Close your eyes, think of Christmas. The mental images that come to mind are, more likely than not, visions of frosted evergreen trees, a fat jolly old man, or maybe even sugar plums. Companies and industries, such as Coca-Cola and Hollywood, have altered our perception of Christmas into a uniform schema.
But what if there were more to Christmas than the stereotypical flashing lights and reindeer? Perhaps, if we open our eyes to the world around us, we will see Christmas in a new light.
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Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)Grilling on Christmas: South Africa's Barbecue Picnic
For some, Christmas does not involve a burning fireplace, but feels like one. In South Africa, temperatures range from 75°F to 90°F during the Christmas season. Consequently, a "traditional" Christmas dinner does not suit their palate or the climate.
Instead, on December 25th, South Africans gather, donning shorts and Hawaiian shirts, to have a barbecue. Families trade oven-roasted turkey for braais (charcoal barbecue) grilled meats. Such delicacies are served with sides of potato salad, garlic bread, and pap (a maize-based staple similar to porridge). Finally, the provisions are laid out on a long table overlooking the ocean; families sit down and celebrate in unity. Of course, it does not hurt that they get a fantastic tan whilst feasting.
Image Credits: KoolShooters from Pexels
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The Origins of Tinsel: Ukraine's Pavuchky
There was once a poor widow who had not a cent to her name. One day, a pine cone fell into her house through an open window. The widow and her children nurtured the tree until, on Christmas Eve, it was resplendent; however, the widow was too poor to decorate its perfect branches.
Disheartened, she and her children went to sleep. On Christmas Day, they awoke to their beautiful tree covered in cobwebs. Sunlight streamed through their window, transforming the delicate fibers into silver and gold. Thus, the first ever tinsel was created. Now, Ukrainian families honor spiders by hanging miniature replicas of them, called pavuchky, on their trees. This legend has spread throughout many European countries, including Germany, Poland, and Sweden. So, if you find a spider in your Christmas tree, do not be alarmed; they only want to decorate it.
Image Credits: Tanya Barrow from Unsplash
La Befana: Italy's Nice Witch
It is common knowledge that, on Christmas Eve, the silhouette of a reindeer drawing a sleigh bearing presents can be seen. Lesser known, though, is that on January 5th, the dark outline of a witch on her broomstick clouds the sky. The witch, otherwise known as La Befana, is said to be following the three kings on their journey to Jesus.
On her way, she stops by to deliver goodies to well-behaved children and coal to the naughty ones. Although she has been subject to ridicule and even banned from her own holiday for several years, La Befana still follows her route, delivering national tradition along with gifts.
Image Credits: Pixabay from Pixabay
The Cagatió: A Log Bearing Gifts
Perhaps the most unique tradition of all, Catalonia’s Cagatió has puzzled many visitors and locals. The word cagatió literally translates to Pooping Log. Families host this log in their home from Immaculate Conception Day to December 25th.
Ensuring that their house guest is comfortable, they provide him with nourishment and warmth. Then, on Christmas Day, they beat him with a stick and demand presents, which he excretes underneath a checkered blanket. Though slightly grotesque, this long-standing tradition is widely practiced throughout all of Catalonia. And if the children love it, then who are we to judge?
Las Posadas: Mexico's Nativity Reenactment
Why celebrate Christmas for one day when we could celebrate it for nine? This festive tradition is observed throughout Mexico to commemorate the birth of Jesus. Each night, for the nine days leading up to Christmas, actors portray Joseph and Mary, leading a long procession of musicians, dancers, and friends.
Once they arrive at their designated house, they are admitted entrance after a series of songs. The night ends with the procession members feasting around a table and the breaking of a star-shaped piñata for the children. It is the amalgamation of long-standing tradition dating back to 1586 and new intergenerational culture.
Image Credits: Gamagapix from Pixabay
The Ultimate Tradition: Celebrating With Love
Merriam-Webster defines the word tradition as an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior. These patterns of behavior are passed down, generation to generation, without thought to their origins or significance. Traditions are not inherently bad; they reflect cultural values and ideals.
The danger lies in being so rooted in one's traditions that one disregards all other cultural traditions. Customs are meant to adapt over time. From the union of cultures, new traditions emerge.
Image Credits: Jonathan Borba from Unsplash
This year, consider inviting friends over for lunch, hanging a spider ornament on your tree, or giving your brother coal on January 5th. The magic of Christmas lies not in its customs but in who you celebrate with. At the center of all these traditions, one value remains: love, for friends, for family, and community.
