Christmas in Iraq

In a country where over 95 percent of the population is Muslim, not many celebrate Christmas. But Iraqi Christians, like Sony, Hussam and Austfan, who are praying inside a Christian church on Christmas Eve, have a distinct way of celebrating. Most of the Iraqi Christmas celebration is based around two bonfires: one on Christmas eve and one on Christmas day. The fire is lit in the courtyard and determines the luck of the family for the coming year.
(REUTERS/Ali Jarekji )
In a country where over 95 percent of the population is Muslim, not many celebrate Christmas. But Iraqi Christians, like Sony, Hussam and Austfan, who are praying inside a Christian church on Christmas Eve, have a distinct way of celebrating. Most of the Iraqi Christmas celebration is based around two bonfires: one on Christmas eve and one on Christmas day. The fire is lit in the courtyard and determines the luck of the family for the coming year.