Every year in December, Christmas traditions are celebrated around the world. We introduce you to the oldest and most curious cultural symbols of Christmas.
Christmas traditions in Germany involve many people singing, decorating trees and baking cookies. But how do other places in the world celebrate Christmas and what do witches and the fast food chain KFC have to do with the birth of Jesus?
The diversity of Christmas traditions shows how people from all corners of the world interpret the spirit of the holiday. From mystical figures to centuries-old traditions – we take a look at the customs of other countries. Some people might just enjoy their game at BetLabel while spending a nice time at home.
Poland: A feast with fish and an empty place at the table
In Poland, a place is left empty at the table for unexpected guests. Christmas traditions in this country are characterized by expectation and hospitality: Poland, a predominantly Catholic country, fasts on 24 December and many families eat fish and no meat on Christmas Eve. A sumptuous feast only begins with the birth of Christ: duck, roast meat and ham are served from the first day of the holiday. Carp or other freshwater fish are usually eaten on Christmas Eve. This choice also symbolizes a modesty that should only end when Jesus comes into the world. Less modest: Symbolically, twelve dishes are served on Christmas Eve, corresponding to the number of apostles.
Because in the biblical story, the heavily pregnant Mary moved from house to house with Joseph and Mary ultimately had to give birth in a stable, there is often an additional place setting at the Christmas table in Poland. It symbolizes the willingness to take wandering people into one’s home, as no one should be alone at Christmas.
Sometimes Poles put a bit of hay under the tablecloth to symbolize the hay-lined manger in the stable where Jesus was laid.
The festive meal only begins when the first star can be seen in the sky. Many children look excitedly for the star at the window, which can take a while – and gives the parents a breather.
Kenya: Here the children take over Christmas
Children decorate the Christmas tree in Kenya. Christmas traditions in Kenya also give parents a moment of peace and quiet. This is because children are usually responsible for decorating the house and helping to prepare the food. The focus is on the freshly grilled goat, “Nyama Choma”, which is eaten together with the Kenyan flatbread chapati, regional beer and Christmas cake.
On the morning of Christmas Day, people gather in decorated churches – the typical Christmas trees are framed by colorful balloons, ribbons and flowers. Afterwards, many people go from house to house to surprise their neighbors and friends with Christmas wishes and small gifts. Christmas Day ends with dancing and music.
Japan: looks in love at KFC
Christmas dinner in Japan comes from KFC. In Germany, sausages are a tradition at many Christmas tables. In Japan, deep-fried chicken from KFC wins the race. Although the Christian population in Japan is not large, Christmas is one of the best-selling days of the year for the chain store. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, going to KFC on Christmas Eve has been part of the traditional festivities since a successful advertising campaign in 1974. The restaurant chain satisfies the high demand with special “Christmas packages”. These include a large portion of fried chicken, salad and cake.
Christmas is also considered the festival of lovers in Japan. Couples who go out on this day are particularly serious and long-term couples give each other small gifts. Otherwise, it is not customary to give presents at Christmas in Japan.
Sweden – a pagan billy goat becomes a Christmas decoration
The Yule log from Strock often decorates the Christmas tree in Sweden. The Julbock decorates Christmas trees as a cute straw miniature, but its history goes back a long way – and is anything but contemplative.
The Yule goat has its origins in pre-Christian Germanic rituals. The billy goat was the sacred animal of Thor, the god of thunder, and was considered a symbol of fertility, among other things. In earlier times, young men dressed up as the Yule goat would play pranks at Christmas – and caused fright, especially among women. Later, the Yule goat briefly appeared as a gift bringer before Santa Claus ousted him from this role.
Nevertheless, the Yule log is still an integral part of the Swedish Christmas tradition today. The giant Yule log in Gävle, Sweden, is particularly famous: A 13-meter high straw figure is erected there every year.