We celebrate Christmas around the world in many different ways. Traditions, Songs and Food are just a few of the variations from country to country, but in spite of these differences, family, friends and sharing remain a common thread regardless of the language one may speak.
Some Traditions from around the world:
In Japan, a Buddhist monk named Hoteiosho (ほていおしょ) acts like a Santa Claus delivering presents to each child. Some stories say that he has eyes in the back of his head paralleling St Nicks naughty and nice list.
The Philippines, one of two Catholic countries in Asia – East Timor is the other one, has one of the longest Christmas holidays in the world, and is widely celebrated. Christmas carols begin as early as September 1st and are usually ushered in with a nine-day Mass that starts on December 16.
In Venezuela, the unofficial start of the Christmas season is after the “Feria de la Chinita” in the second half of November. The origin of this festival comes from the cult to the Virgin Mary of Chiquinquirá, where various religious activities, processions, and music honor “La Chinita” (nickname for Mother Mary).
In Denmark, the Danes celebrate on December 24, which is the “Yule evening”. An evening meal usually consists of roast pork, roast duck or roast goose, and side dishes of potatoes, gravy, red cabbage, and rice pudding. The rice pudding also contains chopped peeled almonds and a single whole peeled almond. Whoever finds the whole almond will have good luck for the coming year,
This year we are celebrating our Christmas with a meal that comes from four corners of the world.
Christmas Around The World Menu
- Egg Rolls from China
- Tacos from Mexico
- Pork Roast, Pumpkin Pie, Soda, Milk and Egg Nog from North America
- Bratwurst, and Spice Wine from Germany
- Macaroni Salad from Italy
- Roasted Root Vegetable Medley from Chili
- Mashed Potatoes and Irish Potatoes Candy from Ireland
- Funnel Cakes from Native American Indians
- Rice Pudding from England