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ChristmasAt its core, there’s a season full of rituals that, upon reflection, can seem quite strange — from bringing evergreen plants indoors and decorating them with vibrant baubles to divisive attendance. brussels Sprouts in the festive plate.
Whereas Britain largely follows its establishment Christmas ritualThese traditions often seem overshadowed by global celebrations.
Indeed, while Britons may debate the optimal time to deck the halls or consider swapping turkey for beef, other countries adopt far more unconventional practices.
Around the world, celebrations include everything from throwing away shoes and hiding cleaning tools to decorating trees with intricate spider webs or even live goats. Some people also opt for a Christmas Day feast kfc,
These diverse traditions, spanning centuries or mere decades, are deeply woven into the fabric of celebrations around the world, from Catalonia to Caracas, forming an intrinsic part of the festive spirit.
In celebration of these Christmas eccentricities, we’ve collected 12 of the most unusual customs from around the world.
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Germany and Austria – The Krampus
In Austro-Bavarian Alpine folklore, Krampus is the scary friend of Father Christmas, a demonic creature who punishes naughty children throughout the festivities. This mythical animal with hair, hooves and big horns is celebrated every year on 5 December in many cities. Germany And austria in a celebration named KrampsnachtOften celebrated with a parade in which hundreds of people dress up as Krampus and chase each other through the streets.
Catalonia – defecating woods
There are some strange Catalan traditions, one of which is nonsense uncle Or “defecation log”. In the fortnight before Christmas, a smiling creature is made from a small log and placed on the dining room table. The log must be fed fruit, nuts and sweets every day, before – on Christmas Eve – it is beaten with sticks, extracting its goodies. Another stool-themed Catalan custom is CagnerA small defecating figurine, which traditionally appears in nativity scenes. In recent years, Caganers, sold in shops and Christmas markets across the region, have taken the form of almost any celebrity, from Donald Trump to your least favorite rival footballer.
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Caracas – Skating to Church
in Caracas, the capital of VenezuelaDuring the festival revelers travel to early morning church services on roller skates. Roads are also closed in the morning, especially between December 16 and Christmas Eve.
Japan – Fried Chicken
Christmas is not a national holiday Japan But this does not stop a large number of people from celebrating the festival. Father Christmas, or Santa KurohsuIt is said to have eyes on the back of its head to keep an eye on naughty children, while Japanese Christmas cake is usually made of sponge, whipped cream and strawberries. In another discussion about Christmas food, many Japanese people visit KFC branches on or around Christmas Day, with the week leading up to December 25 reportedly being the chain’s most profitable week of the year in Japan.
Portugal – remembering the dead
In portugalA more religious Christmas is also a time of remembrance, as families set extra places at the dinner table for deceased relatives on Christmas Eve (or sometimes Christmas morning). practice is called consomda And a meal consisting of salted cod, potatoes and a variety of regional sweets is believed to bring good luck to the family.
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Czech Republic – Shoe Throwing
On Christmas, Check Women use an interesting trick to predict their love life in the coming year. Unmarried women stand with their backs to the front doors and toss their shoes over their shoulders. If a shoe falls from the toe pointing towards the door, the woman may be planning a wedding within the next 12 months.
Norway – hiding your broom
In norwayIt is believed that Christmas Eve coincides with the arrival of evil spirits and witches. To protect themselves, families hide all their brooms and mops before going to bed.
Ukraine – spider webs on trees
Ukrainian Christmas trees are traditionally decorated with fake spiders and webs. This custom, which is said to bring good luck, stems from an old wives’ tale about a poor woman who could not afford to decorate her tree. She woke up on Christmas morning to find that a spider had covered her in a shiny web.
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Greenland – whale skin for dinner
If you think sprouts are bad, you should try one of Greenland’s Christmas dishes. pot – Raw whale skin, with stickiness – is one. the second one is KiwiakWhich is when an auk (a small bird) is wrapped in a seal skin, buried for several months, and then eaten as it decomposes.
India – Mango Trees
Only about 2.3 percent of the population of India There are Christians, but it still works out to about 25 million people. The day is celebrated with midnight mass prayers and gift giving, but in the absence of cedar or pine trees, banana trees and mango trees are decorated.
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Scandinavia – Yule Goats
A traditional Scandinavian Christmas symbol, the Yule Goat was believed to be a spirit that appeared before the festive season to ensure that the festivities were celebrated correctly. In later centuries, the goat’s role was as a giver of gifts, before eventually being replaced by Father Christmas. Nowadays, little goats made of straw are popular tree decorations throughout Scandinavia.
Slovakia – Pudding Throwing
In slovakiaIt is a Christmas dinner tradition for the most senior member of the family to throw some of the pudding (usually made of milk, bread, poppy seeds and something sweet) onto the roof. The zodiac sign that sticks represents that everyone should have luck in the coming year.
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