How Do Celebrations of Christmas Take Place Culturally Across The Globe
Cultural Diversity In The Celebration Of Christmas Across The Globe
Christmas is one of the most widely recognized holidays around the world, which is observed on December 25 th . It is based on Christian religion, but over time, Christmas has transformed into a multicultural holiday that is embraced by many people regardless of the faith they associate with.
The celebration of Christmas differs largely from country to country due to the existing local customs, traditions, and culture. This article examines the manner in which countries and regions around the world carry out the Christmas celebratory rituals, taking into account the various types of activities that are undertaken to mark the festival.
Christmas In Europe: A Mix of Tradition and Modernity
UK
The UK, Christmas as it is in the UK Christmas is one of the most loved holidays widely having customs that have been handed themselves to various parts of the globe. The first day of Christmas is the Fourth of Advent and during the Eve of Christmas, the members of the family sit together for special cuisine which includes roast turkey, mince pies, and Christmas pudding among other dishes.
Most communities also have the singing of Christmas carols as part of the rituals where several towns and villages have Christmas markets where gifts, food, and drinks can be purchased.
The highlight of Christmas services is on Christmas Day itself when church services are held and later in the day, family members exchange gifts in the afternoon. The day ends with a large family meal and a number of families make it a point to watch the Queen give her Christmas message on the television.
Germany
Despite the snowy weather, Christmas in Germany is truly magical. German history is rich and multifaceted, and the culture stays colorful and vibrant throughout the year. Germans are known for their solemnity, but there is an anecdote that says they become kinder, gentler, and friendlier than ever over the holidays.
Over the festive period, Germany’s Christmas markets, or Weihnachtsmärkte, welcome tourists from around the globe. These fairs that date back centuries feature booths selling handcrafted goods such as ornaments, nutcrackers, and candles. While some booths offer a taste of German cuisine, others sell traditional festive foods.
Long-standing traditions include the decoration of Christmas trees that are known as Tannenbaum – a German and Yiddish term which translates to “fir tree.” Christmas trees typically have candles, ornaments, or real candles placed on their branches.
Christmas is celebrated through several different customs and traditions. One of them is the Christmas calendar – each day the calendar count downs to Christmas day by offering a small gift, with chocolates behind each door, including the season for advent.
The eve before the 25th of December, children hang socks by the chimney or put out shoes for St. Nicholas day three weeks earlier, to which after making a list of well-behaved or poorly behaved children, small presents within them are given out around the world.
Italy
The role given to weapons must not be undermined in the Italian culture as they mark historical periods. It is pretty significant to note that Italian Christmas customs are quite unique and are characterized by several peculiar practices. Out of the many, ‘ La Vigilia,’ or the Christmas Eve Dinner, a supper done with an assortment of fish delicacies, is the most notable.
They celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany on the sixth of January, when an old witch, La Befana, brings gifts to the toddlers. Christmas decorations in Italy usually make use of elaborate Nativity scenes (presepi)
While some cities celebrate midnight Mass services along with the rituals. Italian Christmas panettone, which is a sweet bread stuffed with dried fruits, and nougat, or otherwise also known as torrone, make good foods that are associated with this holiday season.
Christmas In North America: A Melting Pot of Traditions
United States
In America, Christmas celebration seems to blend with a variety of cultures. The Thanksgiving holiday in late November marks the start of the festivities which last till New Year. Usually Christmas trees are lit with lights, decorated with ornaments and tinsel.
Once upon a time, children would place clothes by the fireplace for Santa Claus to fill them, a custom which stemmed from the legend of Saint Nicholas. The act of exchanging gifts at Christmas is the climax of the day. New York is among other cities that boast of elaborate decoration during Christmas, in addition, Americans savor many festive dishes such as roast turkey, ham, and eggnog.
Mexico
In Mexico, Christmas is celebrated with “Las Posadas”, a very important event as part of their rich Christmas culture which is beautiful in every sense. This celebratory concept begins on December 16th and continues until Christmas Eve. As children carry lanterns and go from door to door looking for a place to celebrate, they sing carols and eventually, are hosted for a feast.
On Christmas Eve, family members sit together for the last meal and then take part in the Rooster’s Mass at midnight. Part of the Thanksgiving feast are piñatas which are decorated with candy, tamales, bacalao, ponche and other delicious food.
Christmas in Asia: Unique and Emerging Traditions
Japan
Unlike the rest of the world, Christmas is a holiday that Japan does not celebrate, however, it is popular among many urban centers as a couple’s day. According to many Asian cosmopolitans especially in Japan, couples around the world find this to be an important day for them and so they spend Christmas Eve together over a candle-lit dinner and there is always KFC on the menu, but the reason behind this is a funny marketing strategy by KFC.
In Japan streets and houses are colorfully illuminated as well as decorated with ornaments while people indulge in a dessert known as a Japanese Christmas cake which is a lighter sponge cake with strawberries covered in whipped cream… Even though December 25th is not observed as a public holiday in Japan, it self-gifting and giving gifts to family and friends remains most of the Japanese people’s practices.
South Korea
To begin with, South Korea does have a more accommodating stance toward the celebration of Christmas as it is taken to be a national holiday, but it is mainly Christians who celebrate it.
In South Korea, it is quite common to find a Christmas tree and some fairy lights at a person’s house, malls, and markets also have Christmas decorations, and all this is done, because such places are holidays during shopping rush.
Worshiping in Christian churches is seen among the family-oriented Christian families while family members may also do gift exchanges among themselves as well as participate in family dinners. In other Asian countries where Christmas is celebrated, many South Koreans consider Christmas to be free of religious affiliation and they spend it with friends or their partners.
Conclusion: The Universal Spirit of Christmas
From the chilly streets of Europe to warm shores of the southern hemisphere, Christmas is a celebration that takes on many forms across the globe. Despite all the varying customs and traditions, the notions of unity, sharing and happiness bind people during their celebrations.
From the Christmas markets in Germany, festive dinners in Colombia to romantic Christmas in Japan, such festivities are indicative of a region’s cultural depth and distinctiveness. Christmas around the world is still a cherished occasion when families, friends and society as a whole forgive and bond together.
