Texan Magazine
By Bill Dante
Many well known Christmas traditions that we enjoy today actually came about hundreds of years ago. The beautifully decorated tree, the stockings hung with care, the special food and even the eggnog are all rooted in long-ago tradition. But there are many holiday traditions around the world that will make you sit up and say, “Really?”
JAPAN
Pass the Kentucky Fried Chicken, please!
Japan isn’t a Christian country and therefore doesn’t celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday. It’s more of a secular holiday focused on romance and food. Yet, millions of lights are turned on across the country with their celebration called Winter Illuminations. Every major city competes to be the best with their dazzling light displays. Starting as early as November and lasting as late as Valentine’s Day, Winter Illuminations isn’t Christmas but looks bigger and better than any holiday light show I have seen. So nothing really unusual here, right?….But wait for it…..
When KFC of Japan first noticed foreigners struggling to find a traditional meal, “Kentucky for Christmas,” was born. It was a massive country wide, wildly successful advertising campaign.
KFC caught on with the entire country! The popular Christmas meal in Japan due to a successful marketing that began in the 1970s. The campaign capitalized on Japan’s growing interest in Western culture. The demand is so high and now a major event that reservations for your bucket of chicken need to be made months in advance!
ITALY
The Christmas witch…
In Italy there is a witch named La Befana. She flys around on her broom looking for good boys and girls, much like Santa, delivering gifts on January 5th, the eve before the Three Kings Day.
Her visit marks the traditional end of the Christmas season and is often celebrated with festivals and parades, particularly in Urbania, considered her home.
AUSTRIA
What a monster! Krampus is a large demon-like, mythical creature. He’s been scaring children in Austria since 400 A.D.
He has large fangs, a fur covered body, big scary eyes and a spanking rod. Yes, you read that right, a spanking rod! Yikes!! He looks for bad children on the night of December 5th. There’s actually a major parade in his honor. Of course Saint Nicholas is a good friend who rewards the well behaved children that are able to avoid a visit by Krampus.
GERMANY
The pickle ornament and real candles on the tree. This is the country where Santa Claus originated, so what could be so unusual? Well, a few things…There is a long standing German tradition involving a game of “go find it.” The object is to find an ornament shaped like a green pickle hidden in the decorated Tannenbaum, (Christmas tree).
I’ve never heard of this, and have visited the country many, many times, but if you find the green pickle ornament, you get a special treat! Also, many Americans are surprised to learn that it is still common for Germans to use real, lit candles on their Christmas trees following a tradition that dates back to the 15th century. (Being a significant fire hazard, you probably shouldn’t try this at home!)
VENEZUELA
Get ready to skate to church!
The week before Christmas everyone roller skates to mass. The cities actually close the streets until mass is over. It’s a special tradition but of course, not here.
Finally closer to home, did you know that roast turkey didn’t appear consistently on our Christmas day tables until 1851, replacing smoked swan.
Tradition is a part of your family and ours. In today’s world they may be easy to forget as families are more separated then ever before. So it’s up to you to remember your favorite traditions and pass them down.
Merry Christmas and don’t forget to hang the stockings on the fireplace with care in hope that St. Nicholas soon will be there!
Wishing you a very blessed and Merry Christmas from our family to yours.
