CHRISTMAS IN IRAQ
In the Christian homes an unusual ceremony is held in the courtyard of home on Christmas Eve. One of the children in the family reads the story of the Nativity from an Arabic Bible. The other members of the family hold lighted candles, and as soon as the story has been read a bonfire is lit in the corner of the courtyard. The fire is made from dried thorns and the future of the house for the coming year depends on the way the fire burns. If the thorns burn to ashes, the family will have good fortune. While the fire is burning a psalm is sung. When the fire is reduced to ashes, everyone jumps over the ashes three times and makes a wish.
On Christmas day a similar bonfire is buit in the church. The men of the congregation chant a hymn. Then there is a procession in which the officials of the church march behind the bishop, who carries an image of the infant Jesus upon a scarlet cushion. The long Christmas service always ends with a blessing of the people. The bishop reaches forth and touches a member of the congregation with his hand, putting his blessing upon him. That person touches the one next to him, and so on until all have recieved "the Touch of Peace."
3 comments:
Fascinating entry Sandra. I love learning new things. I was going to use the same graphic today lolol then I changed my mind and used another intending to use the window one tomorrow. Oh well, back to the drawing board. Have a great week xxxxxxxx
I was going to say that was fascinating, but I see that the lovely Jeannette has got there ahead of me :o) lol!!
It is fascinating though, the way different cultures, different countries celebrate Christmas.
Sara x
Beautiful entry, Thanx so much for giving us some insight into the Christmas tradition, in a foreign land. God Bless
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