Unwrapping the Unusual: A Journey Through Strange Xmas Traditions Around the World
Christmas, a time of twinkling lights, festive carols, and heartwarming traditions. But beyond the familiar customs of decorating trees and exchanging gifts, lies a world of wonderfully strange Xmas traditions that might just make you raise an eyebrow. From hiding brooms to roller skating to church, the festive season is celebrated in unique and unexpected ways across the globe. This article will delve into some of the most bizarre and fascinating practices, offering a glimpse into the diverse cultural tapestry that makes Christmas so special. Get ready to explore some truly strange Xmas traditions!
Hiding Brooms in Norway
In Norway, Christmas Eve comes with an unusual chore: hiding all the brooms. According to folklore, witches and evil spirits emerge on Christmas Eve, and brooms are their preferred mode of transportation. To prevent unwanted aerial visitors, Norwegians diligently stash away their cleaning implements. This strange Xmas tradition is a testament to the enduring power of folklore and the creative ways cultures protect themselves from the unknown. It’s a fascinating example of how superstition can intertwine with festive celebrations.
Krampus: The Anti-Santa of Austria
While many children eagerly anticipate Santa Claus’s arrival, Austrian youngsters might be more concerned about Krampus. This devilish figure, with horns, dark hair, and a long tongue, accompanies St. Nicholas and punishes naughty children. Unlike Santa’s gentle reminders, Krampus uses switches and chains to instill fear. Krampuslauf, or Krampus runs, are common in Austrian towns during December, where people dressed as Krampus parade through the streets, playfully terrorizing onlookers. This strange Xmas tradition provides a stark contrast to the gentle image of Santa, highlighting the complex and sometimes contradictory aspects of Christmas folklore. [See also: Christmas Traditions in Europe]
Roller Skating to Church in Venezuela
In Caracas, Venezuela, getting to church on Christmas morning is a unique experience. Rather than walking or driving, many residents roller skate to the early morning service. Streets are often closed to traffic to accommodate the skaters, creating a festive and somewhat chaotic atmosphere. This strange Xmas tradition is believed to have originated when people started attending early morning masses, and roller skating became a convenient and fun way to get there. It’s a vibrant example of how local customs can shape and transform traditional celebrations.
Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas Dinner in Japan
Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan, but a fascinating trend has emerged: eating Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas dinner. This strange Xmas tradition began in the 1970s with a successful marketing campaign by KFC, which promoted the idea of enjoying a “Christmas bucket.” The campaign resonated with Japanese families who were looking for a festive alternative to traditional Western Christmas meals. Today, KFC remains a popular choice for Christmas dinner, with many people ordering weeks in advance. This is perhaps one of the most commercially influenced strange Xmas traditions. [See also: Global Holiday Marketing Campaigns]
The Yule Lads of Iceland
Forget one Santa Claus; Iceland has thirteen! These aren’t your typical jolly elves, though. The Yule Lads are mischievous trolls who visit Icelandic homes during the thirteen nights leading up to Christmas. Each lad has a unique personality and a penchant for causing trouble. From Door Slammer to Sausage Swiper, they leave small gifts (or rotten potatoes for naughty children) in shoes left on windowsills. This strange Xmas tradition provides a playful and slightly chaotic countdown to Christmas, reflecting Iceland’s rich folklore and love of storytelling.
Mari Lwyd: The Welsh Horse Skull
In Wales, the Mari Lwyd is a unique and somewhat spooky Christmas tradition. A person carries a horse skull adorned with ribbons and bells from house to house, challenging residents to a rhyming battle. If the Mari Lwyd wins, it is allowed entry and given food and drink. This strange Xmas tradition is believed to be a remnant of ancient Celtic winter rituals, symbolizing the transition from the old year to the new. It’s a captivating example of how cultural heritage can be preserved and celebrated through festive customs. This custom involves a lot of singing and good-natured (but sometimes fierce) rhyming competitions. [See also: Celtic Winter Festivals]
Spiderwebs on the Christmas Tree in Ukraine
In Ukraine, spiderwebs are considered good luck, and a strange Xmas tradition involves decorating Christmas trees with artificial spiderwebs. This custom is based on a folktale about a poor widow who couldn’t afford to decorate her tree. On Christmas morning, she woke up to find that spiders had spun beautiful webs all over the tree, turning it into a shimmering spectacle. This tradition is a reminder that beauty can be found in unexpected places and that even the humblest of creatures can bring joy. It’s a charming example of how folklore can inspire unique and meaningful Christmas traditions.
Caga Tió: The Pooping Log of Catalonia
In Catalonia, Spain, children participate in a truly unique Christmas tradition involving a log with a painted face, a blanket, and a lot of food. This is Caga Tió, or “pooping log.” From December 8th until Christmas Eve, children “feed” the log with fruits, nuts, and sweets. On Christmas Eve, they beat the log with sticks while singing a special song, urging it to “poop” out presents. The presents are typically small treats and candies. This strange Xmas tradition is a playful and humorous way to celebrate the bounty of the season and to engage children in the festive spirit. It is a very popular strange Xmas tradition in Catalonia.
The Sauna on Christmas Eve in Finland
In Finland, Christmas Eve is a time for purification and relaxation, and a key part of the celebration is the sauna. Families traditionally take a sauna together on Christmas Eve, believing it cleanses the body and soul in preparation for the holiday. Some even believe that the spirits of deceased ancestors visit the sauna on Christmas Eve. This strange Xmas tradition reflects the importance of sauna culture in Finnish society and its connection to both physical and spiritual well-being. The tradition is a very important part of a Finnish Christmas. [See also: Scandinavian Holiday Traditions]
Burning of the Devil in Guatemala
In Guatemala, a unique pre-Christmas tradition takes place on December 7th, known as “La Quema del Diablo” or “The Burning of the Devil.” People gather unwanted items, such as trash and old belongings, and burn them in a large bonfire, symbolizing the purification of their homes and communities. This strange Xmas tradition is a way to cleanse the space of evil spirits and prepare for the arrival of Christmas. It’s a powerful and symbolic ritual that reflects the blend of indigenous and Catholic beliefs in Guatemalan culture. The Devil is burned to make way for the coming of Christ. It is a very unusual strange Xmas tradition.
Conclusion: Embracing the World’s Strange Xmas Traditions
From hiding brooms to eating fried chicken, the world’s strange Xmas traditions offer a fascinating glimpse into the diverse cultural landscape of the holiday season. These unique customs remind us that Christmas is not a monolithic celebration but rather a tapestry woven from local beliefs, folklore, and historical events. By embracing these unusual practices, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of Christmas and the many ways in which people around the world find joy and meaning in this special time of year. Exploring these strange Xmas traditions is also a great way to learn more about different cultures. Whether it’s the Yule Lads or Krampus, these traditions remind us of the varied ways humanity celebrates the season. So, the next time you decorate your tree or exchange gifts, remember the strange Xmas traditions happening in other corners of the globe, and celebrate the beautiful diversity of our world. Merry Christmas, or as they might say in Catalonia, Bon Nadal!
