Cultural Christmas Festivals Around the World
Christmas is known worldwide as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated by Christians in many countries. However, December is also a special time for many other cultures and religions, marking a conclusion to the year with various festivals and traditions. From the Christian Christmas celebration to other spiritual festivities – taking a look at the different customs highlights the cultural diversity and special significance that this time of year holds globally.
1. Christmas in Germany – Advent and Christmas Markets
In Germany, celebrations often begin with the first Advent Sunday when many families decorate an Advent wreath and light candles. Almost every city hosts Christmas markets featuring handicrafts, mulled wine, and roasted almonds. On Christmas Eve, families traditionally decorate the Christmas tree before gathering for the festive meal and gift-giving.
Special Custom: On St. Nicholas Day, December 6, children traditionally place their boots outside the door for St. Nicholas to fill with sweets and small gifts.
2. Las Posadas in Mexico – A Nine-Day Celebration
In Mexico, Christmas begins with “Las Posadas” on December 16. This festival symbolizes Mary and Joseph's search for shelter in Bethlehem and is celebrated over nine consecutive evenings. People gather in homes and on the streets, singing traditional songs and carrying lanterns.
Special Custom: At each station, a “piñata” is hung, which children break open. This tradition symbolizes the evil that must be overcome before the joys of the Christmas celebration can be enjoyed.
3. Christmas in the Philippines – The Longest Christmas Celebration
The Philippines, a country strongly influenced by Catholicism, celebrates the longest Christmas in the world. Preparations begin as early as September with Christmas carols and decorations. The highlight is the “Simbang Gabi” – a nine-day series of Masses that starts on December 16 and is held early every morning.
Special Custom: Many Filipinos decorate their homes with “Parol” lanterns, which symbolize the stars of Bethlehem. These colorful lanterns are made of bamboo and paper and shine brightly in many cities and villages across the country.
4. Orthodox Christmas in Russia – Celebrations in January
In Russia and other Orthodox countries, Christmas is celebrated according to the Julian calendar, falling on January 7. The Russian Orthodox Church observes Christmas Eve on January 6 with a 12-course feast representing the 12 apostles.
Special Custom: People attend the Midnight Mass to usher in the Christmas holiday. Christmas Eve is traditionally celebrated with special bread eaten with honey, nuts, and dried fruits.
5. Diwali in India – The Hindu Festival of Lights
Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, takes place in October or November and is the most significant celebration for Hindus. Diwali is not a celebration of the Christmas season in the Christian sense, but it also emphasizes the importance of light and hope. Homes and temples are decorated with oil lamps and string lights, and people welcome the festival with fireworks and feasts.
Special Custom: During Diwali, small gifts are exchanged, and delicious sweets are made. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated to welcome the good and keep away evil spirits.
6. Hanukkah – The Jewish Festival of Lights
Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights and is celebrated in December. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle that the oil for the temple's lighting lasted for eight days, although it was only supposed to last for one. Over eight nights, Jewish families light candles on a special menorah.
Special Custom: Children play the “dreidel” game, and there are special foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts) that are traditionally fried in oil, symbolizing the miracle of the oil.
7. Christmas in Italy – The “Festa di Natale” and “La Befana”
Italian Christmas celebrations also begin during Advent and reach their peak on December 25, when families gather for a grand feast. However, Italy has another important tradition – “La Befana.” This ancient custom is celebrated on January 6, when the witch Befana brings sweets to children.
Special Custom: In many cities, living nativity scenes depict the birth of Jesus with actors. Also, communal cooking and enjoying regional specialties are integral to the Christmas season in Italy.
8. Kwanzaa – The Afro-American Festival of Unity
Kwanzaa is not a religious festival but a cultural celebration that takes place from December 26 to January 1, particularly observed by African American communities in the U.S. The festival was established in the 1960s to celebrate African heritage and promote values such as community, responsibility, and creativity. Each day represents one of the “Nguzo Saba,” the seven principles of life.
Special Custom: During Kwanzaa, the seven candles of the kinara are lit, and each day focuses on a different principle. Families and communities come together to share poems and songs and enjoy traditional African foods.
9. Christmas in Sweden – The Celebration of Saint Lucia
In Sweden, the Christmas season begins with Lucia Day on December 13. The festival honoring Saint Lucia, the bringer of light, holds great significance during the cold and dark Swedish winter. In schools and churches, girls lead a procession of light, with one girl dressed as Lucia wearing a wreath of candles in her hair.
Special Custom: On Lucia Day, “lussekatter,” sweet saffron buns, are often baked. Children and adults sing traditional songs that herald the Christmas season and prepare for the great celebration.
10. Christmas in Greece – The Blessing of the Waters
In Greece, Christmas is traditionally celebrated in a Christian manner, but the festivities extend to Epiphany on January 6. On this day, the “Blessing of the Waters” takes place to protect the waters and their inhabitants. In some places, brave swimmers plunge into the icy water to retrieve the cross that the priest throws in.
Special Custom: At Christmas, Greeks traditionally eat Christopsomo, a “Christ bread” decorated with nuts and spices, which is adorned with unique symbols in each household.
Conclusion
The Christmas season is a time of traditions and celebrations that are observed in very different ways all around the world. Whether Christian Christmas customs in Europe and North America, the Festival of Lights Diwali in India, or Kwanzaa in the USA – these celebrations share a longing for community, light, and hope. Each festival is unique, yet reflects universal human values that bring us together at the end of the year and usher in the upcoming year with a sense of joy and optimism.