Christmas Eve is the evening or entire day before Christmas Day, the festival commemorating the birth of Jesus.
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11 Facts About Christmas Eve
2.
Christmas Day is observed around the world, and Christmas Eve is widely observed as a full or partial holiday in anticipation of Christmas Day.
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3.
The idea of Jesus being born at night is reflected in the fact that Christmas Eve is referred to as Heilige Nacht in German, Nochebuena in Spanish and similarly in other expressions of Christmas spirituality, such as the song "Silent Night, Holy Night".
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4.
Annual "Nine Lessons and Carols", broadcast from King's College, Cambridge on Christmas Eve, has established itself a Christmas custom in the United Kingdom.
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5.
The Byzantine services of Christmas Eve are intentionally parallel to those of Good Friday, illustrating the theological point that the purpose of the Incarnation was to make possible the Crucifixion and Resurrection.
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6.
Services of Christmas Eve are similar to those of the Eve of Theophany, and the two Great Feasts are considered one celebration.
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7.
The belief is that if one lasted until Christmas Eve dinner, they would see a golden pig, which is a symbol of luck.
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8.
Lithuanian Christmas Eve blends pagan and Christian traditions, as initially it was a celebration of the winter solstice.
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9.
Christmas Eve is celebrated in different ways around the world, varying by country and region.
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10.
Latin American cultures, Christmas Eve is often the biggest feast for the Christmas season.
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11.
In New Mexico and areas of San Diego, CA, Christmas Eve is celebrated by lighting luminarias and farolitos.
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