Christmas in Iraq is quite unusual. On Christmas Eve, children of
Christian households read the Nativity story from an Arabic Bible in the
courtyard while the other family members hold lighted candles. As soon
as the story is finished, a bonfire made up of dried thorns is lit in
one corner. If the thorns burn to ashes, it signifies good luck and
prosperity for the family in the coming year. While the fire is burning,
a psalm is sung. Later, everyone jumps over the ashes of the fire three
times and makes a wish.
On Christmas day, a similar bonfire is built in the church and the men
of the congregation chant a hymn, while it burns. Then, the bishop leads
the church officials in a procession throughout the church as he carries
an idol of the infant Jesus on a scarlet cushion. Christmas service is
quite long, but at the end bishop blesses the people and touch a member
of the congregation with his hand. The member passes the touch to the
person next to him until all those in the church have received the
'Touch of Peace.'
