KATHMANDU: Christmas, celebrated mostly by the Christian communities in Nepal on December 25 every year, has currently evolved into a worldwide celebration.
A Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas traditions around the world are diverse. They, however, share key traits involving the themes of light and evergreens.
Other communities also join the celebration in Nepal as it has recently been observed as a national festival.
The day is marked in some places of the country, mainly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s major tourist hub where musical concerts and other tourist attractions are organized.
People across the world observe the festival with traditions and practices that include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, sharing meals with family and friends, and waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.
Talking about the history of Christmas trees, it goes back to the symbolic use of evergreens in ancient Rome and Egypt. The first such trees were brought to America in the 1800s from Germany.
Trees that are green throughout the year have a special meaning for people in the winter. Therefore, people decorate their homes with pine, fir, and spruce trees.
It was also believed that evergreens would keep away ghosts, witches, evil spirits, and illness.
Meanwhile, Santa Claus has a history steeped in Christmas traditions. In recent times, he is considered a jolly man in red who brings toys to ‘good boy and girl’ on Christmas Eve.
However, the story of Claus goes back to the 3rd century when Saint Nicholas walked the earth to become the patron saint of children.
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