Holiday Traditions

Traditions from around the world

Throughout the holiday season, countries around the world celebrate in many different ways. Oftentimes people become so enthralled with their religion or celebrations that they often forget the importance of learning about other cultures. Globally, over 45 percent of people worldwide celebrate Christmas in some form. Some of these traditions include Thirteen Yule Lads, Krampus Night, Las Posadas.

Iceland- 

In the 13 days leading up to Christmas, an assortment of troll-like creatures visit local children. Every night a different troll visits to reward or punish the children by leaving an item in their shoe. Whether the child is good or bad determines their item. Children who are good get a present while the bad ones get rotten potatoes. 

Germany- 

In Southern Bavaria, St. Nicholas night is celebrated a little differently than the rest of the world. During St. Nicholas night, also known as Krampus night, men dress up in demonic masks and costumes and travel door to door. While traveling, the “demonic” men bang on doors hoping to be invited in by parents and scare their children into being good during the holiday season. 

Mexico- 

One of the most famous Mexican traditions during the holidays is Las Posadas (The Inns). Las Posadas is a religious festival from December 16 – 24  celebrated primarily in Mexico and parts of Guatemala. The festival follows the journey of Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem. From December 16 – 24, a child dressed as an angel leads a procession through the streets of Mexico. The procession includes children dressed in silver and gold carrying candles and photos of Joseph and Mary riding a donkey. 

Christmas Alternatives

In the United States it is often said that Christmas has become too materialistic and less of a religious celebration. With the use of social media, many influencers post what is on their Christmas list and less about the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Because Christmas is celebrated by billions of people worldwide, many religious celebrations are often overshadowed. Some of the most famous celebrations include Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Three Kings Day. 

Hanukkah- 

Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration that spans over eight days in December and commemorates the rededication of the second temple of Jerusalem. While many Jewish families celebrate Hanukkah, there are some who don’t. The main observation takes place with the lighting of the menorah, reading of Scripture, and singing a special hymn. Out of all of the Jewish holidays Hanukkah remains the most widely celebrated and most popular of them all. 

Kwanzaa- 

Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration held in the United States meant to celebrate African heritage as well as African-American culture. The holiday was first created by an Africana studies professor Dr. Karenga in 1966 in response to the Watts Riots. Dr. Karenga combined a number of harvest celebrations from throughout Africa. Each day throughout the week a candle is lit on a Kinara in observance of the Kwanzaa principles. On the final day of Kwanzaa, African families hold a Karamu feast.

Three Kings Day-

Celebrated primarily in Spain and Latin America, Three Kings Day celebrates the story of the three wise men who visit baby Jesus after his birth. Similar to the Icelandic traditions, children will leave their shoes by the door to their home in hopes of receiving presents. The holiday is celebrated on the final day of the holiday season, (January 6) in order to pay tribute to the three wise men.

No matter the cultural beliefs and celebrations, the holidays always bring more smiles and joy to all around the world.

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