Christmas around the world: How is it celebrated in other cultures?

Christmas is an almost universal holiday today, although closely linked to Christianity. Even so, in every corner of the planet it is celebrated in different and unique ways, using the idiosyncrasy and particularities of its cultures. At Nuadda we wanted to celebrate Christmas by exploring Christmas around the world, from the lush outdoor celebrations of Latin America to the most central European solemnity.

 

Orthodox Christmas: More than Christmas Eve, a unique epiphany

 

In the world of Orthodox Judaism, Christmas takes on a very different nuance from the one we are used to in the Western world. Unlike the Christian and Catholic holidays centered on Christmas Eve, on the occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ, Orthodox communities place greater importance on the Epiphany. 

This event, also known as the Theophany, commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. These Christmas celebrations usually include special liturgies, water blessings and much more serious and solemn symbolic processions than we are used to, for example, in Spain.

 

The warm Christmas of Latin America

 

Christmas in Central America and South America is much more colorful and warm than our European mind identifies with Christmas: snow, cold, warm homes… 

These great differences are mainly based on the fact that during this time of year in the southern hemisphere the summer is beginning, so people take to the streets to celebrate Christmas in a much more open way. 

The festivities begin with the inns, representing the journey of Mary and Joseph in search of refuge. The streets of countries such as Colombia, Mexico or Argentina are filled with carols, decorations and the aroma of traditional and typical foods of this time.

In Mexico, for example, Christmas Eve is celebrated in a very similar way to the dinner on December 24 Spanish, although in this case they enjoy typical dishes from the area such as cod, punch, pork loin or romeritos with pancakes. Shrimp.

As we can see, despite the climatological differences, an identity similar to the Spanish and Latin Christmas spirit is maintained. Among these similarities, the tradition of the 12 grapes stands out, which is widespread in many Latin American countries.. 

Another very curious tradition is that of burning dolls in Peru, Honduras and Ecuador to avoid reliving the bad times of the year in the future. 

 

Unique traditions in Asia

 

Asia, with its tremendous cultural diversity, brings unique Christmas traditions absolutely opposed to the European ones. In Japan, for example, Christmas is more of a romantic celebration than a religious one despite the fact that many Japanese today profess the Christian religion.

Couples usually enjoy special dinners and gifts, and the streets are illuminated with festive decorations. On the other hand, in the Philippines, Christmas begins with the “Simbang Gabi“, a series of masses before Christmas Eve that culminates in a festive community meeting.

 

The elegance of European Christmas

 

Europe, the cradle of many Christmas traditions, celebrates the season in an elegant and solemn way. In countries like Germany, Christmas markets are an ingrained tradition, offering handmade products, culinary delicacies and a magical atmosphere. Christmas Eve is lived with family dinners and the tradition of the Christmas tree, which originated in this region.

Music is also an indispensable part of European Christmas, where Christmas carols have great importance and tradition, even leading to form one of the most important events of the year with the New Year’s Concert of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. This event is broadcast internationally every year.

In addition, given the cultural richness of European countries, each country offers different elements of its own. For example, in Portugal bonfires are lit throughout the country on Christmas Eve. In Ireland, a tradition called 12 pubs for Christmas has spread, in which young Irish people visit 12 pubs during the night. 

 

The Christmas spirit in Spain

 

In addition, in our country we have a cultural differentiating element compared to the rest of Europe. The celebration of Three Kings Day, January 6, is unique in the world and a wonderful way to instill the illusion for Christmas to the smallest of the house. This tradition dates back to countless generations. 

 

Who carries the gifts in the rest of the European countries?

 

If in Spain we are the only ones who preserve the tradition of the Three Kings, in other countries they have their own manager of bringing gifts to children. Beyond Santa Claus (or Santa Claus for the Spanish), there are other figures such as the Befana witch in Italy, who drinks from the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, the grandfather of the snows in Russia and other countries in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. 

There are also others equally as particular as the goat and the gnome in the Nordic countries. And we cannot forget Saint Nicholas, the origin of the current Santa Claus that was modified when the Dutch settlers brought their traditions to the American continent.

By exploring the different ways in which the world celebrates Christmas, we discover the beauty of cultural diversity. Each tradition brings its own charm and meaning, making the Christmas season a truly special moment around the world. Happy Holidays!