Christmas is a delightful, unifying occasion but how people celebrate it is immensely different from one country to another. Each country does something different with the traditions and customs that are followed. Here’s a look at some of the most strange Christmas traditions around the world that highlight the diversity and creative nature of cultural practices.
Christmas Traditions Around the World
1. Iceland: The Yule Lambs And Their Capering Ploys
In Icelandic culture, children tend to expect visits from the Yule Lambs, who are said to leave gifts or shove pranks for them based on how they’ve been behaving. For 13 nights before Christmas, Yule Lambs visit every house, leaving gifts for children in the shoes, which have been placed by the window sills. On the contrary, if the children have behaved ‘badly’ and have been naughty, they are left with rotten potatoes instead. Every Yule Lad has a diverse character, The Yule lambs have brightened and changed Icelandic holiday seasons.
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2. Japan: KFC In Japan On The Christmas Day
Japan is not a nation that has the custom of celebrating Christmas. October 1985 turned out to be quite the contrary because most families, friends, and co-workers, share tasty, mouth-watering Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas dinner. In the mid-1970s, KFC was advertised in Japan in such a clever and convincing way that it is now considered necessary for Japanese to enjoy it at Christmas. People who do call their family and friends over for dinner strive to feature it on the table by ordering it months in advance.
3. Philippines: The Giant Lantern Festival
With the turning of the Christmas season, the Philippine islands can rival even the finest of modern shopping malls. Bars, nightclubs, and all hangout locations are exceptionally full of light. An extravagant display of thousands of star-shaped lights is featured during the Giant Lantern Festival that takes place over the weekend right before Christmas. Each lantern is distinct and is intricately designed to represent various political constituents. The Giant Lantern Festival is a beacon of inspiration that garners visitors from all corners of the world for its electric charm.
4. Norway: Secret Squirrel Time for the Brooms
In Norway, witchcraft and evil magic are said to lurk everywhere in vast amounts on Christmas Eve. This explains why Norwegians lock away their brooms at night so that witches don’t use them for their post-midnight rides. Folk tales complemented with good old fairy tales make the perfect mysterious touch to Christmas.
5. México: Las Posadas
In Mexico, for the nine days preceding Christmas, Mary and Joseph reenact their arrival at Bethlehem to seek refuge during Las Posadas, where Mexicans join in with the altar of nativities. Neighbor’s can host a Kyrie every day when they go from one house to another with candles on, singing other people’s placards. Flour, music and healthy rivalry with piñatas to celebrate the birthday are all part of the spirit.
6. Finland: Christmas Saunas
Christmas Eve in Finland is the most peaceful time of all as that is the day many families take a sauna before enjoying supper. In Finnish culture, saunas are deemed special places that banish all unwanted thoughts before celebrations. It is a nice and calming approach for a sense of holiday in the cold Nordic winter.
7. Venezuela: Skates in Place of Shoes for Church
Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, allows its people to skate around the city during Christmas Mass making it one of the unique traditions in the city. The inhabitants literally use their feet and skate around the city which brings out the essence of the church giving out a riot of different colors.
8. Germany: The Christmas calendar and the Christmas wreath
The Germans are held responsible for the advent calendar’s popularity, which has now become a global custom. Calendar aides are full of sweet and little surprises for children during the Christmas season. Also, the wreath which has four candles on it marks the four weeks before Christmas. Each week, one of the candles is lit every Sunday.
9. Austria: The Barbarian Krampus
While countless Christmas traditions preserve joy and kindness, there is a shift in Austria thanks to the notorious Krampus. This ghoulish figure, who is accompanied by St. Nicholas during Christmas, is known to be the scapegoat of bad luck for the ill-mannered children. The infamous Krampus has gained a lot of popularity in the US where parades of people dressed as him are a delight to watch in the alpine getaways.
10. Australia: Christmas With Barbecue and at The Beach
Across the equator line, Christmas is in summer and so the Australians entertain themselves and their family outside through BBQ and parties at the beach. Fresh seafood and salads are mostly eaten instead of the customary roasts, and you could have a chance to see Santa in the water on a surfboard. This sunny celebration shows the chilled nature of the Australian community.
11. Italy: La Befana’s Visit
One of the most unique Christmas traditions around the world is in Italy. In Italy, Christmas lasts until January 6th, as many of them celebrate Epiphany. According to La Befana’s legend, a good witch visits children and delivers presents on the eve of Epiphany. La Befana, however, only serves nice children, if they are naughty, she leaves them coal. This great tradition only adds to the magical Italy’s holiday experience.
12. South Africa: Fried Caterpillars
In some regions, South Africans celebrate Christmas with a twist, they eat Fried Caterpillars, also known as Emperor Moth. These kids or teenagers never miss out on the chance of eating them, as they are a seasonal food. It is said that a fried caterpillar is full of protein and helps give abundance to those who consume it. This practice is one of the many ways to appreciate the range of foods eaten during Christmas globally.
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Conclusion
In the Last And Final Christmas Adorations, nearly all customs serve as ample reminders of the reasons for Christmas (which include love and unity) and serve to highlight the fact that each one is unique to its region and the people that populate it. If Christmas has been about defining moments and traditions, from roller skating in Venezuela to a bucket of KFC in Japan, these serving additions make the entire outing worth enjoying. From brightening up the Philippines with their lights to Iceland’s Yule Lads acting up, all these traditions add flavour and creativity to the Christmas spirit and season of celebration.
So this Christmas, why not consider adding an international touch to your celebrations? It is exciting to discover these interesting traditions and how they alter the way people celebrate Christmas across the world.
