It’s the season to be jolly...because Christmas is around the corner!
Christmas is celebrated on December 25, traditionally to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. Over the years, the festival has become a cultural celebration across the globe.
The usual traditions include decorating Christmas trees, singing carols, baking cakes, and children being on their best behaviour just to get into Santa’s ‘Nice’ list. Many newer and unique traditions have evolved over time and have come to define the festival in different countries and cultures. Here’s a look at some of them.
The giant lantern festival, Philippines:
Known locally as Ligligan Parul Sampernandu, it is held each year on the Saturday before Christmas Eve in the city of San Fernando — the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines”. Simple paper lanterns with bamboo frames, over the years have given way to lanterns made of fibreglass, handmade paper, or steel barrels, and are about 20-feet today, and illuminated by about 3,500 to 5,000 light bulbs.
Yule goat, Sweden:
It isn’t a real goat, but one made of straw. Since 1966, the Swedish town of Gävle, has erected a 13-metre-tall Yule Goat in the centre of Castle Square. Called Julbok in the local language, the tradition has given rise to another infamous one — of people trying to burn it down!
Yule lads, Iceland:
Iceland does not have a Santa Claus, but rather 13 naughty trolls. According to Icelandic folklore, the Yule Lads live in the mountains and only come out in December one at a time over 13 days. Traditionally mischievous, these creatures have now been given a more benevolent portrayal — they sneak into children’s bedrooms and leave little presents in their shoes if they behave, or rotting potatoes for the naughty ones.
Broom hiding, Norway:
For the Norwegians, Christmas Eve is a time when evil spirits and witches arrive. So, they hide their brooms before going to sleep. That way the witches and evil spirits won’t find a broom to ride on!
Roller skating to mass, Venezuela:
In a most unique tradition, Venezuelans in the city of Caracas roller skate to early morning Christmas mass. Along the way, the skaters tug on pieces of string dangling out of the windows — the other end of which are tied around children’s toes, to let them know it’s time to strap on their skates.
Santa’s Slam Book
Who doesn’t love the merry old man in a red suit, carrying a bag-load of presents? World over, Santa Claus represents the spirit of Christmas — love, giving, and good spirit. Let’s get to know him better.
Name: St. Nicholas (Bishop of Myra) a.k.a Santa Claus
Born: 280 A.D. in Patara (modern-day Turkey)
Address: Santa Claus, 2412 Nuuk, Greenland
Pets: Eight flying reindeer
Favourite colour: Red
Quirk: Entering houses through the chimney
Loves: Well-behaved children and giving gifts
Signature line: Ho ho ho!
