For thousands of years, people have gathered at the beginning of the winter season to celebrate the winter solstice. Long before Christmas—as we know it—was observed, various celebrations and rites were the precursors of today's festivities. Every religion has its Christmas traditions, and at the Aeterna Funeral Complex, we believe that there are many beautiful ways to celebrate this holiday that brings people together, even if this year will certainly be different.

Early festivities and rites

The winter solstice has long been synonymous with celebration for many peoples. The Romans celebrated the Saturnalia festival, which included the Sigillaria on the last day, and where houses were decorated with green plants and where great feasts were held. These celebrations were also the occasion to exchange small gifts and to offer them to children: terracotta or wax figurines, rings, seals, etc. As for the Christmas tree, it originated from a pagan rite before being assimilated by Christianity. The ritual consisted of decorating a tree at the approach of the winter solstice, as a symbol of life and renewal. From the 12th century onward, the tradition of St. Nicholas arose—the bishop who brought sweets such as dried fruits, apples, cakes, candies and chocolates to well-behaved children.
In the 20th century, sweets were transformed into toys with the rise of the consumer society. Parisian department stores followed the American model and encouraged people to buy toys for children through promotions in their window displays. While this tradition continues to flourish more and more nowadays, Midnight Mass and Christmas Eve are also part of the traditions that remain. Once the gifts are opened, the guests gather at the table for the famous Christmas menu: turkey, cranberries, meat pie, Christmas log and many other desserts are part of the Quebec tradition.

 

Family first, regardless of the celebration

Not all religions celebrate Christmas per se, but many of them have their own festivities. The custom of getting together with the family for these holidays is the common feature of all the traditions. Christmas is so prevalent in North America that many countries have followed suit and adapted their own traditions.

Protestant Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Day itself rather than the day before. A tree symbolizing the paradise of Adam and Eve is decorated, although there is no manger.

In Jewish families, it is Hanukkah (the Festival of Lights), which is rather marked as a holiday at the end of the year. The tradition is to light 8 candles, one per day. Once all the candles are lit, the faithful gather around a good meal where gifts are distributed to the children. Hanukkah is a family celebration and has many other customs, such as playing with spinning tops, giving money to the children, singing, etc.

For Italian families, the North American-influenced Christmas tree and decorations are an important feature in their homes, as is the manger. The Panettone, a moist, Italian, candied fruit cake, is also a great symbol of the holiday season for Italians. Santa Claus (Babbo Natale) has the role of gift distributor, just like the little Jesus (Gèsu Bambino); however, Italians also keep alive the tradition of the Befana--an elderly woman—a kind witch—who distributes gifts to all the children. She is the one who comes to fill the stockings on Epiphany Eve, the night of January 5.

Christmas is first and foremost a religious holiday of the utmost importance in Haiti, celebrated with the family by the Haitian community. Midnight Mass, the Gala evening, the decorations, the Christmas tree—everything is focused on the religious aspects of the festivities. The manger and its traditional sacred characters are therefore found in homes. The lantern—a typical Haitian traditional work of art that is featured at the Christmas party—brings joy to the hearts of the children and light to the tree. Handcrafted especially for the festive year-end season, it is made of cardboard and tiny light bulbs.

Among the Greeks, Christmas and New Year celebrations are symbolized by the olive tree, round bread and honey. The tradition extends from December 6 (the feast of St. Nicholas) to Epiphany Day on January 6. Popular Christmas carols accompanied by metal triangles as well as beautifully decorated shop windows are very traditional throughout the festivities. The Greeks wait until St. Basil's Day, on January 1, to give each other gifts.

In the Chinese community, Christmas is not really celebrated, as very few families are Christian. In general, the population is more influenced by the commercial aspect of the year-end festivities, without attaching any religious significance to it.

At the Aeterna Complex, we value and respect every rite and ritual, regardless of your beliefs. Our advisors can answer your questions and serve you in 13 different languages. Whatever your Christmas traditions, we wish you a festive family celebration filled with love, joy and health.