Christmas is probably the most celebrated holiday in the world. The modern Christmas is a product of hundreds of years of both secular and religious traditions from around the globe. All over the world, Christmas celebrations reflect local and cultural traditions. In my opinion Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. For a couple of weeks every year people are happier, peaceful and the world takes on a magical radiance.
Since I was young, I have been interested in different cultures. First of all I find it extremely interesting to learn about cultures different than mine. A little extra knowledge never hurt anyone and it would probably come in handy at some point or another. Whenever I learn about a different culture I find it very stimulating and helps me think in a different way and expand my thoughts. Recently I carried out some research about Christmas traditions around the world and wanted to share it with you. Prepare to be amazed!
In Slovakia at the beginning of Christmas eve dinner the head of the family takes a spoon full of Loksa, a traditional dish, and throws it up at the ceiling. The more mixture that remains glued on the ceiling the richer the crops would be the year after.
Christmas was never a big deal in Japan apart from a number of small secular traditions. However, a tradition that is becoming more and more popular is having dinner in Kentucky Fried Chicken. It became so popular and well marketed that you have to make a reservation to be able to eat there on Christmas.
According to a very old Norwegian ancient belief witches and evil spirits come out on Christmas eve to steal people’s brooms and fly high. For this reason people hide their brooms on Christmas eve. To this day many Norwegians hide their brooms in the safest place in the house, to stop them from being stolen.
If you love Christmas and roller blading then Caracas is the place for you. Every Christmas eve the city residents go to mass on their roller skates. The city is closed to cars so that people roller skate to mass.
Are you a single lady? Head over to Czech Republic and perform something very different this Christmas eve to learn if you will marry the following year. With their backs to the house door, women throw one of their shoes over their shoulder. If the shoes lands on the heel towards the door, she will definitely be single for another year and if the front of the shoes point towards the door she will move out of the parents home.
Different cultures mark the beginning of Christmas in different ways. The town of Gavle in Sweden erected a giant goat of straw to mark the start of the jolly season. But this Swedish tradition has led to another tradition. Every year some people do everything to destroy or burn down the goat before Christmas day.
Everyone knows that the Irish love their Guinness more than anything else in the work. In Ireland, it’s custom to leave mince pies and a bottle of Guinness for Santa.
I am sure that after reading this article you are more willing to try out a number of alternative destinations to spend your Christmas holidays next year.