On Christmas Eve Portuguese families gather around the Christmas tree and the nativity scene (also known as crib or manger) to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Catholicism is the main religion in Portugal. Thus, the crib is a very important part of the celebration. Traditionally, children are in charge of decorating the crib. While some families only display the three main figures, Infant Jesus, Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, others create large scenes with the three figures, the Three Wise Kings, the shepherd and the sheep and many natural elements. 
Although religion is still very important, most children write letters to Santa Claus asking for presents rather than to Infant Jesus. Some weeks before Christmas people decorate their homes with lights, coloured balls and several other kinds of Christmas decorations.
On the 24th December (Christmas Eve), many families go to the Midnight Mass ("Missa do Galo"). Before going to the mass they gather around the table and have supper ("Ceia de Natal" or “Consoada”). On Christmas Eve, at supper (“Consoada"), people usually eat boiled codfish, boiled potatoes and boiled cabbage and onions. After the meal, people eat traditional fried desserts: "filhós", which are made of fried pumpkin dough; "rabanadas", which are made of bread soaked in milk and which, after being fried, is covered with sugar and cinnamon; "aletria", which is a sweet vermicelli decorated with cinnamon. On Christmas Day, people eat roast turkey or roast lamb for lunch; they also eat the traditional desserts. Nowadays, many families also include rice and octopus on
their Christmas supper or on Christmas lunch.Another traditional and very popular dessert is "Bolo Rei". This is a typically New Year’s fruitcake but has also become very popular during Christmas holidays. Traditionally, the cake had two surprises: one was a little present like a fake ring, a little doll, or a medal. The other was not as welcomed. There was a raw broad bean. Whoever got it had to buy the "Bolo Rei" in the coming year.
In some parts of the country, people gather around the “Christmas log” (“cepo de Natal”), which is a big piece of wood that burns on the central squares in villages, towns or cities. People usually lit the log before the midnight on the 24th and say that it should be used to heat Infant Jesus who is to be born. The log is kept lit all through the night and during Christmas day.
Some families open the presents, previously put under the Christmas tree, at midnight on Christmas Eve; others open them in the morning on Christmas Day.
The festivities end on the 6th January, the day we celebrate The Three Wise Kings Day ("Dia de Reis"). In the evening, children as well as adults gather in groups and go from door to door singing songs (“Janeiras”). People usually give them money or chocolates.
In some parts of the country, people gather around the “Christmas log” (“cepo de Natal”), which is a big piece of wood that burns on the central squares in villages, towns or cities. People usually lit the log before the midnight on the 24th and say that it should be used to heat Infant Jesus who is to be born. The log is kept lit all through the night and during Christmas day.
Some families open the presents, previously put under the Christmas tree, at midnight on Christmas Eve; others open them in the morning on Christmas Day.
The festivities end on the 6th January, the day we celebrate The Three Wise Kings Day ("Dia de Reis"). In the evening, children as well as adults gather in groups and go from door to door singing songs (“Janeiras”). People usually give them money or chocolates.
No comments:
Post a Comment