Colors of Life: Unique Christmas Customs

Despite their differences in form, Christmas traditions around the world share a common thread: they unite communities, pass down memories, and sustain the magic of the holiday season through generations.

Like all festivals around the world , Christmas is adorned by different countries with unique and colorful customs, reflecting the distinct cultural identity of each region.

As the final moments of the year draw to a close, people everywhere prepare to preserve traditions that have existed for generations – from unique dishes to deeply rooted local rituals, all contributing to the vibrancy of the holiday season.

According to the VNA correspondent in Jakarta, the Tempo newspaper has listed many interesting Christmas customs, showing the incredible diversity of this festive season around the world.

Japan is known for a unique tradition: Christmas dinner with KFC fried chicken. Originating in 1970 when Takeshi Okawara – the first manager of KFC Japan – came up with the bold idea, this custom quickly spread and became a national trend.

In a context where Japan doesn't have many long-standing Christmas traditions, the modern and accessible fried chicken feast has won over millions of families, to the point where customers have to make reservations days in advance.

In Catalonia (Spain), Tió de Nadal – a log that “eats” and “gives gifts” – brings a playful touch to Christmas. Before Christmas Eve, children feed the log small portions of food and keep it warm with blankets. On Christmas morning, they sing cheerful nursery rhymes and gently tap the log with sticks to make it “release” candy and treats.

Christmas in Caracas, Venezuela, is filled with the sounds of roller skates. During the Las Patinatas Navideñas festival, which runs from December 16th to 24th, the streets transform into giant skating rinks as families roller skate together, sing carols, and share food before attending morning prayers.

In Italy, La Befana – the kind witch who rides a broom – appears on the night of January 5th to put candy in children's stockings. According to legend, having missed the journey with the Wise Men to meet the Baby Jesus, she spent her life wandering from house to house, bringing joy to every family.

In South Africa, Christmas falls in the summer, so outdoor parties and lively picnics in the sun are a hallmark. The aroma of braai grills filled with roasted meats replaces the hot soups and familiar winter dishes of the Northern Hemisphere.

In Sweden, the 13-meter-tall Gävle Goat Christmas mascot in the city of Gävle has become a symbol that is both majestic and… prone to fire hazards.

Bearing the legacy of Norse mythology, this Yule goat is erected every Advent season, attracting crowds of locals and tourists who come to witness it and anxiously watch whether it will be burned down as in previous years.

The Philippines illuminates the holiday season with parols – traditional star-shaped paper lanterns made from bamboo and Japanese paper. When lit with candles or oil lamps, these parols create a shimmering atmosphere throughout the streets and rooftops, becoming a symbol of hope and faith.

In the Alps, Krampus – a half-human, half-beast creature with fearsome horns – appears on the night of December 5th. Krampus is both a source of fear and excitement for children: good children are rewarded with small gifts, while naughty ones are threatened with birch branches.

Despite its terrifying appearance, Krampus has become an integral part of parades and street festivals.

Iceland has a tradition of 13 Christmas nights featuring 13 Yule Lads – mischievous characters with peculiar habits such as sneaking spoons into their mouths or making creaking noises in doors.

Children would place their shoes on the windowsill, hoping to receive candy and small gifts; while naughty children would receive a rotten potato.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian "Christmas spider" explains the origin of tinsel decorations. The story tells of a poor widow who couldn't afford to decorate her Christmas tree, but the next morning, shimmering gold and silver spiderwebs appeared, transforming the tree into something magical. Since then, Ukrainians have hung these little spiders as a reminder of this heartwarming story.

Despite their differences in form, Christmas traditions around the world share a common thread: they unite communities, pass down memories, and sustain the magic of the holiday season through generations.

(VNA/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/sac-mau-cuoc-song-nhung-tap-tuc-giang-sinh-doc-nhat-vo-nhi-post1082885.vnp