“Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright.” No christmas ever completes without the lyrics played of this melody. Yet how do these simple melodious lyrics end up becoming a well-known anthem of peace all around the world? This song does not just reflect the sanctity of the night but also describes its significance very well. The melody of the song reminds us of a global grace that transcends Christianity and unifies people of all races, religions, and ideologies.
Also, the night before christmas holds spiritual calmness as the lyrics of the song. What is it about Christmas eve that makes the soul happy and the mind sacred?
What is Christmas Eve
Christmas eve is celebrated beginning at sunset often known as Heiligabend or Holy Night. On this day, Some refer to the whole day prior to Christmas as Christmas Eve. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, among other nations, the customary gift-giving takes place in the late afternoon or early evening,
Chronicles of Christmas Eve
God sent his son to earth in the form of Jesus at Christmas. Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus, who entered the world as the Son of God and Savior to save mankind from its sins, on Christmas Eve. This is derived from Jewish tradition and based on the Book of Genesis’s tale of Creation. As per saying, the first day starts in the evening and ends in the morning. The Gospels make no mention of the precise date of Jesus' birth, and it remains unknown.
But the 25th of December was chosen as the day when Jesus was born as early as the year 300 in Rome. On the one hand, this day is associated with the winter solstice, when the days start to become longer once again, which fits with the notion of Jesus as a light-bearer and saviour.
The Advent season officially ends on Christmas Eve and starts on November 30, or November 15 in the East, is a time of preparation for Christmas. Many people in Europe have the belief that on Christmas Eve at midnight, animals temporarily possess the ability to speak.
Despite its connection with the Christianity, Christmas Eve is associated with many pagan and supernatural ideas. In Scandinavian countries, the common belief associated with the eve is that dead people return to their home.
The 19th century saw a rise in the popularity of Christmas celebrations. Christmas Eve still represents the birth of Jesus and is a significant aspect of Christian culture. In the past century, it has become even more well-known because of a cherished icon: Santa Claus. The concept of the cheerful man in red colour inspired further customs like hanging socks and providing cookies, milk, wool sweaters, clothes and even carrots for his reindeer. Polyester fabric does have a great significance during christmas as it is mainly used in stitching Santa’s outfit.
Celebration at the Christmas Eve
Aside from Santa Claus and Christianity, Christmas Eve also grew to represent time spent with family and friends over meals, decorations, gift-giving, and watching Christmas-themed movies. From Europe, North and Latin America, to Asia, the holiday brings together family and friends, enabling them to gather together and enjoy unique and traditional activities.
Presents and trees, two staples of modern Christmas celebrations, were not originally associated with either Christmas Eve or Christmas. Martin Luther, the reformer, helped bring about this shift. He proposed that the birth of Jesus be used as an excuse for a gift-giving holiday in the 16th century. Afterward, the Christ Child, rather than Saint Nicholas, whose legend had been spread by the Catholic Church, would leave gifts beneath the Christmas tree. Thus, the custom of exchanging presents on Christmas Eve is centuries old.
Christmas Eve Mass is also a tradition among Catholics. The name "Mass" derives from the Latin word "Matutinus," which simply means "morning." This is because the Mass was traditionally a nighttime liturgy done just before dawn. That's why the ceremony always takes place around twelve o'clock in the morning. During the Eve Mass, the church held a cake distribution ceremony after mid- night prayer.
In some corners of the world carol singing is also held on the occasion of Christmas eve. People from church roam from house to house singing and dancing Christmas melodies. Father offered to pray to bless the home. During the carol singing “Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright” really reflect what this night is all about.
FAQ
What Christmas traditions do you and your family have for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?
People usually have cookie exchange parties where all our family members took part. Young people of our family also take part in carol singing held by the church. Further, people also love to buy new dresses and suits to present to their kids.
Did soldiers really sing Silent Night?
During world war 1, 1914 soldiers from Germany and France came out of their trenches and started singing “Silent night, holy night”. Later the next day on christmas day they also exchanged cigarettes, food and buttons. So yes, soldiers really did really sing the song.
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