A Christmas Market in Germany.
If you were to take a peek into the windows of homes around the globe right now, you’d see generations of holiday traditions being enjoyed. Like many others, you may have grown up practicing a special way to celebrate the holidays that’s unique to your family. In the States, the holidays can be a wonderful time to experience the melting pot we call home. But around the world, the cultural traditions of winter are full of everything from fir trees to witches to tamales.
We welcome you to “unwrap” a passport of incredible holiday traditions from all around the world.
¡Feliz Navidad! In the Mestizo towns of Belize, statues of Mary and Joseph are carried throughout town accompanied by a parade of dancing, music, fireworks and more to commemorate the nine nights of Las Posadas.
The Donghzi Festival, or Winter Solstice, is one of the most important holidays celebrated in China and neighboring East Asian countries. During Donghzi, tangyuan (glutinous rice) is eaten. In Taiwan, it is also served as an offering to the ancestors.
In a country famous for its selections of Christkindlesmarkt, the cities of Germany are fantastic places to enjoy the holidays. Most open on the first day of Advent and close on Christmas Eve. The markets contain a incredible variety of Christmas delicacies, crafts, toys and more!
One of the earliest winter holidays, the ancient Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, takes place in November. Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over dark, good over evil, and usually involves fireworks, sweets and of course, presents.
For years, the largest Christmas tree in Europe called the city of Athens home. Though this honor may not be theirs any longer, the Greek still have plenty to celebrate. On the eve of Christmas, children are rewarded by their neighbors with treats and coins for their kalanda (carol) renditions.
While most people in North America celebrate Christmas, our diverse cultural heritage warrants an amalgamation of different holidays during the winter. Many people in the United States and Canada celebrate Chanukah in December, frying latkes, donuts, and just about everything to celebrate the 8 days that the oil in the temple burned after Judah Maccabee fended off the Seleucid Empire. Kwanzaa celebrates African American heritage in December, with a week-long festival honoring the seven core principles of the holiday: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).
Italians will wish you Buon Natale while preparing for the coming of La Befana, Santa’s female equivalent who flies on a broomstick to deliver gifts on January 6, Epiphany Day. The legend says that she did not join the Wise Men on their journey to Bethlehem, so she continues to search for baby Jesus.
The eve of December 5 marks Sinterklaas’ journey from Spain. Dutch children place their wooden shoes out filled with sugar and hay for his horse. Well-behaved children will be rewarded with shoes filled with sweets!
So whether it’s hanging stockings over the fireplace, enjoying a parade or simply gathering with family to open gifts, every tradition comes from somewhere.
Explorica would like to wish you a joyous holiday season as happy as your travels!