Christmas is one of the favorite times of children: they are on vacation, receive gifts and usually enjoy time with their parents. Although we are used to our way of celebrating it, there are traditions from other countries that are curious and fun... today we tell you some of them.
The novena of Christmas bonuses and the Child God in Colombia
In Colombia the celebration begins on December 7 with the 'night of the candles', a tradition in which candles and lanterns are lit in every house to commemorate. Later, from the 16th to the 24th of December the novena of aguinaldos is celebrated, in which typical Christmas prayers are prayed, Christmas carols are sung next to the Christmas tree and the nativity scene and typical desserts are shared ... a custom that brings families together every night. On December 24 the 'Child God' arrives at midnight and bring gifts for the little ones in the house.
The advanced gifts of Saint Nicholas in France
It is celebrated on December 6 and is the official opening of Christmas. It is especially aimed at children, since on that date it is they who receive gifts and candies. Although France is one of the first countries to celebrate them, the truth is that it is widespread throughout much of Europe.
The Bethlehem with puppets from Poland
Although Polish traditions closely resemble ours in terms of family reunions and copious meals, there are something that makes them unique in the world: nativity scenes are performed with puppets (and sometimes with puppets). ** There are usually passages from the Bible and episodes that have to do with the birth of Jesus. ** The San Nicolás is also celebrated in this country, but there also is usually personified 'Mikolaja', a character in a red suit and white beards (I guess it will be his version of Santa Claus), which goes from house to house leaving gifts to the kids.
The Night of Saint Lucia in Sweden
Christmas in Sweden begins on December 1 with the traditional advent calendar, in which a window is opened every day and some candy is usually found. But nevertheless the most beautiful party takes place on December 13 with the procession of Saint Lucia, in which 10,000 girls dressed in white robes parade with candles. According to tradition, the honoree then invites all participants to coffee and gingerbread cookies.
The inns of Mexico
This is a novena reminiscent of the novena of aguinaldos Colombian, as it recalls the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and every day has a special meaning. The children have a very special participation, since groups are organized to represent the shepherds, they wear special attire and sing and dance around the nativity scene. These groups make a pilgrimage to the house to which an inn will be requested (each day a different one), which is denied until they see that it is Mary and Joseph. Then he prays, futas, punch and candies are shared and a piñata breaks for both children and adults.
The Italian Befana Witch
In Italy there are no Magi, but instead they have Befana, a witch who rides her broom, gives gifts to children on January 5. This tradition is celebrated throughout the country and every year in Venice a regatta is held in his honor.
The Russian Babushka
Babushka means 'great mother' in Russian. The story tells that she had the cleanest and most beautiful house in town, where the three Wise Men came asking for an inn. When they left the house, they invited her to continue her journey to find the baby Jesus. However, she did not accompany them because she wanted to clean some toys she had at home to take them as a present to the newborn, but when she left her house she did not find them, so since then he goes from house to house looking for them and leaving gifts to the children in his path.
Did you know these Christmas traditions? Which one do you like the most?
