Christmas celebrations vary globally, reflecting calendar differences

By Zeynep Katre Oran

ANKARA (AA) – The Christmas holiday, recognized as the birth of Jesus Christ, witnesses diverse celebration dates because of differences in Christian calendars.

Among the oldest Christian holidays, Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25 by adherents of the Gregorian calendar, including Protestants, Catholics, and some Orthodox Christians. In contrast, Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian calendar commemorate the event on Jan. 7.

Historically, pagan communities celebrated the "rebirth" festival on Dec. 25. However, the Church, after gaining influence in the 4th century, actively worked to establish Dec. 25 as the celebration day, asserting it as Jesus’ birthday.

Records trace the celebration of Jesus' birth in the Roman Empire dating back to 325 or 336. The official recognition of Christmas began after Pope Liberius declared the night connecting Dec. 24 to Dec. 25 as Jesus's birthday during the final years of Byzantine Emperor Constantine's reign.

- Ukraine's unprecedented shift

In a historic move, Ukraine has deviated from centuries-old traditions by officially celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25. Traditionally, Ukrainian Orthodox Christians have observed Christmas on Jan.7, following the Julian calendar.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law in July this year to move Christmas celebrations to Dec. 25, citing the goal to "distance from Russian traditions."

However, many Orthodox Ukrainians are expected to continue celebrating the day on Jan. 7. The decision is seen as a political move to break away from the "Russian heritage" associated with the Jan. 7 celebration.

In a recent message, Zelenskyy extended Christmas greetings to the Christian world, emphasizing unity: “We all celebrate Christmas together. On the same date, as one big family, as one nation, as one united country. And today our common prayer will be stronger than ever.”

- Calendar background

The Gregorian calendar, also known as the Christian or Western calendar, was adopted by Pope Gregory XIII on Oct. 4, 1582. The Gregorian calendar counts one year as 365 days and 6 hours, with the year 1 designated as the year of Jesus' birth.

The Julian calendar was established in 46 BC and is named after Roman Emperor Julius Caesar. The Julian calendar introduces a 1-day drift every 128 years due to leap year calculation differences.

- Christmas traditions worldwide

In the broader context of Christmas celebrations, traditions vary across countries. Families in countries like the UK, Germany, Ireland, France, US, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Albania, Norway, Finland, and Kenya gather for a Christmas meal on Dec.25. In Orthodox-majority countries like Georgia, Belarus, Russia, and Serbia, Christmas is celebrated on Jan. 7.

Children write letters to Santa Claus, listing the gifts they wish to receive. On Christmas day, gifts placed under the decorated Christmas tree are given to their recipients.

For small children, gifts and candies are placed inside giant stockings, and it is said that Santa Claus brings these gifts.

All churches affiliated with the Fener Greek Patriarchate celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25, whereas the Armenian Orthodox Church in Türkiye celebrates on Jan. 6, commemorating the baptism of Jesus.

Coptic Christians in Egypt also observe a 43-day fast ending on Jan.7 as part of their Christmas celebrations. Moreover, in countries where Christians are a minority, such as Argentina, Brazil, Hungary, and Sweden, celebrations commence on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, and last until Dec. 26.

Many countries with Christian minorities, including India and Malaysia, recognize Dec. 25 as an official holiday for Christmas.

This global diversity in Christmas celebrations reflects the rich tapestry of traditions, calendars, and historical influences that have shaped the observance of this significant Christian holiday worldwide.

* Writing by Seda Sevencan