We all know of the typical and usual Christmas practices of hanging stockings by the fireplace and leaving presents under the Christmas tree but ever wonder what some quirky and interesting traditions other parts of the world take part in? Well, here are some fascinating takes on the holiday season from around the world!
Krampus in Austria
While it is common to see Santa in the streets during Christmas spreading the joy of the festive season by gifting presents to the good behaved children, how about seeing Krampus, the evil accomplice who punishes the bad kids running about with chains and bells? Frightening! Krampus comes from Central European folklore is a horned half-goat and half-demon, known to have pre-Christian origins. They traditionally appear during Christmas Eve and in Austria, these dressed up “Krampus” characters go about in the streets with bells tied to their costumes carrying long sticks and big sacks to carry bad children away with them! These days, there are formal processions which are handled orderly to keep the tradition alive and to make sure disputes are at bay.
The Yule Lads in Iceland
Descending from the mountains in Iceland, find The Yule Lads, 13 troll beings who wreck havoc and mischief as Christmas comes along! From the 12th of December, these beings come into Icelandic homes and leave items for kids depending if they are naughty or nice. For the good kids, they can expect to find joyous gifts and for the misbehaving ones, all they get is a potato. Each of these trolls also have their own names like Stufur (Stubby), Bjugnakraekir (Sausage Swiper), Kertasnikir (Candle Beggar) and more! They each come on their own dates and if there is a specific one you’d like to find, take note of the dates they descend. They can be spotted around Reykjavik in December where you can take part in a little game to find them all!
Hiding Brooms in Norway
An interesting practice in Norway that is more superstitious than you would think, is hiding brooms away as Christmas approaches! Believing that wicked spirits and witches would come to fly on brooms, this practice was inspired by many old traditions namely from ancient pagan practices. While they do the typical traditions of gift-giving and eating traditional food like rice pudding, hiding brooms are also at the forefront of the minds of many Norwegians during the holidays!
Roller Skating to Mass in Venezuela
An interesting practice that is so popular that the government even closes the street in Venezuela is roller skating for Christmas mass! From December 16 to 24, special holiday masses are held and the crowds indulge in skating in the streets. Legend also has it that children tie strings to their toes and dangle them out the windows and as people skate outside, they tug on the strings to wake the children and let them know that the day is starting. After mass, like all celebrations, people head out into the streets to make merry, sing, dance and enjoy scrumptious feasts!
KFC in Japan
Families in Japan enjoy their Kentucky Fried Chicken around the table for Christmas. This beloved tradition started back in 1974 thanks to the success of a marketing campaign called “kurismasu ni wa kentakki” or “Kentucky for Christmas” and until today continues to be a Christmas must-do. This practice is so popular, you can find insanely long lines for the chicken and people ordering their chickens months in advance!
Svyatki or Christmastide in Russia
For two weeks after Christmas (the Orthodox Christmas Eve on the 7th of January) until January 19, the Russians celebrate svyatki or Christmastide where pagan traditions continue to be practiced. While there is the normal feasting of Russian food and enjoying Russian Christmas music, they also indulge in other unorthodox fun like fortune telling, pranking and also diving into their freezing lakes and rivers! What a way to enjoy the holidays, huh?
Eating Fish and Throwing Shoes Over the Shoulder in Czech Republic
In addition to an array of Christmas food served, you can also expect to see fried carp on the table at a Czech Christmas dinner! Traditionally, live fish are bought weeks in advance and kept in their bathtubs until it is time to feast. Today, many families will instead release the carp into a river during Christmas Eve. Another interesting practice in Czech Republic is also the superstition linked to romance! For young women who are looking for love, they throw a shoe over their shoulder and if the shoe lands pointing toward the door, it means love will soon come a-knocking. In fact, many believe that a marriage proposal might even come in the coming year, if you are lucky!
Santa on a Surfboard in Australia
Since Christmas for the Australian comes in the Summer, many families living Down Under celebrate the holiday with barbecue and grill before heading out to the beach for some fun in the sun! Here, Santa is more commonly known as Father Christmas and unlike the usual Santa we know who slides down the snow in his iconic sleigh, in Australia, Father Christmas arrives in style on a surfboard. Sometimes, you might even find him on jet skis or with snorkels and fins! Very on brand if you ask me.
