Golden piglets, not leaving the table, throwing a shoe, or floating walnut-shell boats – Czechia is something of an expert when it comes to unusual Christmas traditions, but it is certainly not the only one. Our students and tutors come from more than 20 different countries, so let’s take a look together at some of the most interesting Christmas traditions and superstitions from around the world. And no matter what your Christmas customs may be, we wish you a beautiful Christmas and all the best in the New Year!
Christmas traditions in other countries:
Denmark
Before Christianity arrived in the country, Christmas Eve was a celebration of brighter days known as jól, which people celebrated shortly before the winter solstice. Today, Danes decorate their homes with figurines of mythical creatures called nisser. It is believed that these figures protect the house from evil. On Christmas Eve, families place the Christmas tree in the middle of the room and then dance around it while singing carols.
Iceland
In Iceland, they observe a tradition the whole world could take inspiration from. Jólabókaflóð, or the “Christmas Book Flood,” is a charming and relatively modern tradition in which Icelanders give each other books and then spend the rest of the evening reading them in the warmth of their homes. This tradition began during World War II, when paper was one of the few goods in plentiful supply. Books therefore became an affordable and popular gift. This may also explain why roughly every tenth Icelander has written a book.
Japan
Christmas does not have a long tradition in Japan. It is a holiday imported from the West by retail chains and other commercial companies. Gift-giving and decorating homes with lights only became popular relatively recently. It is therefore not surprising that less traditional customs, often linked to marketing, have taken hold as well. A prime example is the tradition of having Christmas dinner at KFC. This fast-food chain launched a major Christmas campaign in the 1960s, and since then, a bucket of fried chicken has become an inseparable part of the Christmas table.
Columbia
The Day of the Little Candles (Día de las Velitas) marks the beginning of the Christmas season throughout the country. In honor of the Virgin Mary and her Immaculate Conception, Colombians light candles in paper lanterns placed on windows, balconies, and in front of their homes. This tradition has become so popular that entire cities and villages light up, and neighbors even compete for the most beautiful lantern displays.
Germany
In shops, you can find plenty of unconventional Christmas ornaments – in the shapes of food, animals, and popular movie characters. However, an ornament shaped like a pickle can usually be found only in German households. According to this tradition, parents hang the pickle on the Christmas tree last. The child who finds it first the next morning either receives an extra gift or gets to start unwrapping presents first. If an adult finds the pickle first, it is said to bring them good luck in the coming year.
Norway
In this Scandinavian country, there is one very unorthodox tradition. Norwegians believe that witches and other dark creatures come out on Christmas Eve looking for brooms to fly on. For this reason, for centuries people have hidden their brooms in the safest place in the house so that witches cannot steal them.
Poland
On Christmas Eve, Polish families gather to share a wafer (opłatek). Each family member breaks off a piece and wishes the others a Merry Christmas. Dinner usually does not begin until the first star appears in the sky. Traditionally, an extra place is set at the table in case an unexpected guest arrives.
Slovakia
Our Slovak neighbors also have rich Christmas traditions. The magic begins at the Christmas Eve table, where the oldest family member says a prayer and then makes the sign of the cross on everyone’s forehead using a wafer dipped in honey, wishing them happiness and love in life. This is followed by a clove of garlic eaten with a piece of bread – for good health. Dinner then starts with irresistible kapustnica (cabbage soup) and potato salad with fish. But beware – no poultry, otherwise your luck might fly away! And of course, money must be placed under the tablecloth – after all, what would a year be without prosperity?
