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Christmas in the Iranian plateau Afshin Majlesi

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  • Christmas in the Iranian plateau Afshin Majlesi

    Tehran Times, Iran
    Jan 2 2012


    Christmas in the Iranian plateau Afshin Majlesi
    02 January 2012 16:31

    Photo: Detail showing religious celebrations of Christmas at the Vank
    Cathedral, Isfahan


    Decorated Christmas trees might not be seen in every corner of Iran
    these days, but joy and merriment reigns supreme for the Christian
    population all over the country. This year, the Iranian Christians
    once again celebrated the birth of Christ in their homeland by
    decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and attending services.


    Predominantly a Muslim nation, Iran has a sizeable Christian
    population including Assyrians, Armenians, Catholics, Protestants and
    Evangelical Christians. Although a minority religious group in Iran,
    Christians of Iran are free to practice their religion and perform
    their religious rituals.


    Christmas in Iran is known as the `Little Feast' to the Assyrians
    compared to the Easter which is called the Great Feast. For the first
    25 days of December, a long fast is observed by the Assyrians. During
    these days no meat, eggs, milk or cheese is eaten. It is a time of
    peace and meditation, a time for attending services at the church.
    After the church service of December 25, Iranian Christians enjoy
    Christmas dinner which they call the `Little Feast.'


    In fact, Christmas Eve is the last day of the fast. Almost before dawn
    on Christmas Day, the people attend Mass to receive Communion and it
    is not until they have received this Communion that they are permitted
    to break their fast. The main dish for Christmas Day is a kind of
    chicken barley stew called Harrissa. It is cooked in large quantities
    and lasts for several days.


    Nowadays Gifts are less exchanged, but children get new clothes which
    they wear on Christmas Day. According to Dr. Ahmad Nourizadeh who has
    done a lot of research on the history of Christians, particularly
    Armenians in Iran, although Iranian Armenians who make up the majority
    of the country's Christian population take January 6th as the birth of
    Christ, large numbers of Iranian Christians also celebrate the 25th of
    December along with other Christians in the world.


    http://tehrantimes.com/highlights/94155-christmas-in-the-iranian-plateau/

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