Christmas in Russia
St. Nicholas is especially popular in Russia. The legend is that
11th-century Prince Vladimir traveled to Constantinople to be baptized,
and returned with stories of miracles performed by St. Nicholas
of Myra. Since, many Eastern Orthodox Churches have been named for
the saint; and to this day, Nicholas is one of the most common names
for Russian boys. The feast of St. Nicholas (December 6) was observed
for many centuries, but after the communist revolution, the celebration
of the feast was suppressed, only to return after the fall of Communism.
Christmas in Japan
There is no official celebration of this holiday season in Japan
as less than one percent of the population is Christian. There is
an unofficial widespread secular observance of Christmas due to
the influence of Americans after the war, and Japan's Christmas
industry that provides decorations and trinkets for Christian nations.
As the Christmas industry grew, it was natural for the Japanese
to become interested in the Christian celebration and to absorb
some of the customs into their own society including a Christmas
tree and turkey with all the trimmings. Hoteiosho, one of the gods
from the Japanese pantheon, brings the gifts. Since he has eyes
in the back of his head, it's natural for him to observe the behavior
of the children in Japan.
Christmas Down Under (Australia)!
Christmas in Australia takes place in the heat of summer since the
country is located in the Southern Hemisphere. Many Australians
still look to their British roots at this special time of year and
a traditional Christmas meal usually includes a turkey dinner, sometimes
with ham. Often a flaming Christmas plum pudding is added
for dessert or else a special Australian meringue confection, Pavlova,
which is adorned with kiwifruit and passion fruit. Some Australians
and particularly tourists have their Christmas dinner (midday) on
a local beach. Bondi Beach in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs attracts
thousands of people on December 25th. Other families enjoy
their day on a picnic. If they are at home, the day may be punctuated
by swimming in the pool, playing Cricket in the backyard, and other
outdoor activities beneath swaying palms.
The MCCCD EEO/AA Office supports and enforces
all nondiscrimination laws; and ensures that all services, programs,
and hiring practices and procedures are administered without regard
to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation,
disability or veteran status. Further information regarding
MCCCD's Nondiscrimination Policy may be obtained by visiting MCCCD
Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Office Website.
The EEO/AA Office actively participates in
promoting diversity awareness and cultural competency in all aspects
of employee life within Maricopa. For further information
on diversity initiatives
or the Governing
Board Diversity Goal, please visit the websites.
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