Christmas Traditions Around the World
The Philippines: Christmas season begins in September with the feast
of Saint Pio and ends in January, meaning nearly half the year is
Christmas in the Philippines. The event closest to December 25th is a
nine-day mass called Simbang Gabi, which includes hymns
and Filipino foods. Christmas Eve is celebrated all night and then
followed by a day of family talks and gift giving. Maligayang pasko
(Merry Christmas)!
Mexico: In the nine days before Christmas, children and adults dress up as Mary and Joseph and visit different neighborhoods. These “pilgrims” sing songs at houses in request of shelter.
The host replies in song and offers drink and food. Children try to
break a star-shaped piñata and do not receive gifts until January 4th.
Feliz Navidad!
Ethiopia: Christmas Eve is celebrated on January 6th in accordance with the local Ge’ez calendar. On that night, priests carry nicely decorated
umbrellas and wear traditional clothing. They march through cities with
large groups of people. In the morning, people feast, presents are
exchanged, and some people play sports. During the Timkat parade, held
12 days later, a stone replica of the 10 Commandments is wrapped in rich fabrics and carried by priests on their heads. Melkam Ganna!
Finland: Finns believe that the Winter Solstice brings out the spirits of the dead. On Christmas Eve, celebrated at roughly the same time, Finns place candles around the graves of relatives. Hyvää Joulua!
Vietnam: Christmas was only recently reintroduced to largely Buddhist Vietnam after a relaxation of restrictions in the early 1980s. It is a mainly a Jesus-free event. Santa is sometimes shown on a scooter instead of a sleigh
and Vietnamese Catholics gather in churches that look like temples.
Citizens visit crowded city centers and later eat Christmas chicken
soup. Chúc Giáng Sinh Vui Vẻ!
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