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聖誕老公公的由來
聖誕節是令人雀躍期待的日子，尤其是小孩子。相信大家對聖誕老公公的事都耳熟能詳吧？從前有一個老人，名叫尼古拉斯，他一生最愛幫助貧窮的人家。其中有一次他幫助三個貧窮的少送她們三袋金子以逃過被賣的不幸。當尼古拉斯偷偷把其中一袋金子送給其中一名女子時，他把金子從其中一個窗戶扔進去，恰好掉進景在壁上的一長襪中。於是，將禮放在聖誕襪子的送禮方法家挨戶地去要糖果喲！
據說平安夜的晚上，聖誕節老公公會駕著馴鹿雪橇滿載著禮物準備送點這一年來表現很好的小朋友，他會悄悄地從煙囪爬進屋內，禮物塞在掛在床頭的襪子裡。所以孩子總會把一條條色彩繽紛的襪子掛在床頭，並在襪子旁邊放杯熱牛奶給勞苦功高的聖誕老人解渴，並送份大禮給自己。
隔天一每個小朋友都迫不及待地打開禮，想知道自己得到什麼獎勵。
到了1822年，一位荷蘭傳教士把這位偉大慈善家的故事傳到美國之後，美國商人更以特殊的行銷手法，每年利用這個節日大張旗鼓地宣傳廣告，大賺一筆，在亞洲的日本及其他各國也群起效尤。因此裝扮聖誕老人來慶祝聖誕節的風俗習慣也就漸漸地流行到世界各國了。
聖誕樹的由來
1.據說大約在十六世紀，德國人最先把長青的松柏枝拿到屋中去擺設，後來，德國傳教士馬丁路德把燭放在樹林中的樅樹枝上，然後點燃，使它看起來像是引導人們到伯利恆的星光，如同二千年前的東方三博士依照天上的星星找到耶穌一般。今日，人們已經改用小燈泡代替蠟燭。
2.傳說在很久以前，有一位農人，在聖誕節那天遇到一位窮苦的小孩，他熱情地接待了孩子，這個小孩臨走時折下根松枝插在地上，松枝立即變成一棵樹，上面掛滿了禮物，用來答謝農人的好意。
然而聖誕樹真正出現在聖誕節，首先見於德國，之後又傳入歐洲和美國，成為聖誕節不可或缺的裝飾物。他們通常用五光十色的彩燈、蠟、禮物或天使來裝聖誕樹，尤其住在美國西北部的人們，因為當地豐富的森林資源，他們會全家人一起去挑選一棵真正的樹做為聖誕樹。聖誕樹的種類繁多，有天然松柏聖誕樹、也有人造聖誕樹及白色聖誕樹。每棵聖誕樹上都掛滿琳瑯滿目的裝飾品，但每棵樹的頂端必定有一棵特大的星星，像徵著那顆引導東方三博士找到耶穌的星星。而且在傳統習俗上，只有家庭的一家之主才可以把這顆希望之星掛上，旁人是不可以越俎代庖的。
平安夜的由來
聖誕節前夕也就是俗說的平安夜，當晚，全家人會團聚在客廳中，圍繞在聖誕樹旁唱聖誕歌曲，互相交換禮物，彼此分享一年來生活中的喜怒哀樂，表達內心的祝福及愛。在這天晚上都會看到一群可愛的小男生或小女生，手拿詩歌彈著吉他，一家一家的唱著詩歌報佳音。到底佳音隊這種節日活動是怎麼來的呢？
耶穌誕生的那一晚，一在曠野看守羊群的牧羊人，突然聽見有聲音自天上傳來，向他們報耶穌降生的好消息。根據聖經記載，耶穌來是要作世人的王，因此天使便透過這些牧羊人把消息傳給更多的人知道。
後來人們就效仿天使，在平安夜的晚上到處報人傳講耶穌降生的消息，直到今日，報佳音已經變成聖誕節不可缺少的一個節目。
通常佳音隊是由大約二十名青年人，加上一備裝扮成天使的小女孩和一位聖誕老人組成。在平安夜晚上大約是九點過後，開始一家一家的去報佳音。每當佳音隊去到一個家庭時，先會唱幾首大家都熟悉的聖誕歌曲，然後再由小女孩念出聖經的話語讓該戶人家知道今夜是耶穌降生的日子，過後大家一起禱告再唱一兩首詩歌，再由慷慨大方的聖誕老人派送聖誕禮物給那個家庭中的小廳子，整個報佳音的過程就完成了！
整個報佳音的活動大約要持續到第二天凌晨四點左右才結束。
了聖誕節的意義
聖誕節對傳統的基督徒來說，是在慶祝耶穌的誕生。他們會在聖誕節的早上去做聖誕禮拜，以紀念耶穌和發揚基督的精神。不過一般的人已把它看成一種大眾化的民俗活動，是一個大家分享彼此對於家人、朋友甚至於他人的愛與關懷的日子。它也象徵著人們對於仁愛、喜樂、和平、忍耐、感恩、銀善、信實、溫柔以及節制的期望。印象中，聖誕節似乎應該在皚皚白雪中度過的節日，但是有趣的是，對住在南半球的人門，例甘澳洲或南美洲的人們而言，聖誕節可是夏日的節慶呦！
*以上轉載自http://www.shes.cy.edu.tw/xmas/xmas.htm
聖誕老公公的故鄉
聖誕節能夠做到普天同慶，充滿愛和歡樂，尼古拉斯送禮物這一招功不可沒。關於尼古拉斯和聖誕老人的歷來傳說多多（各位可以參考聖誕老人的由來），其中芬蘭的露云娜美（Rovaniemi），就被稱為『聖誕老人的故鄉』。
露云娜美是個剛剛踏入北極圈的城市，林木青蔥，秀麗而寧靜。從芬蘭首都赫爾辛基往位於其北面的露云娜美，可乘坐火車，車程約十一小時。
小城景點不多，只有拉普蘭人自然博物館、市集、野生動物園，而游客都是衝著聖誕老人村（Santa Claus Village）而來的。然而此鎮雖傳說是他的故鄉，但村莊是否就是他從前的居址，都無從考究了。
聖誕老人村位於市郊邊緣，自成一隅。通過高高的牌坊入口，赫然見到一條粗白線橫躺地上，寫著北緯66度33分。原來這線正是北極圈的分界線，過了這線以北的地方便屬於北極範圍。不少人在線上跳來跳去。在北極進進出出，到是有趣。
聖誕老人居所是一組木建築群，包括有正門的尖頂、餐廳、花圃、聖誕老人辦公室、居所、郵局、購物商場、鹿園等。
聖誕老人辦公室是所單層平房，是聖誕老人一年四季『長駐候教』的地方，屋內佈置像煞家居環境，墻飾擺設充滿聖誕色彩。聖誕老人的『工作』主要是跟客人拍照，十美元一幀電腦相。自己舉機拍照雖不禁止，但室內非常昏暗，又不準用閃光燈，而且不是該處的攝影機對準時，聖誕老人顯得非常『好動』。辦公室一角是出售聖誕卡的地方，款式漂亮，不妨買幾張寄給自己或親友，在聖誕老人故鄉寄出的聖誕卡可是意義重大，何況還會印上稀有的聖誕老人郵戳。
另外，旁邊的一張書桌，擺有好幾本冊子，不要忘了簽上大名留下地址，除了留個紀念外，每年聖誕節還可收到由聖誕老人寄出的聖誕卡呢！
走出辦公室，隔鄰是購物商場，裡面貨品色彩繽紛，聖誕鐘、聖誕樹、聖誕花、掛飾等，樣樣具備。最可愛的還有那些聖誕老人及罕見的聖誕婆婆。此外拉普蘭民族住宿的篷帳、毛公仔、鹿角等亦是頗有意思的紀念品。
漫步到林邊有個以木欄圍著的鹿園。鹿在芬蘭是多產的動物，有時車在公路上穿過樹林，也會見到一群鹿走過，又或者在路旁覓食。夏天它們懶洋洋地躺在草坪上養生；到了冬天，特別是聖誕節時，它們卻成為聖誕老人及遊客所專用的，拖著它們在鹿車於雪地上飛馳，讓雪花飄面，使聖誕卡上的情景活現於現實中，十分迷人。
聖誕節在聖誕老人故鄉露云娜美度過，當然令人難忘。然而，當地的冬天實在十分嚴寒，每每達攝氏零下三十度，故提醒一下大家，若要在聖誕老人村過聖誕，必需帶備足夠的禦寒衣物。還有，不要忘記購一張進入北極聖誕老人村的證書。
除了聖誕老人村，露美娜美去年（98年）聖誕節還增添了一個新景點，那就是於九八年十一月二十八日開幕的聖誕公園(Santapark)，與露云娜美機場只相距兩公里，與聖誕老人村有穿梭車連接。
聖誕公園是一個主題公園，一切都環繞聖誕節而設，環境佈置活像卡通世界，機動遊戲、運用高科技讓遊客感受四季景致及溫度的設備、馴鹿雪橇、聖誕酒會、講述聖誕老人故事的多媒體表演、木偶劇場、紀念品商店、餐廳等，包羅萬有。
除此之外，在聖誕公園和聖誕老人村之間還有新的馴鹿公園開幕。公園廣達30公頃，周圍用籬笆圍住。遊客可以搭一種看起來像火車的汽車在聖誕公園和聖誕老人村之間來往，充滿聖誕氣氛。
*以上轉載自http://teach3.ntcn.edu.tw/stuwww5/B93-210213/b10931001/03/%E4%BD%9C%E6%A5%AD/%E8%81%96%E8%AA%95%E8%80%81%E5%85%AC%E5%85%AC%E7%9A%84%E6%95%85%E9%84%89.htm
*在台灣雖然小朋友也有在過聖誕節 但卻似乎少了像國外一樣的氣氛 或許她們知道有聖誕老公公 卻不知到底聖誕老公公是誰? 他是怎麼怎麼來的? 還有他住在哪裡? 所以我也利用了上英文課的時間介紹了一下聖誕節 當然也讓小朋友做了一些聖誕節的Ｃｒａｆｔ 他們玩的可開心了
聖誕節的由來
以下是我從網路上找來的文章 有中翻英 也當作是我上課時講解給小朋友聽的內容
A long time ago in a town called Nazareth, a young woman had a dream. In the dream, an angel told her that God had chosen her, a virgin, to have his child. His name was to be Jesus. The virgin Mary, however, was to marry a local carpenter Joseph. She told Joseph of the dream, and Joseph understood that this child was to be holy.
很久以前，在一個叫做拿撒勒的小鎮，一個年輕女孩做了個夢，夢裡有一個天使告訴她上帝選擇了她這個聖潔的女孩來懷他的小孩。他的名字叫做耶穌。然而，處女瑪麗當時即將嫁給一位當地的木匠約瑟夫。她告訴約瑟夫她的夢境，約瑟夫知道這個小孩將會是一個聖者。
When Mary was close to birth, the government ordered everyone to return to their hometowns for a census. Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem. It was a long trip, and when they reached Bethlehem, they discovered the inn was full. However, the innkeeper took pity on the couple and told them they could stay in a nearby stable.
當瑪麗即將生產時，政府命令每個人都要回到家鄉做戶口普查。瑪麗和約瑟夫必須到伯利恆去。旅途非常漫長，當他們到達伯利恆的時候，發現小旅店客滿了。不過，旅店的主人很同情這對夫妻，因此讓他們在附近的馬廄裡過夜。
In the stable, there were mangers for the animals to eat from and lots of hay for the animals to eat. Mary gave birth to a son on a bed of hay. They had no crib, so they placed the baby in a manger, and they named him Jesus. A great star appeared over Bethlehem.
馬廄裡有一些給動物吃東西的馬槽，還有很多動物的糧食稻草。瑪麗就在稻草床上生下了一個兒子，他們沒有嬰兒床，於是把嬰兒放到馬槽裡，把他取名為耶穌。伯利恆的上空出現了一顆明亮的星星。
In the fields nearby, an angel appeared to the shepherds. The angel told them, "A savior has been born in the town of Bethlehem. Go there. You will find the baby lying in a manger." The shepherds went to Bethlehem,to the stable where Mary and Joseph were staying, and found the baby lying in the manger. They bowed down before the baby who was to be a savior.
附近的田裡，牧羊人看到了一個天使。天使告訴他們：「伯利恆誕生了一位救世主，到那裡去，你們會看到這個嬰兒躺在馬槽裡。」於是牧羊人到了伯利恆，找到瑪麗和約瑟夫過夜的馬廄，發現馬槽裡躺著一個嬰兒。他們在這個即將成為救世主的嬰兒面前彎腰鞠躬。
Far away in the east, three kings saw the bright star shining over Bethlehem. They knew it was a sign and followed the star. They traveled on camels for many days, always following the bright star. When they finally arrived in Bethlehem, they too found the child in the manger. They gave the child gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The three kings also bowed down in front of the manger, for in that makeshift crib in a stable in a small town was a baby who would change the world.
遙遠的東方，三位國王看到了伯利恆上空明亮的星星，他們知道那是個徵兆，於是跟著星星走。他們坐著駱駝，跟著星星旅行了很多天，最後當他們到達伯利恆時，也發現了馬槽裡的小孩。他們送給這個孩子禮物：金子、乳香及草藥，這三位國王也在馬槽前彎腰鞠躬，因為這個躺在小鎮馬廄的克難嬰兒床裡的嬰兒，即將改變世界。
耶誕樹的由來
Many legends exist about the origin of the Christmas tree. One legend holds that Martin Luther, a founder of the Protestant faith, was looking up as he walked through the forest one Christmas Eve. He was awed by the millions of stars glimmering through the branches of the evergreen trees. So impressed was he that he cut down a small tree and took it home to his family. Then he put candles on the branches of the tree to recreate the shining stars.
關於耶誕樹的由來有很多傳說。其中有一個說，新教派的創始人馬丁路德，在某個耶誕夜，走過一片森林的時候，往天上望去，對於閃耀在長青樹枝椏中數以萬計的星星驚嘆不已。因為他印象深刻，所以就砍下了一棵小樹，把它帶回家，然後把蠟燭放在樹枝上代替閃爍的星星
Yet another legend tells of a poor woodsman who long ago met a lost and hungry child on Christmas Eve. Though very poor himself, the woodsman gave the child food and shelter for the night. The woodsman woke the next morning to find a beautiful glittering tree outside his door. The hungry child was really the Christ Child in disguise. He created the tree to reward the good man for his charity.
另一個傳說是，很久以前，有一個貧窮的樵夫，在耶誕夜遇到一個迷了路，又十分饑餓的小男孩。雖然樵夫自己也很窮，但他還是拿了東西給小男孩吃，還留他過夜。第二天早上樵夫醒來，發現門外有一棵非常美麗、閃閃發亮的耶誕樹。饑餓的小男孩其實是聖兒僑裝的，他變出了這棵樹來獎勵這個好樵夫的善心。
Others feel the origin of the Christmas tree may be the "Paradise Play." In medieval times, most people could not read; plays were used to teach the lessons of the bible all over Europe. The Paradise Play, which told the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, was performed every year on December 24th. There was one big problem, however. An apple tree was needed but apple trees do not bear fruit in winter. Instead, an evergreen was used and they hung apples on its branches to make it an apple tree.
其他人則認為耶誕樹的由來可能是「天堂劇」。中古時期，大部份的人都不識字；整個歐洲都是以戲劇的方式來宣揚聖經的教義。每年的十二月二十四日都會上演天堂劇，敘述伊甸園裡亞當和夏娃的故事。不過，有一個很大的問題。戲裡需要用到一棵蘋果樹，但是冬天蘋果樹上沒有蘋果。因此他們在長青樹的枝椏上掛蘋果來代替蘋果樹。
聖誕老公公的由來
Do you know the jolly old man with a white beard, a big belly, and warm red suit? It's Santa Claus, right? Santa Claus has become one of the most beloved of Christmas symbols and traditions. The image of the jolly old man flying in a sleigh pulled by reindeer and leaving toys and gifts for every child is known worldwide. However, this image of Santa Claus has evolved over the years.
你知道那個有白鬍子、一個大大的肚子、穿著暖暖的紅色服裝的開心老人是誰嗎？是聖誕老公公，對吧？聖誕老人已經成為聖誕節的時候，人們最喜愛的象徵及傳統之一了。這個坐著麋鹿拉的雪橇在天上飛，並且把玩具及禮物留給每個小朋友的開心老人形象，早已深植於每個世界人的心中。然而，聖誕老公公的形象可是逐年發展來的喔。
The history of Santa Claus begins with a man called Saint Nicholas, who lived in what is now Turkey. Saint Nicholas was known for his charity and wisdom. Legend holds that he came from a wealthy family and gave all his money to the poor. He also was said to possess magical powers. He died in 340 AD.
聖誕老人的歷史源自於一個名叫聖尼可拉斯的人。他當時住的地方相當於現在的土耳其。聖尼可拉斯當時以善心及智慧而著名。傳奇(故事)中記載他來自一個富有的家庭，把他所有的錢都給了窮人。據說他也擁有神奇的力量。他死於西元前340年。
Late in the 11th century religious soldiers from Italy took the remains of the saint back with them to Italy. Soon the legend of Saint Nicholas spread across Europe. During the 12th century Saint Nicholas Day became a day of gift giving and charity. Germany, France, and Holland celebrated December 6th as a religious holiday and gave gifts to their children and the poor.
十一世紀末，來自義大利的宗教士兵將聖者的遺體帶回義大利。聖尼可拉斯的傳奇故事立即傳遍了全歐洲。十二世紀時，聖尼可拉斯日變成和送禮物及慈善捐助的節日。在德國、法國及荷蘭的人都把十二月六日當作是宗教節日來慶祝，並且把禮物送給小朋友及窮苦人家。
Hundreds of years later, colonists who came to America brought their traditions of Saint Nicholas with them. In particular, the Dutch brought their image of St. Nick wearing a red bishop's costume. However, the image of a jolly old fat man with a sleigh and eight reindeer didn't fully evolve until the 1800's with modern publication.
數百年後，殖民拓荒者帶著聖尼可拉斯的傳統來到美國。尤其是荷蘭人，他們帶來了聖尼可穿著紅色主教服裝的形象。但是呢，直到1800年代(十九世紀)，一份新紀元的叢書出版後，才樹立起今日廣傳的聖誕老公公形象：一個開心的胖老人，駕著由八隻麋鹿拉的雪橇忙著跨越天際把禮物分送到世界各地去。
A particularly influential publication was "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" by Clement Moore in 1823. This is the famous poem that begins "It was the night before Christmas…" The poem describes St. Nick as jolly and plump and lists the names of all eight of the reindeer. Then, in 1860, Thomas Nash drew pictures of a plump and kindly Santa Claus for a popular magazine. This is the image that most people around the world now recognize as Santa Claus.
卡樂門摩爾於1823年所寫的"聖尼可拉斯的拜訪"這本書對於聖誕老人的傳說有著舉足輕重的影響力。在這首非常有名的詩書中，一開始就這麼寫："耶誕節的前一天晚上…"這首詩把聖尼可描述成一個擁有一份八隻麋鹿的名單的快樂、圓圓胖胖老人。之後，在1860年，湯瑪斯奈許為一份流行的雜誌，畫了 一幅和藹親切、圓胖的聖誕老公公的圖。這就是深植於現代人心中聖誕老公公的形象。
From a legendary saint over fifteen hundred years ago, to a jolly fat man flying in a sleigh, the legend of Saint Nicholas continues to evolve.
從一千五百年前的傳奇聖者，到一個開心的胖老公公，坐著雪橇飛行。屬於聖尼可拉斯的傳奇還是會繼續的流傳下去。
耶誕襪的由來
Many a child looks forward to Christmas because they know that if they hang a stocking, a kind of sock, on their fireplace on Christmas Eve, Santa Claus will come down the chimney and fill the stocking with toys and sweets. However, many children haven't heard the story of how the tradition of the Christmas stocking began.
很多小孩都很期待耶誕節的來臨，因為他們知道，耶誕夜如果他們在火爐前掛上長襪－一種襪子－耶誕老公公會從煙囪下來，在襪子裡塞滿玩具和糖果。不過，很多小孩都沒有聽過，耶誕襪的傳統是如何開始的故事。
A long time ago, there was a kind nobleman whose wife died and left him to take care of three daughters all by himself. Then, to make matters worse, he lost all of his money on useless inventions.The father became very depressed because he realized that he didn't have enough money for his daughters' dowries. Without dowries, money given to the husbands' families, his poor daughters couldn't get married.
很久以前，有一個善良的貴族，他的太太過世了，留下他要獨自照顧三個女兒。更糟的是，他發明了一些沒有用的東西，把所有的錢都用光了。這位父親變得非常沮喪，因為他知道他沒有足夠的錢給女兒當嫁妝。沒有嫁妝，也就是說沒有錢可以給夫家的話，他可憐的女兒就不能結婚。
One night after the daughters had washed out their clothing, they hung their stockings over the fireplace to dry. Late that night Saint Nicholas, knowing the despair of the father, stopped by the nobleman's house. Looking in the window Saint Nicholas noticed the daughters' stockings. He took three small bags of gold from his pouch and threw them one by one down the chimney. The bags landed in the stockings.
有一天晚上，女兒洗好衣服後，把襪子掛在火爐前烘乾。那天深夜，耶誕老公公知道這位父親的絕望，就來到了這位貴族的家。耶誕老公公從窗戶往屋裡看，他注意到了女兒的襪子。他從袋子裡拿出三小袋的金子，一個一個從煙囪裡丟下去，袋子都掉進了襪子裡。
The next morning when the daughters awoke they found their stockings contained enough gold for them to get married. The nobleman was able to see his three daughters marry and he lived a long and happy life.
第二天早上，幾個女兒醒來，發現襪子裡有足夠讓他們結婚的金子。這位貴族終於可以看到他的三個女兒成婚，而他自己的一生則既長壽又快樂。
*以上轉載自http://teach3.ntcn.edu.tw/stuwww5/B93-210213/b10931001/03/%E4%BD%9C%E6%A5%AD/%E8%81%96%E8%AA%95%E8%80%81%E5%85%AC%E5%85%AC%E7%9A%84%E6%95%85%E9%84%89.htm
*在台灣雖然小朋友也有在過聖誕節 但卻似乎少了像國外一樣的氣氛 或許她們知道有聖誕老公公 卻不知到底聖誕老公公是誰? 他是怎麼怎麼來的? 還有他住在哪裡? 所以我也利用了上英文課的時間介紹了一下聖誕節 當然也讓小朋友做了一些聖誕節的Ｃｒａｆｔ 他們玩的可開心了
聖誕節的由來
以下是我從網路上找來的文章 有中翻英 也當作是我上課時講解給小朋友聽的內容
A long time ago in a town called Nazareth, a young woman had a dream. In the dream, an angel told her that God had chosen her, a virgin, to have his child. His name was to be Jesus. The virgin Mary, however, was to marry a local carpenter Joseph. She told Joseph of the dream, and Joseph understood that this child was to be holy.
很久以前，在一個叫做拿撒勒的小鎮，一個年輕女孩做了個夢，夢裡有一個天使告訴她上帝選擇了她這個聖潔的女孩來懷他的小孩。他的名字叫做耶穌。然而，處女瑪麗當時即將嫁給一位當地的木匠約瑟夫。她告訴約瑟夫她的夢境，約瑟夫知道這個小孩將會是一個聖者。
When Mary was close to birth, the government ordered everyone to return to their hometowns for a census. Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem. It was a long trip, and when they reached Bethlehem, they discovered the inn was full. However, the innkeeper took pity on the couple and told them they could stay in a nearby stable.
當瑪麗即將生產時，政府命令每個人都要回到家鄉做戶口普查。瑪麗和約瑟夫必須到伯利恆去。旅途非常漫長，當他們到達伯利恆的時候，發現小旅店客滿了。不過，旅店的主人很同情這對夫妻，因此讓他們在附近的馬廄裡過夜。
In the stable, there were mangers for the animals to eat from and lots of hay for the animals to eat. Mary gave birth to a son on a bed of hay. They had no crib, so they placed the baby in a manger, and they named him Jesus. A great star appeared over Bethlehem.
馬廄裡有一些給動物吃東西的馬槽，還有很多動物的糧食稻草。瑪麗就在稻草床上生下了一個兒子，他們沒有嬰兒床，於是把嬰兒放到馬槽裡，把他取名為耶穌。伯利恆的上空出現了一顆明亮的星星。
In the fields nearby, an angel appeared to the shepherds. The angel told them, "A savior has been born in the town of Bethlehem. Go there. You will find the baby lying in a manger." The shepherds went to Bethlehem,to the stable where Mary and Joseph were staying, and found the baby lying in the manger. They bowed down before the baby who was to be a savior.
附近的田裡，牧羊人看到了一個天使。天使告訴他們：「伯利恆誕生了一位救世主，到那裡去，你們會看到這個嬰兒躺在馬槽裡。」於是牧羊人到了伯利恆，找到瑪麗和約瑟夫過夜的馬廄，發現馬槽裡躺著一個嬰兒。他們在這個即將成為救世主的嬰兒面前彎腰鞠躬。
Far away in the east, three kings saw the bright star shining over Bethlehem. They knew it was a sign and followed the star. They traveled on camels for many days, always following the bright star. When they finally arrived in Bethlehem, they too found the child in the manger. They gave the child gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The three kings also bowed down in front of the manger, for in that makeshift crib in a stable in a small town was a baby who would change the world.
遙遠的東方，三位國王看到了伯利恆上空明亮的星星，他們知道那是個徵兆，於是跟著星星走。他們坐著駱駝，跟著星星旅行了很多天，最後當他們到達伯利恆時，也發現了馬槽裡的小孩。他們送給這個孩子禮物：金子、乳香及草藥，這三位國王也在馬槽前彎腰鞠躬，因為這個躺在小鎮馬廄的克難嬰兒床裡的嬰兒，即將改變世界。
耶誕樹的由來
Many legends exist about the origin of the Christmas tree. One legend holds that Martin Luther, a founder of the Protestant faith, was looking up as he walked through the forest one Christmas Eve. He was awed by the millions of stars glimmering through the branches of the evergreen trees. So impressed was he that he cut down a small tree and took it home to his family. Then he put candles on the branches of the tree to recreate the shining stars.
關於耶誕樹的由來有很多傳說。其中有一個說，新教派的創始人馬丁路德，在某個耶誕夜，走過一片森林的時候，往天上望去，對於閃耀在長青樹枝椏中數以萬計的星星驚嘆不已。因為他印象深刻，所以就砍下了一棵小樹，把它帶回家，然後把蠟燭放在樹枝上代替閃爍的星星
Yet another legend tells of a poor woodsman who long ago met a lost and hungry child on Christmas Eve. Though very poor himself, the woodsman gave the child food and shelter for the night. The woodsman woke the next morning to find a beautiful glittering tree outside his door. The hungry child was really the Christ Child in disguise. He created the tree to reward the good man for his charity.
另一個傳說是，很久以前，有一個貧窮的樵夫，在耶誕夜遇到一個迷了路，又十分饑餓的小男孩。雖然樵夫自己也很窮，但他還是拿了東西給小男孩吃，還留他過夜。第二天早上樵夫醒來，發現門外有一棵非常美麗、閃閃發亮的耶誕樹。饑餓的小男孩其實是聖兒僑裝的，他變出了這棵樹來獎勵這個好樵夫的善心。
Others feel the origin of the Christmas tree may be the "Paradise Play." In medieval times, most people could not read; plays were used to teach the lessons of the bible all over Europe. The Paradise Play, which told the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, was performed every year on December 24th. There was one big problem, however. An apple tree was needed but apple trees do not bear fruit in winter. Instead, an evergreen was used and they hung apples on its branches to make it an apple tree.
其他人則認為耶誕樹的由來可能是「天堂劇」。中古時期，大部份的人都不識字；整個歐洲都是以戲劇的方式來宣揚聖經的教義。每年的十二月二十四日都會上演天堂劇，敘述伊甸園裡亞當和夏娃的故事。不過，有一個很大的問題。戲裡需要用到一棵蘋果樹，但是冬天蘋果樹上沒有蘋果。因此他們在長青樹的枝椏上掛蘋果來代替蘋果樹。
聖誕老公公的由來
Do you know the jolly old man with a white beard, a big belly, and warm red suit? It's Santa Claus, right? Santa Claus has become one of the most beloved of Christmas symbols and traditions. The image of the jolly old man flying in a sleigh pulled by reindeer and leaving toys and gifts for every child is known worldwide. However, this image of Santa Claus has evolved over the years.
你知道那個有白鬍子、一個大大的肚子、穿著暖暖的紅色服裝的開心老人是誰嗎？是聖誕老公公，對吧？聖誕老人已經成為聖誕節的時候，人們最喜愛的象徵及傳統之一了。這個坐著麋鹿拉的雪橇在天上飛，並且把玩具及禮物留給每個小朋友的開心老人形象，早已深植於每個世界人的心中。然而，聖誕老公公的形象可是逐年發展來的喔。
The history of Santa Claus begins with a man called Saint Nicholas, who lived in what is now Turkey. Saint Nicholas was known for his charity and wisdom. Legend holds that he came from a wealthy family and gave all his money to the poor. He also was said to possess magical powers. He died in 340 AD.
聖誕老人的歷史源自於一個名叫聖尼可拉斯的人。他當時住的地方相當於現在的土耳其。聖尼可拉斯當時以善心及智慧而著名。傳奇(故事)中記載他來自一個富有的家庭，把他所有的錢都給了窮人。據說他也擁有神奇的力量。他死於西元前340年。
Late in the 11th century religious soldiers from Italy took the remains of the saint back with them to Italy. Soon the legend of Saint Nicholas spread across Europe. During the 12th century Saint Nicholas Day became a day of gift giving and charity. Germany, France, and Holland celebrated December 6th as a religious holiday and gave gifts to their children and the poor.
十一世紀末，來自義大利的宗教士兵將聖者的遺體帶回義大利。聖尼可拉斯的傳奇故事立即傳遍了全歐洲。十二世紀時，聖尼可拉斯日變成和送禮物及慈善捐助的節日。在德國、法國及荷蘭的人都把十二月六日當作是宗教節日來慶祝，並且把禮物送給小朋友及窮苦人家。
Hundreds of years later, colonists who came to America brought their traditions of Saint Nicholas with them. In particular, the Dutch brought their image of St. Nick wearing a red bishop's costume. However, the image of a jolly old fat man with a sleigh and eight reindeer didn't fully evolve until the 1800's with modern publication.
數百年後，殖民拓荒者帶著聖尼可拉斯的傳統來到美國。尤其是荷蘭人，他們帶來了聖尼可穿著紅色主教服裝的形象。但是呢，直到1800年代(十九世紀)，一份新紀元的叢書出版後，才樹立起今日廣傳的聖誕老公公形象：一個開心的胖老人，駕著由八隻麋鹿拉的雪橇忙著跨越天際把禮物分送到世界各地去。
A particularly influential publication was "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" by Clement Moore in 1823. This is the famous poem that begins "It was the night before Christmas…" The poem describes St. Nick as jolly and plump and lists the names of all eight of the reindeer. Then, in 1860, Thomas Nash drew pictures of a plump and kindly Santa Claus for a popular magazine. This is the image that most people around the world now recognize as Santa Claus.
卡樂門摩爾於1823年所寫的"聖尼可拉斯的拜訪"這本書對於聖誕老人的傳說有著舉足輕重的影響力。在這首非常有名的詩書中，一開始就這麼寫："耶誕節的前一天晚上…"這首詩把聖尼可描述成一個擁有一份八隻麋鹿的名單的快樂、圓圓胖胖老人。之後，在1860年，湯瑪斯奈許為一份流行的雜誌，畫了 一幅和藹親切、圓胖的聖誕老公公的圖。這就是深植於現代人心中聖誕老公公的形象。
From a legendary saint over fifteen hundred years ago, to a jolly fat man flying in a sleigh, the legend of Saint Nicholas continues to evolve.
從一千五百年前的傳奇聖者，到一個開心的胖老公公，坐著雪橇飛行。屬於聖尼可拉斯的傳奇還是會繼續的流傳下去。
耶誕襪的由來
Many a child looks forward to Christmas because they know that if they hang a stocking, a kind of sock, on their fireplace on Christmas Eve, Santa Claus will come down the chimney and fill the stocking with toys and sweets. However, many children haven't heard the story of how the tradition of the Christmas stocking began.
很多小孩都很期待耶誕節的來臨，因為他們知道，耶誕夜如果他們在火爐前掛上長襪－一種襪子－耶誕老公公會從煙囪下來，在襪子裡塞滿玩具和糖果。不過，很多小孩都沒有聽過，耶誕襪的傳統是如何開始的故事。
A long time ago, there was a kind nobleman whose wife died and left him to take care of three daughters all by himself. Then, to make matters worse, he lost all of his money on useless inventions.The father became very depressed because he realized that he didn't have enough money for his daughters' dowries. Without dowries, money given to the husbands' families, his poor daughters couldn't get married.
很久以前，有一個善良的貴族，他的太太過世了，留下他要獨自照顧三個女兒。更糟的是，他發明了一些沒有用的東西，把所有的錢都用光了。這位父親變得非常沮喪，因為他知道他沒有足夠的錢給女兒當嫁妝。沒有嫁妝，也就是說沒有錢可以給夫家的話，他可憐的女兒就不能結婚。
One night after the daughters had washed out their clothing, they hung their stockings over the fireplace to dry. Late that night Saint Nicholas, knowing the despair of the father, stopped by the nobleman's house. Looking in the window Saint Nicholas noticed the daughters' stockings. He took three small bags of gold from his pouch and threw them one by one down the chimney. The bags landed in the stockings.
有一天晚上，女兒洗好衣服後，把襪子掛在火爐前烘乾。那天深夜，耶誕老公公知道這位父親的絕望，就來到了這位貴族的家。耶誕老公公從窗戶往屋裡看，他注意到了女兒的襪子。他從袋子裡拿出三小袋的金子，一個一個從煙囪裡丟下去，袋子都掉進了襪子裡。
The next morning when the daughters awoke they found their stockings contained enough gold for them to get married. The nobleman was able to see his three daughters marry and he lived a long and happy life.
第二天早上，幾個女兒醒來，發現襪子裡有足夠讓他們結婚的金子。這位貴族終於可以看到他的三個女兒成婚，而他自己的一生則既長壽又快樂。
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