On the 6th Day of Patmas, I give to you…6 Christmas Customs from Around the World!
Yup, we’re
back! For the third year running, the 6th
Day of Patmas will continue our education of unique Christmas practices from
around the world. In 2010, we debuted
this item with a brief discussion of Christmas in China, Germany, Italy,
Russia, Mexico, and Serbia, Bosnia, and Montenegro. In 2011, we were back with Christmas customs
from Brazil, Holland, Greece, Iraq, Czechoslovakia, and the British Isles!
To be
honest, this has always been my favorite post to research! Christmas is celebrated all over the world,
but no two countries celebrate it exactly the same way! Always interesting to see how other places
celebrate this great holiday. For the
first time ever this year, our first exotic locale is not a foreign country at
all…
Hawaii
Hawaii is a
melting pot of the Pacific. Thus, many
of the Hawaiian Traditions consist of a mix of Hawaiian, Mainland, Japanese and
Chinese customs.
The
traditions on Christmas day are similar to other places; a large meal is eaten
and then, as the beach is often nearby in Hawaii, surfing or swimming often
takes place in the waters, and musical groups with guitars and ukuleles and
dancing hula entertain the crowds on the beach.
One unique Hawaiian tradition is the Christmas luau. The Christmas luau features the Kalua pig as
its main course but might also include other foods such as poi, poke, lomi
salmon, opihi and haupia.
Santa hats
are worn and the traditional Santa's sleigh and reindeer are replaced by an
outrigger canoe pulled by dolphins. The
different cultures and ethnic groups that have settled in the islands celebrate
the Christmas traditions of Hawaii in their own unique ways, which may be
religious or plainly secular. Even Santa
Claus himself is not wearing his corporate red and white suit, but has swapped
it for flowery Hawaiian clothes.
A fun blend
of traditional Christmas customs with a glorious Hawaiian twist! Some other fun tidbits about Christmas in
Hawaii:
How do you
say Merry Christmas in Hawaiian? “Mele Kalikimaka!”
What is the
name for Santa Claus? Kanakaloka
The popular
Poinsettia plant grows in Hawaii, and is very prominent in wreaths and other
decorations in Hawaii.
So, if
you’re looking for a bright and sunny Christmas, complete with Kalua pork,
surfing, and Santa in flowery shirts and arriving by dolphins, Hawaii might be
the place for you at Christmastime! I
know it sounds wonderful for me!
Japan
The
Christmas traditions of Japan are Christian traditions without its religious
matrix as practiced in a country where only one per cent of its population is
Christians. Nevertheless, the Japanese
as a whole celebrate Xmas with curious vigor that can rival those of believers.
In Japan, you will find all the
universal symbols representing Xmas filling not only the homes but even the
communities. The Japanese industry
provided the Christian nations with supplies of Holiday decorations, toys and
trinkets. The Japanese community later
absorbed these practices.
The
decorations of the Christmas traditions of Japan include all the elements. The Nativity scene is given a corner in every
house. They also have turkey for
Christmas dinner, Christmas trees, evergreens and mistletoe in their stores and
homes and even Hoeiosho, the Japanese equivalent of Santa Claus, who is a
Buddhist monk who bears gifts for the children. The family members exchange gifts and send
cards with the true heart of giving. It
is still undeniable that Christmas traditions of Japan are a time to spread
happiness and romance. In this sense,
the celebration is able to fulfill part of its purpose, even if the cynic and
the traditionalist or conservative would say that it is due to commercialism.
What may be
considered as the unique Christmas traditions of Japan are Christmas Cakes,
Fried Chicken, and Daiku. The cake
usually is a decorated sponge cake with miniature figures of trees, flowers,
and Santa Claus. Fried chicken has
become the traditional meal while the Daiku, which is the Ninth Symphony of
Beethoven, the favorite music of the season.
Meanwhile,
the only cultural or public celebration of the season and the most important in
the year is the New Year’s Day. The
houses are cleaned and decorated and the family goes around the house to drive
evil spirits out and draw in good luck in a manner probably influenced by the
Chinese. This day seems to be the truly
Christmas traditions of Japan.
Spain
In Spain,
the Christmas holiday season is full of the usual Christmas festivities, but
there is one tradition, not at all common elsewhere. Named "Hogueras" (bonfires), this
tradition originated long before Christmas itself. It is the observance of the winter solstice,
the shortest day of the year and the beginning of winter. It is characterized by people jumping over
fires as a symbolic protection against illness. This fire-jumping can be seen primarily in
Granada and Jaen.
The more
common traditions include incredibly elaborate "Nacimiento" (nativity
scenes), Christmas trees, and remarkable Christmas markets scattered among
villages and cities with piles of fruits, flowers, marzipan and other sweets,
candles, decorations and hand-made Christmas gifts. Often, as the Christmas Eve stars appear in
the heavens, tiny oil lamps are lighted, warming village windows. The crowds at the Christmas market thin as
shoppers return to prepare for the coming meal. The Christmas Eve gaiety is interrupted at
midnight be the ringing of bells calling the families to "La Misa Del
Gallo" (The Mass of the Rooster). The
most beautiful of these candlelight services is held at the monastery of
Montserrat, high in the mountain near Barcelona, which is highlighted by a
boy's choir describes as performing the Mass in "one pure voice."
Christmas
dinner is never eaten until after midnight. It is a family feast, and often highlighted
with "Pavo Trufado de Navidad" (Christmas turkey with truffles;
truffles are a mushroom-like delicacy found underground). After the meal, family members gather around
the Christmas tree and sing Christmas carols and hymns of Christendom. The rejoicing continues through the wee hours
of the morning. Christmas Day is spent
at church, at feasts and in more merry-making. A custom peculiar to Spain is that of
"swinging." Swings are set up
throughout the courtyards and young people swing to the accompaniment of songs
and laughter.
The three
Wise men are seen everywhere in Spain at Christmas, visiting hospitals,
orphanages, etc. The men who dress up in
various "Wise men" garments are from all walks of life. The legend tells of the three Wise men
traveling through the country on their way to Bethlehem. It is not Santa who comes to Spain bearing
gifts at Christmastime, but the Three Wise Men.
To properly receive them, the children fill their shoes with straw on
Epiphany Eve. For their efforts, they
find their shoes filled with presents the following (Epiphany) morning. On January 6th, Epiphany is heralded with
parades in various cities where candy and cakes are distributed to throngs of
children.
France
The
celebration of Christmas in France varies by region. Most provinces celebrate Christmas on the 25th
of December, which is a bank holiday. However,
in eastern and northern France, the Christmas season begins on December 6th, la
fête de Saint Nicolas, and in some provinces la fête des Rois is one the most
important holidays of the Christmas season. In Lyon, December 8th is la Fête de lumières,
when Lyonnais pay hommage to the virgin Mary by putting candles in their
windows to light up the city.
French Christmas Traditions
On Christmas
Eve, children leave their shoes by the fireplace to be filled with gifts from
Pere Noel. In the morning they also find that sweets, fruit, nuts and small
toys have been hung on the tree.
In cathedral
squares, the story of Christ's birth is re-enacted by both players and puppets.
Nearly every
French home at Christmastime displays a Nativity scene or crèche, which serves
as the focus for the Christmas celebration. The crèche is often peopled with
little clay figures called santons or "little saints." In addition to
the usual Holy Family, shepherds, and Magi, the craftsmen also produce figures
in the form of local dignitaries and characters. The craftsmanship involved in
creating the gaily colored santons is quite astounding and the molds have been
passed from generation to generation since the seventeenth century. Throughout
December the figures are sold at annual Christmas fairs in Marseille and Aix.
The
Christmas tree has never been particularly popular in France, and though the
use of the Yule log has faded, the French make a traditional Yule log-shaped
cake called the buche de Nol, which means "Christmas Log." The cake,
among other food in great abundance is served at the grand feast of the season,
which is called le reveillon. Le reveillon is a very late supper held after
midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The menu for the meal varies according to
regional culinary tradition. In Alsace, goose is the main course, in Burgundy
it is turkey with chestnuts, and the Parisians feast upon oysters and pat de foie
gras. Le Revellion may consist of poultry, ham, salads, cake, fruit and wine.
In Southern
France, a log is burned in people's homes from Christmas Eve until New Years
Day. A long time ago, part of the log was used to make the wedge for the plough
as good luck for the coming harvest.
Le Réveillon
Although
fewer and fewer French attend la Messe de Minuit on Christmas Eve, it is still
an important part of Christmas for many families. It is followed by a huge feast, called le
Réveillon (from the verb réveiller, to wake up or to revive). Le Réveillon is a symbolic awakening to the
meaning of Christ's birth and is the culinary high point of the season, which
may be enjoyed at home or in a restaurant or café that is open all night. Each region in France has its own traditional
Christmas menu, with dishes like goose, chicken, capon, turkey stuffed with
chestnuts, oysters, and boudin blanc (similar to white pudding).
Egypt
Because of
the time the Holy Family spent in Egypt with the infant Jesus, Christmas is a
very special celebration in Egypt. In
Egypt, Copts, who are Egypt's traditional Christians, have their own Pope who
is the head of the Coptic churches of Egypt and the Sudan. Copts consider St. Mark to be their first
Pope. He introduced Christianity to
Egypt, and for hundreds of years, Alexandria was the home of the Pope. Today his cathedral is in Cairo, where
services are usually held in the ancient Coptic language.
Egyptian
Orthodox Christians (or Coptic Christians) celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ
on January 7th, a date equivalent to the 29th day of the Coptic month of
"kiohk, or Khiahk", though this date in relation to the western
calendar advances over long periods of time. All Coptic feasts come after a period of
fasting. A Coptic fast does not mean
going completely without food for a part of the day. They may eat normally, but the type of food
that is consumed is limited to non-animal products. Therefore, meat, fish, eggs and milk are
forbidden. The fast leading up to
Christmas is called "lent fasting", and traditionally lasts for 43
days, celebrating the forty days of fast Moses endured while receiving the Ten
Commandments and the three days of fast associated with the miracle of moving
the mountain of El Mokattam, a purely Egyptian event.
This fast
lasts from November 25th until January 6th (Advent), though the majority of
people only fast for the last week when, after the mass of the New Year,
Christmas celebrations begin in earnest. This is, of course, a time of great
celebration, particularly during the last 30 days which make up the Coptic
month of Khiahk, when special holiday season choirs present concerts of
Christmas carols with a mixed program of international and Coptic music. Much of the Christmas celebration actually
begins in the last week leading up to Christmas. This is when much of the cooking takes place,
and like in the west, homes are decorated with lights and Christmas trees.
Nowadays,
the Coptic Nativity is celebrated by a special midnight service in the church,
followed by the ringing of the church's bells. Some Coptic Christians travel to various
churches that are traditionally considered to be situated on the route of the
Holy Family as they traveled through Egypt, but the largest service is held by
the Coptic Pope in Saint Mark's cathedral in Cairo. This service, usually conducted by the Pope at
the 11:00 PM service, is even broadcast on Egyptian TV. However, some services may last from about
9:00 PM until as late as 4:00 AM. Most
of the churches are decorated with colored lamps, mangers and angels. Most of the faithful attend church in their
newest clothes, and it is a very wonderful experience.
Christmas in
Egypt is not limited to the Copts. Certainly
there are, though limited, a number of other Christian sects in Egypt, some of
whom celebrate Christmas on the same day as in the west. However, westerners themselves have a long
tradition of spending Christmas in Egypt, and more than a few hotels and other
facilities cater to western style Christmas affairs. This all started back in the grand old days
of Egyptian travel during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when many
wealthy Europeans would winter in Egypt. Then, wonderful establishments such as the
Mena House would "dress" for Christmas, when the whole ground floor
was turned into a winter scene with artificial snow and frosted trees and
plants. Log fires would burn merrily in
the many fireplaces, while elegantly dressed women, their escorts in full
evening dress or splendid uniforms, would continue to arrive until late in the
evening.
Today, many
Muslims in Egypt even get into the Christmas spirit. Though they may not celebrate Christmas as
directly, it is not unusual for Muslims to participate in some of the
celebrations, just as Christians in Egypt sometimes celebrate Muslim holidays. This is really one of the more interesting
aspects of Egyptian life, where there is often a surprising amount of
interfaith coexistence.
Iceland
Christmas
is
often known as 'Yule' or 'Jól' in Iceland. This comes from the ancient
winter solstice celebrations
that were taken over by the early Christians. Yule also includes the
New Year celebrations. It is traditional in Iceland that everybody
has a new piece of clothing for Yule and also often a book. Children
also
traditionally receive a candle and sometimes a pack of cards.
There are
lots of customs and traditions about Yule in Iceland. The Yule season consists
of the following days:
Þorláksmessa
- St. Thorlakur's Day - December 23rd
Iceland's
major Saint is 'heilagur Þorlákur Þórhallsson', or 'St. Thorlakur
Thorhallsson', the Bishop of Skálholt. December 23rd, is the day on which he
died. On St. Thorlakur's Day, the main custom is eating of a simple meal of
skata or skate. The Yule (or Christmas) tree is usually decorated on this day.
This is also a big shopping day for last minute gifts, with stores remaining
open until midnight.
Aðfangadagur
- Christmas Eve / Yule Eve
Celebrations
start at Iceland at 6.00pm on Yule Eve. This may have come from old Icelandic
tradition, when a new day started at 6.00pm not midnight. Icelandic children
open their presents after the evening meal on Aðfangadagur. TV stops at about
5.00pm and restarts at 10.00pm! This is when the meal is eaten. This is when
the Yule celebrations really start!
Jóladagur -
Christmas Day / Yule Day
Jóladagur is
usually celebrated with the extended family. The main Yule meal is 'Hangikjöt',
a leg of roast lamb. Sometimes 'Rjúpa' (Rock Ptarmigan a sea bird) is also
eaten. Another Yule meal speciality is 'Laufabrauð' or leaf bread. This is made
of thin sheets of dough cut into delicate patterns and fried. Each family often
has their own patterns for the Laufabrauð.
Annar
Jóladagur - Boxing Day
This is
another day for visiting friends and family and eating lots more! Public
entertainment is considered inappropriate on Yule Eve and Yule Day, and it is
on Boxing Day that dancing is again allowed in public!
Gamlárskvöld
/ Nýársdagur - New Year's Eve / New Year's Day
This is one
of the most important nights of the year in Iceland and there are several
magical traditions that are supposed to happen on it! Cows are meant to be able
to talk, seals take on human form, the dead rise from their graves, and the
Elves move house.
Bonfires
have been lit on Gamlárskvöld since the late 1700's century. People also have
big fireworks displays to bring in the New Year. This is called 'sprengja út
árið' or 'blowing out the year'.
Þrettándinn
- Twelfth Night - January 6th
This is the
last day of Yule, celebrated with bonfires and Elfin dances. Many of the magical
traditions associated with New Year's Eve are also supposed to happen at
Þrettándinn.
One other
big Yule custom is the coming of the 'Jólasveinarnir' or Yuletide Lads. These
are magical people who come from the mountains in Iceland and each day from
December 12th to Yule Eve a different Jólasveinn (Yuletide lad) comes.
Here are
thirteen of the most common names of the Jólasveinar:
Stekkjarstaur
- Gimpy
Giljagaur -
Gully Imp
Stúfur -
Itty Bitty
Þvörusleikir
- Pot Scraper Licker
Pottasleikir
- Pot Licker
Askasleikir
- Bowl Licker
Hurðaskellir
- Door Slammer
Skyrgámur -
Skyr Gobbler (Skyr, an Icelandic yoghurt)
Bjúgnakrækir
- Sausage Snatcher
Gluggagægir
- Window Peeper
GáttaÞefur -
Doorway Sniffer
Ketkrókur -
Meat Hooker
Kertasníkir
- Candle Beggar
The Jólasveinar
are thought of as playful imps or elves who like lots to eat and playing little
tricks on people. They leave little
presents for children in shoes placed on the windowsill. If children have been naughty, they might
leave a potato or little message telling them to be good. They start going home on Christmas Day, with
the last one leaving on Þrettándinn.
The other
two main characters for Iceland’s Yule season are Jólasveinn, the Yule Man, and
Grýla, the mother of the Yule Lads. The Yule
Man is basically Santa Claus. He travels
by reindeer and brings presents for the children. He is assisted with his Yuletide chores by
elves known as julenisser (or simply nisser), who are traditionally believed to
live in attics, barns or similar places.
Grýla, as
described in Icelandic mythology, is a horrifying monster and a giantess living
in the mountains of Iceland. She is said
to come from the mountains at Christmas in search of naughty children. She is said to be living with her in a cave
in the Dimmuborgir lava fields, with a big black Yule Cat and their sons. As Christmas approaches, Grýla sets off
looking for naughty boys and girls.
So, hopefully now you are all a little wiser as to the Christmas customs of other cultures. There's some really interesting things out there! No two countries seem to ever have the exact same traditions! Its fascinating! Especially Iceland...I found that and definitely wanted to add it in here for you guys.
That's all for the 6th Day of Patmas! Come back tomorrow for some goofy, and slightly profane, Christmas fun!
No comments:
Post a Comment