Christmas in Lebanon: Customs & Traditions

Christmas time in Lebanon is a beautiful blend of diverse cultural influences and warm festivities. As you explore the holiday season in this vibrant country, you’ll find a mix of Eastern and Western traditions that bring people together and create lasting memories. Lebanese Christmas celebrations are not only about religious observances, but also about embracing a sense of community and partaking in lively customs.
One beloved aspect of Christmas in Lebanon is the traditional dance known as dabkeh. During the festive season, people join hands to form large circles or semi-circles, dancing to the lively tunes of native percussion instruments. This spirited dance showcases the unity and camaraderie among the Lebanese people as they celebrate this joyous time of the year.
Alongside dabkeh, some other cherished Lebanese Christmas traditions are Baba Noël, the local version of Santa Claus, and the vibrant red-leafed Poinsettia plant, which people love to use as decoration in their homes and shops. With such a unique blend of customs, it’s no wonder that Christmas in Lebanon is a truly magical experience.
History of Christmas in Lebanon
In Lebanon, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration for people of various faiths. It’s important to understand the history of Christmas in this culturally rich country to appreciate its unique traditions.
Lebanon, located in the Middle East, has a diverse population that includes Christians, Muslims, and other religious groups. Christianity has deep roots in Lebanon, dating back to the early days of the religion. The Maronite Catholic Church, the largest Christian denomination in the country, has a significant influence on the way Christmas is celebrated in Lebanon.
Over time, some Western traditions have been adopted by Lebanese Christians, like having a Christmas tree and exchanging gifts from Father Christmas, known as Baba Noel. However, many unique and traditional Lebanese customs still play a substantial role in the festivities.
One such tradition is the performance of “Dabkeh,” a traditional dance involving both men and women joining hands and dancing in circles or semicircles. This lively dance is accompanied by native tunes and the “Darbouka,” a traditional percussion instrument.
Lebanese people also love decorating their homes and shops with the vibrant red-leafed Poinsettia plant, symbolizing the colors of the festive season. You’ll see these plants everywhere in Lebanon during December, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Christmas in Lebanon is a wonderful blend of ancient and modern customs, embracing both the country’s rich history and contemporary influences. It’s a heartwarming celebration that showcases the unity and cultural diversity Lebanon is proud of. So, when you find yourself in Lebanon during the holiday season, immerse yourself in the vibrant customs and feel the joy of Christmas in this amazing country!
Decorating Christmas Trees and Homes
Christmas Tree Tradition
You’ll find that Christmas trees are an essential part of the festive spirit in Lebanon. Many families set up and decorate their trees a few weeks before Christmas day. While the trees are adorned with ornaments, lights, and tinsel, a unique Lebanese touch can be found in small nativity cribs. In the days leading up to Christmas, seeds such as chickpeas, sprouts, grains, lentils, and beans are sowed on cotton wool, not soil. By the time Christmas arrives, you’ll have a lovely little garden to place around the nativity scene at the base of your tree, symbolizing life and growth.
Home Decorations
In addition to the Christmas tree, Lebanese homes are often decorated with beautiful poinsettias to create a cozy atmosphere. These vibrant red flowers are perfect for adding a splash of color to your home, and they’re usually placed on windowsills and as table centerpieces. Locals also use various other decorations like bright lights, wreaths, and garlands to bring the Christmas spirit into their homes.
It’s truly heartwarming to see the festive spirit come alive in Lebanon. Be sure to embrace these traditions, and your home will be overflowing with holiday cheer.
Lebanese Christmas Foods
Traditional Christmas Meals
Lebanese Christmas feasts are a delightful mix of flavors and cultures. You’ll find an array of dishes, from appetizers to main courses, that showcase the richness of Lebanese cuisine. For starters, expect to see hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves.
Moving on to the main courses, turkey is often a centerpiece but you’ll also enjoy dishes like kebbeh pie, made of crushed and cooked wheat or burghul, mixed with onions, meats, salt, and pepper. Spiced rice is another popular dish, combining grains like chickpeas, broad beans, lentils, oats, and wheat. These ingredients are grown on damp cotton wool in the weeks leading up to Christmas, reaching about six inches in length to decorate nativity scenes and homes.
Meghli: A Traditional Christmas Dessert
No Lebanese Christmas dinner would be complete without meghli, a festive rice pudding made to celebrate the birth of a child in the family. This traditional dessert is flavored with cinnamon and caraway, giving it a warm, comforting taste. It’s then topped with a mix of nuts, such as peanuts, crushed almonds, and walnuts, adding a delightful crunch.
Another popular dessert option is buche de noel, a festive log-shaped cake that is perfect for Christmas celebrations. In the end, your Lebanese Christmas feast will be a diverse and irresistible blend of flavors and textures, making your taste buds sing with joy.
Santa Claus and Gift Giving
During Christmas time in Lebanon, you’ll notice that Santa Claus is quite popular. Known as Papa Noel or Baba Noel, he plays a significant role in the season’s festivities. As with many other cultures, Santa Claus brings joy to children and adults alike by delivering gifts during this magical time of the year.
Lebanese children eagerly await the arrival of Papa Noel, who brings them gifts while the family is attending midnight mass. It’s not uncommon for the little ones to receive clothes or candies, while toys and video games are becoming increasingly popular gift choices.
Gift-giving is an important tradition during Christmas in Lebanon, strengthening bonds with family members and friends. Just like in many other countries, exchanging presents with your loved ones is a way to show love, appreciation, and celebrate the festive spirit. It’s one of the most exciting aspects of a Lebanese Christmas that everyone looks forward to.
In addition to receiving gifts from Santa, Lebanese families also incorporate their own unique touches to the festive season. One such tradition includes planting seeds like chickpeas, sprouts, grains, lentils, and beans on cotton wool 14 days before Christmas. This ensures that by the time Christmas rolls around, you’ll have a small, fresh green canopy you can use to decorate the nativity crib scene.
So, as you can see, the tradition of Santa Claus and gift-giving in Lebanon brings joy and excitement to the festivities, making it a memorable and enjoyable time for everyone involved.
Religious Practices and Masses
In Lebanon, Christmas celebrations are deeply rooted in religious practices, and attending Mass is an essential part of the festivities. You will find people from different walks of life coming together to celebrate the birth of Jesus, regardless of their religious background. One of the most awaited events is the Midnight Mass, which is held on Christmas Eve.
The Midnight Mass is not just an ordinary prayer service; it’s a time for families and communities to come together and rejoice. There’s an air of excitement and anticipation as people gather in beautifully adorned churches, softly illuminated by candlelight. The Mass is often accompanied by Christmas carols, sung in Arabic or French, adding to the festive spirit.
Eid Milad Majid (عيد ميلاد مجيد) is the Arabic term for Christmas, and it translates to “Glorious Birth Feast.” Many Lebanese Christians incorporate nativity scenes, or small replicas of the stable in Bethlehem, into their home decorations. These nativity scenes serve as a reminder of the humble beginnings of Jesus and instill a sense of wonder and gratitude in the hearts of those who view them.
In summary, Lebanon offers a unique blend of Christmas traditions that are both deeply rooted in their religious beliefs and cherished by locals and visitors alike. The events surrounding Christmas, such as Midnight Mass and incorporating nativity scenes in decorations, create an atmosphere that is both enchanting and reverent, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Festivities and Traditions in Beirut
You’ll find that Beirut, the heart of Lebanon, is alive with the spirit of the season. As you walk the snow-dusted streets, you’ll notice an array of events and activities that create a festive atmosphere.
One exciting aspect of Christmas in Lebanon is the wide range of traditional dances performed during the holiday season. You might find yourself mesmerized by the swirling colors and rhythmic beats as talented dancers showcase their skills.
A variety of plays and concerts can be found throughout Beirut, showcasing local talent and spreading joy during this time. Concert halls and theaters display diverse performances, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Another aspect that adds to the holiday cheer are the street decorations in areas like Mar Mikhael. As you stroll through the bustling streets, you’ll be greeted with twinkling lights, vibrant banners, and elaborate ornaments, which truly bring Christmas in Lebanon to life.
In addition to decorations, the culinary delights of this season are not to be missed. Be sure to indulge in the traditional kebbeh pie or savor the unique flavors of a Levantine feast, as families gather to share special meals during this time.
Overall, Beirut’s Christmas celebrations highlight the city’s rich cultural history and provide an unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists alike. So dive in and let the magic of the season sweep you off your feet.
Christmas Charity and Solidarity
During the holiday season in Lebanon, you’ll notice a strong spirit of charity and solidarity as people come together to support one another. As part of this festive spirit, communities often collaborate to provide aid and social services to those in need. There’s a huge emphasis on extending help to the impoverished and Syrian refugees, among others.
Sprouts and shrubberies are an interesting aspect of charitable activities happening around Christmas time. People sow seeds 14 days prior to Christmas, on cotton wool instead of soil, to grow sprouts and small plants. These greenery represents rebirth. Additionally, the community often comes together, regardless of religious affiliations, to provide food, clothing, and other essentials for those who are struggling.
Christmas in Lebanon also witnesses interfaith participation, with Muslims and Christians coming together to uplift the spirit of unity and compassion. Sharing meals, participating in events, and offering help to one another are some ways the folks exhibit their support. Musical performances, such as those featuring the darbouka, a traditional Middle Eastern drum, are common during these celebrations.
In a nutshell, the holiday season in Lebanon is all about spreading love, warmth, and kindness across the nation by indulging in acts of charity and solidarity with fellow human beings. This unique approach to Christmas combines the essence of giving with the joy of the festivities, creating a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Traditional Lebanese Christmas Greetings
In Lebanon, Christmas is a time of joy and togetherness, and you can feel the excitement in the air as soon as the festive season arrives. To greet friends and family during Christmas, Lebanese people often wish each other a “Happy/Merry Christmas” or a “Glorious Birth Feast.” This reflects the warmth and good wishes that they have for one another during this special time of year.
Lebanese Christmas traditions are a unique blend of Western customs and their own local touches, making for a truly memorable experience. Along with the traditional Christmas greetings, you’ll find that classic seasonal elements, such as the “Nativity Cribs,” play a significant role in Lebanese festivities. About 14 days before Christmas, people sow seeds like chickpeas, sprouts, grains, lentils, and beans on cotton wool. By the time Christmas arrives, there would already be a small growth, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings.
Another important aspect of Lebanese Christmas traditions is the use of the vibrant red-leafed Poinsettia plant to decorate homes, shops, and streets. These beautiful plants add a splash of color to the festive atmosphere, further enhancing the celebratory mood.
Lebanese Christmas food is another integral part of the festivities. The feast typically consists of chicken, rice, and Kubbeh – a dish made of crushed and cooked wheat or burghul, mixed with onion, meat, salt, and pepper. For families who have had a child born during the Christmas season, a special pudding called Mughly is prepared, topped with peanuts, crushed almonds, and walnuts.
Enjoying these Lebanese Christmas traditions and exchanging heartfelt greetings with your loved ones creates lasting memories and truly encapsulates the spirit of the season. So, when in Lebanon, don’t hold back – embrace the customs, spread joy, and wish your friends and family a Happy Merry Christmas or a Glorious Birth Feast!
Conclusion Of Lebanese Christmas
Lebanese Christmas is a remarkable blend of traditional customs and modern practices that you can experience. As you gather with your family, you’ll enjoy the festivities filled with music, dancing, and the traditional Lebanese dance, dabkeh. A special touch to Lebanese Christmas is the Nativity Cribs, where scenes are based on a cave rather than the typical stable. One interesting practice is sowing seeds like chickpeas, sprouts, grains, lentils, and beans on cotton wool 14 days before Christmas to use them for decoration when the big day arrives.
During the holiday season, the colorful red-leafed Poinsettia plant adorns houses and shops, symbolizing solidarity and rebirth. Lebanese feasts consist of delicious meals, sweets, and treats to gratify your taste buds. Don’t forget to look out for Baba Noël, the Lebanese Santa Claus, who brings joy and presents to children.
Christmas in Lebanon is special not only for its unique traditions but also for the bonding it brings among people. The essense of togetherness, love, and celebration make it a beautiful time for both locals and visitors alike. Exploring and experiencing these traditions will surely leave you with unforgettable memories of the warmth and beauty of Lebanese Christmas.