Christmas Traditions Around The World
Each country, each culture, each Christmas tradition. Here are a few, the ones you'll never have suspected!
In Colombia: The day of small candles.
El Dia de las Velitas takes place on December, 7th (local holiday), to honor the Virgin Mary - Immaculate Conception. The day of the little candles starts the day before at sunset and is a very important popular event. It is then that the windows of houses, parks and squares, porches and pavements are adorned with candles and lanterns of all kinds and multicolored garlands of light. Thousands of lights, accompanied by traditional music, children running around, and the occasion for great joy in families and among neighbors! This tradition has grown in importance from year to year, and nowadays every city in the country is illuminated on that day.
IIn Norway: Hide your broom!
It is perhaps one of the most unorthodox Christmas traditions in the world. In Norway, everyone hides their broomsticks during this period. This goes back several centuries when it was believed that witches would go out on Christmas night in search of a broom to fly away on. Even today, many Norwegians still hide their broomsticks so that they cannot be stolen.
In Iceland: The Yule Lads.
Thirteen nights before Christmas and thirteen nights after, our thirteen mischievous and crazy trolls wander the streets to visit the children, each in turn. Depending on how wise the little one has been during the year, the yule will put a present or a rotten potato in a sock hanging from the window. They are dressed in traditional Icelandic costumes and their name characterizes their action: Stekkjastaur (Sheepdog), Giljagaur (Ravine Dadais), Stúfur (Stocky), Þvörusleikir (Spoon Licker), Pottaskefill (Pot Scraper), Askasleikir (Bowl Licker), Hurðaskellir (Door Slamer), Skyrgámur (Skyr's Gobbler), Bjúgnakrækir (The Sausage Thief), Gluggagægir (The Peeping Tom Behind the Windows), Gáttaþefur (The Sniffer), Ketkrókur (The Meat Hook) and Kertasníkir (The Candle Thief). What a program!
In Russia: Father Frost and grandmother Babushka.
Christmas is not celebrated on December 24th in Russia, but on the night of January 6th to 7th, because that is the date of the Orthodox Christmas in the Gregorian calendar. However, it is on the 31st of December, New Year's Eve, that Father Frost - a cousin of Santa Claus - and grandmother Babushka, take care of the distribution of presents to the children. The Russian New Year is traditionally celebrated with family and not with friends as in Europe. It involves many hours of cooking with the family for the preparation of traditional dishes, which are eaten as soon as the first star is seen in the sky.
In the Philippines: The Giant Lantern Festival.
Unlike other Asian countries such as China or Japan, which make it a purely commercial Europeanized holiday, the Philippines puts the Christmas period at the heart of its concerns.
At nightfall, a star-shaped lantern is lit in front of each house to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, a representation of David who guided the Magi.
The Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul Sampernandu) takes place every year on the Saturday before Christmas in San Fernando, the "Christmas Capital" of the Philippines.
And finally... In Finland, in Santa's town!
Let's finish our tour with Santa's country! Much to the chagrin of Canada and Denmark, who proudly claim to be his homeland, Finland, and more specifically the Rovaniemi region in Lapland, has the title. The world-famous reconstructed Santa Claus village is a real fairy tale for children (but not only!). In addition to the wonderful little illuminated pavilions, the many attractions and workshops, the small specialist shops, the village post office are also worth its weight in gold. So, from this post office, unique in the world, you will be able to send a sealed letter from the "Santa Claus village" to your friends. In Finland, among other culinary traditions, do you know the famous "Finnish pickle"? It is a fine that is hidden in rice pudding and brings good luck to whoever finds it.
Comments
Post a Comment