Christmas in Brazil, French Canada, and the Philippine Islands
In Brazil, the Christmas season is in the nature of a fiesta. Yet it is solemnly heralded by an open-air Mass at midnight on Christmas Eve. December 24 here is very tropical, with midsummer weather, which gives the Holiday distinction unknown in northern climes. A colorful altar is set up in the Cathedral churchyard where the worshippers pray and chant religious hymns which reflect the Indian and native origins as well. Colorful banners and richly ornate religiOus trappings hail the Event of Christ's Birth. After devotions the families have Christmas Eve supper in their homes. French Canada celebrates Christmas with character-
istic lightness of spirit yet intense religious feeling. Christmas Day begins with a midnight Mass of great splendor, followed by Reveillon, an elaborate after-church dinner in the home. Throughout, the celebration is charmingly and simply observed . . . with great evidence of faith by the people. On January 6 the Season ends with the feast of the Kings of Epiphany, celebrated with merriment and festivity. At this feast the traditional cake, Le Gateau des Rois (The Cake of the Kings) is cut. It has a pea and bean in it. The man and woman receiving them are elected the King and Queen, respectively, of the Twelfth Night.
In the Philippine Islands colorful wreaths and chains of brilliant tropical flowers are worn by the children as they partake of the festive after-Mass parade. A band leads the parade, accompanying the children's singing. A family dinner follows the after - Mass parade. Dancing and musical entertainment provide the celebrations for afternoon and evening. The children do not have a Christmas tree but they deck their homes bountif ully. Flags, bunting, palms and colorful flowers adorn their homes, and a candle is kept burning in the window all night for the little Jesus and the lonely passerby.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/TAUTIM19701217.2.57.5
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Taupo Times, Volume 19, Issue 98, 17 December 1970, Page 3 (Supplement)
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311Christmas in Brazil, French Canada, and the Philippine Islands Taupo Times, Volume 19, Issue 98, 17 December 1970, Page 3 (Supplement)
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