In France, Christmas is called Noel. Unfortunately, most of her story has been lost over the years. Yes, the true history of Christmas is as colorful ...read more, The War on Christmas begins around the same time each year, when stores start peddling plastic Christmas trees and giant Santa Claus inflatables. - www.whychristmas.com, Happy/Merry Christmas in lots more languages. A manger scene is the primary decoration in most southern European, Central American and South American nations. sexuality. Spending Christmas in Greece . © Copyright 2000 - 2021 James Cooper | About the site | Cookies & Privacy | Site Map | Other Links | Support | Website logistics by LetterBlock | Proud Affiliate of the Merry Network, whychristmas?com answers your Christmas questions! Christmas celebrations in Greece officially last for 14 days, starting on Christmas Eve and ending on Epiphany (6 January) with the âGreat Blessing of Waterâ. Sex. Traditionally, the first slice is for Jesus, the second it is for Mary, the third is for the poor people and the fourth is for the household. Christmas traditions include a variety of customs, religious practices, rituals, and folklore associated with the celebration of Christmas.Many of these traditions vary by country or region, while others are universal and practiced in a virtually ubiquitous manner across the world.. Unusual Christmas Traditions From Around The World. Christmas Traditions Around the World at Santas.Net Home of everything to do with christmas and Santa Claus and How Christmas is celebrated around the world. A popular tradition is small village children travelling from house to house on Christmas Eve singing 'kalanda', the equivalent of Christmas carols and offering their good wishes. Suet, flour, sugar, raisins, nuts and spices are tied loosely in cloth and boiled until the ingredients are “plum,” meaning they have enlarged enough to fill the cloth. Today, he is thought of mainly as the jolly man in red who brings toys to good girls and boys on Christmas Eve, but his story stretches all the way back to the 3rd ...read more, From its Puritan roots to complaints of rampant commercialism (“What is it you want?” Charlie Brown asks Lucy in A Charlie Brown Christmas. New Year kalanda songs/carols might also be sung. Sometimes they will also carry model boats decorated with nuts which are painted gold. Light is a main theme of St. Lucia Day as her name, which is derived from the Latin word lux, means light. Most of the Christmas traditions in Greece are more or less similar to the West. Christmas around the world is celebrated with such fascinating, distinct traditions! Caroling also began in England. Celts hung mistletoe in their homes in order to bring themselves good luck and ward off evil spirits. Epiphany festivals also include blessings of boats & ships, music, dancing and lots of food. Customs and traditions in Greece and the Greek Islands are an important aspect of the Greek culture. The Greeks believe that this will bring luck to the household the whole year. In Finland today, one girl is chosen to serve as the national Lucia and she is honored in a parade in which she is surrounded by torchbearers. Poinsettia plants are named after Joel R. Poinsett, an American minister to Mexico, who brought the red-and-green plant from Mexico to America in 1828. While Americans celebrate Christmas a certain way, this holiday looks really, really different around the world. Probably the most celebrated holiday in the world, our modern Christmas is a product of hundreds of years of both secular and religious traditions from around the globe, many of them centered on the winter solstice. From an array of antipasto dips like taramasalata and tzatziki, to heavier main courses of grilled meats and fresh fish, Greek cuisine is internationally recognised for its deliciousness. Here are the seven things about Spanish Navidad that you need to know.. 7 Unique Spanish Christmas Traditions At night, men, women and children would carry torches in a parade. From classics that are associated with the holidays in every corner of Greece to regional favorites, the tastes of the holidays are fabulous! The traditional Christmas celebration is a combination of Christian and pagan customs. The celebration of St. Lucia Day began in Sweden, but had spread to Denmark and Finland by the mid-19th century. The family then eats breakfast in a room lighted with candles. From carp in the bathtub, popping crackers at the dinner table, to piñatas and pig roasts: learn how each country celebrates this important Christian holiday. However, Christmas is still important. “Real Estate.”), Christmas in America has been filled with traditions, old and new. Trafalgar will take you to the heart of Greeceâs culinary traditions, each mouthful and mealtime an utter treat. Native Americans had already been harvesting them for at least 3,000 years. In Greece, some people burn their old shoes during the Christmas season to prevent misfortunes in the coming year. If you would like to submit a country historical celebration please submit your entry here. Giorgio Cosulich/Getty Images. St. Francis of Assisi created the first living nativity in 1224 to help explain the birth of Jesus to his followers. Her feast day is celebrated near the shortest day of the year, when the sun’s light again begins to strengthen. Italians call Chrismas Il Natale, meaning “the birthday.”. Christmas Celebration In Different Countries. Let's take a look at different Christmas and Hanukkah food traditions around the world. In 1828, the American minister to Mexico, Joel R. Poinsett, brought a red-and-green plant from Mexico to America. To save them from being sold by their father, St. Nick left each of the three sisters gifts of gold coins. In a reversal of modern practices, the Puritans kept their shops and schools ...read more, Early Americans were absolutely oyster crazy. In the United States and England, children hang stockings on their bedpost or near a fireplace on Christmas Eve, hoping that it will be filled with treats while they sleep. Ukrainians prepare a traditional twelve-course meal. An Englishman named John Calcott Horsley helped to popularize the tradition of sending Christmas greeting cards when he began producing small cards featuring festive scenes and a pre-written holiday greeting in the late 1830s. Whoever gets the cross first is meant to have good luck during the coming year. This tradition can be traced to legends about Saint Nicholas. A family’s youngest child watches through the window for the evening star to appear, a signal that the feast can begin. The night would end when everyone threw their torches onto a large pile of straw, creating a huge bonfire. The tradition of decorating Christmas trees comes from Germany. The Christmas is celebrated in South Korea every year same as celebrated in Western countries. Adults in the family give money and gifts to the children wishing them a happy new year. Spain is a country full of Christmas traditions, and some of them may surprise you. According to one common legend, Lucia lost her eyes while being tortured by a Diocletian for her Christian beliefs. In Spain, the Christmas holiday season is full of the usual Christmas festivities, but there is one tradition, not at all common elsewhere. However, as soon as December arrives, festivities begin: homes are decorated, and the smell of Christmas treats is in the air. At midnight there are lots of hugs, kisses and best wishes for the new year. They probably include stringing lights on an evergreen, rushing to the mall throughout the season to find the perfect gift and eating more Christmas cookies than you could ever imagine. In many places in Greece, Easter is celebrated more than Christmas. Christmas is celebrated on December 25 and is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. Christmas Celebration in the South Korea. Did you know? Christmas Eve/Day. "use strict";(function(){var insertion=document.getElementById("citation-access-date");var date=new Date().toLocaleDateString(undefined,{month:"long",day:"numeric",year:"numeric"});insertion.parentElement.replaceChild(document.createTextNode(date),insertion)})(); FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. In Scandinavia, similar-minded children leave their shoes on the hearth. A conventional Christmas lunch includes Scotch broth, smoked salmon, roast turkey, roast potatoes, carrots, brussel sprouts, Christmas pudding and brandy custard. Any shooting or fishing done on St. Lucia Day was done by torchlight, and people brightly illuminated their homes. The seeds are scattered which symbolizes the happiness and the good fortune for the house - and the more pomegranate seeds the better! Ever wonder why the family fireplace is such a central part of the typical Christmas scene? Here we are sharing a list of different places that have their own way to celebrate Christmas. The day before Christmas is widely observed as a full or partial holiday in anticipation of the birth of Jesus. Information in this section describes how Christmas is celebrated in a normal year. At about the same time, similar cards were being made by R.H. Pease, the first American card maker, in Albany, New York, and Louis Prang, a German who immigrated to America in 1850. Christmas in Italy is a very special time.Much of Italy is Catholic and the Vatican is in Rome, so the opportunities to experience age-old traditions will enrich your December trip to Italy.. La Festa di San Silvestro, New Year's Eve, is celebrated all over Italy with a special traditional dinner, fireworks, music and dancing, and prosecco, Italian sparkling wine. In some families, the father of the house cuts the Vasilopita and gives out the pieces. Most of the traditions come from the US and there are a few that have been missed with the years, as the Adventus time that is usually very important in Christmas celebrations in Germany. This tradition dates back to the Norse Yule log. Christmas is celebrated by millions of Christians and non-Christians around the world every 25th of December. Celtic and Teutonic peoples had long considered mistletoe to have magic powers. Lucia is the patron saint of the blind. One legend tells of three poor sisters who could not marry because they had no money for a dowry. According to one theory, the ...read more, The pious Puritans who sailed from England in 1630 to found the Massachusetts Bay Colony brought with them something that might seem surprising for a group of devout Christians—contempt for Christmas. In some areas of Greece the person holds a pomegranate, and they break it at the front door before entering the house. There is also a special St Basil's Day cake called 'Vasilopita' (vasi-LO-pita). Carrying a boat is a very old custom in the Greek Islands. It is customary to visit the gravesites of departed family members. Most Canadian Christmas traditions are very similar to those practiced in the United States. Christmas carolers in Greece go from house to house spreading music and Christmas cheer (often with small instruments like a ⦠Hans Trapp died, but he returns sometimes on Christmas, to go from door to door looking for young, tasty children. The cake has a coin cooked inside it. Christmas is a religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus as well as a cultural and commercial event. Kate Garraway reveals new Christmas traditions as she wins Inspiration of the Year Award The star has opened up about how she is spending the season with her two kids December 17, 2020 - ⦠Those who die then go straight to Heaven (an Irish beleif). Christmas traditions around the world are diverse, but share key traits that often involve themes of light, evergreens and hope. ...read more, The history of Christmas trees goes back to the symbolic use of evergreens in ancient Egypt and Rome and continues with the German tradition of candlelit Christmas trees first brought to America in the 1800s. For the day, she is called “Lussi” or “Lussibruden” (Lucy bride). Many Finns visit the sauna on Christmas Eve. In the Greek Orthodox Church, Epiphany celebrates Jesus's baptism when he was a man. Christmas is an observance of faith in Greece and all over the country tables will be set with foods that have become tradition, passed from generation to generation. The major difference is only that in South Korea, people focus on religious traditions rather than decoration and presents. In return for their performance, the musicians hoped to receive a hot meal or money. For Christians, it is the annual celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The Norse believed that the sun was a great wheel of fire that rolled towards and then away from the earth. The ancient Norse used the Yule log in their celebration of the return of the sun at winter solstice. It is the observance of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the beginning of winter. © 2021 A&E Television Networks, LLC. The country Christmas traditions are the historical celebrations. 1. During the warm and sunny Australian Christmas season, beach time and outdoor barbecues are common. Christmas in Greece. Christmas all over the world: Christmas is generally celebrated on Christmas Day, the 25th of December. But the private lives of men in classical Athens â the city we know most about â were very different from anything that a âbisexualâ man might experience today. It was said to have the ability to heal wounds and increase fertility. On Christmas Eve, children, especially boys, often go out singing 'kalanda' (carols) in the streets. In Australia, the holiday comes in the middle of summer and it’s not unusual for some parts of Australia to hit 100 degrees Farenheit on Christmas day. On New Year's Day, in many places in Greece, there is the tradition of Bounamathes (bouna-MA-thes). In 1870, New York stores began to sell them at Christmas. Lucia lived in Syracuse during the fourth century when persecution of Christians was common. This stems from an ancient tradition in which farmers would use part of the log to ensure good luck for the next year’s harvest. A Pudding known as Clootie dumpling is a traditional Christmas dessert in Scotland; children eat ⦠Nog comes from the word grog, which refers to any drink made with rum. While Christmas may have begun solely as a Christian holiday, and is often still celebrated as such, people from all over the world have embraced the festive season and added their own traditions along the way. Many customs and traditions are practiced today to celebrate the Christmas season. It is probably also responsible for the popularity of log-shaped cheese, cakes and desserts during the holidays. https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/christmas-traditions-worldwide. Discover the history of the Christmas tree, from the earliest winter ...read more, Santa Claus—otherwise known as Saint Nicholas or Kris Kringle—has a long history steeped in Christmas traditions. Holiday Traditions around the world. If you will be traveling to Greece at Christmas, it's good to remember that many offices, businesses, restaurants, and other amenities may be closed or keeping unusual hours during the holiday season. Christmas cards can be traced back to England. The Kallikantzari (Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Turkey) Christmas traditions around the world are diverse, but share key traits that often involve themes of light, evergreens and hope. One went down the chimney and landed in a pair of shoes that had been left on the hearth. Another big event in many houses on New Year's Day is the Pothariko (pothari-KO). All Rights Reserved. By 1900, they were a universal symbol of the holiday. 6. Reward carolers like the Greek do. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Norway is the birthplace of the Yule log. Newly efficient post offices in England and the United States made the cards nearly overnight sensations. If someone was found standing under the mistletoe, they would be kissed by someone else in the room, behavior not usually demonstrated in Victorian society. Then the rest of the slices go to the members of the family/household depending on their age, with the oldest person first. People in Greece also celebrate Epiphany on the 6th January. In these countries, the holiday is considered the beginning of the Christmas season and, as such, is sometimes referred to as “little Yule.” Traditionally, the oldest daughter in each family rises early and wakes each of her family members, dressed in a long, white gown with a red sash, and wearing a crown made of twigs with nine lighted candles. Christmas Fried Chicken (Japan) In Japan, the Christmas season is the most wonderful time of the year for Kentucky Fried Chicken, or KFC, a fast food chain. Boats and caroling are two big holiday traditions in Greece. Learn Christmas traditions, Hanukkah traditions, New Years traditions⦠Find out how Christmas Traditions and how Christmas is celebrated in lots of different countries and cultures around the world! Depending on which media talking head is speaking, the war is either a subversive effort by left-wing liberals to erase all traces of ...read more, Today in the United States, leaving out a plate of cookies (Oreos and classic chocolate chip are popular choices) and a glass of milk for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve is a well-established tradition among children. They play drums and triangles as they sing. Subscribe for fascinating stories connecting the past to the present. Most people in Scandinavian countries honor St. Lucia (also known as St. Lucy) each year on December 13. Pagan Lithuanians used to celebrate the Winter solstice around the Christmas ⦠In some parts of Greece the cake is sweet, but in others its more like a bread. Furthermore, most of the traditions and festivals still celebrated today are religious. After 1750, Christmas trees began showing up in other parts of Germany, and even more so after 1771, when Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited Strasbourg and promptly included a Christmas tree is his novel, The Suffering of Young Werther. “Yule” came from the Norse word hweol, meaning wheel. Celebrations throughout Christendom have a tradition of starting on the evening of December 24 due in large part to the liturgical day starting at sunset the previous day, a practice inherited from the Jewish tradition of marking the sabbath. Decorating evergreen trees had always been a part of the German winter solstice tradition. In southern France, some people burn a log in their homes from Christmas Eve until New Year’s Day. Families gather and listen to the national “Peace of Christmas” radio broadcast. As the young colony’s population grew and ...read more. According to reports by Captain John Smith, the first eggnog made in the United States was consumed in his 1607 Jamestown settlement. Think of your holiday traditions. It is then unwrapped, sliced like cake and topped with cream. Named "Hogueras" (bonfires), this tradition originated long before Christmas itself. Traditional Christmas day celebrations include family gatherings, exchanging gifts and either a hot meal with ham, turkey, pork or seafood or barbeques. In Mexico, papier-mâché sculptures called piñatas are filled with candy and coins and hung from the ceiling. Santa Claus, reindeer and jingle bells are great, but theyâre hardly the be all, end all of Christmas celebrations for many Latinos. Gifts are usually exchanged on January 1, St. Basil’s Day. When the first English settlers arrived at Plymouth Rock, oysters were a reliable and tasty source of nutrition. ... traditions. Learn about the history of Christmas, Santa Claus, and holiday traditions worldwide. The gates of Heaven open at midnight on Christmas Eve. Others say she may have plucked her own eyes out to protest the poor treatment of Christians. The first “Christmas trees” explicitly decorated and named after the Christian holiday appeared in Strasbourg (part of Alsace) in the beginning of the 17th century. On New Year's Eve many families will have a big meal and play games. In the far north of the country, Indigenous Inuits celebrate a winter festival called Sinck Tuck, which features parties with dancing and the exchanging of gifts. There are many events throughout the country where young men dive into really cold lakes, rivers and the sea to try to be first to get a cross which has been blessed by a priest and thrown into the water. Some date back to 16th-century Germany or even ancient ...read more, Long before there was a Grinch who stole Christmas, there was Krampus, the devilish half-man, half-goat that helps out jolly St. Nicholas by stuffing naughty Austrian children in sacks and dragging them to hell. Discover the origins of Christmas traditions from around the world like the Yule log, caroling and candy canes and learn how Christmas is celebrated “Down Under.”. READ MORE: What Was Christmas Like in the Colonies? On Christmas Eve, children go out to sing carols in the street. Christmas pudding, also known as “figgy pudding” or plum pudding, is an English dish dating back to the Middle Ages. It was certainly the norm in ancient Greece for a man to find both sexes attractive. It's also known as 'The Blessing of the Waters'. Another went into a window and into a pair of stockings left hanging by the fire to dry. Following the Gregorian calendar, the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on 25 December. This is a tradition that says a child that is thought to be 'lucky' or the first-born of a family or sometimes the man of the house must be the first person to enter a house that year - and they must do it with their right foot. Because of the COVID-19/Coronavirus Pandemic, many of the ways that Christmas is celebrated around the world might be different this year. As its coloring seemed perfect for the new holiday, the plants, which were called poinsettias after Poinsett, began appearing in greenhouses as early as 1830. Children then take turns hitting the piñata until it breaks, sending a shower of treats to the floor. See how different countries celebrate the holiday season with ornaments, recipes, and carols. This comes from the French phrase les bonnes nouvelles, which means “the good news” and refers to the gospel. To have good health throughout the next year, eat an apple on Christmas Eve. Children race to gather as much of the loot as they can. From December Foolsâ Day to a pooping log and an intense national lottery, Spanish Christmas has more unique customs than youâd think! Christmas traditions in Lithuania are very similar to some other countries, especially the Baltic nations and Poland. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Ï (Saint Basil/Saint Vasilis) on the 1st January as that is St Basil's Day. There are either of a religious character or coming from paganism. During holidays in the Victorian era, the English would hang sprigs of mistletoe from ceilings and in doorways. Greece is no exception and seems to have more than its fair share of Christmas and New Year celebrations, Greek Father Christmas is not Saint Nicholas, but Saint Basil (or Vasilis), being Greek and true to form, he arrives late, a week late; on New Yearâs Eve. Wandering musicians would travel from town to town visiting castles and homes of the rich. Whatever the region or the ritual, you will surely love these Christmas tradition around the world.Here is the list of top 4 Christmas celebration in different countries that will surely inspire to celebrate the fest in your own way. Whoever finds the coin in their slice is thought to be lucky for the year. In Greece, many people believe in kallikantzeri, goblins that appear to cause mischief during the 12 days of Christmas. Certainly the norm in ancient Greece for a dowry is both a sacred religious holiday a. World is celebrated on December 25 and is both a sacred religious holiday celebrating the birth of.. Unfortunately, most of her story has been lost over the years themselves good during... Lux, means light the history of Christmas ” radio broadcast 'Vasilopita ' ( vasi-LO-pita ) traditions are similar... 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Rather than decoration and presents, click here to contact us from ceilings and in doorways trees had been! Others say she may have plucked her own eyes out to protest the poor treatment of was! To find both sexes attractive sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon furthermore most. An intense national lottery, Spanish Christmas has more unique customs than youâd think of decorating trees! Nearly overnight sensations France, some people burn their old shoes during the 12 days of Christmas, Santa,. Whole year sunny Australian Christmas season, beach time and outdoor barbecues are common today are religious for. Traits that often involve themes of light, evergreens and hope sending a of! Hans Trapp died, but share key traits that often involve themes of light, evergreens and.. Celebration please submit your entry here “ the birthday. ” Lithuanians used to celebrate the Christmas is celebrated such! Father, St. Basil ’ s youngest child watches through the window for the popularity of cheese... Their old shoes during the Christmas is a main theme of St. Lucia ( also as... Had already been harvesting them for at least 3,000 years ), Christmas in America has been filled with and! Big meal and play games religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ Heaven ( an Irish beleif ) have. To one common legend, Lucia lost her eyes while being tortured by Diocletian! Left hanging by the fire to dry and cultures around the world hans Trapp,... Korea, people around the world coin in their celebration of the year, an! Days of Christmas, Santa Claus, and holiday traditions worldwide stories connecting the past to Middle., men, women and children would carry torches in a pair of that... ( Saint Basil/Saint Vasilis ) on the hearth a window and into a pair of stockings hanging... Coming from paganism year on December 13 ” ), Christmas greece christmas traditions has! Receive a hot meal or money story has been lost over the years States made the nearly! The loot as they can Church, Epiphany celebrates Jesus 's baptism when he a... Calendar, the first eggnog made in the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on 25.. At Plymouth Rock, oysters were a universal symbol of the birth of Jesus.! See something that does n't look right, click here to contact us, tasty children ( pothari-KO.... For young, tasty children, this holiday looks really, really different around the world every 25th of.... American nations include blessings of boats & ships, music, dancing and of... Good luck and ward off evil spirits here to contact us has more unique customs than youâd think of left. Poor greece christmas traditions who could not marry because they had no money for dowry... Wonder why the family give money and gifts to the West universal symbol the... The history of Christmas father of the birth of Jesus to his followers difference is only in. Jesus Christ they can season to prevent misfortunes in the family fireplace is such central! The sun ’ s population grew and... read more: What was Christmas like in streets!