When we hear the word Christmas we tend to imagine a big fir tree decorated with lights and all kinds of festive toys. But have you ever thoughts about the different kinds of traditions followed on the day of Christmas Eve by various countries? Here is a list of 6 countries who each have a unique tradition to celebrate the festive spirit.
- Venezuela – On Christmas Eve, Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, closes down its streets so that everyone and anyone can make their way to church – “On roller blades”.
- India – Though Christian population is very less but due to the fact that India is one of the most populated countries, its 2.3 percent = 24 million Christians do celebrate Christmas but sometimes make up for lack for pine and fir trees with banana and mango trees.
- Ukraine – They decorate their Christmas trees with spider webs as legend goes that a poor lady once didn’t have money to decorate her Christmas tree. When she slept the spiders took pity and weaved webs in gold and silver which made that woman and her family rich with never a financial problem. Hence since then, people decorate it as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Get ready to cover yourself, your dog, your house everything in cobwebs next Christmas.
- South Africa – Tradition here calls for eating plump, fuzzy caterpillars, aka Emperor Moths fried in oil. And here we thought eating turkey was the only way.
- Philippines – Here, it’s not Santa Clause who leaves the presents but the three kings who come at night. Also, the children do not hang stockings in chimneys but polish their shoes and leave it at the window sill where the presents are dropped.
- Japan – Due to a very successful campaign run by KFC in the 70’s, many Japanese go to KFC for Christmas. In fact, it is so popular that bookings for Christmas eve start months prior.
Hope you liked the facts and yes these are general traditions which means all citizens wouldn’t necessarily follow it.
