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The 7 most unusual Christmas traditions in the world
From burning the devil to throwing shoes, everyone celebrates according to their beliefs
Good night and the reception of the New Year is celebrated very differently according to each country. Today I want to take you to know how Christmas is celebrated in the different nations of the world; and discover the most unusual traditions of this time.
Christmas in the world: How is it celebrated?
1. Night of candles in Colombia
This is a Colombian tradition that is celebrated every December 7, and is performed in homage to the Virgin Mary and the Immaculate Conception.
It is a celebration that begins Christmas in the country, and consists of decorating with hundreds of white and colored candles, the paper lanterns, which stand out in the streets and houses of the country.
For a long time, this tradition was a very intimate celebration, but over the years fireworks, gastronomic fairs, and musical events have been incorporated in every square or corner of the country.
2. Shoe launch in the Czech Republic
Truly one of the strangest traditions in the world. It is a very rare custom that takes place on Christmas Eve, where single women stand on their backs at the doors of their houses, and throw a shoe over their shoulder.
It is a mystical tradition, which defines the sentimental situation of young girls. This is based on the position of how the shoe falls.
For example, if the toe of the shoe falls facing the door, it means that the young woman will find the love of her life, but if it falls in the opposite direction, it means that she will remain single for a while.
Something weird, don't you think?
3. The wonderful star of Fillipinas
Unlike the well-known Star of Bethlehem, the Star of Fillipinas is a decorative Christmas element, which stands out for its bright colors.
It is an ornament made of bamboo, Japanese paper and festive lanterns inside.
They are five-point stars called "Parol", where lanterns cover the doors of houses, streets and businesses. Stars come in different shapes, colors, styles, and sizes.
They are so striking that during the Christmas season different festivals are held to recognize the best star in the nation.
4. The burning of the Devil in Guatemala
On this holiday, Guatemalan families light bonfires, and burn the figure of Satan, every December 6.
This tradition seeks to scare away the evil spirits that attack Christmas, and celebrate the victory over good and evil. Currently, families make the figure of the devil in piñatas, take advantage of it and burn it in very festive settings, where the entire community participates.
5. In Japan Christmas Eve is at KFC
Unlike many nations where Christmas Eve is characterized by a Christmas table to share a delicious dinner at home, in Japan it is celebrated in a KFC food place.
It sounds strange, but it is like that, the Japanese do not waste time thinking about how to prepare a turkey, or a lamb, so they prefer to spend the night in one of these fast food places. Or what is better, order it at home.
6. Lucky cobwebs in Ukraine
The trees and windows are decorated with simulations of spider webs. This, for Ukrainians, is an element that attracts good luck and fortune.
It is one of the rarest traditions, which has its origin in an ancient history. According to legend, it is said that a humble family wanted to decorate a Christmas tree, but had no way.
The spiders of that house, noticing the sadness of the children, wove all night on the tree and the next day, when the sun rose, this fabric turned a golden and silver color, which gave more harmony to the pine of Christmas.
7. Gift of Peace in China
This is a Chinese tradition that is based on the exchange of apples; on Christmas Eve.
The most attractive thing about this tradition is that during these dates, the apples are placed in red wrappers, or beautiful boxes, for people to buy and give them at their dinners, or events.
It is a very particular tradition, which arose from the phonetics of the word Christmas Eve, which in Mandarin is translated as ping'an ye ; this word sounds like pingguo, which means apple; and this linguistic fusion was what gave way to the Christmas custom.
These are some weird Christmas traditions, but surely there are many more; taking into account that each nation is different.
