Christmas Traditions Around the World

Feliz Navidad!

Milad Majid!

Kala Christouyenna!

Buone Natalizie!

Holiday greetings from around the world! Here in the U.S., those of the Christian faith are accustomed to celebrating the holidays with such things as Christmas trees, stockings and carolers, but this rich tradition differs when you travel outside the U.S. Much of it is based on the same philosophy, but the celebrations and icons can change. For instance, in Russia, the Communist government did not allow Christmas trees. To get around that, Christians erected “New Years” trees. Each global culture adds its own holiday touch to the celebration of Christmas, so dust off your passport and let’s take a trip around the globe to see just what other countries do to celebrate…

Poland
A traditional dinner (Wigilia) is served on Christmas Eve, but before the first bite is taken, all watch the night sky for the sighting of the first star, hoping to be the person who shouts out, “The star!” Upon the sighting, all exchange greetings and good wishes, and dinner is served! The table is decorated with fresh straw to symbolize the stable in Bethlehem, and a place is left vacant for the Christ child (or any guest who might stop by).

Austria
Did you know the song “Silent Night” originated in Austria? Yep. In a small Austrian village in 1818 mice damaged a church’s pipe organ not long before Christmas Eve service, silencing it. The Pastor grabbed his guitar a wrote a simple melody, to which a young mother added the lyrics, “Silent night, holy night. All is calm, all is bright.” This peaceful song is played in Austria only on Christmas Day, when it is repeated every hour.

Puerto Rico
As part of the holiday festivities, Puerto Ricans celebrate Day of the Innocents on December 28. This is much like our April Fools Day, when people try to fool each other. But it started as a much darker celebration, where people commemorated the children killed by Herod. In a grand carnival at the end of the day, the people celebrate the return of the kidnapped and ransomed first-born males.

Korea
A Christmas Pageant is performed on Christmas Eve by the youths. From midnight to 5 a.m. on Christmas morning, small groups are formed and the youngsters go caroling with appointed church members. If citizens hear carolers, tradition has it that they invite them in for hot drinks and snacks.

Italy
Italians never really adopted the Christmas tree as an official holiday icon until recently, instead they’ve centered their attention on the Nativity (crèche). These crèches can be simple with just a few figurines or very elaborate with artists adding their personal touches to the landscapes. Churches set up their finest crèches and people go from church to church, voting on their favorites.

Estonia
The holiday season is referred to as Yuletide here (St. Thomas’ Day; December 21-The Epiphany; January 6), a time when Estonians abstain from all but the most necessary work. The President officially declares “Christmas Peace” and families bring straw into their homes where children play. A symbolic trip to the sauna for cleansing is always an anticipated event.

These are just a few of the countries with their own Christmas traditions, each adding their local/regional flavor. From your friends at Vantage Credit Union, happy holidays to all! May the season find you and you family happy, safe and prosperous, no matter where you may be!