11 curiosities about Christmas around the world: traditions and different costumes

When the holiday season begins, Christmas becomes a vibrant tapestry of unique traditions across the globe.

Each country and culture celebrates this occasion in its own way, preserving customs that reflect local beliefs, historical legacies, and seasonal creativity.

From surprising culinary choices to elaborate costumes and one-of-a-kind ceremonies, these traditions showcase the diverse ways people connect to the spirit of Christmas.

Here are ten fascinating curiosities about Christmas around the world, revealing how traditions are shaped by both culture and creativity, proving that, while the essence of the holiday is universal, the celebrations are incredibly diverse.

1. The Giant Lantern Festival in the Philippines: A Light for Peace and Unity

In San Fernando, the Giant Lantern Festival, known as “Ligligan Parul,” has become one of the Philippines’ grandest holiday spectacles, earning the region the title of “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.”

Held annually in December, this event features massive lanterns, reaching up to 20 feet in diameter, crafted with a complex network of bamboo frames and illuminated by thousands of lights.

Originally made with simple materials like Japanese origami paper and candlelight, today’s lanterns are vibrant masterpieces that represent a community’s hope for peace and unity.

For Filipinos, the lantern is a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem, guiding the faithful during the Christmas season.

2. Krampus Night in Austria: A Spine-Chilling Tradition

In Austria and neighboring regions, Christmas has a darker companion: Krampus Night, celebrated on December 5.

According to Alpine folklore, Krampus is a fearsome, horned creature who punishes naughty children, contrasting with the benevolent Saint Nicholas.

On this night, people dress in elaborate, often terrifying Krampus costumes, donning masks, chains, and bells, and parade through the streets in what is known as the “Krampuslauf” or Krampus run.

It’s a thrilling twist to the Christmas season that combines holiday spirit with a reminder of moral conduct, especially for younger audiences, where Krampus serves as a humorous yet effective warning for those who need to mind their manners.

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3. KFC for Christmas in Japan: A Tasty Tradition

Japan’s fascination with Christmas takes a surprising culinary turn with the tradition of KFC on Christmas Eve.

This unique custom dates back to 1974, when a highly successful advertising campaign dubbed “Kentucky for Christmas” convinced the Japanese public that fried chicken was the perfect Christmas dinner.

Today, KFC locations across Japan experience a huge influx of orders during Christmas, with families reserving their fried chicken buckets weeks in advance.

This modern tradition, while not rooted in Japanese culture, reflects the adaptability and creativity with which cultures can reinterpret Christmas celebrations, showing that even fast food can become a cherished holiday custom.

4. Spider Webs on Christmas Trees in Ukraine: Symbols of Good Luck

In Ukraine, Christmas trees are decorated with spider web ornaments, a practice inspired by an old folk legend.

According to this story, a poor widow and her children discovered their Christmas tree covered in spider webs on Christmas morning, and as the first sunlight touched the webs, they turned to gold and silver.

Today, Ukrainians believe that spider web decorations bring luck and prosperity, so artificial spider webs or web-like ornaments are often found adorning Christmas trees in Ukrainian homes.

This custom stands out as a symbol of gratitude and hope, embodying the belief that fortune can arrive in the most unexpected forms.

5. St. Lucia’s Day in Sweden: Lighting Up the Dark Winter

In Sweden, Christmas begins with Saint Lucia’s Day, celebrated on December 13. This holiday honors Saint Lucia, a Christian martyr known for bringing light and food to persecuted Christians in Rome’s dark catacombs.

On this day, young girls don white gowns with red sashes and wear crowns adorned with candles, symbolizing the return of light.

Boys often join, dressed as “star boys” with pointed hats.

This tradition is also popular throughout Scandinavia, symbolizing light’s victory over darkness and signaling the beginning of the Christmas season in a heartfelt, luminous procession.

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6. Christmas Saunas in Finland: A Time for Peace and Reflection

In Finland, Christmas Eve includes a unique tradition: the Christmas sauna. For many Finns, this ritual is essential, as it represents a time to cleanse both physically and spiritually before the festivities.

Many families take their sauna sessions in silence, respecting the space as sacred, almost like a church, where they can relax and reflect.

This quiet preparation reflects Finland’s emphasis on peace, mindfulness, and well-being during the holiday season.

Whether in a private home or at a communal sauna, this tradition invites families to set aside time for calmness and gratitude before the celebrations begin.

7. Curiosities about Christmas _ Sinterklaas and the Shoe-Giving Tradition in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, children eagerly await the arrival of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) on December 5, when they leave shoes by the fireplace or door filled with hay and carrots for Sinterklaas’s horse.

In return, Sinterklaas leaves small gifts, candies, and notes in the shoes. This custom emphasizes generosity, community spirit, and a child’s thrill in small surprises.

It also provides a unique take on the holiday, as Dutch Christmas celebrations are divided into two parts: one for Sinterklaas and another for Christmas Day, allowing families to extend the season of giving.

8. Roller Skating to Church in Venezuela: A Festive Tradition with a Twist

In Caracas, Venezuela, one of the most colorful Christmas traditions unfolds from December 16 to 24: “Misa de Aguinaldo,” where streets are closed to vehicles, allowing people to roller skate to early morning Mass.

This joyful procession fills the city streets with music, laughter, and holiday spirit. Families and friends gather to skate together, making it both a communal and physical activity, blending fitness and fun into the religious season.

As dawn breaks, skaters arrive at church for Mass, embracing this energetic start to Christmas Day.

9. La Noche de los Rábanos in Mexico: A Night of Artful Radishes

On December 23, Oaxaca, Mexico, celebrates “La Noche de los Rábanos,” or the Night of the Radishes, a one-of-a-kind Christmas festival where artists carve radishes into intricate scenes.

This tradition, originating in 1897, has grown to include elaborate designs depicting the Nativity, religious icons, and Mexican folklore.

The radish carvings bring people together for a night of festive creativity and craftsmanship, celebrating both Christmas and the artistry embedded in Mexican culture.

It highlights the Mexican community’s ingenuity and its dedication to cultural preservation.

10. Curiosities about Christmas _ Burning of the Devil in Guatemala: A Cleansing Ritual

In Guatemala, the “Burning of the Devil” on December 7 marks the start of the Christmas season, where families gather to burn effigies, old belongings, and trash as a form of cleansing.

This ritual, known as “La Quema del Diablo,” symbolizes a purification process, letting go of the past to start the holiday season with fresh energy.

The tradition has roots in both Christian and Mayan customs, blending cultural heritage with spiritual renewal, as families bid farewell to negativity and prepare for the joys of Christmas.

11. South Africa’s Christmas Braai: Celebrating with Fire and Food

In South Africa, Christmas falls in the heat of summer, and a traditional Braai (barbecue) is a popular way to celebrate.

Families and friends gather outdoors to grill meat, sausages, and local dishes, often accompanied by seasonal fruits and refreshing beverages.

Unlike the snowy scenes associated with Christmas, South African celebrations are vibrant with sun, laughter, and smoky flavors.

Braai symbolizes unity, community, and South Africa’s love for outdoor gatherings, offering a warm and cheerful way to enjoy Christmas.

The Cultural Significance of Christmas Traditions

Exploring these 11 curiosities about Christmas traditions from around the world reveals how culture, climate, and history influence each celebration.

These traditions remind us that Christmas is a season of togetherness and joy, whether celebrated with spider web decorations in Ukraine, roller skating in Venezuela, or grilling outdoors in South Africa.

Each custom, from the ancient to the modern, carries a message of family, reflection, and joy, demonstrating the universal yet uniquely diverse ways people cherish Christmas.

Nara 25 de October de 2024