Around the World in 10 Strange Christmas Traditions

Around the World in 10 Strange Christmas Traditions


November 20, 2023 | Miles Brucker

Around the World in 10 Strange Christmas Traditions


10 Strange Christmas Traditions

Christmas tradition in spainLaia, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

Christmas, a festival celebrated with gusto across the globe, is not just about Santa Claus, gifts, and the Christmas tree. Different cultures have their unique and sometimes downright strange traditions that add a distinct flavor to their festive celebrations.

While these customs might raise an eyebrow or two, they are steeped in cultural significance and are a testament to the diversity of holiday celebrations.

It's crucial to approach these traditions with respect and an open mind, recognizing that they are an integral part of a region's cultural identity and heritage.

Krampus – Austria and Surrounding Regions

Christmas Traditions FactsShutterstock

Advertisement

In parts of Austria and neighboring countries, St. Nicholas' traditional visit is accompanied by Krampus – a half-goat, half-demon figure.

Krampus is believed to punish naughty children during the Yuletide season. Parades featuring people dressed in terrifying Krampus costumes are common, serving as a reminder to children to behave.

The Christmas Witch – Italy

Holiday pranksShutterstock

Advertisement

In Italy, children await the arrival of La Befana, a friendly witch who delivers gifts and sweets on Epiphany Eve (January 5th).

The tradition stems from the story of an old woman who was invited by the Wise Men to visit the baby Jesus but declined. She later changed her mind but couldn't find them, so now she leaves gifts for children in hopes one of them is Christ.

The Pooping Log – Catalonia, Spain

Festive Facts About ChristmasFlickr, calafellvalo

Advertisement

Catalonia has one of the most unique Christmas traditions known as ‘Caga Tió’ or the ‘Pooping Log’.

A small wooden log is dressed up with a face, legs, and a blanket. Starting December 8th, children feed the log every evening until Christmas Eve, when they beat it with sticks, singing traditional songs, encouraging it to ‘poop’ out small gifts and candies.

Spider Web Tree Decorations – Ukraine

The Rudest Guests Of All TimePexels

Advertisement

In Ukraine, finding a spider or a spider's web on your Christmas tree is considered good luck. The tradition comes from a folktale about a poor family who couldn’t afford to decorate their tree and woke up on Christmas morning to find it covered in webs that turned to gold and silver in the sunlight.

Roller Skating to Mass – Caracas, Venezuela

red vintage roller skatesIqbal Septiana, Shutterstock

Advertisement

In the capital city of Caracas, it is customary for people to roller skate to early morning Christmas Mass. The streets are closed to cars, allowing people to skate safely. It's a festive and communal activity that brings the whole city together in celebration.

The Yule Cat – Iceland

Bizarre Christmas Traditions FactsFlickr

Advertisement

The Yule Cat, or Jólakötturinn, is a mythical beast in Icelandic folklore. It's said that this giant cat prowls around at Christmas time and eats those who haven't received new clothes to wear before Christmas Eve, encouraging generosity and the sharing of gifts.

KFC Christmas Dinner – Japan

Festive Facts About ChristmasFlickr, Danny Choo

Advertisement

Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan, but a quirky tradition has emerged: eating KFC on Christmas Eve.

This trend started from a successful marketing campaign in 1974, and now it's customary for many Japanese families to order KFC as their Christmas meal, often placing orders months in advance.

The Gävle Goat – Sweden

The Gävle GoatChristian Gidlöf, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Since 1966, the town of Gävle erects a giant straw goat, the Gävle Goat, at the start of Advent. However, the tradition has an unusual twist: almost every year, vandals try to burn it down.

The burning of the Gävle Goat has become an unusual, although unlawful, tradition.

Christmas Sauna – Finland

Bizarre Christmas Traditions FactsPixabay

Advertisement

In Finland, it's a tradition to spend time in a sauna on Christmas Eve. The sauna is considered a sacred space associated with long-standing Finnish traditions and is believed to house the spirits of ancestors.

Night of the Radishes – Oaxaca, Mexico

Christmas Traditionsdrewleavy, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

In Oaxaca, Mexico, December 23rd marks the 'Night of the Radishes,' where artisans carve intricate scenes into large radishes, which are then displayed in a competition.

This unique tradition dates back to the colonial period and showcases the region's rich agricultural and artistic heritage.

Final Thoughts

Two young girls in the roomPavel Danilyuk , Pexels

Advertisement

These strange yet fascinating traditions remind us that Christmas is celebrated in myriad ways around the world, each with its own cultural significance and charm.

As we learn about these diverse customs, it's essential to remember the importance of respecting and honoring the traditions of others, no matter how unusual they may seem.


READ MORE

60S Internal

24 Things Only 60s Kids Will Remember

The 1960s were filled with positive energy and new ideas. Iconic bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones ruled the music scene. Bold and innovative fashion trends were embraced by the youth. Significant events like the civil rights movement and rallies for peace marked the era. If you're a '60s kid, these will be all too familiar to you.
June 4, 2024 Eul Basa
Signssymptoms Internal

25 Signs And Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Paying attention to seemingly minor symptoms like the ones in this article could be life-saving. Such symptoms could indicate serious health problems, and timely diagnosis and treatment are essential for lasting health.
May 30, 2024 Eul Basa
Rare80S Internal

Items From Your Childhood That Are Worth Money Now

The following rare items not only bring back warm memories of the '80s—they're also worth a whole lot of money today, especially if they are in mint condition. How many of these do you still have?
May 30, 2024 Eul Basa
80Sslang Internal

Slang Words Only 80s Teens Knew

The '80s were a one-of-a-kind decade. To truly understand how life was back then, you just had to be there. From its era-defining fashion to the cool slang that still influences language today, the '80s have had a huge impact on history. This article explores the latter contribution in all its zany glory.
May 30, 2024 Eul Basa
Fall of the Suspension Bridge

The Most Devastating Bridge Disasters In History

We all trust the bridges we cross. However, some bridges throughout history have met tragic ends. Be warned: These awful disasters might just unlock a new fear.
May 30, 2024 Sarah Ng
Redhead Internal

Mind-Blowing Facts You Didn't Know About Redheads

Redheads are more than just their hair—their unique genetics give them many fascinating traits that distinguish them from the rest. They have also played significant roles in various societies throughout history.
May 30, 2024 Eul Basa