Preparation
for this great day begin weeks before as in any other country. The
festive sound of firecrackers waking you up at the dawn of December
1st is the first intimation that Christmas is round the corner. all
most every home of Christian, or catholic wake up with the dawn of
the first day of the month of December to perform the first ritualistic
task of the month of merry making.
Despite
the fact that nearly 70% of population are practicing Buddhism while
another 15% of people are Hindus, only a 7% of Sri Lanka’s
population are Christians It is celebrated by Christians and shared
by non-Christians in true Lankan style.
It
is said that the very first celebration of this festival was perhaps
introduced to Sri Lanka (early known as Ceylon) by the Portuguese
who ruled Lanka From 1505~1650.then the Dutch who ruled from 1658~1796
followed by British who ruled from 1815~1948.
The
festivity spreads through all shopping centers all over the island.
Even the small wayside boutiques in the heart of the country come
out with their small festive décor.Christmas trees decorated
and lit up are a common sight in shopping complexes and every Christian
homes. even non Christians make Christmas trees for their children
and let them enjoy the lovely Christmas.
The
25th of December, the commemoration day of the birth of “Jesus
Christ” is a public holiday and the midnight of 24th of December
Cathedrals, Churches and little Chapels all over the island Christian
attend “Mid night Mass”(the Holy Eucharist) to celebrate
in union with their fellowmen .
ever
Christians and non-Christians enjoy themselves to the fullest. most
non-Christians are invited to parties by their Christian friends
and Christmas day finds people visiting relatives ,friends and neighbors
to share with them the seasonal cake and wine followed by a lavish
spread lunch and diner. It continues until the season draws to an
end.
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