It is that time of year again, Christmas is here!
Most of the Christmas traditions here in the states have remained relatively the same over the years. There are, however, a few Christmas rituals that are celebrated in other countries that might appear a little odd to us.
Spain
A traditional Christmas tradition in parts of Spain, Portugal and Italy, is to set up a model village of Bethlehem but along with Mary Joesph and baby Jesus you will find Caganer (the shitter).
Catalonia
From Catalonia and keeping in line with poo-themed Christmas traditions comes Caga Tio, the pooping log. Caga is a log that is hollowed out and “fed” every night starting December 8th. On Christmas eve he is placed in the fireplace and encouraged to poop while being beaten with a stick.
Norway
It is believed that on Christmas eve that witches and evil spirits come out to find brooms to ride. All of the brooms in the house are hidden and the men go outside to fire guns so that they may scare off evil spirits. I am not sure, but I think people in the southern US shoot guns off on Christmas as well. I cannot verify that the two traditions are related.
Venezuela
In Caracas the capital city of Venezuela, the streets are closed off to vehicular traffic on Christmas Eve so that the locals can attend mass by roller skating to church. I do not think that the Roman Catholic church would be crazy about this idea.
Ex-Yugoslavia
On the 2nd Sunday before Christmas, children creep in and tie their mother’s feet to a chair, shouting, "Mother’s Day, Mother’s Day, what will you pay to get away?"
She then gives them presents. Children play the same trick on their father the following week and get more presents.
Yugoslavia, I like where your head is at!
Italy
It would seem that the Italians don't care for Christmas trees, opting instead for small wooden pyramids covered with fruit.
Sweden
What started-off as an act of vandalism has become one of the most interesting traditions in Sweden. For over 40 years the Swedish town of Gavle has erected a giant Goat made of straw to mark the beginning of the holiday season. But every year vandals do everything they can to burn down the goat before Christmas Day. The goat has made it in tact untill Christmas day only 10 times.
Ukraine
In Ukraine, Christmas trees are decorated with all the typical kinds of ornaments and one not so typical. An artificial spiders and webs are hidden in the tree and good luck is given to the one who finds it.
What kinds of holiday traditions do you celebrate? Which of these is your favorite?
Comments
Post a Comment