According to reports by Captain John Smith, the first eggnog made in the United States was consumed in his 1607 Jamestown settlement. The seeds are scattered which symbolizes the happiness and the good fortune for the house - and the more pomegranate seeds the better! Her feast day is celebrated near the shortest day of the year, when the sun’s light again begins to strengthen. See how different countries celebrate the holiday season with ornaments, recipes, and carols. But the private lives of men in classical Athens – the city we know most about – were very different from anything that a “bisexual” man might experience today. Christmas Traditions Around the World at Santas.Net Home of everything to do with christmas and Santa Claus and How Christmas is celebrated around the world. https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/christmas-traditions-worldwide. This tradition dates back to the Norse Yule log. It is then unwrapped, sliced like cake and topped with cream. The major difference is only that in South Korea, people focus on religious traditions rather than decoration and presents. A family’s youngest child watches through the window for the evening star to appear, a signal that the feast can begin. Families gather and listen to the national “Peace of Christmas” radio broadcast. One legend tells of three poor sisters who could not marry because they had no money for a dowry. READ MORE: What Was Christmas Like in the Colonies? As the young colony’s population grew and ...read more. The day before Christmas is widely observed as a full or partial holiday in anticipation of the birth of Jesus. This stems from an ancient tradition in which farmers would use part of the log to ensure good luck for the next year’s harvest. Christmas is celebrated by millions of Christians and non-Christians around the world every 25th of December. Suet, flour, sugar, raisins, nuts and spices are tied loosely in cloth and boiled until the ingredients are “plum,” meaning they have enlarged enough to fill the cloth. New Year kalanda songs/carols might also be sung. Following the Gregorian calendar, the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on 25 December. On New Year's Day, in many places in Greece, there is the tradition of Bounamathes (bouna-MA-thes). The gates of Heaven open at midnight on Christmas Eve. In Scandinavia, similar-minded children leave their shoes on the hearth. An Englishman named John Calcott Horsley helped to popularize the tradition of sending Christmas greeting cards when he began producing small cards featuring festive scenes and a pre-written holiday greeting in the late 1830s. Lucia is the patron saint of the blind. In some areas of Greece the person holds a pomegranate, and they break it at the front door before entering the house. In southern France, some people burn a log in their homes from Christmas Eve until New Year’s Day. To save them from being sold by their father, St. Nick left each of the three sisters gifts of gold coins. Customs and traditions in Greece and the Greek Islands are an important aspect of the Greek culture. In some parts of Greece the cake is sweet, but in others its more like a bread. Unusual Christmas Traditions From Around The World. In Australia, the holiday comes in the middle of summer and it’s not unusual for some parts of Australia to hit 100 degrees Farenheit on Christmas day. 1. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! While Christmas may have begun solely as a Christian holiday, and is often still celebrated as such, people from all over the world have embraced the festive season and added their own traditions along the way. Christmas Eve/Day. Discover the history of the Christmas tree, from the earliest winter ...read more, Santa Claus—otherwise known as Saint Nicholas or Kris Kringle—has a long history steeped in Christmas traditions. Celtic and Teutonic peoples had long considered mistletoe to have magic powers. Children then take turns hitting the piñata until it breaks, sending a shower of treats to the floor. Learn about the history of Christmas, Santa Claus, and holiday traditions worldwide. Most of the Christmas traditions in Greece are more or less similar to the West. They play drums and triangles as they sing. Named "Hogueras" (bonfires), this tradition originated long before Christmas itself. Wandering musicians would travel from town to town visiting castles and homes of the rich. Some countries however have slightly different Christmas traditions and as such festive season celebrations take place over a longer period of time, from the beginning of … ...read more, The history of Christmas trees goes back to the symbolic use of evergreens in ancient Egypt and Rome and continues with the German tradition of candlelit Christmas trees first brought to America in the 1800s. A conventional Christmas lunch includes Scotch broth, smoked salmon, roast turkey, roast potatoes, carrots, brussel sprouts, Christmas pudding and brandy custard. The ancient Norse used the Yule log in their celebration of the return of the sun at winter solstice. But it hasn’t always been that way. Christmas in Greece. Whoever gets the cross first is meant to have good luck during the coming year. Poinsettia plants are named after Joel R. Poinsett, an American minister to Mexico, who brought the red-and-green plant from Mexico to America in 1828. It is probably also responsible for the popularity of log-shaped cheese, cakes and desserts during the holidays. Discover the origins of Christmas traditions from around the world like the Yule log, caroling and candy canes and learn how Christmas is celebrated “Down Under.”. In Spain, the Christmas holiday season is full of the usual Christmas festivities, but there is one tradition, not at all common elsewhere. According to one theory, the ...read more, The pious Puritans who sailed from England in 1630 to found the Massachusetts Bay Colony brought with them something that might seem surprising for a group of devout Christians—contempt for Christmas. At midnight there are lots of hugs, kisses and best wishes for the new year. In 1828, the American minister to Mexico, Joel R. Poinsett, brought a red-and-green plant from Mexico to America. Children race to gather as much of the loot as they can. In Mexico, papier-mâché sculptures called piñatas are filled with candy and coins and hung from the ceiling. The Norse believed that the sun was a great wheel of fire that rolled towards and then away from the earth. However, Christmas is still important. Christmas traditions include a variety of customs, religious practices, rituals, and folklore associated with the celebration of Christmas.Many of these traditions vary by country or region, while others are universal and practiced in a virtually ubiquitous manner across the world.. Pagan Lithuanians used to celebrate the Winter solstice around the Christmas … Ever wonder why the family fireplace is such a central part of the typical Christmas scene? "use strict";(function(){var insertion=document.getElementById("citation-access-date");var date=new Date().toLocaleDateString(undefined,{month:"long",day:"numeric",year:"numeric"});insertion.parentElement.replaceChild(document.createTextNode(date),insertion)})(); FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. Christmas in Italy is a very special time.Much of Italy is Catholic and the Vatican is in Rome, so the opportunities to experience age-old traditions will enrich your December trip to Italy.. La Festa di San Silvestro, New Year's Eve, is celebrated all over Italy with a special traditional dinner, fireworks, music and dancing, and prosecco, Italian sparkling wine. Let's take a look at different Christmas and Hanukkah food traditions around the world. Because of the COVID-19/Coronavirus Pandemic, many of the ways that Christmas is celebrated around the world might be different this year. In Finland today, one girl is chosen to serve as the national Lucia and she is honored in a parade in which she is surrounded by torchbearers. Some date back to 16th-century Germany or even ancient ...read more, Long before there was a Grinch who stole Christmas, there was Krampus, the devilish half-man, half-goat that helps out jolly St. Nicholas by stuffing naughty Austrian children in sacks and dragging them to hell. Here are the seven things about Spanish Navidad that you need to know.. 7 Unique Spanish Christmas Traditions Others say she may have plucked her own eyes out to protest the poor treatment of Christians. Furthermore, most of the traditions and festivals still celebrated today are religious. The Christmas is celebrated in South Korea every year same as celebrated in Western countries. “Real Estate.”), Christmas in America has been filled with traditions, old and new. Many customs and traditions are practiced today to celebrate the Christmas season. © Copyright 2000 - 2021 James Cooper | About the site | Cookies & Privacy | Site Map | Other Links | Support | Website logistics by LetterBlock | Proud Affiliate of the Merry Network, whychristmas?com answers your Christmas questions! To have good health throughout the next year, eat an apple on Christmas Eve. ς (Saint Basil/Saint Vasilis) on the 1st January as that is St Basil's Day. Greece is no exception and seems to have more than its fair share of Christmas and New Year celebrations, Greek Father Christmas is not Saint Nicholas, but Saint Basil (or Vasilis), being Greek and true to form, he arrives late, a week late; on New Year’s Eve. Christmas is celebrated on December 25 and is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. Any shooting or fishing done on St. Lucia Day was done by torchlight, and people brightly illuminated their homes. Learn Christmas traditions, Hanukkah traditions, New Years traditions… If someone was found standing under the mistletoe, they would be kissed by someone else in the room, behavior not usually demonstrated in Victorian society. Giorgio Cosulich/Getty Images. Unfortunately, most of her story has been lost over the years. Whatever the region or the ritual, you will surely love these Christmas tradition around the world.Here is the list of top 4 Christmas celebration in different countries that will surely inspire to celebrate the fest in your own way. Spending Christmas in Greece . ... traditions. Lucia lived in Syracuse during the fourth century when persecution of Christians was common. Christmas celebrations in Greece officially last for 14 days, starting on Christmas Eve and ending on Epiphany (6 January) with the ‘Great Blessing of Water’. In these countries, the holiday is considered the beginning of the Christmas season and, as such, is sometimes referred to as “little Yule.” Traditionally, the oldest daughter in each family rises early and wakes each of her family members, dressed in a long, white gown with a red sash, and wearing a crown made of twigs with nine lighted candles. In 1870, New York stores began to sell them at Christmas. Another went into a window and into a pair of stockings left hanging by the fire to dry. In the United States and England, children hang stockings on their bedpost or near a fireplace on Christmas Eve, hoping that it will be filled with treats while they sleep. In some families, the father of the house cuts the Vasilopita and gives out the pieces. Yes, the true history of Christmas is as colorful ...read more, The War on Christmas begins around the same time each year, when stores start peddling plastic Christmas trees and giant Santa Claus inflatables. Ukrainians prepare a traditional twelve-course meal. Hans Trapp died, but he returns sometimes on Christmas, to go from door to door looking for young, tasty children. A Pudding known as Clootie dumpling is a traditional Christmas dessert in Scotland; children eat … Boats and caroling are two big holiday traditions in Greece. Christmas pudding, also known as “figgy pudding” or plum pudding, is an English dish dating back to the Middle Ages. During holidays in the Victorian era, the English would hang sprigs of mistletoe from ceilings and in doorways. Holiday Traditions around the world. Sometimes they will also carry model boats decorated with nuts which are painted gold. The traditional Christmas celebration is a combination of Christian and pagan customs. Spain is a country full of Christmas traditions, and some of them may surprise you. Light is a main theme of St. Lucia Day as her name, which is derived from the Latin word lux, means light. Christmas traditions around the world are diverse, but share key traits that often involve themes of light, evergreens and hope. Trafalgar will take you to the heart of Greece’s culinary traditions, each mouthful and mealtime an utter treat. After 1750, Christmas trees began showing up in other parts of Germany, and even more so after 1771, when Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited Strasbourg and promptly included a Christmas tree is his novel, The Suffering of Young Werther. Kate Garraway reveals new Christmas traditions as she wins Inspiration of the Year Award The star has opened up about how she is spending the season with her two kids December 17, 2020 - … There are many events throughout the country where young men dive into really cold lakes, rivers and the sea to try to be first to get a cross which has been blessed by a priest and thrown into the water. All Rights Reserved. Think of your holiday traditions. If you will be traveling to Greece at Christmas, it's good to remember that many offices, businesses, restaurants, and other amenities may be closed or keeping unusual hours during the holiday season. Christmas around the world is celebrated with such fascinating, distinct traditions! From December Fools’ Day to a pooping log and an intense national lottery, Spanish Christmas has more unique customs than you’d think! In Greece, many people believe in kallikantzeri, goblins that appear to cause mischief during the 12 days of Christmas. Christmas all over the world: Christmas is generally celebrated on Christmas Day, the 25th of December. Norway is the birthplace of the Yule log. The country Christmas traditions are the historical celebrations. Decorating evergreen trees had always been a part of the German winter solstice tradition. According to one common legend, Lucia lost her eyes while being tortured by a Diocletian for her Christian beliefs. In Greece, some people burn their old shoes during the Christmas season to prevent misfortunes in the coming year. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Gifts are usually exchanged on January 1, St. Basil’s Day. Reward carolers like the Greek do. On New Year's Eve many families will have a big meal and play games. While Americans celebrate Christmas a certain way, this holiday looks really, really different around the world. Traditionally, the first slice is for Jesus, the second it is for Mary, the third is for the poor people and the fourth is for the household. There is also a special St Basil's Day cake called 'Vasilopita' (vasi-LO-pita). It was said to have the ability to heal wounds and increase fertility. Information in this section describes how Christmas is celebrated in a normal year. Christmas traditions around the world are diverse, but share key traits that often involve themes of light, evergreens and hope. Native Americans had already been harvesting them for at least 3,000 years. On Christmas Eve, children go out to sing carols in the street. In return for their performance, the musicians hoped to receive a hot meal or money. Caroling also began in England. Most of the traditions come from the US and there are a few that have been missed with the years, as the Adventus time that is usually very important in Christmas celebrations in Germany. The night would end when everyone threw their torches onto a large pile of straw, creating a huge bonfire. When the first English settlers arrived at Plymouth Rock, oysters were a reliable and tasty source of nutrition. Santa Claus, reindeer and jingle bells are great, but they’re hardly the be all, end all of Christmas celebrations for many Latinos. From carp in the bathtub, popping crackers at the dinner table, to piñatas and pig roasts: learn how each country celebrates this important Christian holiday. Then the rest of the slices go to the members of the family/household depending on their age, with the oldest person first. If you would like to submit a country historical celebration please submit your entry here. In France, Christmas is called Noel. Celebrations throughout Christendom have a tradition of starting on the evening of December 24 due in large part to the liturgical day starting at sunset the previous day, a practice inherited from the Jewish tradition of marking the sabbath. Probably the most celebrated holiday in the world, our modern Christmas is a product of hundreds of years of both secular and religious traditions from around the globe, many of them centered on the winter solstice. For the day, she is called “Lussi” or “Lussibruden” (Lucy bride). Traditional Christmas day celebrations include family gatherings, exchanging gifts and either a hot meal with ham, turkey, pork or seafood or barbeques. Here we are sharing a list of different places that have their own way to celebrate Christmas. From an array of antipasto dips like taramasalata and tzatziki, to heavier main courses of grilled meats and fresh fish, Greek cuisine is internationally recognised for its deliciousness. During the warm and sunny Australian Christmas season, beach time and outdoor barbecues are common. This comes from the French phrase les bonnes nouvelles, which means “the good news” and refers to the gospel. As its coloring seemed perfect for the new holiday, the plants, which were called poinsettias after Poinsett, began appearing in greenhouses as early as 1830. At about the same time, similar cards were being made by R.H. Pease, the first American card maker, in Albany, New York, and Louis Prang, a German who immigrated to America in 1850. St. Francis of Assisi created the first living nativity in 1224 to help explain the birth of Jesus to his followers. It's also known as 'The Blessing of the Waters'. sexuality. From classics that are associated with the holidays in every corner of Greece to regional favorites, the tastes of the holidays are fabulous! It was certainly the norm in ancient Greece for a man to find both sexes attractive. Christmas carolers in Greece go from house to house spreading music and Christmas cheer (often with small instruments like a … Christmas is a religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus as well as a cultural and commercial event. The Greeks believe that this will bring luck to the household the whole year. Newly efficient post offices in England and the United States made the cards nearly overnight sensations. Adults in the family give money and gifts to the children wishing them a happy new year. In the far north of the country, Indigenous Inuits celebrate a winter festival called Sinck Tuck, which features parties with dancing and the exchanging of gifts. Christmas traditions in Lithuania are very similar to some other countries, especially the Baltic nations and Poland. Christmas Fried Chicken (Japan) In Japan, the Christmas season is the most wonderful time of the year for Kentucky Fried Chicken, or KFC, a fast food chain. The tradition of decorating Christmas trees comes from Germany. One went down the chimney and landed in a pair of shoes that had been left on the hearth. People in Greece also celebrate Epiphany on the 6th January. The family then eats breakfast in a room lighted with candles. It is customary to visit the gravesites of departed family members. A popular tradition is small village children travelling from house to house on Christmas Eve singing 'kalanda', the equivalent of Christmas carols and offering their good wishes. Did you know? Depending on which media talking head is speaking, the war is either a subversive effort by left-wing liberals to erase all traces of ...read more, Today in the United States, leaving out a plate of cookies (Oreos and classic chocolate chip are popular choices) and a glass of milk for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve is a well-established tradition among children. At night, men, women and children would carry torches in a parade. It is the observance of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the beginning of winter. Sex. The Kallikantzari (Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Turkey) However, as soon as December arrives, festivities begin: homes are decorated, and the smell of Christmas treats is in the air. Christmas cards can be traced back to England. Nog comes from the word grog, which refers to any drink made with rum. In many places in Greece, Easter is celebrated more than Christmas. Christmas is an observance of faith in Greece and all over the country tables will be set with foods that have become tradition, passed from generation to generation. Many Finns visit the sauna on Christmas Eve. They probably include stringing lights on an evergreen, rushing to the mall throughout the season to find the perfect gift and eating more Christmas cookies than you could ever imagine. Epiphany festivals also include blessings of boats & ships, music, dancing and lots of food. The cake has a coin cooked inside it. © 2021 A&E Television Networks, LLC. There are either of a religious character or coming from paganism. A manger scene is the primary decoration in most southern European, Central American and South American nations. Whoever finds the coin in their slice is thought to be lucky for the year. Christmas Celebration In Different Countries. Those who die then go straight to Heaven (an Irish beleif). Today, he is thought of mainly as the jolly man in red who brings toys to good girls and boys on Christmas Eve, but his story stretches all the way back to the 3rd ...read more, From its Puritan roots to complaints of rampant commercialism (“What is it you want?” Charlie Brown asks Lucy in A Charlie Brown Christmas. The celebration of St. Lucia Day began in Sweden, but had spread to Denmark and Finland by the mid-19th century. 6. - www.whychristmas.com, Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages. “Yule” came from the Norse word hweol, meaning wheel. This is a tradition that says a child that is thought to be 'lucky' or the first-born of a family or sometimes the man of the house must be the first person to enter a house that year - and they must do it with their right foot. During the holidays are fabulous of light, evergreens and hope Christians was common most southern European, central and! 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