Venezuelans have embraced this tradition for decades. They meet as a family to give thanks and to ask for peace and well-being for the new year that is coming.
The arrival of Christmas is not only a time of gifts, celebration and festivities, but it is also a space for different traditions and customs that take place in different parts of the world. The Spirit of Christmas is one of them. A celebration that highlights the solidarity, sharing and magic that, many say, have the December dates.
But what is the Spirit of Christmas?
This tradition has its origin in the Celtic world that celebrated the arrival of Winter, a date that takes place in the Northern Hemisphere every December 21.
It is said that on this date, each year, the Spirit of Christmas comes down to Earth and visits all those people of good will at night, specifically between 10:00 pm and 12:00 am, a suitable space to do requests and thanks, according to those who celebrate this tradition.
It is believed that with this celebration, the Spirit of Christmas gives peace, abundance, wealth and love to those who practice its tradition and put into practice the rituals scheduled for this date.
These rituals may vary, but the truth is that most share the same exercise that consists of having a clean house to receive the Spirit without bad energy, so the day before is usually dedicated only to cleaning the home.
Later, on the same December 21, candles that can be orange, red and gold are lit, accompanied by citrus aromas such as lemon or mandarin, to finally move on to the phase in which they write their thanks and wishes for the next year.
The Spirit of Christmas in Venezuela
Every December 21 it is very common for the Venezuelan family to comply with this tradition that has been spread throughout different countries of the world, settling in the midst of the particular customs that each culture may have arranged for these dates. Although this is a celebration that does not fit within religious canons, it is an opportunity that Venezuelans take to advocate for the union, peace and well-being of the entire country. Although the rituals are almost entirely maintained, there are those who gather around a Christmas cake and make this meeting a celebration accompanied by music and toasts, yes, the purpose remains the same: to thank and raise the requests for the year following. For a few minutes there is silence, they assure that while the energy of the Christmas spirit is received, and then the group sharing follows. Ready to face a new year, ready for new thanks.
And you? Do you celebrate the spirit of Christmas on December 21 or Do have other traditions?
Would you like to share them with me 😊
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