Many cultures have their own ways of celebrating the holidays. There are often traditions and celebrations that mark the start of the holiday season, with many holidays and traditions being variations of one another, manifesting in different ways throughout different cultures. In the article “14 Winter Holiday Celebrations from Around the World,” written by Emily Williams for “Better Homes and Gardens,” the author describes how Kwanzaa, for example, is another extension of the theme of rebirth and renewal for the Caribbean, the United States, and Southern Africa.
To start, the Christmas tree stems from solstice celebrations, like Midsummer. Many countries also have specific flowers dedicated to the holiday season, such as the poinsettia. In the article “Christmas Season Superstitions,” written by Barbara Mikkelson for “Snopes,” yule logs are supposed to be kept in order to keep life and love abound, and when the flame goes out, this act is said to predict bad omens for the new year.
Diwali traditions, which lasts five days, also mirror this kind of superstition that light manifests new beginnings. In the article “25 Christmas Traditions Around the World That Will Surprise and Delight You” by Micaela Bahn for “The Pioneer Woman,” Bahn discusses a variety of cultures that celebrate the holidays in all different ways. First, Bahn explains how light and color, in October and November, has major significance. The symbolic act of light can be seen in the lanterns that light the sky and engage in rangoli, which is sand or rice art.
Williams also applies these themes of brightness when elaborating on how pinatas are frequently used to express a commitment to God in the form of a seven-point star, which represents the deadly sins.
In England, there is a tradition where crackers are used in order to ring in the holiday season. Bahn continued to explain how when the crackers are split apart, a toy or paper crown is revealed; the winner is one still holding “cracker” at the end of the game.
She also explained how, in Poland, people must see a Christmas star in the sky in order to begin dinner. Interestingly, in Norway, there is a tradition where mops are hidden in order to keep away Krampus and demons, as they may use them for a holiday escape.
Bahn continues her discussion into holiday figures through Germany’s St. Nicholas. She confirms that St. Nicholas is a separate entity of Santa Claus. Santa Claus is a joyous, gift-giving entity that delivers presents (or coal) to children on Christmas eve. Whereas, St. Nicholas traditionally visits on Dec. 5, and leaves coins and fruits in children’s shoes; if they were naughty, they might find sticks instead! There are also parodies of Santa and St. Nicolas through Russia’s Father Frost, who visits on Jan. 7, and the Czech Republic’s Santa, who delivers presents on Dec. 5, or St Nicolas Eve, Bahn explained.
In Latin cultures, there are celebrations and traditions on Jan. 6, or Three Kings Day. Traditionally celebrated by Latin cultures.
Bahn continues to go into specific, small holiday moments in other countries, including Iceland’s book exchange on Christmas Eve where people typically read aloud and give each other some sweet treats. In Germany, they hold an annual Christmas market. Other holiday traditions, such as Boxing Day, celebrated in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom, are meant to serve as a Thanksgiving for holiday employees, explained Williams. It is typically celebrated on Dec. 26, through money and minor gifts.
The Italians have the Feast of Seven Fishes, which represent the Christian faith, often engrained in Italian culture. The holiday season also marks the beginning of Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday, and Advent, a Christian holiday. The Advent Wreath is made up of three purple candles, a pink candle and a white candle, whereas the Menorah is traditionally seven candles.
Mikkelson elaborates on other Christmas history, exploring how animals are supposed to be good omens due to the ones that kept Christ company in Bethlehem on Christmas Day. This can be seen through the “Yule Goat” that has become the mascot for Swedish Christmas.
Regardless of how you and your family celebrate, it is important to remember our past, present and future in order to bring with us the traditions of our ancestors for the generations to come.
