New Year's Eve in Lebanon

Situated in the eastern part of the Mediterranean region, Lebanon is one of the eminent nations in the Middle East. New Year in Lebanon is celebrated with great pomp and show. People in Lebanon observe several rites and follow various customs during the New Year in Lebanon.

The Lebanese celebrate New Year in their own ways. Many of them purchase new garments before the New Year. The exchanging of gifts takes place among the near and dear ones. Various cards with greetings and wishes for the New Year in Arabic are available in the markets.

People decorate their houses to mark the advent of the New Year. Families gather and invited friends over. As soon as the clock strikes 12 at midnight, people wish each other a “Happy New Year” and celebrate it with lavish feasts and music. Toasts are raised in the honor of the upcoming year wishing health, wealth, joy and peace to each other. Elaborate dining and wining options along with live entertainment performances organized in various restaurants.

During the Lebanese New Year, firecrackers are burnt and one can notice amazing fireworks being displayed in various parts of the country. The Memory Hall is a popular place for the New Year celebrations decorated with numerous lights lending a magical aura and charm to the entire place. Tables and chairs laid for the guests. They can witness several interesting programs here along with dining and wining. In order to mark the New Year, various organizations of open-air shows and concerts in different parts of Lebanon.

Many people in Lebanon arrange for short excursion trips in and around the country during the time of New Year. Some of the popular places they explore include Roman ruins and ancient sites. Such tours lead one to learn and know about the cultural heritage and architectural splendor of the nation.

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Holidays Calebrated in Lebanon

The Lebanese celebrate both the Christian and Muslim holy days, plus a couple of secular public holidays. The major Muslim holiday is Ramadan, celebrated by complete fasting from dawn until dusk for an entire month. Eid al-Fitr, a three-day festival at the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Adha, a feast at the end of the hajj (the pilgrimage month to Mecca); the First of Muharram, the Muslim New Year; Ashura, a Shi'ite commemoration and day of mourning; and the Prophet Muhammad's birthday.

Two Easters are celebrated in Lebanon (both in late March or early April)—the Greek Orthodox date, and the date for the rest of the Christian population. Other Christian holidays include, St. Maroun's Day (the patron saint of Maronite Christians, February 9); the Day of the Ascension (May 15); the Feast of the Assumption (August 15); and of course, Christmas (December 25 and 26).

Three secular public holidays in Lebanon are Labor Day (May 1), Mothers Day (March 31), and Independence Day (November 22).

Due to the Lebanese style of living, people are always in contact with people from another religion. Thus, this lead to the aspect of celebrating a holiday that is for another religion. For example, some Muslims celebrate Christmas, and some Christians fast on Ramadan.

Lebanon is of the major multi-religion countries; around 19 sects are present in Lebanon. This aspect has lead to various problems, but Lebanon is managing the situation. Hence, Lebanon is a unique country.

Almost all of the given holidays in different religions, have the tradition of giving gifts. Like Christmas and Eid Al Fitr. Send a gift to Lebanon. Visit www.allbestideas.com and celebrate any holiday with the best gifts.

The Story of Christmas

Joseph and Mary lived in the village of Nazareth when Rome was a great Empire ruled by Caesar Augustus and King Herod governed Israel. Joseph was a carpenter and Mary was a young virgin who would become his wife. Mary told Joseph of a dream in which an angel visited her and told her she is chosen to bear the Son of God; his name was to be Jesus.

One day the emperor sent notice that all persons were to register for a new tax. They were instructed to return to the towns of their birth. Joseph and Mary left Nazareth for Bethlehem. Mary who was with child, and close to the birth, rode on a donkey while Joseph walked beside her. They traveled for many days and only rested at night.

When they reached Bethlehem it was night. They looked for a place to rest but there were no empty rooms when they reached the inn. As they were being turned away Joseph mentioned his wife was with child and close to birth. The inn keeper took pity on them and told them of some caves in the nearby hills that shepherds would stay with their cows and sheep.

So Joseph and Mary went up into the hills and found the caves. In one cave was a stable room. Joseph cleaned it and made beds of fresh hay. He found a feeding trough which he cleaned and filled with hay to use as a crib. The next night Mary gave birth to a son and they named him Jesus, as the angel had said.

When the child was born a great star appeared over Bethlehem that could be seen for miles around. In the fields nearby shepherds were tending their flocks. An angel appeared to them surrounded by bright light. The shepherds were frightened and tried to run.

"Fear Not," said the angel, "For I bring you tidings of great joy. For unto you is born this day in Bethlehem - a Saviour who is Christ the Lord."

"And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."

Suddenly the sky was filled with angels, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men."

After the angels departed the shepherds set out for Bethlehem. When they reached the cave they found the stable and inside was the child wrapped in swaddling clothes.

As the star shined over Bethlehem, in the east three kings would see it. They knew it was a sign and they set off to follow the star. There was Caspar - the young King of Tarsus, Melchior - a long bearded old man and leader of Arabia, and Balthazar - the king from Ethiopia. They traveled on camels for many days over the mountains, and through the deserts, and plains. Always following the bright star.

When they finally arrived in Bethlehem they found the child in the manger. The 3 kings bowed to their knees and offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They would stay the night in the cave and the next day returned to their lands to spread the news.

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