How to Celebrate an Iranian Christmas
During the holiday season, Christians who live in Iran combine their own traditions with those practiced by others of different religions. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Children's Clothes
- Persian Cookbooks
- Christmas Tree Ornaments
- Christmas Trees
- Nativity Sets
Instructions
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Remember that the three wise men were said to have lived in Iran when Jesus was born.
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Set up a Nativity scene in your home and select a Christmas tree to decorate if these are an important part of your Christmas celebration.
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Observe a "Little Fast" on December 1 by refusing to eat any animal products, including meat, eggs, milk and cheese.
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Break the fast on Christmas Day by indulging in "Little Feast," or a Christmas dinner of "harasa" (chicken stew).
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Give your children new clothes that they can wear on Christmas Day.
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Expect to see people dressed as Father Christmas in the stores when you shop for gifts.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep in mind that "Big Fast" occurs before Easter in Iran.
Assyrians celebrate Christmas on December 25, while Armenians wait until January 6.
Gifts are often not exchanged at Christmas in Iran.
Iran is a country of many religious and cultural influences, so Christmas traditions are diverse and cannot be generalized. The preceding steps represent a few local traditions that may or may not be appropriate for your personal celebration of Christmas.
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Comments
View all 7 Comments-
lovebenjamin
May 26, 2010
people in iran did not Speak arabic, they Speak Persian,Armenian,kurdish,azari,ashoori im persian catholic and i didnt have any problem with Calender in Christmas time!! tanx for u Post -
Feb 23, 2006
I will start off by mentioning that Iran does not write in Arabic script. Persian script and Arabic script are two completely different things. As a general rule, Persians young and old, enjoy partying, whether or not their Christian, if Christmas is a reason to go partying, then they'll celebrate.
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Feb 23, 2006
I will start off by mentioning that Iran does not write in Arabic script. Persian script and Arabic script are two completely different things. As a general rule, Persians young and old, enjoy partying, whether or not their Christian, if Christmas is a reason to go partying, then they'll celebrate.
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Jan 19, 2006
Most young Christians gather in a club or churches and celebrate. The Christmas tree is always decorated and available in many shops. Even many non-Christians celebrate by having a big party and dressing in Santa's hat and beard. Note that these parties for non-Christians are always indoors and secret from the government. TV plays movies with Christian themes for Christians, and cartoons for children. If the non-Christians have Christian neighbors, they greet them for the new year and Christmas and share their happiness. Iranian citizens respect Christians and they try to participate in their celebration.
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Jan 19, 2006
Most young Christians gather in a club or churches and celebrate. The Christmas tree is always decorated and available in many shops. Even many non-Christians celebrate by having a big party and dressing in Santa's hat and beard. Note that these parties for non-Christians are always indoors and secret from the government. TV plays movies with Christian themes for Christians, and cartoons for children. If the non-Christians have Christian neighbors, they greet them for the new year and Christmas and share their happiness. Iranian citizens respect Christians and they try to participate in their celebration.
