December 4th 2024.
Christmas is a magical time of year that is celebrated all over the world. Despite its universal appeal, the way it is celebrated can be vastly different from country to country. While us Brits may be content with our time-honored traditions of watching Christmas films and indulging in mince pies, other nations have their own unique and fantastical customs that make you want to experience Christmas in a whole new way. Let's take a look at some of these intriguing traditions from various corners of the globe.
You may be surprised to learn that in Japan, KFC is a popular choice for Christmas dinner. This may seem like an odd choice, but it all started back in 1974 when KFC launched a marketing campaign with the catchy slogan "Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!" (Kentucky for Christmas!). The campaign was a success and has since become a beloved tradition, even though Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan. Families all over the country flock to their local KFC on Christmas Eve for a special meal. Unfortunately, this tradition is not available in the UK as KFC restaurants are closed on Christmas Day, but you can still enjoy some fried chicken on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.
In Finland, saunas are a way of life and are not just reserved for post-workout relaxation. In fact, they have become an important part of Christmas celebrations. On Christmas Eve, it is customary for families to gather in the sauna, strip down, and spend some quality time together. This tradition is also believed to be a way to honor the spirits of ancestors, who are said to join the family in the sauna. After the sauna session, Finns head out to evening celebrations, while the spirits of their ancestors take their place in the bubbling water.
In Germany, finding a pickle hidden in the Christmas tree is a beloved tradition that dates back to an old folktale. The story goes that St. Nicholas rescued two boys who were held prisoner in a pickle barrel and brought them back to life. To honor this legend, families hide a pickle ornament in their Christmas tree, and the first person to find it on Christmas morning receives an extra gift.
If you're looking to escape the cold and experience a different kind of Christmas, there are plenty of destinations that offer winter sun. Some popular options include Bangkok, Thailand; Orlando, Florida; Larnaca, Cyprus; Brisbane, Australia; Sihanoukville, Cambodia; Muscat, Oman; Playa del Carmen, Mexico; Bridgetown, Barbados; Gran Canaria, Canary Islands; and Bali, Indonesia.
In Ukraine, Christmas decorations take on a unique twist. Instead of the usual tinsel and lights, Ukrainians opt for spiderwebs and spiders. This tradition is inspired by a folktale about a poor widow who couldn't afford to decorate her tree. Legend has it that spiders in the house took pity on the family and spun beautiful webs all over the tree, which the children discovered on Christmas morning.
In Catalonia, a nativity scene wouldn't be complete without a sculpture of a pooping man, known as the Caganer. The origins of this tradition are unknown, but it is believed to bring good luck. Another poop-themed tradition in Catalonia is the Tio de Nadal, a log with a smiley face and a red hat. Children "feed" the log with nuts and dried fruit leading up to Christmas Eve, when they sing and beat him with sticks to make him "poop" out presents.
In New York, where many apartments lack fireplaces, there is an unconventional solution for those who want to experience the cozy ambiance of a crackling fire. The TV channel WPIX plays a loop of a 17-second-long film of a roaring fireplace on Christmas Eve. Nowadays, you can also find digital fireplaces on streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV.
In Mexico, radishes take center stage during the holidays. On December 23, residents in the city of Oaxaca compete in a sculpture contest using only radishes. This event, known as La Noche de Rabanos (Night of the Radishes), is a unique way to celebrate the season.
Last but not least, the people of Venezuela have a fun and festive tradition of rollerblading to Christmas mass. Legend has it that children tie a string to their toe and hang it out the window, and when they feel a tug, they know it's time to get their skates on. The government even closes streets until 8am on Christmas Eve to allow families to skate safely to mass.
These are just a few of the many interesting and diverse Christmas traditions around the world. Whether it's enjoying some fried chicken in Japan, sharing a sauna with your ancestors in Finland, or rollerblading to mass in Venezuela, these customs give us a glimpse into the unique cultures and traditions of different countries.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
