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Here are ten fascinating Christmas traditions that showcase the unique ways this festive season is celebrated around the world.
1. Krampus Night – Austria
In Austria, Christmas has a darker side. On 5th December, the eve of Saint Nicholas Day, Krampus, a fearsome creature resembling a horned demon, roams the streets. Legend has it that Krampus punishes naughty children, while Saint Nicholas rewards the good ones with treats. Parades, costumes, and theatrical antics bring this centuries-old tradition to life.
2. Giant Lantern Festival – Philippines
The city of San Fernando in the Philippines transforms into the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines" during the annual Giant Lantern Festival. Held on the Saturday before Christmas Eve, this spectacular event showcases massive, intricate lanterns illuminated by dazzling patterns of light, symbolising hope and unity.
3. Mari Lwyd – Wales
In Wales, an eerie yet charming Christmas custom known as Mari Lwyd involves a decorated horse skull mounted on a stick, carried by someone hidden under a sheet. Groups go door-to-door singing traditional songs and engaging in humorous rhyming battles, seeking entry to homes in exchange for food and drink.
4. KFC Christmas Feast – Japan
In Japan, Christmas isn't a national holiday, but it's celebrated with a unique twist. Many families and couples mark the day by feasting on KFC. Thanks to a wildly successful marketing campaign in the 1970s, "Kentucky for Christmas" has become a beloved tradition, with orders placed weeks in advance.
5. Roller-Skating to Church – Venezuela
In Caracas, Venezuela, Christmas morning begins with a wheeled twist. Locals don roller skates to glide their way to early morning church services. Roads are even closed to cars to ensure the skaters can travel safely. This quirky tradition is followed by celebrations with friends and family.
6. Hiding Brooms – Norway
Norwegians believe that Christmas Eve is when mischievous spirits and witches take to the skies. To prevent them from stealing their brooms, people hide them securely before bed. This tradition, rooted in folklore, adds a mystical element to the festive celebrations.
7. The Yule Goat – Sweden
In Sweden, the Julbock or Yule Goat is a beloved symbol of Christmas. In Gävle, a giant straw goat is constructed annually, though it often attracts mischievous attempts to burn it down! Smaller versions adorn homes and Christmas trees, paying homage to this centuries-old tradition.
8. La Befana – Italy
In Italy, the Christmas season extends to 6th January, the Feast of the Epiphany. On this day, children eagerly await La Befana, a kind-hearted witch who delivers presents to good children and coal to the naughty ones. According to legend, she flies on her broomstick in search of the Christ child, leaving gifts along the way.
9. Christmas Sauna – Finland
In Finland, Christmas Eve includes a visit to the sauna, a sacred space in Finnish culture. Families gather to cleanse themselves physically and spiritually before the holiday festivities begin. The sauna is also believed to be visited by spirits of ancestors, adding a spiritual dimension to the ritual.
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10. Tió de Nadal – Catalonia, Spain
In Catalonia, children celebrate Christmas with Tió de Nadal, or the "Christmas Log." This hollow wooden log is "fed" daily with small treats and covered with a blanket to keep it warm. On Christmas Eve, the children sing songs and "encourage" the log to defecate gifts by gently hitting it with sticks.
These traditions highlight the richness and diversity of Christmas celebrations around the world. While they may differ in style and symbolism, they share a common thread of bringing people together in joy and festivity. Which of these unique customs would you like to experience? Let us know in the comments!
