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Christmas traditions around the world: Surprising customs
The Christmas season is the most anticipated in every corner of the planet.
While some customs are familiar , others may surprise with their originality and cultural significance.
We present you some of the most curious and fascinating Christmas traditions around the world.
- Japan: Christmas as a romantic holiday
In Japan, Christmas is not a religious holiday, but rather an occasion to celebrate love. Couples often go out to dinner and enjoy Christmas lights, similar to Valentine’s Day. A curious fact is the popularity of Kentucky Fried Chicken as a Christmas dinner, a tradition started by an advertising campaign in the 1970s. - Norway: Hiding brooms
In Norway, there is an ancient belief that witches and evil spirits come out on Christmas Eve. For this reason, families hide brooms and other cleaning utensils so that they are not stolen by witches. - Philippines: Giant Lantern Festival
A spectacular giant lantern festival takes place in the city of San Fernando, Philippines. These illuminated works of art symbolize hope and unity, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the country and abroad. - Iceland: The 13 Jólasveinar
In Iceland, children wait not only for Santa Claus, but for the 13 Jólasveinar (Yule boys), mischievous figures from local folklore. During the 13 days leading up to Christmas, children leave a shoe in the window to receive gifts or coal, depending on their behaviour. - In Mexico
, the Posadas are processions that represent the journey of Mary and Joseph in search of a place to stay. For nine days, communities recreate this story with songs, prayers and celebrations that culminate with piñatas and feasts. - Ukraine: Trees with spider webs
In Ukraine, it is common to decorate Christmas trees with decorations in the shape of spider webs. This tradition comes from a legend in which a spider wove a web around a tree to protect a poor family, and at dawn, its threads turned into gold and silver. - Italy: La Befana and her magic broom
In Italy, in addition to Santa Claus, children await the arrival of “La Befana”, an old woman who travels on a magic broom handing out sweets to children who have been good. This character visits homes on January 6, during the Epiphany. - Australia: Christmas in Summer
In the southern hemisphere, Christmas coincides with summer. In Australia, celebrations include barbecues on the beach and outdoor sports. A popular tradition is the “Carols by Candlelight” event, where families gather to sing Christmas carols under the stars. - Czech Republic: Fortune telling for love
In the Czech Republic, single women throw a shoe over their shoulder on Christmas Eve. If the shoe lands with its toe facing the door, it means that they will find a partner in the coming year.
Do you know any other surprising Christmas traditions?
