Christmas Nuggets

Christmas has some quaint customs in different parts of the world. Rakesh Kumar collects these bits

 

Christmas is when virtually the whole world gets into a festive mood. At this time of year, the streets of cities, towns and villages gets decked up with colour, lights and Christmas decorations, creating a magical atmosphere all around. This is one festival where, irrespective of the Christian population, there is an air of celebration and feasting. Some things are common, such as Christmas tree, mistletoe, the Nativity, feating and Midnight mass, yet, some customs set apart Christmas in different parts of the world. We bring some of these unique festivities.

Spain

The first special date in Spain is 22 December, marked by the draw for the Christmas Lottery ~ almost everyone in Spain takes part and prizes are celebrated in style out in the streets. The next big days are definitely the most family-oriented, on 24 and 25 December: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as the Midnight mass. The most entertaining day falls on 28 December with the Day of the Santos Inocentes, when people play pranks similar to those of April Fools' Day.
People say goodbye to the year with the New Year's Eve celebrations on 31 December. To get involved,  don't forget to buy 12 grapes in advance. Why? According to Spanish tradition, everyone has to eat one grape in time with the striking of the clock at midnight. If you manage to eat them all on time, you will have a New Year full of luck.

Germany

In Germany, Christmas trees are secretly decorated by the mother of the family for her young kids. The Christmas tree is traditionally brought into the house on Christmas eve.

Poland's Warsaw's market
In Poland, Christmas is celebrated a bit differently. On this day everything is supposed to be clean. So, people wash their windows and clean their carpets very thoroughly. Unlike other parts of the world, in Poland, Christmas meal is eaten in the evening. It's traditional that no food is eaten until the first star is seen in the sky! So children look at the night sky to spot the first star. In Warsaw one can see the reconstructed historic district bedecked in decorations, Christmas trees lighting up the main thoroughfares and little huts from which vendors sell Polish treasures for those searching for souvenirs or decorations.

Israel
In the little town of Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, on Christmas Eve, natives and visitors alike crowd the church doorways and stand on the roof to watch for the dramatic annual procession. Galloping horsemen and police mounted on Arabian horses lead the parade. They are followed by a solitary horseman carrying a cross and sitting astride a coal-black steed. Then come the churchmen and government officials. The procession solemnly enters the doors and places an ancient effigy of the Holy Child in the church. Deep winding stairs lead to a grotto, where visitors find a silver star marking the site of the birth of Jesus.
Christian homes in Bethlehem are marked by a cross painted over the door and each home displays a homemade manger scene. A star is set up on a pole in the village square.

Australia

In Australia, Christmas falls in the middle of the summer holidays, so some people might even be camping at Christmas. Australians hang wreaths on their front doors and sometimes go out Christmas carol singing on Christmas eve. People also decorate their houses and gardens with Christmas trees and Christmas lights. Neighbours sometimes have little competitions as to who has got the best light display. On Boxing Day most people visit their friends and often have barbecue at the beach. A famous yacht race from Sydney to Hobart in Tasmania is also held on Boxing Day.

Philippines
The Southeast Asian island nation has the world's longest festive season and pulls no punches in its celebratory zeal, with lavish light displays, masses, and festivals held throughout the country from September until January. The formal Christmas celebrations start on 16 December, when many people go to the first of nine pre-dawn or early morning masses. The last mass is on Christmas day.

Norway
Santa Claus is said to live in Norway. And Christmas Eve is the time when gifts are exchanged. The presents are also said to be brought by small gnomes called "Nisse". Children pick up the gifts from under the Christmas Tree and read the cards on them out loud. On this day, rice porridge is sometimes left for the Nisse, who, it is believed, guard the farm animals. In some parts of Norway, children dress up as characters from the Christmas Story, such as shepherds and the Wise Men, and go singing from house to house in their neighbourhood. Another tradition in parts of Norway is that families light a candle every night from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day. Interestingly, the most famous custom about Christmas in Norway is the big Christmas Tree that the country gives to the UK every year. The tree is given to thank the UK for the help its people gave to Norway during World War II. The tree stands in Trafalgar Square in the middle of London and hundreds of people come to watch when the lights are turned on.

Russia
In Russia and many other countries, including Serbia, Christmas is normally celebrated on 7 January. The difference in the date is because the Russian Orthodox church uses the old Julian calendar to mark religious days. The official Christmas and New Year holidays in Russia last from 31 December to 10 January. Some people fast on Christmas Eve, until the first star has appeared in the sky. People then eat "sochivo" or "kutia", a porridge made from wheat or rice, served with honey, poppy seeds, fruit (especially berries and dried fruit like raisins), chopped walnuts or sometimes even fruit jellies. Following the meal, prayers might be said and people then go to the midnight Church services. They don't wash the dishes until they get home from Church.