The celebration of the Birth of Jesus takes on a significant place in Benin's society every year. The cause is in no way to be attributed to the "marketing" aspect as some careless opinions try to suggest. Rather, the constant growth of the Christmas atmosphere translates the impetus of a community passionate about the values of sharing and joy.
The closeness of people to one another at this Feast manifests itself through the action of God's grace, through His immeasurable love. The churches, whatever their affiliation, exult and sing. The Catholic churches, which are the ones we know best, fill with lights and prayers; nativity scenes and garlands draw hearts closer to such a great mystery as the Incarnation of the Son of God.
The windows of homes shine and sparkle
The windows of homes shine and sparkle
Especially in the villages, in front of every door a piece of wood is planted on which a cup of papaya fruits stands and inside a small flame burns, fed by palm oil. The proclamation of Christ as the Light of the world is unequivocal.
The Catholic Christians of Benin observe the Latin liturgy which provides for the midnight mass and the Christmas Day mass, preceded by the spiritual exercises tied to the Advent season.
As people often say: "After the divine office comes the office of... wine."
In parishes, in families, in public offices and in the neighborhoods of cities and villages, cheerful gatherings are organized. Above all, children are the privileged guests. Parents, friends and benefactors, disguised or not as Father Christmas, offer them gifts. Ah, the gifts! All children want to receive them! This is why, at Christmas, as if by magic, everyone becomes good.
The Kaleta: to speak of the Christmas celebration without remembering these "little clowns" masked from head to foot, means excluding an emblematic figure of this feast. In fact, the appearance of the kaléta, their songs and dances are an addition to the Christmas atmosphere. May it not displease the fearful children!
Christmas for Beninese Christians or not is more than symbolic, it is the joy of living on this earth journeying toward Eternity. And when Christmas has passed, appointments are immediately made for the following year.
Sr. Marie Antoinette - Benin