Unwrap the Unusual: Exploring Strange Xmas Traditions Around the World
Christmas, a time of twinkling lights, festive feasts, and heartwarming traditions, is celebrated globally. However, beyond the familiar carols and gift exchanges, lies a fascinating tapestry of strange Xmas traditions that add unique local flavors to the holiday season. From mischievous folklore figures to peculiar culinary customs, let’s embark on a journey to uncover some of the most bizarre and captivating strange Xmas traditions from different corners of the earth.
Krampus: The Christmas Devil of Austria
While many countries associate Christmas with the jolly figure of Santa Claus, Austria introduces a darker character to the festive narrative: Krampus. This demonic counterpart of St. Nicholas is said to punish naughty children, often depicted with horns, chains, and a menacing demeanor. In early December, Krampuslauf (Krampus Run) events take place where people dressed as Krampus parade through the streets, playfully scaring onlookers. This strange Xmas tradition serves as a reminder that Christmas isn’t just about rewards, but also about accountability.
La Befana: The Christmas Witch of Italy
In Italy, the tradition of Befana offers a unique twist on the gift-giving aspect of Christmas. La Befana is an old woman who flies around on her broomstick on the eve of Epiphany (January 6th), delivering gifts to good children and coal to those who have misbehaved. Legend says she was asked to join the Wise Men on their journey to Bethlehem but declined, later regretting her decision and now searches for the Christ Child every year. This strange Xmas tradition blends elements of folklore and religious significance, creating a memorable experience for children.
Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas Dinner in Japan
This strange Xmas tradition is a fascinating example of how cultural influence can shape holiday celebrations. Due to a successful marketing campaign in the 1970s, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has become synonymous with Christmas dinner in Japan. With limited access to traditional Christmas fare, KFC offered a convenient and festive alternative, and its popularity soared. Today, families often pre-order their “Christmas Chicken” weeks in advance, making it a truly unique and unexpected aspect of Japanese Christmas celebrations. It’s a testament to the power of marketing and the adaptability of cultural traditions.
The Yule Lads of Iceland
Instead of one Santa Claus, Iceland boasts thirteen mischievous Yule Lads, each with their own distinct personality and penchant for causing trouble. These troll-like figures visit homes during the thirteen nights leading up to Christmas, leaving small gifts in shoes for well-behaved children and playing pranks on the naughty ones. From Stekkjastaur (Sheep-Cote Clod), who harasses sheep, to KertasnÃkir (Candle Beggar), who steals candles, the Yule Lads add a playful and slightly chaotic element to Icelandic Christmas traditions. This strange Xmas tradition highlights the importance of folklore and storytelling in shaping cultural identity.
Hiding Brooms in Norway
According to Norwegian folklore, Christmas Eve is a time when witches and evil spirits roam the earth. To prevent them from stealing their brooms and using them for transportation, Norwegians traditionally hide their brooms before going to bed on Christmas Eve. This strange Xmas tradition reflects a belief in the supernatural and the importance of protecting oneself from harm during the holiday season. It’s a fascinating example of how ancient superstitions can persist in modern-day celebrations.
Spiderweb Christmas Trees in Ukraine
In Ukraine, spiderwebs are considered good luck, and this belief extends to Christmas decorations. Legend says that a poor widow and her children couldn’t afford to decorate their Christmas tree, but one morning they awoke to find it covered in beautiful spiderwebs. When the sun shone on the webs, they turned to gold and silver, bringing wealth and good fortune to the family. Today, Ukrainians often decorate their Christmas trees with artificial spiderwebs to symbolize good luck and prosperity. This strange Xmas tradition is a poignant reminder of the power of hope and the beauty of unexpected blessings.
Burning the Devil in Guatemala
In Guatemala, a unique pre-Christmas tradition involves burning effigies of the devil. On December 7th, known as “La Quema del Diablo” (The Burning of the Devil), people gather together to burn piles of trash and effigies of the devil, symbolizing the cleansing of evil and negativity before the Christmas season. This strange Xmas tradition is a powerful expression of renewal and purification, allowing people to start the holiday season with a clean slate. [See also: Christmas Traditions in Central America]
Roller Skating to Church in Caracas, Venezuela
In Caracas, Venezuela, residents have a rather unusual way of getting to Christmas morning mass: roller skating. The city closes off certain streets to cars, allowing people to skate to church safely. This strange Xmas tradition is a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season, promoting community spirit and physical activity. It’s a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of people in finding unique ways to express their Christmas cheer.
Mari Lwyd: The Horse Skull Caroler of Wales
The Mari Lwyd is a Welsh folk custom that involves parading a horse’s skull, decorated with ribbons and bells, from house to house. A group of carolers accompanies the Mari Lwyd, singing and challenging the occupants of each house to a rhyming battle. If the carolers win, they are granted entry and refreshments. This strange Xmas tradition is a lively and often humorous way to celebrate Christmas, blending elements of folklore, music, and performance.
The Christmas Pickle Ornament
While its origins are debated (some say it’s German, others claim it’s an American invention), the Christmas pickle ornament is a strange Xmas tradition found in some households. A pickle-shaped ornament is hidden on the Christmas tree, and the first person to find it on Christmas morning receives an extra gift or good luck for the coming year. This playful tradition adds an element of surprise and excitement to the gift-giving process.
Conclusion: Embracing the Diversity of Christmas Celebrations
These are just a few examples of the many strange Xmas traditions that exist around the world. They demonstrate the incredible diversity of cultural expressions and the ways in which people adapt and personalize the Christmas holiday to reflect their unique identities. By exploring these unusual customs, we gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of global Christmas celebrations. So, this Christmas, take a moment to consider the diverse ways in which people celebrate this special time of year, and embrace the beauty of these strange Xmas traditions.
Ultimately, whether it’s facing down a Christmas devil, hiding brooms from witches, or enjoying a bucket of KFC, strange Xmas traditions remind us that the spirit of Christmas is alive and well, expressed in countless unique and fascinating ways. Embrace the unusual, celebrate the diverse, and have a very merry and slightly strange Xmas!
