A Look At Christmas Celebrations Around The World
There’s no denying that we love Christmas and everything that comes with it – from decorating a tree, to gathering with family and friends, to celebrating in our own meaningful spiritual way.
We’re certainly not alone. With one-third of the world being Christian, it’s a holiday that’s celebrated around the globe. Not that we all celebrate it in the same way, however. Unique Christmas traditions are characteristic of many countries, including the countries listed here:
Philippines
In the Philippines, Christmas is a season to be savored, not rushed through. Filipinos begin their holiday season in September. You’ll find parols, which are star-shaped lanterns, brightening windows the entire season.
Norway
The Norwegians love their tradition of Julbukk, or ‘Christmas goat.’ This involves groups of costumed people walking through their neighborhood on Christmas Day while entertaining their neighbors with songs in exchange for treats. The groups will be accompanied by a real goat or a costumed goat, and if two costumed goats should meet, they’ll engage in a play fight to further entertain spectators. As Christmas traditions go, this ranks among the most unique – and fun to watch.
Brazil
No chimneys are necessary in Brazil’s tropical climate, so it’s believed that Papai Noel enters through the front door on Christmas Eve. Moreover, they believe he travels via a helicopter and not a reindeer-drawn sleigh.
Bolivia
Bolivians celebrate on Christmas Eve by bringing roosters to midnight mass. Why? Because it symbolizes the belief that a rooster was the first animal to announce the birth of Jesus Christ.
Sweden
Like many Scandinavian countries, Swedes honor St. Lucia (or St. Lucy) on December 13 to mark the beginning of the Christmas season. In this tradition, the oldest daughter in each family rises early and wakes each family member while dressed in a long, white gown with a red sash, while also wearing a crown made of twigs with nine lighted candles. Breakfast is then served in a room lit by candles.
Mexico
Mexico enjoys its own Christmas traditions, including pinatas filled with candy and coins hung from the ceiling. Children take turns hitting the pinata until it breaks and race to gather the treats which fall to the floor.
Venezuela
Also unique among Christmas traditions is what happens in the busy city of Caracas, Venezuela from December 16th to 24th. During this time the streets are closed to motor traffic before 8 a.m. so that people on four-wheelers – and roller skates – can get to mass on time without the worry of getting caught in congested traffic.
Germany
Christmas traditions in Germany, as well as Austria and parts of Switzerland, include a devil-like character accompanying St. Nickolaus and warning children not to be bad. France’s Christmas traditions include a similar character called Le Pere Fouettard.
Australia
Christmas traditions in Australia are bound to be unique, considering that the season falls during the middle of the summer. Tradition has it that Father Christmas exchanges his reindeer for six kangaroos while delivering gifts Down Under. It’s also traditional to enjoy a beach barbecue on Christmas Day.
Serbia
The Christmas traditions here include children ‘tying up’ their parent and demanding gifts as a ransom.
Italy
Tradition has it that a good witch called La Befana delivers presents on January 6 while riding on a broomstick. If you’ve been bad, however, expect a lump of coal.
The above are just some of the unique Christmas traditions around the world, traditions which help make the holiday season festive across the globe for everyone, young and old.
From all of us here at Dentalsave, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All!
