Christmas around the world
We are all aware of our own Christmas traditions, but how much do you know about traditions around the world. Here we look at celebrations and traditions from across the globe.
Spain
The tradition of Hogueras (meaning bonfires) originated long before Christmas itself and is held to celebrate the winter solstice. The tradition is to jump over the fire as a symbolic protection against illness.
Italy
The celebrated Christmas in Italy has two origins: the familiar traditions of Christianity and the pagan traditions of the Roman Empire. Therefore, celebrations in Italy honour both the birth of Christ and the birth of the unconquered sun. So logically, Natale, the Italian word for Christmas translates as birthday.
Denmark
One important part of the Christmas season in Denmark is sharing the Christmas good cheer with friends and neighbours. Freshly baked biscuits and cakes are always ready to serve to visitors, as there's an old belief that a visitor who leaves without being fed may carry the Yule spirit away from the house. Thousands of candles are lit over the Christmas season and a candle is placed in the window, traditionally as an offer of food and shelter to travellers who may be passing.
Russia
St. Nicholas (see origins of Santa) is a popular character in Russia. Legend has it that the 11th-Century Prince Vladimir travelled to Constantinople (now Istanbul) to be baptized and returned with stories of the miracles performed by St. Nicholas of Myra.
Indonesia
Even though the majority of Indonesians are Muslims, there are some parts of the nation where Christians are the majority. The city of Manado, a Northern part of Sulawesi, hosts possibly the longest Christmas celebration in Indonesia. In Manado, the season starts in October. People start to prepare the Christmas tree, shopping centres play the season's songs and families from abroad come home to celebrate Christmas together. The season usually ends on the third Sunday of January with a carnival party around the streets of Manado called "Pigura Carnival" which translates as A Closing New Year Celebration."
Pilippines
The Christmas season starts to show itself around September with decorations on sale in the shops and children begin to make their Christmas lists. After Halloween, Christmas lights begin to go up and traditional colourful lanterns called Parols hang outside every home. The Misa De Gallo, or dawn mass, is held for nine days running up to Christmas and the celebrations last until the first Sunday of January.
Japan
Although there is no official celebration of Christmas, the west's influence has made it's way east. Although it's a largely secular view of Christmas, customs such as Christmas trees and turkey are observed and Hoteiosho, a Japanese god delivers the presents.
Ghana
Christmas celebrations in Ghana can last many days and churches prepare well in advance of December 25th. Christmas is a time for relatives and friends to get together regardless of their religion, with many people returning to visit their ancestral home on Christmas Eve. Many cars, buses and lorries are brightly coloured in celebration and houses are brightly decorated with paper ornaments made by the families. Through out the celebration everyone is greeted with the word Afishapa that means Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, fellowship is a big part of Christmas Day. Kisimusi, or Christmas is celebrated on December 25, during the summer. Fathers give gifts to their children and wives, usually consisting of clothes and sweets. After the sun sets, Christmas is officially over.
Brazil
As a former Portuguese colony, Brazil has many Christmas customs that originate from this heritage. The people of Northern Brazil, as in Mexico, enjoy a version of the folk play Los Pastores or "The Shepherds." In the Brazilian version, there are shepherdesses instead of shepherds and a gypsy who attempts to kidnap the Christ Child. The Three Wise Men are the gift-bringers in Brazil (see Santa's of the world).
Argentina
In some homes evergreen trees are decorated with cotton to simulate the snow found on the trees in the Northern Hemisphere. On the eve of January 6th, children in Argentina place their shoes underneath the Christmas tree or beside their beds. They leave hay and water outside the house so the horses of the Magi who bring them their gifts will have a meal as they journey towards the Christ Child in Bethlehem.
Jamaica
Christmas dinner is usually a big feast for Jamaicans on Christmas Day. Christmas activities in rural areas of Jamaica include a Jonkanoo celebration. Jonkanoo is a form of parade and festivities brought from Africa. Although it's not as popular in the cities as it was 30 years ago, Jonkanoo is still important in rural Jamaica.
