Christmas is celebrated with joy all over the world, but the way it is celebrated varies greatly across cultures. While the essence of the holidays remains universal – family, love and the spirit of giving – unique traditions reflect the diversity and creativity of people around the world.
1. Iceland: The Yule Lads
In Iceland, Christmas is marked by the visits of mischievous Yule Lads. These 13 troll-like figures take turns visiting children during the 13 nights before Christmas, leaving small gifts in shoes placed near the window. However, naughty children may get rotten potatoes instead! Each Yule Lad has a different personality, such as a spoon-licker or door-slammer, which adds a playful element to the festivities.
2. Philippines: Giant Lantern Festival
The city of San Fernando in the Philippines is known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines” for its spectacular Giant Lantern Festival. Held on the Saturday before Christmas, the event features huge, glowing lanterns decorated with intricate designs and vibrant lights. Competition among lantern makers brings the community together in a dazzling display of artistry and innovation.
3. Japan: Feast of Fried Chicken
In Japan, Christmas is not a traditional holiday but has become popular as a time of celebration. The widespread tradition of eating KFC on Christmas Day is a unique tradition. It started as a clever marketing campaign in the 1970s, and now, families place their orders weeks in advance to secure their festive fried chicken meal.
4. Mexico: Las Posadas
Mexican Christmas traditions include Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem. Processions take place from 16 to 24 December, in which participants sing carols and carry candles. Evenings often end with festive celebrations, piñatas for children, and delicious traditional dishes like tamales and ponche.
5. Sweden: Gävle Goat
In Sweden, the Gävle Goat, a giant straw Yule goat, is constructed in the town square of Gävle. This tradition, dating back to 1966, epitomizes the Swedish Christmas spirit. However, the goat often becomes the target of mischievous attempts to burn it, making its survival each year a subject of intrigue.
6. Ethiopia: Genna (Orthodox Christmas)
In Ethiopia, where Christmas is called Gena, it is celebrated on January 7 according to the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar. People wear traditional white garb and attend an all-night church service and fast before the holidays. To mark the occasion a special game like field hockey, also known as Gena, is played.
7. Germany: St. Nicholas Day
On December 6, German children place their shoes outside their doors in hopes that Saint Nicholas will fill them with gifts and small gifts. Naughty children may get a twig instead, courtesy of St. Nicholas’s companion, Krampus. This tradition creates anticipation and sets the tone for the festive season.
8. Australia: Christmas on the Beach
In Australia, Christmas falls in the summer, and families often go to the beach for barbecues and picnics. Santa can even be seen surfing! Traditional meals like roast turkey are paired with fresh seafood and seasonal fruits, celebrating the warm weather and outdoor lifestyle.
9. Poland: Wigilia and the empty seat
In Poland, Christmas Eve, known as Wigilia, is the most important part of the holiday. Families share a meatless feast that begins when the first star appears in the sky. An extra seat is often left at the table for unexpected guests, symbolizing hospitality and remembrance of absent loved ones.
10. Venezuela: Roller Skating to Church
In Caracas, Venezuela, residents celebrate Christmas by roller-skating to morning church services during the nine days before Christmas. The roads are even closed to traffic to accommodate this bizarre and joyful tradition.
These unique Christmas customs showcase the creativity and cultural richness of communities around the world. Although traditions may differ, the underlying message of hope, solidarity and generosity unites us all.
(This article is for your general information only. Zee News does not confirm its accuracy or reliability.)
