Unique Christmas Traditions from Around the World
Do you know what is one of the most magical times of the year? Yes, of course, it’s Christmas. It was given through the blog title already, and you know it. But, we ought to have a start, so anyway! But hey, is that not true? Christmas is magical. We mean, think about the setting. It’s dark, gloomy (sometimes sunny, yes), cozy, and extremely chilly, life is slow, there is snowfall in many parts of the world, and everything is just so comfortable. You want to stay inside your house with your people, or you want to explore Christmas markets with the people that matter to you. You are exchanging gifts, having the best Holiday food, and not worrying about anything. Everything is so magical. You are letting things be as they are!
Christmas is a holiday like no other, celebrated with fascinating flair around the globe. This is exactly what we are going to talk about, in this blog! Ditch the ordinary and dive into the wonderfully weird world of Unique Christmas Traditions! From Japan’s KFC feasts to Iceland’s Yule Lads and Catalonia’s poop-logging festivities (yes, you read that right!), get ready for a holiday tour like no other. We are going to be sharing 5 Unique Christmas Traditions from Around the World from 5 different countries.
Buckle up, and let’s sleigh the ordinary to uncover the most unexpected, hilarious, and heartwarming Christmas customs from every corner of the world. These facts are going to blow away your mind like nothing else. These will make you want to explore the world a lot more during Christmas.
- Decoration of the Fig Trees Ft. Europe
Along with decorating the Christmas trees, there is a huge tradition in Europe to decorate the fig trees. Uncover the roots of Christmas traditions in Europe with us! Ancient Europeans celebrated the winter solstice by transforming their homes with fragrant fir trees and twinkling candles. Evergreen decorations symbolised hope and renewal, bridging the darkness of winter to the promise of spring. Ancient Europeans marked the winter solstice with indoor fir trees and outdoor decorations, symbolising life and celestial bodies. Scandinavian greenery traditions warded off evil, embracing eternal life and spring’s return. Interesting, isn’t it?
Unravel the mystery of the Christmas tree! While its Christian origins are unclear, Estonia and Latvia proudly showcase the first documented public displays. Now, millions celebrate with fragrant fir, spruce, and pine trees.
- Night of the Little Candles Tradition in Columbia
Columbia has this amazing tradition where they celebrate the night of the little candles. Colombia’s Noche de las Velitas (Dec 7) kicks off the holiday season with millions of candles, lanterns, music, and festivities, honouring the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Imagine the setting of this festival. It is called Noche de las Velitas. This captivating celebration honours the Virgin Mary with a sea of candles, lanterns, and festive cheer. Experience the country’s warm welcome to the holiday season.
So, step into Santa Fe’s enchanting holiday tradition. The Farolito Walk illuminates Canyon Road with hundreds of gentle paper bag lanterns, filling the night with warmth and wonder. Just google the pictures, and you are going to love it.
- Rome and its Midnight Mass
Everything is just happening in Rome. The midnight mass tradition has its roots in 4th-century pilgrimages to the Holy Land. A Roman pilgrim joined Bethlehem’s Christmas Eve vigil, followed by a torchlit procession to Jerusalem. This inspired Pope Sixtus III to introduce midnight mass at Rome’s Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Midnight mass originated with 4th-century pilgrims in Bethlehem, evolving into a global Christmas tradition through Rome’s Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Inspired by this experience, Pope Sixtus III introduced Midnight Mass at Rome’s Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in the 5th century. This majestic church, built to honor the Virgin Mary, became a hub for Christmas celebrations.
- Hanging Advent calendars in Germany
The word ‘Advent’ is Latin for “coming,” and starts four Sundays before Christmas. This originated in 19th-century Germany, it evolved from chalk marks to popular paper calendars in the 20th century. The countdown begins, for this! Advent, Latin for “coming,” kicks off four Sundays before Christmas. In 19th-century Germany, families marked time with chalk lines on doors, erasing one daily. By the 20th century, colourful paper calendars stole the show. Today, the tradition lives on.
Unwrap the history! Gerhard Lang’s childhood homemade Advent calendar sparked a revolution. His mass-produced, door-opening designs won hearts. Chocolate treats arrived in the 1950s. Today, stroll through Hattingen, Bernkastel-Kues, or Innsbruck to see gigantic calendars transforming buildings into festive wonders.
- Christmas on January 7th in Ethiopia
The legendary journey of the three wise men! Guided by a miraculous star, they travelled from afar to honour baby Jesus. But where did they come from? Asia, Europe, and Ethiopia are top contenders, with Ethiopians proudly claiming their heritage. Three wise men followed a star to Bethlehem, paying homage to Jesus. Their origins are unclear, with theories spanning Asia, Europe, and Ethiopia – a nation claiming the magi as their own.
Ethiopia’s joyful Ganna celebrations! On January 7, people wrap up in white, accessorising with colourful netela scarves. This stunning traditional attire exudes regal charm. Ethiopians celebrate Ganna (Christmas) on January 7, wearing white and vibrant netela scarves, embodying festive tradition.
Conclusion
Wasn’t it interesting to know about all these places and their Christmas traditions? There is so much happening in the world, and we all need to explore more of it. Merry Christmas, globe-trotters! Now that you’ve vicariously celebrated with Catalonia’s poop-logging, Japan’s finger-lickin’ KFC, and Iceland’s mischievous Yule Lads, it’s time to shake up your holiday routine! Incorporate some international cheer into your traditions – swap cookies for Japanese Christmas cake or trade carols for Mexican posadas. Whatever your style, remember: Christmas magic knows no borders! Spread joy, spark curiosity, and make this holiday season a cultural fusion to cherish. Happy holidays, and may your celebrations be merry, bright, and delightfully unconventional.
Do you know what is one of the most magical times of the year? Yes, of course, it’s Christmas. It was given through the blog title already, and you know it. But, we ought to have a start, so anyway! But hey, is that not true? Christmas is magical. We mean, think about the setting.…