Activity 6 - Comparing Celebrations/Holidays

Juan David Cortes Prada

III Semestre
Inglés

Universidad cooperativa de Colombia

Sede Villavicencio
2021
 Christmas
In Germany, children await the arrival of St. Nicholas on December 6th.
The night before they leave their shoes or boots in front of their houses.
If they have been kind he will fill them with sweets, chocolates and other
surprises. If on the other hand they have been naughty, a demon will
leave them dry branches. On the twenty-fourth many houses receive Der
Weihnachtsmann who arrives with more gifts. In some parts of Germany
children do not wait for Santa Claus but for Christkind the messenger of
the Christ Child.
While Christmas in Colombia is more fun than in other countries,
because of its music, food, and colors. On the twenty-fourth after praying
the last novena, families gather to share a rich and abundant Christmas
dinner, their dishes include chicken, tamales, suckling pig and the most
delicious which are the fritters and custard. Then they dance and the
children wait until twelve o’clock which is the arrival of the child God to
open their gifts.

Holy Week

Holy Week in Colombia is a time for reflection, fasting and gathering in

the streets to pray for Christ and perform different rituals to
commemorate the sacred triduum: the passion, burial and resurrection of
the Son of God. Consuming red meat is against the faith of Catholics.
Fasting is done on Good Friday, in the name of Jesus Christ, and on Holy
Saturday, in the name of the Virgin Mary.
Holy Week in Germany begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Holy
Saturday. This is the period of recollection for the faithful, especially on
Good Friday, a public holiday in Germany. The not so faithful or non-
believers also stay at home, because of the so-called “Tanzverbot” law,
which prohibits dancing and parties in public places during the holy days.
Saturday is dedicated to Easter preparations, decorating the house and
moving from a state of sadness to one of celebration. During the night, in
some neighborhoods it is traditional to make bonfires to say goodbye to
winter, while sharing with family and neighbors. While in Colombia
Easter Sunday is not as exciting, for many it is the day to return home
after a short vacation.