HAPPY VEGAN CHRISTMAS
The word "Christmas" comes from the word Christ, which means anointed, something which was done in the olden days to initiate someone into something really big, like becoming a king.
The plant Holly, or "Christ Thorn" is a symbol of the crown Jesus was anointed with by the soldiers, as he was carrying his own pole for his own crucifixion, initially indicating two pieces of wood hammered together to form a cross.
Many countries use this plant as a Christmas decoration, but it should more appropriately be used for Easter and not for the birth of Jesus.
Anyway, more than 2000 years ago a virgin named Mary and a carpenter named Josef were to get married. Before that, the Archangel Gabriel came to Mary, and let The Holy Spirit enter her, in that way conceiving Jesus. This is said to have happened sometime during March.
Late November Mary and Josef travelled by donkey to Jerusalem, as there was a census for all peoples in Palestine. The journey took some time, and we celebrate "Advent" which means coming, and covers the four consecutive Sundays leading up to Christmas.
Arriving at Bethlehem, there was no lodging available in any hotels, and the couple took up residence in a barn, where the child was born.
The first to view baby Jesus were the cows, hens, sheep, goats and donkeys in the barn. The first humans to see him were the shepherds in the fields. They saw a bright star arising, followed it, and found Mary, Josef and Jesus.
Thus: what we celebrate at Christmas is the birth of Jesus.
Being a common Christian tradition, it is nevertheless celebrated somewhat differently: some, mainly from the Lutheran tradition, go to church on the 24th, go home and share a meal, sing and walk around the Christmas tree and exchange presents.
Others celebrate the 25th in the morning, seemingly surprised by the gifts Santa Claus has put under the tree during night. The day is spent around the table and with family and friends.
In the strict Roman Catholic tradition a nativity scene is performed in all churches, at midnight, with a newborn baby right out of the hospital and loads of live animals and hay and whatever is in a barn, in the church. Everyone stays up through the night and sing and celebrate.
The main thing for that branch of Christianity, though, is The Three Wise Kings, which will be my theme for January.
The main recipe for me to share is the meal, you share with your loved ones
Late November Mary and Josef travelled by donkey to Jerusalem, as there was a census for all peoples in Palestine. The journey took some time, and we celebrate "Advent" which means coming, and covers the four consecutive Sundays leading up to Christmas.
Arriving at Bethlehem, there was no lodging available in any hotels, and the couple took up residence in a barn, where the child was born.
The first to view baby Jesus were the cows, hens, sheep, goats and donkeys in the barn. The first humans to see him were the shepherds in the fields. They saw a bright star arising, followed it, and found Mary, Josef and Jesus.
Thus: what we celebrate at Christmas is the birth of Jesus.
Being a common Christian tradition, it is nevertheless celebrated somewhat differently: some, mainly from the Lutheran tradition, go to church on the 24th, go home and share a meal, sing and walk around the Christmas tree and exchange presents.
Others celebrate the 25th in the morning, seemingly surprised by the gifts Santa Claus has put under the tree during night. The day is spent around the table and with family and friends.
In the strict Roman Catholic tradition a nativity scene is performed in all churches, at midnight, with a newborn baby right out of the hospital and loads of live animals and hay and whatever is in a barn, in the church. Everyone stays up through the night and sing and celebrate.
The main thing for that branch of Christianity, though, is The Three Wise Kings, which will be my theme for January.
The main recipe for me to share is the meal, you share with your loved ones
THE VEGAN CHRISTMAS DINNER
- White potatoes
- Red potatoes
- Pickles
- Caramelised small onions
- Fermented red cabbage
- Fermented baby beet roots
- Lingonberries Marmalade
- Steamed broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, decorated with curly kale clippings and parsley
- Caramel Potatoes: small potatoes peeled and cooked for 10 minutes, set to cool a bit. Sugar melts in a pan, low heat, plant based margarine is melted into that, and when the caramel starts forming, the potatoes are added, to stir for 15 minutes
- NUTS GRATIN: Ground breadcrumbs, cornflakes, soy milk is mixed with hazelnuts, walnuts and pecan nuts in the food processor. Onion, some soy sauce, ground celery and spices are added. Must have the consistency of porridge. Baked in the oven for approx. 1 hour at 175C.
- Dessert is Riz รก la Mande with almond drink, decorated with pickled cherries
As you might have noticed, this is a vegan dinner, not a raw vegan dinner. I have chosen this for you to be able to share it with kids, who need some cooked food to fill their small stomachs.
We can be raw for the rest of the year, but for festive seasons, I find it important to connect with your loved ones, still on a completely vegan platform, of course.
Now you have a couple of weeks to adjust this delicious dinner to what your family likes, before the big day arrives. Try it out and have fun while going on this part of your vegan journey.
Time spent in the kitchen chopping and cooking and then sharing a meal is a very powerful way to connect with people.
MERRY VEGAN CHRISTMAS.
