As the festive season is almost upon us, I thought it would be a great idea to talk about Christmas traditions from around the world!
Great Britain
Christmas Cards
In the U.K the tradition of sending cards at Christmas dates back to 1843. A man named Sir Henry Cole hired the artist John Calcott Horsley to design him a card, so he could send them to lots of people instead of writing many individual cards! This is how Christmas cards were born!
Pantomime (Panto)
Pantomimes are a musical comedy show that many British families go to watch at local theatres over the Christmas period. They are usually called 'Pantos' for short. The stories often follow famous fairy-tales and fables, they are always given a modern spin using many cultural references. 'Pantos' are very popular with children and adults alike, whether it's the slap-stick comedy, audience participation or actors dressed in drag, 'Pantos' are fun for all the family!
Christmas Crackers
Nothing says Christmas to a British family more than a 'Christmas Cracker'. This festive dinner table decorations are pulled apart before you begin your Christmas meal. They contain a small gift, a paper party hat and a joke or riddle. They were started by a gentleman named Tom Smith around 1845. They didn't actually sell very well at first, so to make them more popular he added a small firework inside, this created a 'bang' like a small explosion! Even today crackers contain two strips of card with chemicals on to make a tiny explosion!
Mince Pies
In the U.K people eat a small pie called a Mince Pie, but don't let the name fool you, they are not made using any meat! These pies used to be made with minced meat and chopped fruit back in the Middle Ages. Today's Mince Pies are filled with a mixture of dried fruits and spices, this mixture is called mincemeat, these pies are traditionally served over the Christmas Period.
Christmas trees
The tradition of having a tree at Christmas is ancient. There is no definite answer, but Christmas trees probably originated because of 'Pagan Rites' celebrating the survival of nature in winter. The modern Christmas tree tradition comes from Germany and spread throughout the Christian world in the 18th century. Prince Albert was the German husband of Queen Victoria, in the 19th century he brought the tradition to England. Nowadays every city, town, village, department store, shopping mall and even pub have their own Christmas tree!
Christmas Carols
Singing is part of British life, whether it is singing in the car, the shower, at a footbal stadium or in a church! Christmas carols are familiar to everyone, religious or not. Carol-singing can be seen in many countries around the world at Christmas time, a group of people stand in the street or go door-to-door singing and collecting money for charity. Most churches organize a Carol Service over the Christmas period, these services are for everyone.
The Queens/Kings speech
The Queen's Christmas Speech has always been one of the most watched programmes on T.V on Christmas Day. Last year approximately 24 million people tuned in to watch! This tradition was started by Queen Elizabeth's grandfather, King George V. He first addressed the British public on the radio in 1932. The radio speech continued each year until 1957, where Queen Elizabeth gave the first televised Christmas speech. Her speeches were always about British politics and the state of the world, here messages were always full of hope. If you haven't watched it, I highly recommend 'The Kings Speech' starring Colin Firth.
Mistletoe
Hanging Mistletoe in your home dates back to Ancient Britain and the Druids. Mistletoe is supposed to possess the power of good luck and defend your home from evil spirits. Today many people kiss under mistletoe. Kissing under mistletoe first appears to become popular in the 18th century among servants in England before spreading to the masses. As part of the early custom of kissing , men were allowed to 'steal' a kiss from any woman standing under mistletoe, and to refuse was seen as bad luck!
Christmas Stockings
The tradition of hanging stockings from your fireplace come from a folk tale. The story goes that a nobleman had three daughters, but when his wife died it left him penniless. He had no money for a 'dowry' for any of his daughters. Without a 'dowry' no one would be interested in marrying them, as they were set to inherit nothing. Saint Nicholas (a.k.a Santa Claus) heard of the fathers problems, he visited their home and put solid gold spheres in their stockings so they could get married in the future. There are many versions of this story all with little changes, but the message of the story remains the same.
Germany
Krampus Night (Krampus Nacht)
Krampus Nacht occurs the night before the Feast of Saint Nicholas (on December 6th). People dress up as the devil Krampus and walk through the streets. Traditionally Krampus helps Saint Nicholas give gifts to the good children, but punishes naughty children!
Advent Calendars (Adventskalendar)
You can buy Advent Calendars all over the world these days, even in Japan, but they originated in Germany. The Calendars were used by a group of German Christians known as Lutherans in the 19thand 20th century. Lutheran families would burn candles or mark walls with a line of chalk, to show the passing days. Clearly the tradition has changed, most advent calendars you see these days are full of chocolate!
Christmas angel
In Germany you will see a lot of Christmas angels (Weihnachtsengel) in peoples homes. The angel could be on the tree, fireplace or sideboard. Some families pass these angels down through the generations, each angel have a special meaning.
Stollen
Everyone knows 'Stollen' right? It's probably the most famous festive cake in the world. Stollen is a fruit bread, which consists of nuts, spices, candied fruit and powdered sugar, yummy! In Germany it goes by a couple of names Weihnachtsstollen or Christstollen.
Sternsinger
Stersigner translates in English to star singers. When children are young they dress up as the Three Wise Men and visit homes in their neighbourhoods with a star on a rod, like they are following the star. They will sing carols and spread happiness. Its like trick-or-treat and carolling combined!
Feuerzangenbowle
Feuerzangenbowle is a popular Christmas drink in Germany. The name translates to 'fire-tong-punch' the drink is made with wine, rum and fruit juices. It's kind of like a stronger version of mulled wine (hot wine).
Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve
In Germany, and many European countries, Christmas Eve (Heiliger Abend) is traditionally when families celebrate Christmas. Families will decorate the tree, prepare food, and in the evening they gather around the Christmas Tree.
Christmas Day is called 'Erster Feiertag'
In England the Christmas celebration is on Christmas day, but in Germany the 25th of December is known as 'Erster Feiertag, this means the first celebration day. Germans open their gifts on Christmas Eve, while Christmas Day is a day to spend with your family and rest! I think many British mothers would love a day to rest over Christmas!
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