FX.co ★ Christmas traditions around the world

Israel

The true spirit of Christmas can be found in Bethlehem, a small city in Israel. This place is sacred and well-known to every Christian as in Bethlehem, Jesus Christ was born. His story and the story of Christianity began there. Every Christmas a special procession passes through Bethlehem: in front of it, a cross that is carried by a black horse and a retinue of riders closes the cortege. On the central square of the city, a high pole crowned with a bright star is set. It symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem that revealed to the Magi the time and place of the birth of Savior.

Germany

The Christmas tree tradition at Christmas and New Year is believed to have been started in Germany. The Germans are very fastidious when it comes to the decoration of their homes. For instance, they hang leaf wreaths framed with candles on the door. Before the holiday, on the city squares and in many other places, bright and magic Christmas fairs are held. Children receive an advent calendar with special windows that contain sweets or small gifts. The last window of the calendar opens on December 24, and then children wait for presents from Weihnachtsmann, the German Santa Claus. The main festive dish in Germany is a carp or a goose.

UK

In Britain, one of the main holiday traditions is to listen to the Queen's speech after Christmas dinner. Practically, the whole event is unfolded near the fireplace. It is decorated with ivy, mistletoe, and holly. On the mantelpiece, the Brits hang stockings where Santa Claus (or Father Christmas) puts gifts. Children write a letter with their wishes and throw it into the fireplace. Before the feast, some people go to church.

Poland

On Christmas Eve, a Holy Supper called Vigil is held in Poland. It begins with the appearance of the first star. In Poland, many ancient Christmas traditions are still preserved. One of them is a special decoration for the holiday table. There should be 12 Lenten dishes, as well as additional tableware for an unexpected guest. Before the feast, the family members exchange pieces of the wafer, a thin sheet of unleavened dough that looks like a waffle. Wafers are made with embossed images of Christian symbols (the cross, the Star of Bethlehem, etc.).

France

The main feature of the Christmas celebration in France is the abundance of the image of a manger with the Baby Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and lambs. These figures are called santons. Previously people symbolically burned a piece of wood in the memory of the fire that once warmed the Christ Child. This custom was transformed into a festive table decoration - a log-shaped cake Buche de Noel. The French also cook a stuffed goose, turkey with chestnuts, oysters, etc. The kids receive gifts from Per Noel, French Santa Claus.

US

The celebration of Christmas in North America may vary depending on the locality and religion. One of the most distinctive features of the holiday is that people give each other holiday cards which are an important element of home decoration. Children usually expect Santa Claus to slide down the chimney to deliver their presents. For the festive dish, most Americans cook a stuffed turkey. What is more, wearing some casual or home clothes for a festive meal is out of the question: Americans usually celebrate Christmas in holiday sweaters or carnival costumes. Wealthy Americans make generous donations during Christmas.

Finland

This Northern country is considered the birthplace of Santa Claus. Since 1984, Lapland has been officially declared the residence of Joulupukki as Santa Claus is called in Finland. Christmas is celebrated on December 25. On this day, many people go to church, and in the evening they gather at the festive table. Mulled wine is the main Christmas drink while the traditional festive dish is ham baked in a special way. It is served with carrot or rice porridge with a hidden almond nut. Whoever finds a nut will be lucky all year.

Romania

Romania has its own Christmas traditions as well. On Christmas Eve, people go out to caroling. This tradition has been kept thought many centuries. After sunset, wax candles are lit in houses in front of the icon of Christ. It is believed that it must burn all night and happiness will come to the house.

China

The main attribute of China’s so to say Christmas is Trees of Light, an analogue of Christmas tree. They are decorated with bright fancy lanterns, flowers, and garlands. Chinese use these elements to decorate their homes as well. Additionally, the kids hang stockings on the walls of the rooms where Dong Che Lao Ren (Santa Claus) puts gifts. New Year in China, according to the Eastern calendar, is celebrated in late January-early February. The main difference between the Chinese New Year tradition from the European one is the worship of ancestors.

Russia

Christmas is considered one of the most significant holidays in Russia. Before the revolution of 1917, it was celebrated before the New Year. One of the most important attributes of the holiday is a Christmas tree. Adults put gifts for children beneath the intricately decorated Christmas tree. In the past, people used to cook a lot of dishes so that the holiday table remained full throughout Christmas week. Late in the evening at Christmas and in the morning, some people go to church. Later, the whole family gathers at the table to eat kutia (rice porridge with raisins). There are also 12 festive dishes on the table according to the number of apostles of Jesus Christ.