As December 25th comes closer, people from all over the world begin preparations to celebrate Christmas. Whilst most Christian countries celebrate Christmas as the day Jesus Christ was born - through nativity scenes, church services and prayers - the festival has grown and evolved to be something celebrated by almost all countries, each one with its own culture and traditions.
Countries in Europe
Most European countries celebrate Christmas as a religious festival, with 76.2% of the European population identifying themselves as Christians, despite this, each country has its own traditions and special ways of celebrating the festival:
Germany - In Germany, children polish and clean boots and put them outside their doors on December 5th. On December 6th (St Nicholas Day), they are visited by St Nicholas who fills their boots with candies if they’ve been good over the past year.
Sweden - In Sweden, Saint Lucy’s Day is celebrated on December 13th. Historically, St. Lucia was a catholic Saint who was convicted for illegal witchcraft. During this day, young girls dress up in white and sing to audiences such as schools and workplaces. Out of the group of girls, there is always one girl, Lucia, who leads the line and often sings solo pieces, she is followed by the members of the choir dressed as, tärnor or maids
Countries in Asia
Most countries in Asia contain a small Christain population, which means that Christmas is celebrated more as a secular holiday than a religious one. Although most countries don’t celebrate Christmas religiously, many countries still embrace the holiday spirit by decorating in Christmas lights and other common decorations (such as holly wreaths)
Japan - In Japan Christmas is used as a time to spread good fortune to others, furthermore, in contrast to the religious method of celebrating Christmas - Christmas Eve in Japan is seen as a day for couples to spend time together.
Thailand - Thailand is a mainly Buddhist community, however, this entails that it is supportive of all cultures and religions. As a result of this, Thailand celebrates Christmas as a festival to spread joy. Additionally, Christmas time in Thailand is usually during the peak tourist season which allows there to be ‘conventional’ Christmas celebrations catered towards tourists.
Countries in South America
Christianity is the main religion in South America, with around 80% of the population identifying as Christian, meaning that Christmas is celebrated as a religious holiday in South America. Although South America is mainly Christian, all of its countries have their own different, unique ways of celebrating the holiday.
Peru - Peru has the Chocolatada, which entails well-off families, businesses and schools to give out items such as bread, chocolate and sweets to families and people who aren’t as well off as them.
Venezuela - In Venezuela, especially in the capital city of Caracas, it is customary for locals to wear roller skates and use those to get to Christmas mass on the morning of Christmas day.
Countries in North America
Christianity is the most popular religion in this continent with around 75% of people identifying as Christian. The way that this celebration is celebrated in North America varies greatly from country to country
USA - The United States of America celebrates Christmas in the traditional way, with light decorations, Christmas trees, church services and presents. However, the US also has its own traditions which include decorating the outsides of your house and setting up massive Christmas trees, such as the annual one set up in Rockefeller Center New York.
Mexico - Las Posadas is an 8-day long event celebrated in Mexico. It is also celebrated in some other countries including Guatemala and Cuba; however, each country celebrates it slightly differently. In 2021, it was celebrated from 16th December to 24th December. During this, children walk around houses whilst carrying candles and singing, asking for shelter.
Countries in Oceania
Oceania is a continent that only consists of 14 countries, with most of them being island nations. Since it is in the southern hemisphere, Christmas in Oceania is celebrated during the summer.
Australia - Approximately 52.2% of Australians are Christian, subsequently meaning that Australia's Christmas celebrations involve singing Christmas carols and attending Church services. Since it is usually very hot near Christmas in Australia, families tend to spend the day at Bondi Beach - a beach located in Sydney - receiving around 40,000 visitors on Christmas day.
Samoa - Samoa celebrates thirteen days to Christmas before the actual day. These thirteen preceding days to Christmas are usually filled with Christmas carols and performances of dramas. Another Christmas tradition in Samoa is to use bananas or coconuts to build trees instead of using pine trees.
Countries in Africa
Christmas in Africa occurs during the summer months for some of its countries. During this season in Africa, it is common for all family members to return home and celebrate with one another. It is also a time used to spread joy and is celebrated by people across all religions.
South Africa - In South Africa, Christmas is used as a time for people to go visit their family and friends. As a Christmas meal, many people organise ‘Braai’ (a South African barbeque) instead of the traditional turkey.
Tanzania - Christmastime in Tanzania is a big deal which usually involves getting up early and getting dressed in new clothes to go to church on Christmas morning. Christmas in Tanzania also involves meeting friends and family. A typical Christmas meal would involve a cow or goat accompanied with a home-brewed beer.
Conclusion
Overall, Christmas is celebrated as a time to come together with family and friends all over the world and although not all countries celebrate it as a religious event, all of them see it as a way to spread joy throughout the community.
Sources:
https://christmasspirit.wordpress.com/category/knowledge-u-need/world-traditions/traditions-oceania/
Writer: Anvita Verma
Editor: Jessica Leung
Graphics: Holly Liu
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