Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year, is celebrated across the globe in many diverse ways. While some Christmas traditions are widely recognized, like Christmas trees, gift-giving, and Santa Claus, others may be a little unfamiliar to you. In this article, we’ll take a glimpse at seven unique cultural traditions for Christmas that are celebrated around the world.
1. La Befana – Italy
In Italy, La Befana is a legend that has been carried on for centuries. According to the tale, La Befana is an elderly woman who rides through the skies on a broomstick. She visits children on Epiphany Eve and leaves candy and presents for those who are good and coal for those who are naughty. This tradition is so popular that it still continues today in Italy and parts of the Italian diaspora.
2. Julbukk – Norway
Norway has its unique way of celebrating Christmas – through Julbukk. It is a tradition of creating goat-shaped ornaments made of straw or other materials. Julbukk also refers to a folk character and a popular figure incorporated into Christmas rites. People wear the Julbukk costume, with a wild-goat mask and fur outfit, going door-to-door, singing songs and playing pranks on people.
3. Gävlebocken – Sweden
Gävlebocken is possibly Sweden’s most famous Christmas tradition. It involves the construction of a massive Yule goat made of straw in the center of the town of Gävle. This tradition has been occurring every year since 1966 for the Christmas season. Unfortunately, every year, there will be someone who tries to burn down the goat, despite the city’s best efforts to secure it.
4. Santa Maluco- Brazil
In Brazil, Santa Claus, or Papai Noel as called in Portuguese, is a recognizable figure. However, in the southern region of Brazil, there’s a whole different tradition. Instead of Santa Claus, they have Santa Maluco, which implies the “Crazy Santa.” Every year, people dress up like Santa Clauses and hit the sea with their surfboards, bringing the holiday cheer.
5. The Night of Radishes – Mexico
In Mexico, the Night of Radishes is an exclusive and famous cultural tradition. Every year on December 23, the central square of Oaxaca is decorated with giant radish carvings. It is believed that this custom stems from a time when the Spanish introduced Christmas to Mexico. The locals began to use radishes to that creatively depict traditional Christmas scenes.
6. Carp – Czech Republic
The Czech Republic boasts a unique delicacy for Christmas – carp. The tradition of keeping live carp in the bathtub started a long time ago. The family then takes the fish out of the bathtub, kills it, and serves it on their dinner table on Christmas Eve. Czechs love this so much that they even serve carp in many different ways!
7. Krampus- Austria
Krampus is a beloved Christmas figure in many parts of Eastern Europe, particularly Austria and Southern Germany. Krampus is typically depicted as a demonic figure with horns, fur and a twisted expression, in contrast to Santa Claus. On the evening of December 5th, Krampus runs through the streets, swatting at people with sticks and alarming children who have failed to be good during the year.
In conclusion, Christmas is an ever-evolving and adapting celebration that varies substantially from culture to culture. However, the beliefs in the central themes of hope, love, and kindness remain at the heart of the holiday. Holidays aren’t only about giving gifts and decorating trees. They are also about connecting with people, seeking out and enjoying a range of cultural traditions. So, next time, if you happen to travel abroad during Christmas, you should try linking up with the locals and celebrate at least one of their traditions – it’ll surely be an experience as valuable as any gift under the tree!
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