,和一个用于水有两双刀、叉放在桌子上,叉子往左拐,然后小刀盘子的右边当你看到2大汤匙,这个大的id为suop和小的甜点刀和叉,最近你的盘子是一个小一点的比在他们旁边一旦你坐下来吃饭时,你可以把你的餐巾,展开并把它放在你的大腿上在中国你有时候真的可以得到一块温热的餐巾擦洗干净你的脸和洗脸、洗手,whinch,然而,是nat西方国家的风俗。
晚餐开始用一个小碟子,常常叫做“先发有些人饭前要祈祷,其他的人保持沉默了一会儿。你就可以回答“好好享受你的餐点”对方,每个人都开始吃为你所吃的先发投手,其中的小双,你把刀在你右手中,左手拿叉先发投手后,你将会得到一碗汤soup-but只有一个计划,别问一场服务。
下一盘是主菜许多西方人认为鸡胸肉白色有著柔软最好的活动那只鸟。有些人可以用手指当他们吃鸡肉和其他鸟类,但千万别碰牛肉在骨骼和其他肉类是很有礼貌的,在你的盘子里吃完所有的,不要把多吃,你需要的人。
在餐桌上,你应该尽量小声说话和笑,但不会笑的。
『柒』 英语作文，中西方课堂礼仪不同，简单一些的， 求各位大佬解答
你好，请给出字数要求，我是本科英语专业大三的学生，一般的英语方面的问题手到擒来，但是巧妇难成无米之炊，请把问题补全我才好回答
『捌』 西方的礼仪 要全英文版的
楼主这是我找的!!希望对你有帮助!!!! Business etiquette is the business etiquette norms. Business etiquette is coordination and communication functions with cohesion emotional role. With the development of society, the business relations are getting wider and wider, in a variety of business contacts graally formed a code of conct and guidelines, guidance on business conct themselves in society, and as a code of society, coordinating human relations and human and social relations, so that people are friendly to each other, respect the other's premise, compliance with the protocol norms, in accordance with the protocol norms restrain itself, it is easy for people to feelings of interpersonal communication. so emotional pool play to the role, and establish mutual respect, mutual trust, friendship and cooperation relations, in turn help the development of various undertakings. Business etiquette is a behavioral science, and should seriously the systemic training. Due to geographical and historical background, the system between various kinds of differences True but reflects the aspirations of the same, and to abide by the norms and codes of conct is consistent. 既然回答了..为什么要糊弄你. 中文意思是:商务礼仪是商务活动中的礼仪规范。商务礼仪具有协调和沟通的功能,具有凝聚情感的作用。 随着社会的发展,商务人员的交往面越来越广,在各种商务交往中逐渐形成了行为规范和准则,指导商务人员立身处世、立身社会,协调人与人之间的关系和人与社会的关系,使人们友好相处,在尊重他人的前提下,遵守礼仪规范,按照礼仪规范约束自己,就容易使人际间感情得以沟通,使凝聚情感的作用发挥,建立起相互尊重、彼此信任、友好合作的关系,进而有利于各种事业的发展。 商务礼仪是行为科学,应充分重视训练的系统性。由于地理环境和历史背景不同,系统之间有着这样和那样的差异,但反映真善美的愿望是一致的,共同遵守的准则和行为规范是一致
求采纳
『玖』 谁能帮我写一篇关于西方礼仪的英语作文
The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) has recently received the ISO14001 certificate, meaning that the environmental management system (EMS) set up by the BOCOG conforms to the ISO14001:1966 standards and requirements.
The certificate issued by China's national environmental authentication center on October 13 covers areas including BOCOG's office work, the event route planning, venue planning, partners selecting, contracted hotels selecting, communication and environmental management.
The BOCOG started establishing the EMS following BOCOG president Liu Qi's approval in April 2004. After experts' examination and appraisal of a trial practice of several months, the BOCOG passed the certification in September this year.
The system will be implemented from now on to ensure BOCOG's scientific management of the Olympiad's preparation and hosting.
As a theme of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Green Olympics means to prepare it in accordance with the principle of sustainable development, which calls for the protection of environment, conservation of resources and maintenance of ecological balance.
The city's environmental infrastructure will be enhanced and its ecological surrounding improved. Beijing will widely organize environmental communication and ecation activities to raise public awareness and leave rich environmental legacy to China and world sports.
BOCOG has compiled an EMS manual, assigned environmental management representatives, clarified responsibilities for BOCOG's different departments, held training courses, and confirmed some key environmental elements for all departments
我和北京奥运
我盼望着2008年8月8日快点到来。这是北京奥运会开幕的日子，是世界体育大家庭聚会北京的日子，更是每一个中国人倍感骄傲的日子。
作为一个小主人，我真想成为一名光荣的奥运志愿者，可是到了那时，我还太小，不能成为一个真正的志愿者，但是，我依然可以为北京奥运会做出自己的贡献。
首先，作为一个北京市的小市民，我要用我的热情、我的笑容迎接每一个来自世界各地的外国朋友，展示出我们北京人友好好客的精神风貌，让外国朋友们通过每一张北京人的笑脸感受北京。
其次，我要更加努力的学习英语，在奥运会举办期间，能够用英语和外国朋友们说话、交流，为他们提供我力所能及的帮助，比如：做个小翻译、帮外国人指路等等，让外国朋友通过每一个北京人热情的帮助喜欢北京。
再次，我也要学习更多的有关北京、奥运的知识，将来可以为外国朋友介绍咱们美丽的北京，以及北京悠久的历史和灿烂的文化，要让他们通过和每一个北京人的交流更加了解北京，了解中国。
最后，我还要动员我身边的每一个同学，大家一起学习文明礼仪，一起加强和宣传环保意识，为北京奥运会办成一个真正的“绿色奥运、人文奥运、科技奥运”从我做起、从现在做起。
“同一个世界，同一个梦想”，我希望我的梦想能够变为现实。
Olympic Games and me
I am looking forward the Beijing Olympics on August 8, 2008 very much. This is the opening cenemony of the Beijing Olympic Games, and the day the world sports family gathering together, as well as the day Chinese people are really proud of.
As a small master, I really want to become a glorious Olympic volunteer, but I still too little to really become a volunteer. But I can still make contributions to the Beijing Olympic Games.
First of all, as a citizen of Beijing, I will use my enthusiasm and smile to greet every foreign friends from all over the world, and to show off our Beijingers’ friendly and hospitable spirit so that every foreign friends will know the city by the faces. Next, I want to learn English harder so that ring the Olympics I could speak to foreign friends and community in English, And do my best to help them, For example, be a little translator and to help foreigners when they ask way. Let them know China by the behaviors of us.
Again, I would like to learn more about Beijing's Olympic and for the future to our foreign friends knowing more about our beautiful Beijing, as well as the long history and splendid culture, I would like to mobilize each and every one of my classmates, we will study together and civilize etiquette together to strengthen and promote environmental awareness for the Beijing Olympic Games into a true "Green Olympics, People's Olympics, Hi-tech Olympics" from ourselves and from now on. "One world, one dream," I hope my dream will become a reality..
今天，立于国家博物馆门前的奥运倒计时牌显示出的数字表明，再过800天，我们热盼已久的2008年第29届奥运会就要在北京举行了。
不闯灯、不越线、不酒后驾车、不乱停乱放……昨天，全市300名公交、出租车司机共同发出了“文明行车 从我做起”的倡议，为即将到来的第29届奥运会做准备。
奥运渐渐临近，作为我们普通的市民在兴奋之余，更应该用自己的文明行动来迎接奥运的到来。
奥运会不仅仅是一场体育盛事，更是对举办国、举办城市综合素质的考验，这包括经济水平、管理水平等等，而这里面尤为重要的就是市民的文明程度。
奥运会短短十几天，数万运动员云集，城市交通是最让人担心的。北京路很堵是个不争的事实，这跟城市的快速发展带来的结果，但也不可否认与部分司机不文明行车有很大的关系。随意并线、闯红灯、酒后驾车等等，这些不文明的行为，不但给路添堵，更给人的心里添堵。这次北京公交、出租车司机发出文明行车倡议，正是用自己的文明行动为北京交通的改善做贡献，也是为奥运添彩。
当然，迎接奥运并不单是司机们的事，同样也是各行各业的事。迎接奥运，并不需要多么华丽的语言和盛大的活动，而是需要我们从自身做起，就如同司机要文明驾驶，行人需遵循规矩，商贩应恪守诚信……
只有市民都文明起来，遵守法律、法规和社会公德，相信08奥运会一定会办成有史以来最好的奥运会。
Today, in front of the National Museum of the Olympic countdown card figures show that just 800 days, we eagerly looked forward to for a long time, 2008 will be the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing. Not new lights, and not cross the line, and not drink driving, not Luantingluanfang : : Yesterday, the city's 300 buses, taxi drivers issued jointly "civilized journey starting with me" initiative for the upcoming 29th Olympic Games preparation. Olympics graally approaching, and as we ordinary people in the excitement I, but should use their own civilization action to meet the arrival of the Olympic Games. Olympics is a sports event is held to States, organized the city's comprehensive quality tests, which include economic level, the management level, and so on, which is particularly important that the public were more civilized. Olympic short 10 days, tens of thousands of athletes gathered in urban areas is the most worrying thing. Beijing Lu very block is an indisputable fact that, with the city's rapid development will bring results, but it is undeniable with some great drivers uncivilized traffic. Arbitrarily and lines, stop, drink driving, etc., these uncivilized acts, not only to Lu Tian Du, the more people they Tian. The Beijing transit, a taxi driver driving initiatives civilization is the civilization with their own actions contribute to the improvement of the Beijing traffic, but also for Olympic glory. Of course, the Olympics is not just a matter drivers were equally different things. The Olympic Games, how magnificent language and does not require a grand activities, but we need to begin to act, as the driver to drive civilization, pedestrians have to follow the rules, vendors should abide by integrity : : Only people are civilized, to comply with laws, regulations and public morality, I believe 08 of the Olympic Games will be the best Olympic Games ever.
The 2008 Olympic Games and I
The year of 2008 is getting closer and closer to us. We need to take actions from now on to prepare for the game. What we need to do most is to work on our disadvantages and shortcomings. As a student of Senior high, I can do my own part. Although I can’t transform our city into more a beautiful place on my own, I can help Beijing in small ways and encourage our classmates and people around me to follow my lead.
Let me take the environment for example, the atmosphere around Beijing is quite disappointing, factories and cars keep giving off exhausts into the air, we can hardly see the blue sky with our naked eyes, because the sky is covered with a thick layer of harmful substances. The sky is gray instead of blue. To our delight, the government has passed some laws of protecting the air, and we can do something useful, too. For example, whenever we go out for a long distance, ride the bike or take the buses and subways instead of taxis. You may not have a clue how it works. Of course doing that only by one person is far from enough, but we can let more people do that together. In that case the result may be more than we bargained for.
Another thing we need to work on is our English skills. Teachers and parents often put great emphasis on our English skills especially listening and speaking. I want to be a volunteer in 2008, to be an interpreter. For now, I must do something helpful to improve my spoken English. Rome isn’t build in a day, so is English. It can’t be improved in a day or two. It takes time and energy. There are no shortcuts to improve your spoken English; the most proctive way is to grab all opportunities around you to open your mouth. For instance, taking part in all kinds of English contests is a good way, you can meet some excellent contestants, and you can share the experience of learning and some good method of learning. I will keep participating in all English activities to polish up my English. I’m sure by the year of 2008, I will be able to master English well just as my mother tongue.
All in all, I’m sure that Beijing Olympic Games will be one of the most successful Games in history. I believe our long-cherished dream will be fulfilled in a perfect way!
译文：
2008年奥运会和我
2008年离我们越来越近了，我们必须从现在开始采取行动，来为奥运会做准备。我们最需要做的，是克服缺点和改进不足之处。作为一名高中生，我们可以做我们力所能及的事情。虽然我不能光靠我自身的力量把这座城市妆点得更美丽，但我可以用自己的方式，来改变北京并且鼓励我的同学们和我周围的人和我一起做。
让我以环境为例，北京周围的大气环境比较令人失望，工厂和汽车不断地向空中排放废气，我们几乎用肉眼看不到蓝色的天空了。因为天空被一层厚厚的有害物质所覆盖，天空成了灰色，而不是蓝色。令我们高兴的是，政府已经出台一些保护大气环境的相关法规。我们呢，也可以做一些有用的事情。比如说，每当我们要出远门的时候，骑自行车或乘坐公交车和地铁来代替出租车。你可能不知道这会有什么用。当然，只靠一个人的力量是远远不够的，但是我们可以让更多的人一起去做。这样的话，结果才有可能收效显著。
『拾』 急````求几篇关于外国礼仪的文章（要英文的）
Appearance
Conservative suits for men with subtle colors are the norm.
Women should avoid high heels and short sleeved blouses. The Chinese frown on women who display too much.
Subtle, neutral colors should be worn by both men and women.
Casual dress should be conservative as well.
Men and women can wear jeans. However, jeans are not acceptable for business meetings.
Revealing clothing for women is considered offensive to Chinese businessmen.
Behavior
Do not use large hand movements. The Chinese do not speak with their hands. Your movements may be distracting to your host.
Personal contact must be avoided at all cost. It is highly inappropriate for a man to touch a woman in public.
Do not point when speaking.
To point do not use your index finger, use an open palm.
It is considered improper to put your hand in your mouth.
Avoid acts that involve the mouth.
Gift giving is a very delicate issue in China - See international business gift giving.
It is illegal to give gifts to government official however; it has become more commonplace in the business world.
It is more acceptable to give gifts either in private or to a group as a whole to avoid embarrassment.
The most acceptable gift is a banquet.
Quality writing pens as considered favored gifts.
The following gifts and/or colors are associated with death and should not be given:
Clocks
Straw sandals
A stork or crane
Handkerchiefs
Anything white, blue or black
Always arrive on time or early if you are the guest.
Do not discuss business at meals.
Do not start to eat or drink prior to the host.
As a cultural courtesy, you should taste all the dishes you are offered.
Sample meals only, there may be several courses.
Never place your chopsticks straight up in your bowl. By placing your sticks upright in your bowl your will remind your host of joss sticks which connotes death.
Do not drop the chopsticks it is considered bad luck.
Do not eat all of your meal. If you eat all of your meal, the Chinese will assume you did not receive enough food and are still hungry.
Women do not usually drink at meals.
Tipping is considered insulting, however the practice is becoming more common.
Communications
Bowing or nodding is the common greeting; however, you may be offered a handshake. Wait for the Chinese to offer their hand first.
Applause is common when greeting a crowd; the same is expected in return.
Introctions are formal. Use formal titles.
Often times Chinese will use a nickname to assist Westerners.
Being on time is vital in China.
Appointments are a must for business.
Contacts should be made prior to your trip.
Bring several copies of all written documents for your meetings.
The decision making process is slow. You should not expect to conclude your business swiftly.
Many Chinese will want to consult with the stars or wait for a lucky day before they make a decision.
Present and receive cards with both hands.
Never write on a business card or put it in your wallet or pocket. Carry a small card case.
The most important member of your company or group should lead important meetings. Chinese value rank and status.
Develop a working knowledge of Chinese culture.
Allow the Chinese to leave a meeting first.
Christmas
People send each other cards and give gifts to their families and friends. In homes and in stores, evergreen trees glitter with colorful lights and ornaments. Children look forward to seeing a jolly, white-bearded man in a red suit named Santa Claus.
It all can mean just one thing: It’s the season of Christmas, a holiday celebrated every year on December 25.
WHAT IS CHRISTMAS?
Christmas is a Christian holiday. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ more than 2,000 years ago. Christian churches hold religious services to celebrate Christmas. At midnight on Christmas Eve, most churches hold special candlelight services.
But Christmas is also a social and family holiday. It is a festival of goodwill, a time for family, friends, food, and gift-giving.
Many Americans share Christmas cookies, decorate their homes, and place presents under the family Christmas tree. Children often hang up stockings for Santa Claus to fill with small gifts. According to tradition, Santa arrives on a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Presents are usually opened on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
THE STORY OF CHRIST’S BIRTH
The story of Christ’s birth comes mainly from the New Testament of the Bible, a holy book of Christianity. According to the Bible, Joseph and his wife, Mary, traveled from Nazareth to the town of Bethlehem. The town’s inn had no room for them, even though Mary was expecting a child. Her baby was born in a stable and placed in a manger, a criblike holder for animal feed.
In the fields near Bethlehem, an angel appeared before shepherds who were guarding their flocks. The angel told the shepherds that a holy child named Jesus Christ had been born. Other angels appeared and sang. After the angels had gone, the shepherds went to Bethlehem to see the child.
Three Wise Men came from the east looking for a newborn king. They followed a bright, guiding star called the Star of Bethlehem. It led them to Christ in the manger. There, they knelt in worship before the baby Jesus and gave him gifts.
TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
The official Christmas season is popularly known as the Twelve Days of Christmas. It extends from the anniversary of Christ’s birth on December 25 to the feast of Epiphany on January 6. The Epiphany honors Jesus’ baptism and the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem.
THE ROOTS OF CHRISTMAS
No one knows exactly when Jesus Christ was born. For many years, local Christian churches celebrated Christ’s birth at different times. Then, in the ad 300s, the Roman Catholic Church set the birth date at December 25.
At that time, older non-Christian festivals were celebrated around Christmas. The Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a festival honoring their god of harvest and god of light. Other Europeans held festivals in mid-December marking the end of the harvest season. The Roman Catholic Church probably chose December 25 to give a Christian meaning to these older festivals.
The Orthodox Church, the Christian church in the east, also began using December 25 as the birth date of Jesus. But the Orthodox Church places more importance on celebrating Jesus’ baptism on January 6.
CHRISTMAS GIFTS
The custom of exchanging gifts at Christmas comes from the ancient Romans. During Saturnalia, the Romans exchanged tokens of good luck. Later, it became customary for Romans to exchange more valuable gifts, such as clothes or jewelry. The Biblical story of the Three Wise Men who presented gifts to baby Jesus also shaped this Christmas custom.
CHRISTMAS TREES
The tradition of the Christmas tree came to North America from Germany. Long ago, Germans began decorating evergreen trees in their homes at Christmas. They trimmed their trees with fruits, cookies, and lighted candles. German immigrants to the United States brought this custom with them in the 1800s.
Before Christian times, ancient people used evergreens for decoration and religious ceremonies. Because evergreens do not die in the winter, they came to symbolize eternal life.
STAR OF BETHLEHEM
The Star of Bethlehem is one of the oldest symbols of Christmas. A star traditionally sits atop Christmas trees. Stars are used for many other Christmas decorations, too.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Lighted candles have always been a part of Christmas celebrations. The candles represent Jesus Christ, who the Bible calls “ light of the world.” Today, most people decorate their homes and yards with electric lights in place of candles.
MISTLETOE AND HOLLY
The custom of decorating with mistletoe at Christmastime dates to the Romans. They thought of mistletoe as a symbol of peace. They believed enemies would resolve their differences when they met beneath it. The Christmas custom of kissing under the mistletoe is thought to come from this ancient belief.
Holly, too, is a popular Christmas decoration. Its sharp, pointed leaves are considered a symbol of Christ’s crown of thorns. Christ wore the crown when he was crucified (nailed to a cross).
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD
Each part of the world has its own Christmas traditions. In many countries, gifts are exchanged on January 6 to mark the Epiphany. On January 5, the eve of the Epiphany, children in Spain leave grain in their shoes for the Wise Men’s camels. The next morning, they find small gifts in place of the grain.
In Mexico, singing children parade from house to house in a tradition called posadas. They ask for shelter, like Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem before Jesus’ birth. The children are turned away at many doors before they are finally invited in. Then, everyone enjoys a large meal, singing, and dancing.
In the southern part of the world, in places like Australia, Christmas arrives in summer. Australians often celebrate Christmas with a beach picnic! And Santa’s sleigh is said to be pulled by eight kangaroos!