It’s Christmas around the world, but every country has its own traditions. That’s why there are so many different customs, some even funny. Let’s find out the most original ones…
When in Rome, do what you do Christmas. This is really the case. The December 25 is Christmas anywhere in the world whether we celebrate or not, it is a special day that unites the whole Planet. The beauty of this holiday is precisely in its magical atmosphere, its scents, its flavors, its traditions. These characteristics are not the same everywhere; on the contrary, they always take on a different connotation, always different colors. It is beautiful to think that everyone has their own Christmas and sometimes it is also curious to be able to draw on other people’s traditions to give your own Christmas a new flavor. If you want to discover something different to make our Christmas truly original, take inspiration from these traditions…
Christmas in Japan is done at KFC
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You really got it right it’s not a joke. The Japanese Christmas tradition really wants Christmas to be celebrated with a meal from KFC the fast food chain famous for the fried chicken! It is true that the Japanese population that celebrates Christmas is only one percent, but in spite of that all Japanese do so by eating fried chicken to the point that it is difficult to find a vacancy there the Christmas Eve night. This tradition has been going on for about 40 years and originated from a marketing campaign whose slogan was “Kentucky For Christmas.” connected precisely to the joyful Christmas spirit of family and friends.
In Iceland, the cat Yule invites people to be good
If the saying goes to Christmas we are all better off, theIceland really makes it a cautionary tale especially for children! The protagonists of the Japanese tradition are cats, which are very common on the island and in particular a black cat called Jólakötturinn, also known as cat of Yule or child-eating cat. Yule’s cat is none other than the cat of the giantess mother of the tridic trolls who was known as the child-eating cat. This giantess is one of the most evil figures in Icelandic folklore, and horror stories about her are still told to children during the Christmas holidays that she eats children. Her accomplice is the black cat a mischievous cat who unlike the giantess doesn’t just eat the naughty children but also the ones who don’t have don’t wear new clothes! When the cat roams the streets the Christmas Eve in search of the “naughty children.” according to custom, only those who wear new clothes and have been especially good during the day can “save themselves.”
Caga Tio’ arrives on time for Christmas in Catalonia.
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This tradition is widespread in Catalonia and is very visible in Barcelona. It is a much-loved tradition that gives children happiness and also involves older children. It is about the tradition of Caga tió. This character is made from a small log decorated with eyes, nose, a mouth with a big smile, a cap and a blanket to keep him from getting cold. Children are tasked with caring for the log by feeding it throughout the advent season until the Eve Night. On Christmas Eve while singing a song he should bring out all the presents. The tradition originally called for the little ones in the house to only candy and sweets such as waffles, nougats and candies, but today it is definitely different and can surprise even with bigger gifts!
In Greenland, Christmas tradition gives women a well-deserved rest
A very sweet and romantic tradition is that of the Christmas in Greenland. In the country that most conveys the Christmas atmosphere, Christmas is one of the most celebrated and heartfelt holidays, with different traditions and customs depending on the latitude at which one is located. Among all of them there is one that remains very present and is cherished by all. The Christmas night and Christmas day it is the men who take care of the women and it is a bit like wanting to give them a well-deserved rest. This typical Inuit tradition is actually quite unique and very heartfelt because throughout the year the exact opposite happens. On this day, however. it is the men who take care of the women and serve the meals at the table. After the Christmas dinner, on the other hand, it is customary to start games. The one most in vogue involves passing from hand to hand, under the table, a moist, round, rough object, such as a frozen egg wrapped in a piece of fur, obviously trying not to get it on the ground.
Away with the brooms at Christmas in Norway
A very heartfelt and also very nice tradition is that of the Norwegian Christmas. Like all Nordic countries, it is also felt here very much the folkloric aspect and related to superstitions and legends, In Norway on Christmas Eve night it is customary to hide brooms. Norwegians combine witches with Christmas tradition, and perhaps this is why the custom of hiding brooms at Christmas is considered among the most curious and unusual. Indeed, it is said that on the night before Christmas the witches come down from the mountains to tempt men and insinuate the seed of discord between couples and families, ruining the Christmas spirit. Thus, on Christmas Eve all brooms are hidden so as to prevent evil witches from finding them and flying freely in the skies threatening the holidays to adults and children alike.
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