Christmas 2023: Unique traditions around the world
We are approaching the "merry" time of year when the only sound we can hear is the jingle bells ringing! With Christmas just a few days away, different cultures have different customs and rituals in place to celebrate it. While some are bizarre, others are driven by traditions. Let's explore different Christmas celebrations that are followed around the world.
Finland announces 'Declaration of Christmas Peace' to kick-start festivities
Finland has been practicing the Declaration of Christmas Peace since the Middle Ages. An essential component of the festivities, the proclamation is read aloud in several cities to mark the beginning of peaceful Christmas celebrations. This practice was first witnessed back in the 13th century, encouraging people to host and experience respectful Christmas celebrations.
Ethiopia celebrates Christmas on January 7
While most countries mark Christmas on December 25 every year, Ethiopia does it differently by celebrating it on January 7. Yes, you read that right! Ethiopians observed this day as the occasion of Jesus's birth, just as many orthodox Christians and churches around the world do. People celebrate it by attending church services, organizing colorful processions, and enjoying feasts.
Ukraine puts spider webs on Christmas trees
Christmas trees mostly feature stars, bells, lights, candles, candy canes, stockings, and angels but did you know the ones in Ukraine also have spider webs? A folktale about a poor family's Christmas tree that magically started to be decorated with spider webs, portending good fortune, gave rise to this custom. Since then, the Ukrainian Christmas trees have featured spider webs as add-ons.
Christmas in Czech Republic is more about matchmaking than anything
Strange as it may seem, young single women in the Czech Republic throw a shoe over their shoulders while standing with their backs to the door on Christmas Eve. It indicates that they will get married within the year if it lands with the toe facing the door. But if it lands heel-first, the women will be unmarried for an additional year.
