An interesting piece of history almost 100 years ago today, back during the First World War...
Christmas truce was a series of widespread unofficial ceasefires that took place along the Western Front around Christmas of 1914, during the First World War. Through the week leading up to Christmas, parties of German and British soldiers began to exchange seasonal greetings and songs between their trenches; on occasion, the tension was reduced to the point that individuals would walk across to talk to their opposite numbers bearing gifts. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, many soldiers from both sides – as well as, to a lesser degree, from French units – independently ventured into "No man's land", where they mingled, exchanging food and souvenirs. As well as joint burial ceremonies, several meetings ended in carol-singing. Troops from both sides had also been so friendly as to play games of football with one another.
Soldiers playing football on Christmas Day in Salonika.
Even on the Eastern Front, there was some peace-making:The Germans began by placing candles on their trenches and on Christmas trees, then continued the celebration by singing Christmas carols. The British responded by singing carols of their own. The two sides continued by shouting Christmas greetings to each other. Soon thereafter, there were excursions across No Man's Land, where small gifts were exchanged, such as food, tobacco and alcohol, and souvenirs such as buttons and hats. The artillery in the region fell silent that night. The truce also allowed a breathing spell where recently fallen soldiers could be brought back behind their lines by burial parties. Joint services were held. The fraternisation was not, however, without its risks; some soldiers were shot by opposing forces. In many sectors, the truce lasted through Christmas night, but it continued until New Year's Day in others.
German and Russian soldiers together on the Eastern front, Christmas 1914.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christm...blic_awareness
Kind of gives you hope, that even in our world's darkest days, we can find reasons to put aside our animosity towards each other and find ways to come together in peace.
Here's to hoping we never suffer another World War and massively kill each other over stupid shit...
Merry X-mas everyone. May peace be with all.
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