Christmas Traditions

Christmas is celebrated around the world either on December 25th or on January 6/7th. As far as celebrating Christmas on December 25th is concerned, usually the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches hold Christmas Day Prayer services on this day.

Russian Orthodox Church, Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and Armenian churches celebrate Christmas on January 6th or 7th. In other the words, the Eastern churches celebrate Christmas in January.

Christmas celebrations essentially reflect the local traditions and culture. The nativity stories may differ from one country to another and so the Christmas traditions around the world can differ accordingly. Irrespective of what nativity stories there are, it is a much awaited period when people just let their hair down and enjoy the festivities and the good times.

 

In Australia

 

Christmas in Australia is during the summer season. As such most of the Christmas celebrations and events take place out in the open. Bondi Beach is one place where you will get a true essence of Christmas celebrations. The most striking event of Australian Christmas is Carols by Candlelight.

 

In Ethiopia

 

Christmas in Ethiopia is celebrated on January 7th. The church celebrations related to birth of Christ in Ethiopia are known as ‘Ganna’. Ethiopians wear white dresses. 12 days after observing Ganna, Timkat is celebrated, which lasts for 3 days. It marks the baptism of Christ.

 

In China

There are very few Christians in China. However, it is celebrated with equal

fun. Christmas in China is known as Sheng Dan Jieh meaning “Holy Birth Festival”. Chinese people decorate their homes with posters, lanterns, paper chains, and flowers.

 

Small pagodas cut out from colored papers are pasted on the walls of the homes. The Christmas tree in China is called “Tree of light”.

In Holland

 

In Holland, gifts are exchanged on December 6th, which is St Nicholas Day. In Holland, celebrations mean fun filled activities. However, children eagerly wait for Sinterklaas, a kind bishop dressed in red and has a mitre on top of his head. Children believe that he travels all the way from Spain to give presents to children. Celebrations are not complete without ‘letterblanket’, a letter cake made in the shape of alphabets.

 

In France

 

Christmas celebrations in France commence on St Nicholas Eve, which is December 5th. However, the most important day is the Christmas Eve, which is a day before Christmas. French carols known as Noels are sung. Christmas in France without buche de Noel is incomplete. Buche de Noel is a traditional food that appears like a Yule log and is made of butter cream.

 

In Mexico

 

Mexico experiences warm and mild weather during Christmas. Christmas make-shift shops and stalls known as puestos can be seen along the roads. Houses are decorated with lights and brown papers. Evergreens and lilies form an important part of home decoration. Paper lanterns or farolitos are common. Candles are places inside these paper lanterns and decorated on windows and along sidewalks.

 

Although Christmas traditions around the world differ, the essence remains the same. It is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Last updated on 13/07/2011