The festival of cakes, candies, cards, trees, and decorations, is in the offing and it is indeed one of the times of the year. Christmas is celebrated once a year but it surely holds a special place as it is time for holidays and people unite to celebrate and create lifelong sweet memories.
The day is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God. It is observed on 25th December all across the world. "Christmas" is a shortened form of "Christ's mass".
Christmas, off-times, is celebrated with X-mass trees, decorations and carols but there are some wired yet wonderful traditions, across the world which will definitely surprise! Let’s have a look at some amazing traditions and customs:-
1.) CHRISTMAS SPIDER, UKRAINE :-
What?! Spiders as Christmas decorations… Yes, you heard that right in Ukraine people decorate their X-mass tree with spiders. The people of Ukraine believe that the spider web brings good fortune and there is a traditional story behind this unique decoration.
Have a look at the story… There was a poor widow, who survived with her children. They have a Christmas tree but they couldn’t afford to decorate for the festival because of this the children went to bed sad and the window tried to decorate it with fruits and nuts in the hope that this may bring smile on their faces. Spiders in the hut next door noticed everything and went to work creating reams of silky silvery and gold webs around the tree for the family to find the next morning. Of course, they were all awestruck and happy!
2.) GÄVLE GOAT, SWEDEN :-
In Sweden, it is believed that Santa would ride a Yule Goat to deliver the presents instead of his sleigh and on the other hand, some regard the Yule Goat as invisible spirits, who appear just before the festival to check whether the preparations are done or not!
However, in a Swedish town – Gävle, a giant straw goat is built in the square about a month before Christmas.
3.) PORRIDGE BREAKFAST, FINLAND :-
Finns start the day of Christmas with a unique game! The Finns people commence Christmas day with a porridge meal, made up of rice, milk, butter, and cinnamon and the main motive behind this meal is to find almonds. Interesting... right?
4.) BROOM HIDING, NORWAY :-
Norway celebrates the festival with an unorthodox Christmas Eve tradition that dates back centuries. On December 24, the people of the country hide their broom, as it is believed that witches and devils come out and ride the brooms.
5.) SANTA AND HIS SINISTER, SWITZERLAND :-
One of the most fascinating Christmas customs from throughout the world... In Switzerland, in place of Santa Claus, a typical Swiss Christmas features not one, but TWO strange individuals.
The first is “Samichlaus,” which appears to distribute delicacies like mandarins, biscuits, and, of course, delectable Swiss Christmas chocolate. And the second figure is his (frightening) aide, 'Schmutzli. He is, in a sense, the anti-Santa. He is dressed in a black robe and has a thick beard.