12 Christmas Traditions from Around the World | Geddy’s
The holidays are a special time of the year. It is a time of giving, spending time with family and friends and celebrating festive traditions. During this holiday season, we thought it only befitting to look at some of the Christmas customs from around the world – enjoying Christmas Pudding in the UK or eating Emperor Moths in South Africa. That’s right, Emperor Moths in South Africa. The Emperor Moth caterpillars are deep-fried in oil and served as part of the Christmas feast.
Travel with us as we take a quick peak at 12 wonderful Christmas traditions from around the world – of which many have been passed down from generations, some are relatively new, and others offer a unique twist on old or legendary customs. It’s sure to bring you a smile … and put you in the festive spirit this holiday season.
ASIA – “FINGER LICKIN’ GOOD”
1) In Japan, the Christmas “tradition” includes Colonel Sander’s Kentucky Fried Chicken. An estimated 3.6 million Japanese families dine on a bucket of KFC during the holidays. Since 1974, the Colonel’s chicken has come to symbolize Christmas in Japan.
EUROPE – WHO’S GOT THE PICKLE
2) In Germany, legend has it that an ornament in the shape of a pickle was hidden in the Christmas tree. Whoever found the pickle on Christmas morning received a reward, typically a present. The custom has been adopted in the U.S. in various forms. In fact, the tradition might have actually been created in the U.S., not in Germany.
3) In the UK, Christmas Crackers are a holiday tradition, typically pulled open at Christmas dinner. Often times, these wrapped tubes include a paper crown, a motto or riddle, and a small trinket, such as jewelry, pen, or money clip. The Christmas Cracker was invented by Tom Smith in the 1840’s and inspired by the French wrapping sugared almonds in twists of paper as gifts.
4) In the Netherlands, Santa’s choice of transportation is not a reindeer-drawn sleigh. Given the country’s many canals, Santa arrives on a steamboat – leaving presents, such as small toys, trinkets and fruit, inside children’s shoes.
5) In Norway, people hide their brooms on Christmas Eve, a tradition dating back for centuries – believing that witches and evil spirits come out that night searching for brooms to ride on.
6) In Iceland, there are 13 different Santas – one appearing each night for the 13 days leading-up to Christmas.
7) In the Ukraine, the traditional Christmas Eve supper is a 12 courses meal – each dish dedicated to one of Christ’s Apostles. The traditional feast does not include meat or dairy but grains, fish, vegetables and fruits.
8) In Poland, spider webs are common Christmas tree decorations. According to the legend, it was a spider that wove the blanket for Baby Jesus. So, many Polish people consider spiders to be symbols of goodness and prosperity.
MIDDLE EAST – THE KEY TO THE AFTERLIFE
9) In ancient Egypt, fruitcake was considered to be essential for the afterlife – representing the sacred food of pharaohs and other high-status individuals in death.
NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA – “WHIP IT”
10) In Caracas, Venezuela, the city’s residents head to church in the early morning on roller skates, before heading home for a Christmas dinner of tamales – a cornmeal wrap, stuffed with meat and steamed.
11) In Brazil, children receive gifts on Christmas Eve from the Papai Noel, who is believed to arrive by helicopter – entering the house through the front door instead of the fireplace, given the lack of fireplaces in the tropics.
12) In the U.S., eggnog is a popular Christmas drink tradition – dating back to the English aristocrats. They were the only ones who could afford the expensive ingredients – milk, eggs and spirits. Eggnog was often used to toast to prosperity and good health.
What’s your holiday tradition? Share them with us, at Geddy’s.
Cheers … and Happy Christmas!
Heather
www.geddys.com
