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Hola, Alumnos, Aqui tienen algo para todos los alumnos de español. Que lean, compartan en clase, y disfruten! Nos veremos hoy, Alumnos de español basico, y mañana, Alumnos de español conversacional. El viernes vere los Alumnos de español basico y los Alumnos de español conversacional. (Here is something for all the Spanish students. Read, share with the class, and enjoy! )
Schedule of classes: Today--Wed.--Basic Spanish class Thurs.--Conversational Spanish class Fri.--Basic and Conversational classes--please bring a snack to share, if you can, to enjoy our celebration and learning time together. Mon.--12-17-07--Basic Spanish Felicidades, Prof. Juana el 12 de diciembre, 2007 José Feliciano (Feliz Navidad) 1970 > Feliz Navidad. > Feliz Navidad. > Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad. > > Feliz Navidad. > Feliz Navidad. > Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad. > > I wanna wish you a merry christmas. > I wanna wish you a merry christmas. > I wanna wish you a merry christmas > from the bottom of my heart. > I wanna wish you a merry christmas. > I wanna wish you a merry christmas. > I wanna wish you a merry christmas > from the bottom of my heart. > > Feliz Navidad. > Feliz Navidad. > Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad. > Feliz Navidad. > Feliz Navidad. > Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad. > > I wanna wish you a merry christmas. > I wanna wish you a merry christmas. > I wanna wish you a merry christmas > from the bottom of my heart. > I wanna wish you a merry christmas. > I wanna wish you a merry christmas. > I wanna wish you a merry christmas > from the bottom of my heart. > > Feliz Navidad. > Feliz Navidad. > Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad. > Feliz Navidad. > Feliz Navidad. > Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad. > > http://www.smart-central.com/HolidayPages/navidad.htm Tradiciones Navideñas Argentina Es una costumbre pedir a los niños que, con cierta anticipación escriban una carta a Papá Noel, pidiéndole regalos. En Nochebuena, al igual que cada noche del año, los niños acostumbran tomar un baño antes de ir a la cama. Ese momento es el que los padres aprovechan para poner los regalos debajo del árbol de Navidad. No sólo los niños reciben regalos sino también los adultos. Los regalos de Navidad se abren en Argentina a las 12 en punto de la noche, ni un minuto más ni un minuto menos. Hay una variedad de platos que se sirven en la cena de Nochebuena, sin embargo, el más conocido y exquisito de ellos es el que en el mundo entero se conoce como las parrilladas o asados argentinos. Bolivia Los platos de la cena varían de acuerdo a la región, mas hay ciertas comidas que se comen en todo el país como el lomo asado depuerco o de res, papas al horno, ensalada de lechuga, rodajas de tomate y cebolla, locotos o frijoles y abundante bebida. Otro plato delicioso es la sopa hecha con vegetales, choclo fresco, vino, papas, tres clases de carnes y especerías como el clavo de olor. No es común en Bolivia ver luces o decoraciones por todos lados en esta época. La Navidad es eminentemente la fiesta de la alegría del corazón. El despliegue de luces se reserva para la bienvenida del Año Nuevo. Chile Los niños creen en Papá Noel, mas en Chile es llamado Viejo Pascuero. En Nochebuena se prepara una cena completa que se sirve a las 9:00 p.m. En ella se come pavo asado con castañas, ensalada de papa cpn mayonesa, ensalada de apio con palta (aguacate), ensalada de repollo con manzana, arroz con pasas y otra ensalada de betarraga. Como postre se como el Pan de Pascua que se vende en todas las panaderías. Hay una bebida conocida con el nombre de Cola de Mono, que es un ponche hecho de pisco con café con leche, azúcar y canela y es muy suave. Otra bebida popular es el rompón, que se hace con ron, leche, yemas de huevo, vainilla y azúcar, y se sirve frío cuando los amigos vienen de visita por la temporada navideña. La cena se termina a las 12 de la noche, hora en la que se abren los regalos. La Temporada navideña termina el 6 de enero con la Epifanía. No hay ningún acto en especial, sin embargo, en Chile, este día es llamado La Pascua de los Negros, en honor a uno de los Reyes Magos que vino del África. Colombia La cena de Navidad consiste de pollo, lechona (que es un puerco relleno), ensalada con encurtidos, papa pequeña amarilla y tamales cubiertos de oja de plátano. Los dulces de esta época son las galletas de diferentes sabores, el manjar blanco con dulce en caldo, es decir con dulce desamargado, que se hace con azúcar, clavo de olor, cáscara de limón, mamey y brevas. Otros postres deliciosos son los buñuelos, hojaldres, y natillas, que se hace con leche y azúcar. El 6 de enero es el día en el cual os ahijados reciben regalos. Siendo el padrnazgo una institución muy arraigada en la cultura, los padrinos o madrinas son personas muy especiales en la vida de los niños, una especie de ángeles guardianes que podrían sustituir a los padres si éstos faltasen. Costa Rica Las celebraciones de Navidad en Costa Rica empiezan el primer día de diciembre y terminan el 2 de febrero, cuarenta días después del nacimiento de Jesús. El 2 de febrero se celebran tres festividades. Una de ellas es el Rito de Purificación de la Virgen María y otra, es la conmemoración de la Presentación del Niño en el Templo, que coincide con la primera. La tercera es la celebración del día del Candelero, que es una festividad observada en honor de los primeros cristianos que se regocijaron cuarenta días después del nacimiento de Jesús, haciendo una procesión alrededor de la iglesia en la que llevaban velas como un símbolo de purificación a través de la luz. La época de Navidad está marcada con muchas tradiciones en la mesa familiar. Se come tamales hechos de masa de maíz y papas aplastadas. A esta masa se agraga pollo y cerdo y esta mezcla se derrama sobre una hoja de plátano verde para hacerla hervir. Ese tamal es muy típico de Navidad. Cuba Las tradiciones navideñas de la isla de Cuba se mantuvieron sólo por dos años después de la Revolución de 1959. Al implantarse el sistema marxista se arrancaron todas las raíces de las tradiciones navideñas. Las generaciones que vinieron después tienen que preguntar a sus abuelitas y tías sobre lo que se acostumbra hacer en Navidad, ya que los jóvenes no son testigos de estas vivencias. República Dominicana En Nochebuena se prepara la cena que consiste de pavo asado o de puerco asado, con dulces especiales de Navidad como postres, tales como el arroz con dulce y pasteles en hoja de plátano. Algo típico es comer el Pan de Huevo y carnes que se preparan de diferentes maneras de acuerdo a la región. Una vez que la comida está lisa, se comparte con los vecinos y con los más desafortunados, ya que los dominicanos son gente generosa y de muy buen corazón. Finalmente se reúne la familia íntima y se cena antes de asistir a la Misa de Gallo. Ecuador Actualmente se cena antes de las doce, aunque por muchos años la costumbre era cenar a las doce de la noche. Una vez en la mesa, como entrada se sirve consomé de pollo y el plato fuerte puede ser uno de estos: pavo o pollo relleno, hornado con agrio o pernil. El postres que "hace la boca agua" con sólo mencionarlo es el pristiños con miel de raspadura, que es el postre que no falra, aun en los hogares más humildes. El canelazo quiteño es una bebida caliente que se brinda en esta época para combatir el frío de la noche. Se hace poniendo a hervir agua, canela, azúcar, clavo de olor y un poco de anizado. Al terminar la cena se procede a abrir regalos y el hogar se llena de algarabía, papeles rotos y abrazos de agradecimiento. El Salvador La Nochebuena es muy importante en El Salvador. Los niños rcogen y preparan sus cohetes y esepran con ansia el día siguiente para abrir los regalos. Las familias se reúnen a dar gracias por ser éste el evento más importante del año. Antes del cena, la gente asiste a la Misa de Gallo, donde se cantan villancicos. Las Pastorelas y Posadas también se celbran en Nochebuena. Estos son dramas de Navidad en los que gente de varias edades se viste con bufandas de seda de colores brillantes, blusas decoradas con lentejuelas y encajes, y llevan cayados de pastores y campanas. La música se toca usando instrumentos e percusión. Todos cantan y bailan los más tradicionales cantos de Navidad como "Noche de Paz" y el "Tamborilero." La cena de Naidad es un tradición familiar. Las casas huelen a deliciosa comida. Se sirve pavo, jam[on y carne molida que se acompaña con arroz y vegetales. Como postre se come pies, galletas y preparados de manzana. El plato favorito es el tamal, que se hace con ingredientes seleccionados cuidadosamente y horneados a la perfección. Se toman gaseosas, y también vino o cerveza. Guatemala Nochebuena es una noche especial en Guatemala. Los guatemaltecos se reúnen con su familia inmediata. Mientras afuera los cuetes empiezan a sonar y reventar con estruendo en todas las calles de las ciudades y pueblos, en la intimidad del hogar se dice una oración de gracias antes de cenar. Posteriormente se abren los regalos y todos empiezan a bailar y cantar, disfrutando de la compañia mutua que crea lazos imborrables de unión que perdurán en los momentos difíciles de la vida. Las delicias culinarias de la cena son muy tradicionales, pero pueden variar de acuerdo a la región del país. Lo más típico es comer tamales y ponche. Dentro de la masa de los tamales se pone carne de marrano o coche con una deliciosa salsa de tomate. El ponce, en cambio, se hace hirviendo frutas secas, pasas, ciruelas, dátiles, azúcar morena y un poco de licor. Honduras La temporada de Navidad se inicia oficialmente el 24 de diciembre con la aparición de Warini , nombre con el que se conoce al precursor o heraldo de la Navidad. Este es un personaje que danza de casa en casa cubierto con una máscara y acompañado de cantantes y dos tamborileros. La próxima vez que se le ve danzar en el 6 de enero, marcando el final de la temporada navideña. En Nochebuena se preparan platos que se sirven muy elegantemente en la mesa. Los platos principales son pavo relleno y lechoncitos. Mientras dentro de las casas se aspira un ambiente lleno de amor, en las calles de toda ciudad y pueblo hondureño se escucha el ruido de los cohetes reventándose y los juegos pirotécnicos. Cuando éstos terminan de tronar, se intercambian abrazos, se hace el brindis y se empieza a servir la cena. México Desde el 16 al 24 de diciembre se realizan cada noche Las Posadas, que son las celebraciones más importantes de esta época. A través de estas celbraciones se recuerda el pereginaje lleno de incertidumbres que José y María tuvieron que realizar al viajar a Belén para los censos. Las Posadas poseen elementos de las tradiciones del pasado y de la historia de las luchas del pueblo de México por mantener su fe. En Nochebuena se convida a amigos y familiares para la cena. Las comidas típicas incluyen pavo relleno con almendras, filete de res y pescado seco. Otras delicias adicionales son plátanos y verdes, pasas, aceitunas, pan blanco, tamales, romeritos, buñuelos hechos con casa, pozole y ponche mexicano. Nicaragua La mañana del 24 de diciembre los hogares nicaragüenses se convierten en lugares de regocijo en donde se prepara la cena de Nochebuena. En Nicaragua se invita a amigos y familiares a los hogares a pasar la celebración del nacimiento del Niño Dios. La cena de Nochebuena se prepara muy laboriosamente con los miembros de la familia. El plato típico es el arroz a la valenciana, que es la versión latina de la paella de España, gallina de patio, nacatamal (un tamal hecho de harina de maíz, pollo o cerdo, papas, cebollas, arroz y menta envuelto en hojas de plátano). Se sirve pan recién salido del horno y hecho en casa. Como postre se come bizcochos y se bebe ponche, que es una bebida hecha de ron. Panamá Asistir a la Misa de Gallo es un acontecimiento muy especial para los panameños. Es prácticamente el momento cumbre de las celbraciones navideñas. Al terminarse la misa todos salen llenos de contento a visitar y abrazar a los amigos. Una cena especial espera en casa al regresar. Panamá dsifruta de una variedad de mariscos gracias a su ubicación geográfica junto al mar: pulpos, lnagostas, cangrejos, camarones gigantes y mucha variedad de pescado. Hay el sabroso sancocho y el plato de todos los días con el arroz con coco o guandu, o arroz con fréjol. Como postres se disfruta de arroz con piña y se sirven piñas coladas sin alcohol. Paraguay La Nochebuena se celebra con una cena familiar. Los platos principales que se sirven son pato, ryguazu kae - que es como se llama al pollo, cordero y pavo. Kiveve es un plato a base de andai (calabaza), idóneo para acompañar el famoso asado. Se sirve un sopa paraguayana, que es muy espesa y se parece al soufflé, también se sirve de ensalada. Los postres y bebidas son ligeras, ya que es verano y hace calor. Se toma un poco de cerveza, empero, la sidra es una bebida común. Después de la cena la familia asista a misa. Peru La reunión de Nochebuena es generalmente en la casa de los abuelos, donde se amontonan los regalos que señalan a quien pertenece: "de tal para tal". Los niños juegan en la calle reventando cohetillos y los adultos se juntan para la charla, los brindis y los preparativos. Cuando dan las 12 de la medianoche se coloca al Niño Jesús en la cuna, se reparten los abrazos, se hace una mención de agradecimiento y bendición para el hogar y, por fin, se abren los regalos y se inicia la cena. La cena tradicional es el pavo al horno o el pollo dorado, que lleva los más diversos rellenos según el gusto de cada ama de casa. Como postre se tiene panetón, que es un bizcocho de pasas con frutas glaseadas y se bebe chocolate caliente. Puerto Rico Las celebraciones de Navidad en esta preciosa isla borinqueña duran varios días. Empiezan en diciembre con las oraciones de Adviento, y concluyen oficialmente en enero con la celebración del Día de los Reyes. Con todo, ésta puede extenderse hasta el rezo de las Octavitas, que vendría a ser ocho días después de Epifanía. Familiares y amigos participan de las Parrandas o Asaltos en las que la gente se entretiene con alegría. Las Parrandas puertorriqueas son visitas sorpresas de amigos y familia a un hogar en la época de Navidad. Grupos de gente van de casa en casa durante las parrandas. Nochebuena se celebra con la familia íntima y los amigos más queridos. La típica comida que se prepara es arroz con gandules y plátanos fritos, guineos cocidos, lechón asado o puerco a la varita, morcillas y chicharrones. Los postres favoritos son arroz con leche, tembleque, nueces, avellanas, turrones, dátiles y el conocido coquito, que es una bebida preparada con leche de coco y licor. Uruguay Las tradiciones navideñas de Uruguay son muy similares a las de Europa debido a la influencia de los inmigrantes europeos que se establecieron en este país. Durante la temporada navideña, Uruguay goza del clima caliente, las comidas típicas de Navidad como el pollo asado y los postres de nueces y fruta seca con cream siguen siendo una tradición. Del Libro Navidad Latinoamericana por Charito Calvachi Wakefield
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LA NAVIDAD EN INGLES
http://www.ompersonal.com.ar/omchristmas2/christmas.htm
Throughout South America and Spain Christmas is celebrated in a deeply religious way. But there are peculiar and interesting differences in each country. ARGENTINA URUGUAY Argentina and Uruguay are countries with many cultural influences. So their Christmas traditions are diverse and it is very difficult to generalize. Following are some broad local traditions. Both countries have a summer time Christmas unlike that of the United States. Despite this, their traditions are quite similar. People celebrate it with devotion and joy. The tradition of Nativity scene and Xmas tree, gift-giving, banquets and picnics, and fireworks at around midnight. People usually select any artificial or live tree to display at home. These trees are decorated with colored lights, ornaments and candles. All Christmas gifts are placed under the tree. Many set up the Nativity scene, a model of the manger where Jesus Christ was born. The devout also attend a Christmas church service, if this is part of their family's holiday tradition. Many plan a barbecue or picnic, as their Christmas meal, to take advantage of the pleasant weather. Along with the special and usual holiday items, pan dulce (a Christmas bread filled with candies) and sidra (cider) or champagne are served with dessert. BOLIVIA Throughout Bolivia, Christmas is celebrated in a deeply religious way. The main focus of the season is the pesebre or nativity scene which is found in both home and churches. On Christmas Eve, church bells ring to call families to Mass at midnight for La Misa Del Gallo or the Mass of the Rooster. The Christmas feasting begins when everyone returns home from Mass. Since December ushers in the Summertime in Bolivia, the Christmas drinks are iced and flowers are in bloom to give color to the season. On January 6, the feast of the Epiphany, it is the Three Kings who bring gifts for the children of Bolivia. On the night before Epiphany, children set out their shoes with letters to the kings. BRAZIL As a South American country we have included Brazil although its national language is Portuguese. Northern Brazilians, like Mexicans, enjoy a version of the folk play Los Pastores (The Shepherds). In the Brazilian version, there are shepherdesses rather than shepherds and a gypsy who attempts to kidnap the Christ Child. Friends and family members may also take part in these plays. People make a special meal and decorate their houses. Many go to church to attend services in line with family tradition. Christmas picnics and banquets are also common. Special items and usual holiday recipes are tried along with the cakes and wines. CHILE Chile's gift-bringer is called Viejo Pascuero (Old Man Christmas) who will wish everyone a Feliz Navidad y un Prospero Año Nuevo (a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year). He strongly resembles Santa Claus and likewise comes drawn by reindeer. However, as chimneys are less than roomy in this warm climate, he contents himself with climbing a window. As in all Latin America, the manger scene is the center of festivities, and small clay figurines (called pesebre) are placed under every Christmas tree. Following the midnight Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Rooster), the Christmas Eve meal often includes cazuela de ave (chicken cazuela), a chicken soup filled with potatoes, onions and corn on the cob; and pan de pascua, a Christmas bread filled with candies fruit. COLOMBIA The Christmas season in Colombia starts on December 7 when families light candles in honor of the Virgin Mary. The church celebrates December 8 as the day of the Immaculate Conception. This is a Colombian National Holiday and a day of Obligation with the church. It is celebrated with a display of lights as each home will light approximately 100 candles on the curb and sidewalk area. City streets and parks are illuminated with large Christmas lights as well. On December 16, Colombian families typically start setting up the Christmas tree which is artificial for ecological reasons. The Christmas tree is decorated with lights and bowls. Families set up Nativity scenes which are either plastic or hand crafted figures. Everyone in the family contributes on this day. From December 16 through December 24, families usually gather together at night around Nativity scenes to pray and sing carols in the Novena de Aguinaldos. On Christmas Eve family members and neighbors gather to eat and dance. Traditional Colombian foods include: ajiaco (a soup with potatoes), chicken and natilla (a corn based dessert) and buñuelos. Everyone waits until midnight to wish each other Merry Christmas and to exchange gifts. Traditionally, El Niño Jesus, the Christ Child is the one who would bring you the gifts. But recently Santa Claus has been introduced as a gift-giver as well. Children get up on Christmas morning and find gifts at the foot of their beds. COSTA RICA Bright, tropical flowers highlight decorations for Christmas. Special trips are made to gather wild orchids blooming in the jungle areas. The manger scene is called a portal and is decorated with these brilliant flowers and colorful fresh fruit. Wreaths of cypress leaves and red coffee berries are very popular. The supper after Midnight Mass consists of tamales and other local dishes. Children used to leave their shoes out for the Christ Child to fill, but Santa Claus is relieving Him of this task now. CUBA Christmas has been celebrated as a holiday in Cuba for only 3 years. Cuba officially became an atheist nation in 1962, but the Christmas holiday was celebrated until 1969, when Fidel Castro decided it was interfering with the sugar harvest. In 1997 President Castro restored the holiday to honor the visit of Pope John Paul II in the island, and with the reinstatement of the Xmas a large Mass is held in Havana's Revolution Square. Thousands of Cubans worship at midnight Masses, as church bells ring out across Havana to mark the moment when Christmas Eve becomes Christmas Day. Cubans celebrate Christmas with traditional fervor and revelry. Those who can afford it try to make a special meal and decorate their houses, and church-going Christians attend services. Cubans spend the days before Christmas buying pork, apple cider, beans, bananas and other fruit in preparation for their holiday festivities. ECUADOR Christmas Day is a day of colorful procession as the Indians who live and work in the highlands and mountains dress in their finest and ride their brightly arrayed llamas down to the ranches where their employers live. They bring gifts of fruit and produce, which they lay before the image of the Christ Child in the pesebre, or manger scene, which is set up in the ranch house. Children also bring their gifts and make pretty speeches to the Holy Infant, asking blessings for their family and their animals. Then there is a fiesta with much singing and dancing outdoors. The owner of the ranch distributes gifts to all his employees and their families. The huge meal will consist of roast lamb, baked potatoes and brown sugar bread. There is always too much to eat, so that the processions that wend their way into the mountains at the end of the day are as heavily laden with leftovers as they were with offerings in the morning. EL SALVADOR Salvadorans, like most if not all Latin Americans, value family and put it first during Christmas celebrations. Family gatherings begin at about 7:00 pm (on Christmas Eve), when members start arriving at a determined home, mostly the grandparents. A must to bring along are fireworks, usually estrellitas which are used around midnight, when everything and everyone is in a festive frenzy with laughter and hugs for the birth of Baby Jesus. Christmas may very well be the one time of the year when the whole family is together and "catching up" is in order. Friends drop in to spread good wishes and are invited to stay over for dinner, even if it is known that most are doing their "traditional route" through friends' homes before arriving to their own family's celebration. The Misa de Gallo or "Rooster Mass", which is the name for the Christmas Mass begins at midnight. Some families choose to eat before the Mass, others after it. On the way to Mass, it is usual to hear the loud noise of fireworks. Dinner menus vary as does the times for dinner. Upper and upper middle class families may enjoy a more "Americanized" menu of turkey and ham, while traditional middle class and lower strata families may have chicken or even special homemade tamales. Just before saying goodbye to the family, a tradition is to place the Baby Jesus figure as part of the Nativity Scene under the Christmas Tree. Even when the Nativity Scene may be set under the tree a month before, the figure is not placed until after midnight of this day, symbolizing that Christ is now born. GUATEMALA For nine days before Christmas, posadas (religious processions) pass through the streets. The beat of drums and the crackle of fireworks provide lively accompaniment as the figures of Mary and Joseph are carried to a friend's house, where a carol is sung asking for lodging for the Holy Family. After ritual questions and answers, the doors are opened and Mary and Joseph are taken to the nacimiento (manger scene) where they will remain until the next night, when they once again go out seeking for shelter. Everyone who accompanies the figures on their quest makes a great party with punch and hot tamales and dances once the goal is accomplished. On Christmas Eve, the figure of the Christ Child is added to the nacimiento at the last of the nine houses to receive the Holy Family. This is the signal for the biggest party of all, and the home selected had better be a large one, since everyone who was involved over the last nine days will show up on this night. The Christmas tree has joined the nacimiento as a popular ornament because of the large German population in Guatemala. Gifts are left under the tree on Christmas morning by the Christ Child for the children. Parents and adults do not exchange gifts until New Year's Day. Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve follows the posada and is in turn followed by a full supper. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HONDURAS Hondurans party in their homes, jobs, clubs, bars, and even in churches. It doesn’t matter what their social position or religion is, people everywhere prepare for several weeks before Christmas Day. They prepare parties for their families, friends and co-workers and have several traditional foods like pork, tamales, eggnog, beer and aguardiente. They usually have a dinner with the family. Then they drop by the homes of their friends and neighbors to drink, eat and dance. They usually end up stuffed with delicious food and drink. Then, at 12 o’clock they all hug and say Feliz Navidad (Merry Christmas) to each other. At the same time, firecrackers and cherry bombs are exploding everywhere. It looks like a battlefield. After 12 o’clock, the young people usually go to bars to drink and dance until the sun comes up. The preparation before Christmas is usually made in homes and stores. But they all set their Christmas tree up and adorn it with lights and many other decorations. They also put little light bulbs outside their homes. And, of course, the kids make their list to Santa. MEXICO Mexicans share many traditions with the Spanish. Their main Christmas celebration is called La Posada, which is a religious procession that reenacts the search for shelter by Joseph and Mary before the birth of Jesus. During the procession, the celebrants go from house to house carrying the images of Mary and Joseph looking for shelter. Several weeks before Christmas, elaborately decorated market stalls or puestos are set up in the plazas of every town and city. Some people travel for days from remote areas to get to these markets. The puestos offer crafts of every conceivable kind, foods such as cheese, bananas, nuts, and cookies, and flowers such as orchids and poinsettias. Santa Claus is not predominant, but the bright red suit is represented in the traditional flower of the season. This flower is the poinsettia, which has a brilliant red star-shaped bloom. There is a legend connected with the flower. A little boy named Pablo was walking to the church in his village to visit the Nativity scene, when he realized he had nothing to offer the Christ Child. He saw some green branches growing along the roadside and gathered them up. Other children laughed at him, but when he laid them by the manger, they started to bloom a bright red poinsettia flower on each branch. The Mexican children receive gifts. On Christmas day they are blindfolded and taken to try and break a decorated clay piñata that dangles and swings at the end of a rope. Once the piñata has been broken, the children run to recover the candy kept inside. Those children who have been good also on January 6th receive a gift from the Three Wise Men. NICARAGUA Like many Latin American countries, Nicaragua retains many of the customs of old Spain. In the weeks leading up to Christmas people stroll the streets where there are many things to buy: candles, Nativity pictures, toys and foods. Children carry fragrant bouquets to the altar of the Virgin and sing carols. On Christmas Eve, church bells beckon the people to Midnight Mass. On January 6, the feast of the Epiphany, the three Wise Men bring gifts for the children. Often the Holiday season concludes with a brilliant display of fireworks. PARAGUAY Christmas in Paraguay is celebrated in a deeply religious way. The main focus of the season is the pesebre or nativity scene which is found in both the home and in churches. December is the summer season in South America, and there is a profusion of flowers growing everywhere at this time of year. Churches and homes are decorated in bright colors to match the flowers. On Christmas Eve, church bells beckon the people to church at midnight for La Misa Del Gallo or the Mass of the Rooster. The Christmas feasting begins when family and friends return home from Mass. On January 6, the feast of the Epiphany, it is the Three Kings who bring gifts for the children of Paraguay. On the night before Epiphany, children set out their shoes with letters to the kings. PERU Many Peruvian manger scenes will feature the quaintly beautiful figures wood-carved by the Quechua Indians. On Christmas Eve, the meal after Midnight Mass features tamales (traditional local dish). Christmas Day festivities in Lima are highlighted by a procession with the statue of the Virgin Mary. PUERTO RICO Early in the Christmas season, carolers begin going from house to house and from farm to farm. They wear homemade costumes of what the Magi might have worn and sing bright Spanish carols called aguinaldos and villancicos. They are rewarded with food and drink, and many from each house will join them, so that eventually there are great crowds going singing from place to place. Nine days before Christmas, the Mass of the Carols begins. This takes place each morning at 5:30 a.m. It is filled with music and usually the caroling continues on the way to work or home. The manger scenes are peopled with santos and hand-carved figures that represent some oldest works of art. The tree and Santa Claus are also popular. Gifts arrive on Christmas morning, but also on the Epiphany. On January 5 in the evening, children leave water, grass and grain under their beds for the camels of the Wise Men and the next day find presents in their place. SPAIN Christmas is a deeply religious holiday in Spain. The country's patron saint is the Virgin Mary and the Christmas season officially begins December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is celebrated each year in front of the great Gothic cathedral in Seville with a ceremony called Los Seises or the "dance of six." Oddly, the elaborate ritual dance is now performed by not six but ten elaborately costumed boys. It is a series of precise movements and gestures and is said to be quite moving and beautiful. Christmas Eve is known as Nochebuena (Christmas Eve). It is a time for family members to gather together to rejoice and feast around the Nativity scenes that are present in nearly every home. A traditional Christmas treat is turrón, a kind of almond candy. December 28 is the feast of Santos Inocentes (Holy Innocents). Young boys of a town or village light bonfires and one of them acts as the mayor who orders townspeople to perform civic chores such as sweeping the streets. Refusal to comply results in fines which are used to pay for the celebration. As in many European countries, the children of Spain receive gifts on the feast of the Epiphany. Los Tres Reyes Magos (The Magi) are particularly revered in Spain. It is believed that they travel through the countryside reenacting their journey to Bethlehem every year at this time. Children leave their shoes on the windowsills and fill them with straw, carrots, and barley to feed the horses of the Wise Men. Their favorite is Balthazar who rides a donkey and is the one believed to leave the gifts. VENEZUELA In Venezuela on December 16th families bring out their pesebres (mangers) which is a specially designed and thought out depiction of the nativity scene. Venezuelans attend an early morning church service daily between December 16th and 24th. This is called Misa de Aguinaldo (Early Morning Mass). In Caracas, the capital city, it is customary to roller-skate to this service and many neighborhoods close the streets to cars until 8 a.m. It is a tradition to attend at one of nine carol services which most Venezuelans observe. Firecrackers explode and bells ring to call worshippers from bed in the predawn hours. The last of the masses takes place on Nochebuena (Christmas Eve). Families attend a mass on this night and then return home to a huge and fancy dinner. Before bedtime children tie one end of a piece of string to their big tow and hang the other out the window. The next morning, roller skaters give a tug to any string they see hanging. On January 6th when the children are awaken they will discover that the straw that they had left beside their bed the night before has gone, and in its place they can find gifts. The children know that the Magi and their camels have been at home. When they look themselves in the mirror and see a black smudge on their cheek they know that Balthazar, King of the Ethiopians has kissed them whilst they slept.
Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo!
Students interested in continuing in the language program must submit a registration form by December 17th. Classes must have at least five (5) people registered by that date or the course will be cancelled. Please send the form in as soon as possible so the instructors will be notified prior to the holidays. Winter Schedule: Begins the week of January 14 and should end during the week of March 17. The following week will be used for makeup days, if needed. Indicate on the attached form, the course you are currently enrolled in. The forms do not need signatures but it is assumed you have manager approval. When your class reaches the minimum capacity, I will let you know which rooms you will be using for the Winter Session. Thank you all for your cooperation with the escort schedule. Liz Sullivan GE Aviation Lynn Learning Centre Program Coordinator T 781-594-2931 F 781-594-1176 C 203-240-7290 D *263-2931 E elizabeth.sullivan@ae.ge.com 1000 Western Avenue, MD 34001 Lynn, MA 01910 General Electric Company Register for training in myLearning: http://mylearning.ge.com/
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