LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Christmas Traditions: Christmas Eve
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Christmas is one of the few holidays that is celebrated worldwide with as many traditions as there are countries. Whether the symbols of Christmas are the Yule Log, singing carols, or Hoteiosho, the spirit rarely changes: The Spirit of Peace, Giving, and Good Will towards everyone.
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Bulgarian Christmas traditions closely follow what has been historically dictated by the Eastern Orthodox Church for proper religious observances. Fasting during Advent, as well as a symbolic Christmas Eve meal are two examples of how the Orthodox religion and the Christmas holiday are intertwined in Bulgaria during the winter season.
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In Finland and Sweden an old tradition prevails, where the twelve days of Christmas are declared to be time of civil peace by law. A person committing crimes during this time wold be liable to more stiff sentence than normally (this does not apply anymore). In Finland the declaration (text from Middle Ages) is read by an official of the city of Turku at noon in Christmas Eve. This tradition has been followed without breaks for 500 years by now.
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Bell ringing: traditionally, late on Christmas Eve church bells are rung to announce the call to Christmas Mass, a practice which is fading. However, the custom can be traced to antiquity when loud noises were habitually used to frighten away evil spirits. Interestingly, in medieval Ireland, Scotland and England, during the hour prior to midnight on Christmas Eve a continuous mournful tolling of bells marked “the devil’s funeral,” (for it was thought that he died when Christ was born); at midnight the bells rang a joyous clamor to mark the birth of the One who broke the power of Satan and death, Jesus Christ.
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For Christmas in Costa Rica, the traditional Christmas tree is either a big evergreen branch, a small cypress tree or dried coffee branches. White paint and brightly colored strips of paper are used for decorations as well as small colored balls, lace and a variety of small figurines. A small gold star sits on the top of the tree as a reminded of the Star of Bethlehem.
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This imaginary exhibition introduces the Christmas traditions in Canada and France. Christmas is indeed one of the most celebrated festivity. From every corner of the world, the Nativity feast is marked by various celebrations. Canada and France offer you a summary of the diverse Christmas traditions. Three differents aspects are presented : social and communal customs , family celebrations and religious ceremonies.
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Christmas Eve