this is one in a series of presentations for Information Advent, Christmas, Epiphany and Yule Explained Valuing the Richness that Diversity Brings

this is one in a series of presentations for Information Aims of the presentation To provide information, advice and guidance around Advent, Christmas, Epiphany and Yule for PCT employees. Based on the organisations values and principles of valuing the richness that diversity brings. We believe it is important that employees of the PCT understand the religious and cultural traditions of the people we serve and of those we work with in line with Employment Equality (Religion and Belief) Regulations 2003 and the Equality Act 2006.

this is one in a series of presentations for Information What is Advent? Advent originates from the Latin word meaning coming. It is the beginning of the Christian church year and commences on the nearest Sunday to St Andrew’s Day. Advent commences on Sunday 2 nd December in It is a time which enables people to prepare for Christmas. Advent ends with Christmas.

this is one in a series of presentations for Information What Happens During Advent? In many Churches during the advent weeks scriptures are read concentrating on the events leading up to the birth of Christ. Many households have ‘Advent Calendars’ or Advent candles which are symbols of the counting down to the festival of Christmas. Candles are lit during advent as reminders to Christians of; –Hope –Jesus being the Light of the World –God’s ‘Peace’ –Love –Joy –The birth of Jesus

this is one in a series of presentations for Information What Happens During Advent? Christian Clergy & Priests usually wear purple or blue vestments in their churches during Advent. During Advent churches are not decorated with flowers, but it is customary to have an Advent Crown or Advent Wreath. Advent Wreaths are made from circles of holly and ivy – this symbolizes God with no beginning or end. Holly is also a symbol of the crown of thorns that Jesus wore during the crucifixion.

this is one in a series of presentations for Information Christmas To Christians Christmas is the time when Jesus was born. Christmas services vary between Christian denomination some have midnight mass and some hold communion services late on the night of Christmas Eve. Many have Carol services where Carols are sung, these are songs which tell of Christmas and winter time e.g. O’ Little Town of Bethlehem, The holly and the ivy etc.

this is one in a series of presentations for Information Christmas Customs Many of the customs carried out such as giving of presents, feasting, Christmas Trees and the Yule log, have nothing to do with Christianity. Some such as the Yule log and the Christmas Tree are symbols of the pagan midwinter festival held in late December to early January.

this is one in a series of presentations for Information Symbols Associated with Christmas Presents: comes from the stories of the 3 wise men (Magi) who gave presents to the infant Jesus. Presents are a symbol of love and caring. Holly, Mistletoe and Ivy: Evergreen foliage used to decorate the home, taken from the pagan midwinter festival welcoming and encouraging the return of the sun. Decorations: The addition of an angle or star to the Christmas tree is a Christian symbol. Christmas Cards: started in 1843 by John Horsley, these are often have a range of designs from nativity scenes to those of father Christmas. Christmas Pudding: various recipes have been around since the middle ages, the modern version was introduced in the Victorian times.

this is one in a series of presentations for Information Boxing Day Also known as St Stephen’s Day or the Feast of St Stephen (mentioned in the Carol ‘Good King Wenceslas’) It is not certain where Boxing Day came from; – some believe it is derived from the times when priests would open the alms boxes in churches after Christmas. –Another suggests it began when employers and wealthy people gave their employees, servants and trades people Christmas Boxes as a way of saying thank you.

this is one in a series of presentations for Information Epiphany January 6 th coming twelve days after Christmas. Epiphany is derived from the Greek word meaning to show or reveal, when Christ was revealed to non- Jews. This time also celebrates the arrival of the Magi (Three Wise Men) who visited Jesus. As the Magi were non- Jews, Christians see their visit as a sign that Christ's message is for all nations.

this is one in a series of presentations for Information Yule It is a winter festival which has been celebrated in Northern Europe since ancient times. In pre- Christian times, Germanic Pagans celebrated Yule in late December or early January on a date determined by a lunar calendar. During the process of Christianization Yule was placed on December 25, in order to correspond with the Christian celebrations known as Christmas. Thus, the terms "Yule" and "Christmas" are often used interchangeably. Yule is an important festival for Pagans including Wiccans and various secular groups who observe the holiday at the winter solstice on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere.

this is one in a series of presentations for Information It is hoped that this information will help colleagues to gain more understanding of what Advent, Christmas, Epiphany and Yule means to our Colleagues who are of the Christian and Pagan faiths. Jules Wall Diversity and Equality Manager Blackburn with Darwen Teaching Primary Care Trust