Christmas Around the World: A Festive Insight into Beliefs and Customs

Christmas, the festival of joy and happiness, is celebrated across the world with various customs and traditions. Every country has its unique way of commemorating this occasion which reflects the cultural diversity and rich traditions of different regions. In this article, we will explore the ways in which Christmas is celebrated in different cultures worldwide.

In Latin American countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, Christmas festivities usually start nine days before Christmas Day and continue until January 6th. This is known as ‘Las Posadas’, which means ‘inn’ or ‘lodging place’ in Spanish. During this period, people sing carols, perform skits recreating the journey of Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay in Bethlehem, and finally culminating in a grand feast on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Specialties: Mouth-Watering Delights From Across the Globe

In Eastern Europe, Christian Orthodox communities celebrate the holiday on January 7th instead of December 25th. According to their Julian calendar, Christmas falls in January. People in countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Greece have a unique way of celebrating Christmas by starting their celebrations with a forty-day fasting period before Christmas. The Feast of the Nativity is celebrated with a grand meal known as the Holy Supper consisting of twelve meatless dishes.

In Scandinavia, Christmas is celebrated with an array of customs and traditions. In Sweden, the highlight of the season is the Lucia procession, where a young girl dressed in white with a crown of lit candles leads the way. In Norway, the emphasis is on the Yule log, a large log that burns in the fireplace throughout the festive season. Danish people dance around the Christmas tree and sing carols, and in Finland, a popular tradition is the baking of gingerbread cookies and the drinking of glögi, a type of mulled wine.

In Asian countries like South Korea and Japan, Christmas is celebrated more as a secular holiday than a religious one. Christmas trees and lights adorn streets, homes, and shopping centers. In both countries, Christmas cake is a popular dessert, and to commemorate the occasion, couples exchange gifts and go on romantic dates.

In African countries like Ghana and Nigeria, Christmas is marked by church services, carol singing, and family gatherings. People exchange gifts, and the festive cuisine usually consists of rice dishes and stews.

In Australia and New Zealand, Christmas falls in the height of summer, which is why Christmas is usually celebrated outdoors. People often spend the day at the beach or have a barbeque in the park. In both countries, the tradition of hanging stockings and giving gifts is still prevalent.

In the United States, Christmas is a significant holiday celebrated with great pomp and grandeur. Customs like decorating the tree, hanging stockings, and exchanging gifts are prevalent. People attend church services, sing carols, and watch Christmas-themed movies. In some regions like the southern United States, people prepare a feast of roast turkey, ham, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

In conclusion, Christmas is celebrated worldwide with various customs and traditions, uniquely reflecting the cultural diversity of each region. From the feasts of Latin America to the gingerbread cookies of Finland, every culture has its way of commemorating this religious festival. It is a time to celebrate love, joy, and happiness with loved ones, to give and to receive, to show compassion and kindness, and to spread the message of peace and goodwill.