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Post by Mini Mia on Dec 15, 2009 18:16:49 GMT -6
Here is where we'll put the finished Q&A, and then one of us can post it for the group.
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Post by Mini Mia on Dec 16, 2009 1:16:26 GMT -6
1. What is the shape of the popular buche de Noel cake made in France at Christmas time?[/u][/url]. This one is a heavenly flourless chocolate cake rolled with chocolate whipped cream. Traditionally, Buche de Noel is decorated with confectioners' sugar to resemble snow on a Yule log."  [/ul] [/font] |
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Post by Mini Mia on Dec 16, 2009 1:21:52 GMT -6
2. What are the most popular Christmas tree decorations in China?[/u][/url].  [/ul] [/font] |
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Post by Mini Mia on Dec 16, 2009 1:33:54 GMT -6
3. Why are candles placed in the windows of Irish homes on Christmas Eve?[/u][/url]. Often the task of lighting the Christmas Eve candle falls upon the head of household. Additionally, an Advent calendar and candles add a nice touch. Decorations remain up until Epiphany, January 6." "In the days when it was illegal (and dangerous) to practice the Catholic faith in Ireland because of the oppressive Penal Laws, the candle in the window of Irish homes at Christmas also signaled traveling priests that this was a home where they would be welcome and where they could safely conduct the traditional Irish Catholic Christmas Mass."    [/ul] [/font] |
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Post by Mini Mia on Dec 16, 2009 1:42:06 GMT -6
4. According to tradition in Belgium, how does St. Nicholas travel from house to house delivering gifts to children?[/u][/url]. | That's also the reason why many children place a carrot into their shoes so that the horse has something to eat." In some cases it's a donkey.   [/ul] [/font] |
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Post by Mini Mia on Dec 16, 2009 1:53:53 GMT -6
5. On what date does the Christmas holiday season begin in Armenia?[/noubbc]]Source #1[/url] Source #2"[url=www.thefreelibrary.com/LONGER+HOLIDAY+SEASON+ARMENIANS+MARK+TRADITIONAL+DATE+OF+CHRIST%27S...-a095937632] All of the churches used to celebrate Christmas on Jan. 6[/url], but in 460 A.D. it was changed by the pope to Dec. 25," said Rev. Father Hrant Yeretsian of Montebello's Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church. "We follow according to the tradition of our first church."  [/ul] [/font] |
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Post by Mini Mia on Dec 16, 2009 2:56:46 GMT -6
6.Who brings gifts for good children in Italy?[/u][/url] and charcoal or bags of ashes to naughty children in the night between the 5th and 6th of January)." "In Italy "La Befana" is a good witch who dresses all in black. Children leave their shoes by the fireplace on the eve of January 6th. Befana comes down the chimney on her broomstick to leave gifts." La Befana:  Babbo Natale:  Gesù Bambino:  [/ul] [/font] |
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Post by Mini Mia on Dec 16, 2009 3:10:47 GMT -6
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Post by Mini Mia on Dec 16, 2009 3:40:40 GMT -6
8. What do people in Costa Rica use to decorate their homes for Christmas?[/u][/url] 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." " During Christmas in Costa Rica, people like to decorate their houses with beautiful tropical flowers. A model of the nativity scene, called the Pasito or Portal, is the center of the display. It's also decorated with flowers and sometimes fruit. Some of the scene take a long time to make and all the family is involved. As well as the traditional figures, people add other models including houses and lots of different sorts of animals."[/ul] www.northpolesantaclaus.com/worldtraditions.htm#Costa%20Rico[/font] |
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Post by Mini Mia on Dec 16, 2009 3:52:17 GMT -6
9. In Austria, a bell is rung after Christmas Eve dinner to signal the opening of a locked door. What are children permitted to see for the first time behind the locked door?[/u][/url] is waiting all decorated with candles, ornaments and candies. The whole family sings Christmas carols and wishes each other: - FROLICHE WEIHNACHTEN!" "Following the dinner a bell is rung which opens the door to the lit up Christmas tree. The Christmas tree is highly decorated with glittering lights, gold and silver garlands, colored ornaments and of course candies and cookies. Beneath the tree are kept mangers that have been handed down through the generations."  [/ul] [/font] |
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Post by Mini Mia on Dec 16, 2009 4:26:55 GMT -6
10. In addition to musical instruments, what do Greek children sometimes carry when they go caroling?[/u][/url] Carrying a boat is a very old custom in the Greek Islands." "At that time, children sang carols while carrying boat models in honor of the God Dionyssos. Sometimes they carried branches of olive or laurel upon which they hung their tips and gratuities."   [/ul] [/font] |
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Post by Mini Mia on Dec 16, 2009 4:35:14 GMT -6
Okay. I'm done for now. Will get the last 5 tomorrow ... er ... later on today.
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Post by Mini Mia on Dec 16, 2009 17:56:30 GMT -6
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Post by Mini Mia on Dec 16, 2009 18:14:50 GMT -6
12. In the Czech Republic, what do children do when they think they hear St. Nicholas coming?[/u][/url], hoping that they will get good presents."     [/ul] [/font] |
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Post by Mini Mia on Dec 16, 2009 18:42:08 GMT -6
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Post by Mini Mia on Dec 16, 2009 18:52:35 GMT -6
14. What do children do with their shoes in Spain on January 5?[/u][/url], and in the secret of the night, the Three Wise Men pass leaving gifts. January 6th, Epiphany is heralded with parades in various cities where candy and cakes are distributed to throngs of children."  [/ul] [/font] |
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Post by Mini Mia on Dec 16, 2009 19:10:14 GMT -6
15. In Hungary, Christmas is celebrated twice. What are the dates for these celebrations?[/u][/url] "Hungarian people celebrate Christmas twice! The first time is December 6th - [The] second Christmas is December 25th." Holidays and Observances:
Saint Nicholas Day: December 6 Christmas Day: December 25    [/ul] [/font] |
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Post by Mini Mia on Dec 16, 2009 23:12:41 GMT -6
Okay. All of the answers have been posted.
Thanks everyone. I think we're gonna win this round. 
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