HUNTER: Traditional Diversity

When I started looking at the traditions of other countries, I definitely felt inspired to try and incorporate a few every year to experience something new and switch up our traditions. I was surprised with just how many different traditions are out there–here’s a few I thought were interesting.

Krampus (Germany, Austria, Hungary)

Krampus can be thought of as an anti-Santa whose job it is to punish kids on the “naughty” list. Every year in early December, children in Austria get ready for St. Nicholas to visit them. If they’ve been good, he’ll reward them with presents and treats. But if they’ve been bad, they’ll get a lot more than a lump of coal—they’ll have to face Krampus. He’s half-man, half-goat and chases naughty children and is rumoured to stuff them in a sack and drag them to hell.

St. Nicholas Day, Czech Republic

St. Nicholas Day is still commonly celebrated across Europe on December 6th, though the traditions vary depending on the country. In the Czech Republic, St. Nick dresses like a bishop and is accompanied by both an angel and a devil. Based on St. Nick’s judgment of a child’s behavior, the kid either gets a treat from the angel or gets terrorized by the devil. Around this time, Czech children can be seen dressed up as either an angel or devil while partaking in celebrations.

Colonel Sanders Christmas, Japan

An estimated 3.5 million Japanese families eat fried chicken on Christmas Eve thanks to a corporate promotional stunt by KFC in the 1970s called Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii (“Kentucky for Christmas”). Advertisements for the company’s Christmas meals show happy Japanese families crowding around barrels of fried chicken. The tradition has morphed from the original “party barrel” of chicken into special family meal-sized boxes filled with chicken, cake, and wine which have to be reserved in advance due to their popularity.

Thirteen Yule Lads, Iceland

The thirteen troll-like Yule Lads are like a mashup between Santa Claus and dwarves, since each has a different name and personality, and each leaves gifts in children’s shoes for the 13 nights before Christmas. Unless kids are bad, in which case they get rotten potatoes, or worse, the Yule Lads’ mom, Gryla, will boil them in a cauldron. As if that’s not enough, Icelandic children also have to contend with a giant, blood-thirsty black kitty called Jólakötturinn. The Christmas Cat that prowls around the country on Christmas Eve and eats anyone who’s not wearing at least one new piece of clothing.

Simbang Gabi, Philippines

The nine-day Simbang Gabi is a series of pre-dawn Catholic Masses culminating on Christmas Eve. Simbang Gabi originated from the Missa Aurea (golden Mass or Angel’s Mass) practiced by the Roman Catholic Church. The tradition was introduced by the Spanish friars at the start of the Catholic evangelization of the Philippines, to allow farmers to hear mass before going to the fields in the morning. This tradition creates a festive atmosphere with lively bands and colourful lanterns lighting the way to mass.

Orthodox Christmas, Ukraine, Egypt, Greece, Russia

Did you know 12 per cent of the world’s Christians wait until January 7 to observe Christmas Day? The origins of the difference go all the way back to AD 325, when a group of Christian bishops met to agree on a standard date for the church’s most important holiday, Easter. To do so, they decided to base it on the Julian calendar, a calendar which Roman ruler Julius Caesar had adopted in 46 BC. So while many of us have packed up the holiday decorations and are focused on New Year’s resolutions, Orthodox Christians are caroling, celebrating and feasting.

La Befana, Italy

The Italian version of Santa Claus is an ugly (but kind) old witch. As the story goes, the Magi stopped at her house to ask for directions on their way to visit baby Jesus. They invited Befana to come with them on their journey, but she had too much housework to do. After they left, she changed her mind and tried to find them but couldn’t, so now she flies around on the night of January 5 (the eve of the Epiphany, which marks the Magi’s meeting with Baby Jesus). Much like Santa, La Befana delivers toys to good children and coal to naughty ones. Instead of milk and cookies, Italians leave out a plate of sausage and broccoli and a glass of wine for her.

The two other traditions celebrated this time of year are Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. In case you’re unfamiliar them, I’ve added a bit of information about each here:

Hanukkah:

The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah started on Sunday, December 18th and ends the evening of Monday, December 26th. The time commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem where, according to legend, Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. Eight candles symbolize the number of days that the Temple lantern blazed; the ninth, the shamash, is a helper candle used to light the others. Families light one candle in the menorah on the first day, two on the second (and so on) after sundown during the eight days of Hanukkah while reciting prayers and singing songs.

Kwanzaa:

Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday or related to Christmas, but a cultural one beginning December 26th and ending on January 1st. Created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chair of Africana studies at California State University, the holiday aims to affirm African family and social values. Kwanzaa lasts for seven nights, and each of those days are represented by a different candle on a candelabra called the kinara. Each of these candles is meant to represent the Nguzo Saba, or the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (cooperative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity), and imani (faith).

I’m always curious to learn more about family and cultural traditions. To me, they say a lot about our collective values and I never fail to be surprised how many similarities there are across different continents and cultures. I think this speaks to how much we actually share despite our differences–a take away we can all keep in mind.

What kind of traditions do you celebrate?

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by Sadie Hunter

HUNTER: Traditional Diversity

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