Christmas in Mauritius

Christmas in Mauritius
Mauritius has a very diversified population, with only about 30% being Christian. However Christmas is celebrated by almost everyone, with Christian and non-Christian alike getting together as families and exchanging gifts.  Many non-Christian homes will even boast a Christmas tree. 
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It is a time when traditionally all Mauritians will spring clean their homes and, depending on circumstances, some will even put up new curtains and paint their houses. Often a new outfit is made or bought, thus ensuring that everything and everyone is ready to celebrate the birth of our Saviour.  It is a special season for families to spend time together, attend a Christmas church service  and read the Christmas story from the scriptures together on Christmas morning. 

A traditional Christmas menu in Mauritius could include chicken curry & rice, seafood and turkey.  Often extended families will gather on the beach for a barbecue.
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One of the natural symbols of Christmas is the Flamboyant tree, which flowers  every year at Christmastime.  In Mauritius we associate the flowering of the Flamboyant with Christmas just like people in the northern hemisphere associate snow with Christmas.

'He was born so I can live.'

'He was born so I can live.'
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