Christmas is a time when friends, families, and communities come together, and with that traditions are born. Whether is completing our Simbang Gabi, kissing someone under the mistletoe, having ugly sweater contests, or having a cup of eggnog before retiring for the night- each culture infuses its unique customs, foods, and folklore into the holiday. This article explores some of the most fascinating Christmas traditions, focusing on food, practices, and folkloric figures from various countries.
Food, glorious food!!!
We actually don’t need an excuse to come and gather around the table. But holidays like Christmas give us the perfect reason to forget our diets, indulge, and be merry. Here are some food traditions that will whet your appetite:
Italy – In Italy, the Christmas season begins with Advent, leading to festive gatherings. Families often prepare a traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, featuring various seafood dishes. The ancient tradition of eating fish on Christmas Eve dates from the Roman Catholic custom of abstinence from meat and dairy products on the eve of certain holidays, including Christmas. But why seven? The number seven is rooted back in ancient times and can be connected to multiple Catholic symbols – seven sacraments, days of the Creation, and even the deadly sins. The celebration ends on a sweet note with servings of panettone and pandoro.
Ukraine – One of the Ukrainian’s oldest Christmas traditions is the Christmas Eve dinner with 12 fasting meals on the table prepared without meat and dairy. Kutia – deemed the most important – is prepared from boiled wheat and generously seasoned with honey, poppy seeds, nuts, and dried fruits. Kutia is a symbol of the unity of mankind with God and the world of the dead as they believe the spirit of the ancestors come to the world of the living to celebrate with them. Eating Kutia blesses you with good harvest, livestock, and procreation for the coming year.
Other dishes in this spread are holubsti (cabbage rolls) with rice and mushroom; Varenyky (dumplings) that symbolize prosperity and well-being; Borshch (a hearty and rich soup) with prunes and mushrooms and prepared and fermented with beet kvass (a drink made from beets, water, and salt); Sichenyky (patties) with peas; Various fish dishes because fish is a symbol of Christ; Deruny (potato pancakes) prepared with onions; Boiled potatoes smeared with crushed garlic and oil; Stewed cabbage with mushrooms, symbolizing strength, unity, and fruitful work together; Other varieties of pancakes; Uzvar (compote), a rich and fragrant decoction of dried pears, apples, plums, and apricots; and lastly bread that nourishes both the body and soul.
Japan – While not a national holiday in the country, it has become popular to celebrate with fried chicken – Kentucky Fried Chicken no less! The story goes that during the holiday season in the 1970s, a group of visitors discovered that finding turkey in Japan was extremely difficult, having them opt for a fried chicken Christmas dinner instead. KFC capitalized on the opportunity and ran a successful marketing campaign leading to the phrase, “Kentucky for Christmas”.
Celebrate good times, come on!
Christmas is a vibrant celebration that showcases a rich tapestry of cultural practices. Ranging from ancient traditions to more modern iterations, these customs not only honor the holiday’s religious significance but bring about a sense of togetherness and joy among us during this special season.
Philippines – One cannot talk about Christmas without talking about the Philippines! Known for having one of the longest Christmas seasons, Filipinos celebrate from September to January. A highlight , especially for Catholics, is the Simbang Gabi, a series of dawn masses leading up to Christmas Day.
Head over to the city of San Fernando, Pampanga and take part in Ligligan Parul or Giant Lantern Festival. The festival showcases massive, intricately designed parols (symbolizing the star of Bethlehem). Each parol consists of thousands of spinning lights that illuminate the night sky. This festival reflects the creativity, resilience, and community spirit of the people and has earned San Fernando the title of “Christmas Capital of the Philippines”.
Denmark – The Nissedør or elf door is an integral part of Danish Christmas tradition. It symbolizes the arrival of nisser – small elf-like creatures that are said to protect households and farmsteads, and can help farmers with chores. The Danes love decorating for the holidays and many families set aside time to make julehjerte (Christmas hearts) – an interwoven handmade decoration of red and white paper – the colors of the Danish flag.
Another tradition is Lucia Day (imported from neighboring Sweden and in honor of Saint Lucia), a celebration of light. Traditionally, it is celebrated every December 13 and features a special Lucia song and a specially chosen girl to carry a wreath of burning candles on her head. An alternative celebration takes place in Copenhagen – the Lucia kayak procession where decorated kayaks illuminate the city’s canals.
Colombia – One the night of December 7, Colombians honor Mother Mary and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception with Noche de las Velitas or Night of the Little Candles. This enchanting celebration unofficially marks the start of Christmas in the country. Colombians light up their homes and streets with millions of while and colored velas (candles) in patterned paper lanterns.
Ethiopia – Ethiopians follow the Julian calendar, thus celebrating Christmas, known as Ganna or Genna, on January 7. The locals dress in white and wear a thin white cotton scarf with brightly colored stripes across the ends called a netela. The look sounds familiar as many Ethiopians believe all the magi who visited the infant Jesus were Ethiopian.
Guatemala – A practice dating back to the 17th century, Guatemalans gather for La Quema del Diablo (Burning of the Devil) on the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. They believe that burning an effigy of the devil (usually a piñata) will cleanse their homes of the evils and misfortunes suffered in the previous year. Revelers light a bonfire and burn the devil, and celebrate wearing devil disguises with fire crackers and buñuelos (traditional donuts).
That’s all folk[s](lore)!
Folkloric figures play a captivating role in Christmas celebrations around the world, embodying the spirit of the season through enchanting stories and beloved traditions. These characters add a whimsical touch to holiday festivities, reminding us of the values of kindness, generosity, and community.
Iceland – Here’s something for cat lovers– Jólakötturinn – Yule Cat! Icelandic poet, Jóhannes úr Kötlum, wrote about the Yule Cat in his book, Jólin koma (Christmas is Coming), published in 1932. Kötlum’s poem tells the tale of a cat that’s “very large” with glowing eyes. It roams the countryside, going from house to house looking for children who aren’t wearing the new clothes they got for Christmas, according to the poem. So, its always best to wear your new clothes or risk being eaten alive by a giant cat!
We also have the Icelandic giantess Grýla and her 13 sons – the Yule Lads. Grýla is said to come down the mountains to snatch up disobedient children while her sons cause all sorts of mischief such as stealing food or harassing sheep.
The Netherlands – Sinterklass is based on the legendary St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra (Turkey) and patron saint of children. You will recognize him as a dressed up, stately man with a long white bear, red mitre, and red cape over a bishop’s alb. Familiar? Our modern-day Santa Claus is based on Sinterklass! Instead of reindeer pulling a sleigh, Sinterklass rides a white horse, holds a long ceremonial shepherd’s staff, carries a big book with children’s names and is accompanied by many helpers called Piet. These ‘Pieten’ assist him with handing out sweets to children and racing down chimneys to fill their shoes with presents.
Austria – The counterpart to Santa, Krampus is a half-man, half-goat who goes around every year chasing naughty children. Krampus, like most of this holiday’s figures, have their origins in pagan celebrations of the winter solstice. It is during this time that residents take part in Krampusnacht or Krampus night and Krampuslauf or Krampus run where adults dress up as Krampus to frighten children at their homes or in the streets.
As we gather to celebrate Christmas, it’s clear that the holiday transcends borders, uniting people through a shared spirit of joy, love, and tradition. Whether it’s savoring a feast from Japan, kayaking up the canals, or sharing stories of whimsical folkloric figures, each unique practice enriches our understanding of this festive season. Embracing these diverse customs not only deepens our appreciation for the holiday but also strengthens the bonds of community and family across cultures. So, as you deck the halls and share in the festivities, remember that the true magic of Christmas lies in its ability to bring us all together, no matter where we are in the world.
