Different countries, different customs: everywhere, the festive season is associated with numerous traditions and customs. An overview from all over the world.
Czech Republic
Many people in our neighboring country associate Christmas with a carp in the bathtub. For a long time it was customary to buy the fish alive from one of the many street vendors and let it swim in the tub water until Christmas Eve. The custom is on the decline as many families now have a freezer. In addition, animal rights activists are mobilizing. The breaded carp is traditionally served with potato salad on December 24th. Some carp scales are placed under the plate or put in the purse – they are considered a symbol of wealth.
Australia
When “White Christmas” sounds on the radios in December, Australians sweat under the hot sun. Christmas falls in the middle of summer, so they celebrate in the best “Aussie” fashion with barbecues and ice-cold beer. Fresh prawns shouldn’t be missing either, especially on Christmas Eve. At the family picnic on the beach, you can watch the surfing Santas who brave the high waves with Christmas hats – but without a big belly and a thick beard.
Liberia
In the run-up to Christmas in West African Liberia, dancing devils visit all cities and villages. Accompanied by loud drumming, the up to three meters tall figures on stilts, covered with raffia from head to toe, move through the streets. Instead of bringing presents to children, they demand money from passers-by. However, the devils do not embody evil, but are viewed as spiritual personalities.
France
In the southern French region of Provence there is a particularly richly laid table for Christmas. Tradition calls for 13 desserts – in memory of Jesus and his twelve disciples. Nobody has to stand long in the kitchen for this custom, because the desserts include dried fruits, nuts and nougat. The exact composition varies from family to family.
Norway
Families with small children like to put a plate of porridge (grøt) in front of the door on Christmas Eve. It is for the gnome who, according to popular belief, lives in the stable and watches over the animals. Its Norwegian name is Nisse and there are several versions of it. If he doesn’t get a grøt, he can play bad tricks on people.
Philippines
In the Southeast Asian island nation, people start producing huge quantities of star-shaped lanterns as early as May. The Christmas ornaments are called “Parol” and they are only available in the Catholic Philippines. They are traditionally built from bamboo sticks and colored Japanese paper. The “Parol” symbolizes the star that led the three wise men to the manger.
Source: Nachrichten
