Global Celebrations: 15 Christmas Around the World Facts

Introduction:

Christmas is a festive holiday celebrated around the world with unique traditions and customs in different countries. While some traditions are shared globally, many countries have their own unique ways of celebrating Christmas. In this article, we will explore 15 fascinating facts about Christmas celebrations around the world.

Fact 1: Germany

In Germany, Christmas trees are a popular decoration. The Germans were the first to use trees in their homes for Christmas celebrations in the 16th century. They also have a unique Advent calendar tradition, where children open a door each day from December 1st to Christmas Eve.

Fact 2: Mexico

In Mexico, the Christmas season lasts for nine days with the tradition of Las Posadas. This reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem includes processions, songs, and breaking piñatas. Mexicans also celebrate with a feast called La Noche Buena on Christmas Eve.

Fact 3: Sweden

Sweden celebrates Christmas with a unique tradition called Lucia Day on December 13th. A young girl is chosen to dress as Saint Lucia in a white robe with a crown of candles on her head. This day marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Sweden.

Fact 4: Japan

In Japan, Christmas is not a national holiday, but it is celebrated in a unique way. KFC has become a popular Christmas tradition in Japan, with people ordering fried chicken months in advance for their Christmas dinner. Christmas cakes are also a popular tradition in Japan.

Fact 5: Norway

Norway has a tradition of hiding brooms on Christmas Eve to prevent witches and evil spirits from stealing them. Norwegians also celebrate with a traditional Christmas feast called Julebord, which includes dishes like lutefisk and pinnekjøtt.

Fact 6: Italy

In Italy, Christmas Eve is known as La Vigilia, and it is a day of fasting before the Feast of the Seven Fishes. This traditional Italian meal includes seven different seafood dishes. Italians also have a unique tradition of burning a Yule log called the Ceppo di Natale.

Fact 7: Australia

Christmas in Australia falls during the summer months, so Aussies celebrate with beach barbecues and outdoor picnics. Santa Claus is often depicted in a swimsuit riding a surfboard. Australians also have a tradition of singing Christmas carols by candlelight.

Fact 8: Russia

In Russia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th according to the Orthodox calendar. They have a tradition of a twelve-course meatless meal called Holy Supper on Christmas Eve. Russians also have a tradition of Ded Moroz, the Russian version of Santa Claus.

Fact 9: Philippines

In the Philippines, Christmas celebrations start as early as September with the playing of Christmas carols and the setting up of decorations. Filipinos celebrate with the tradition of Simbang Gabi, a series of nine early morning masses leading up to Christmas.

Fact 10: India

Christmas is celebrated by Christians in India with traditional customs like decorating Christmas trees and attending midnight mass. In Goa, a state with a strong Christian influence, Christmas is a grand celebration with bonfires, feasting, and nativity plays.

Fact 11: South Africa

South Africa celebrates Christmas with a mix of traditional and modern customs. Some South Africans attend midnight mass, while others have barbecues, known as braais, with their families. Christmas carols are sung in both English and Afrikaans.

Fact 12: Spain

In Spain, Christmas celebrations start on December 8th with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Spanish people enjoy a special Christmas treat called Turron, a nougat made of honey, almonds, and egg whites. They also have a unique tradition of the Three Kings parade on January 5th.

Fact 13: Brazil

In Brazil, Christmas celebrations often include a visit to the beach and fireworks displays. Brazilians also have a tradition of decorating their homes with a Nativity scene called Presepio. They celebrate with a Christmas feast that includes dishes like roast turkey and rice.

Fact 14: United States

In the United States, Christmas is a widely celebrated holiday with traditions like decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and attending holiday parties. Americans also have a tradition of leaving cookies and milk out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

Fact 15: Greece

In Greece, Christmas is celebrated with traditional customs like decorating a ship instead of a Christmas tree to symbolize their maritime history. Greek people also have a tradition of baking a special bread called Christopsomo, which is blessed and eaten on Christmas Day.

Conclusion

Christmas is a truly global celebration with diverse traditions and customs that reflect the unique cultures of each country. From the Christmas markets of Germany to the beach barbecues of Australia, each country has its own way of celebrating this joyous holiday season. Whether you’re enjoying a feast in Italy or singing carols in South Africa, the spirit of Christmas unites people around the world in love and joy.