Post by Joanna on Dec 16, 2015 13:14:33 GMT -5
Weird Christmas Traditions Around the Globe
For those who celebrate Christmas here in the good ol' U-S-of-A, a large, old man wearing a red, fur-trimmed suit enters the house by sliding down the chimney and leaves presents beneath a tree or in stockings hung from the mantle. At least he does this for good girls and boys. And to us, this is all very normal. But did you know that's not how Christmas is celebrated in the rest of the world? Here are some of the weirder Christmas traditions from around the globe:
Germany. On Christmas Eve, a pickle is hidden in the Christmas tree – the first kid to find it in the morning receives a little gift.
Estonia. In Estonia, families get really close by visiting a sauna together.
Iceland. Two words: “Yule Cat.” This ferocious feline (above), called the Jólakötturinn, eats anyone who doesn't get new clothes before Christmas Eve.
Italy. Instead of St. Nick, they have Befana, the friendly witch who brings candy and toys the night of January 5.
Latvia. Christmas in Latvia is more like American Halloween. A group of mummies go from house to house getting a treat and giving blessings in return.
Greece. You know the song about the 12 days of Christmas? Well, the Greek version is terrifying because during the 12 days of Christmas, a race of underground, evil goblins called the Kallikantzaroi cause all kinds of mischief.
Japan. The home of Sumo wrestling and giant robots surely has something weird, right? Well, actually, no. In Japan, they send Christmas cards to friends and family, but make sure the cards are white and not red because traditionally red is saved for funeral announcements.
And there you go, some interesting ways of celebrating Christmas across the globe.
Source: Matthew Alson, Thornbury, AOL, December 14, 2015.