Often, Christmas and Santa Claus are mentioned in stories, songs and other media, seen as the most popular ways of celebrating. However, each country and religion has its traditions associated with them.
Romania
They have Christmas and mid-winter festivities between December 20 and January 7. During that time, Romanians usually kill a pig in their backyard. Then, they eat it. That meal is called Pomana Porcului and served with mămăligă (polenta). Furthermore, Sfantul Nicolae’s Day is celebrated on December 6. For this day, children clean their shoes and leave them by the door, hoping that Sfantul Nicolae will drop by with a few gifts.
Sărbători Fericite!
Haiti
In Haiti, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th. They refer to Santa as “Tonton Nwèl,” in Haitian Creole. On Christmas Eve, many attend Midnight Mass at their local church. The families decorate fanals. Fanals are cut-up pieces of paper shaped into whatever you’d like. They also drink kremas. An alcoholic drink that is usually made with rum and varieties of milk. Then, on New Year’s Eve, friends and family gather around to drink pumpkin soup (“soup joumou”) until New Year.
Pase yon bon sezon fèt!
Switzerland
In Switzerland, their version of Santa comes on December 6th, the feast day for Saint Nicholas. Christmas markets and parades are popular. The Swiss Santa Claus is named Samichlaus and has a helper named Schmutzli. Together, they deliver chocolates, clementines, nuts and gingerbread to children with the help of a donkey. On the 25th of December, presents are distributed by the baby Jesus (Father Christmas). On Christmas Eve, people may buy and decorate a tree. As well as enjoying a meal together, which may include a Christmas ham and walnut cake.
Schöne Ferien!
Yule
Yule, associated with pagan customs, is a practice celebrating the winter solstice and the return of the Sun. Originating from Germanic people, it dates back centuries and inspires many Christmas traditions. During Yule’s 12 days, a Yule log is often burned. Also, Yule trees are decorated. Neopagans may set up a Yule altar in honour of the holiday. Yule is also known as Midwinter.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a ceremony from African-American culture lasting from December 26 to January 1 and was first celebrated in 1966. Kwanzaa’s creator, Maulana Karenga, said it was meant to be an alternative to Christmas so Black people could celebrate themselves and their history. Some Kwanzaa traditions include the pouring of libations and the lighting of the Kinara. The Kinara is a candle holder, which holds seven candles representing the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Chinese/Lunar New Year
Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, is a significant holiday for Overseas Chinese and Sinophone folx. Those populations include Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam and much more. Many beliefs are associated with this holiday. Lunar New Year is observed to reunite families and to wish a prosperous new year. It is usually celebrated between January 21 and February 20. It will be on February 1 in 2022. The celebration usually lasts 16 days. They do activities such as eating with family, giving money in red envelopes, lighting fireworks/firecrackers and decorating their houses with lanterns.
春节!
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