Philippines
 The
only Asian nation in which Christianity is the religion chosen by
the people. Christmas celebrations start nine days before December
25th with a mass known as Misa de Gallo. At this mass the
story behind the birth of Christ is read from the Bible. The Panunuluyan
pageant is held each Eve. A couple is chosen to re-enact Joseph
and Mary's search for shelter. There's no greater symbol of the
Filipino Christmas spirit than the parol. All through the Christmas
season, the star-shaped lantern can be found hanging outside homes
and along the streets of cities and small provincial towns. For
Filipinos, lighting a parol is an expression of shared faith and
hope.
Ireland
Nollaig Shona Dhuit is Merry Christmas in Irish Gaelic,
which is still taught in schools in Eire, the Irish Republic. Northern
Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. Christmas is a traditional
holiday in both parts of the island, and very much a family and
religious celebration! Roman Catholic families attend Midnight Mass
together on Christmas Eve. Christmas is the important celebration,
rather than the New Year, which has more emphasis in Scotland. The
festivities last from Christmas Eve until January 6th, when decorations
are put away.
Canada
Christmas for English Canadian's focused on December 25th, with
the exchanging of presents on Christmas day in the morning, and
then off to church, and back later for a great feast. Dinner consisted
of roast goose or beef and plum pudding. One fun tradition they
had was the kissing ball -- a ring of evergreen boughs with candles,
apples and nuts hung in doorway. Although it really represented
the return of light after the winter solstice, young men used this
opportunity to steal a kiss from any single lady standing under
it.
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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