Christmas celebrations in Bangladesh

December 25 is the traditional anniversary of the birth of Christ. The decision to celebrate Christmas on December 25 was made sometime during the fourth century by church bishops in Rome. Like all other countries of the world, December 25 is the Christmas Day for the Christian communities in Bangladesh and on this day, they also commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Charles Dickens said : "Time was with most of us, when Christmas Day, encircling all our limited world like a magic ring, left nothing out for us to miss or seek; bound together all our home enjoyments, affections, and hopes; grouped everything and everyone round the Christ" and these words are true in case of people of Bangladesh who are having Christian religious belief.

The goal of Christians is to turn the eyes of all men upon the true Creator and Christ of Christmas. The light of the world has come. And the Christmas season and celebration presents the church with a wonderful opportunity to preach the good news--that men can be made righteous and have peace with God through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.

It is very true that Christmas is one of the grandest religious festivals and a widely-spread holiday celebrated by millions of people around the world. Christmas celebrations for many nations include the installing and lighting of Christmas trees, the hanging of Advent wreaths, Christmas stockings, candy canes, and the creation of Nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas carols are sung and stories are told about Baby Jesus, St Nicholas, Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Christ kind or Grandfather Frost.

The sending and exchange of Christmas card greetings, observance of fasting and special religious observances such as a midnight Mass or Vespers on Christmas Eve, the burning of a Yule log, and the giving and receiving of presents. Along with Easter, Christmas is one of the most important periods on the Christian calendar. People of Christian belief in Bangladesh observe the Christmas similar way.

Families and friends get together to pray the last Novena and wait until midnight to open the presents, parties are held until sunrise on Christmas Day, kids stay up late playing with their new presents while fireworks fill the skies. Families gather around meals, music, and singing.

Christmas in our country is a bright, and colourful holiday. It is celebrated with lot of passion. People decorate Christmas trees. The Christmas tree plays an important part in the holiday tradition. Often times it is topped by a star to represent the Star of Bethlehem, or by an angel which announces the birth of Christ. Many family trees have ornaments from more than one generation. Often times the heritage of the families are represented by the kind of decorations on the trees. Lights are a must and the more the better. The tree is often placed so that it can be viewed by passers-by in the street.

Food plays an important part in Bangladesh's Christmas. It is often a time of an extended open house with friends dropping by to bring gifts or just to wish everyone a happy holiday. At this time it is appropriate to offer these guests food and beverage, so many homes have a variety of treats prepared in advance for these occasions although many families serve a variety of menus for Christmas dinner.

Various churches play an important part in Bangladesh's Christmas. Many families feel that it is important to go to church on Christmas. There are also a variety of associated activities such as church dinners, live Nativity scenes, choir concerts, special church services, and a fostering of the spirit of giving to those less fortunate. Wherever the Christian brothers and sisters are, we hope they are having a happy, healthy, and peaceful celebration.

Christmas in our country is regarded as a deeply religious celebration, where families come together to celebrate their Christian beliefs during this national holiday. It is as if Charles Dickens reminds them: "I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."

Bangladesh's Santa Clause follows the same traditions as Santa Clause with reindeers a sleigh and a penchant for chimneys. Gifts are also exchanged during this time with many being opened on Christmas Eve as well as on Christmas Day.

Santa Claus is anyone who loves another and seeks to make them happy; who gives himself by thought or word or deed in every gift that he bestows; who shares his joys with those who are sad; whose hand is never closed against the needy; whose arm is ever outstretched to aid the weak; whose sympathy is quick and genuine in time of trouble; who recognizes a comrade and brother in every man he meets upon life's common road; who lives his life throughout the entire year in the Christmas spirit. Santa Claus enjoys the popularity in virtually all corners of the Christian communities in the country.

Christmas is said to be a time for the Christian people in Bangladesh getting together to put up the tree, pray for the well-being of all people and enjoy a good meal with family and friends and they put their thoughts in the language of Edward Rowland Sill : "I send my thoughts afar, and let them paint your Christmas Day at home."

The Christmas has a profound significance for the Christians. About two thousand years ago the child Jesus was born in Bethelhem. In Bangladesh the Christmas constitute a small but an important segment of the overall population and they celebrate their greatest festival with due solemnity and religious fervour.

Holding the Christmas carols and services in Churches and illumination of private houses highlights the programmers of the day. The day is declared as a closed holiday by the government and radio and T.V. put up special programmes on the day. Members of the Christian families decorate Christmas trees. In the city of Dhaka particularly Christmas services and carols are held in different churches including Mary's Cathedral at Kakrail , Holy cross Church at Laxmi Bazar and Holy Rosary Church at Tejgaon.

The large restaurants arrange grand gala ceremonies on the occasion of the Merry Christmas Day. Celebrating Christmas in our country can make a perfect holiday for anyone who is interested to know how this festival is observed in different countries and cultures. So, gear up for all the fun and have a great time in Bangladesh on this holiday season.

The ideals for which Christ lived and died should be reawakened in all. Like other great men. Jesus Christ came to this world with a message of peace and preached for good fellow felling.  We wish a very Happy Christmas to our Christian brothers and sisters in Bangladesh.

The writer is a researcher