Now, it is well-known that some people celebrate Christmas on December 25, the reasons for which are unclear. Old School Christians, namely the varieties of Orthodox Christians that follow the "old" Julian calendar instead of the "new" Gregorian calendar, know that January 7 is indeed Christmas Day! It should be noted that the Armenian Orthodox Church, using documents older than that used by other Christians, claim that Christmas is actually January 6 -- which means that today is the equivalent of "Boxing Day" for Armenian Christians (for people unfamiliar with "Boxing Day" it does not refer to the fights that break out when trying to return presents to the stores where they were bought).
So, here is some background on how Christmas is being celebrated today. From the Voice of America: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/religion/Orthodox-Christians-Celebrate-Christmas-136869593.html As noted by a Canadian radio station (hey, a lot of Orthodox folks up north, eh!): http://www.680news.com/news/national/article/316738--many-orthodox-christians-celebrate-christmas-on-january-7 And some photos from the BBC on the celebrations (including one of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin -- fortunately he has his shirt on): http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16453975 It should be noted that there are a variety of Catholic subgroups which might still celebrate Christmas on January 7 though Vatican II was supposed to eliminate this practice. But old habits sometimes die hard (NOTE: the original "Die Hard" movie is probably the BEST Christmas movie ever made -- talk about the promise of hope and redemption! ;-). So, to all who celebrate Christmas today, as well as those who carry the spirit of Christmas in their hearts all year long, "Merry Christmas!". By the way, don't forget that Chinese New Year is coming up! ;-) ObTeaching: gee, isn't diversity interesting? ;-) -Mike Palij New York University [email protected] --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [email protected]. To unsubscribe click here: http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df5d5&n=T&l=tips&o=15155 or send a blank email to leave-15155-13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df...@fsulist.frostburg.edu
