Weird and wonderful Christmas traditions from around the world
Christmas is around the corner and the world is preparing for yet another festive season. But did you know that traditions surrounding Christmas vary from place to place? For instance, people in Australia put on a Santa suit and go surfing, while people from Mexico build figures out of radishes to decorate their homes. Here are few other weird and wonderful Christmas traditions from around the world.
KFC Christmas in Japan
While we all love KFC, Japan has managed to make a Christmas tradition out of it. Mini and portable Japanese ovens and clever marketing have made this tradition a popular one. People are required to book seats in advance to dine at KFC on Christmas day and Christmas Family Buckets are high on demand during this holiday season.
Bracing sea swims in Britain
The British sea sides are never warm, not even during the peak of the summer season. Therefore, it is needless to say that the sea waters are practically chilly during the Christmas. However, the warm-blooded British people brave the ice-cold waters on Christmas day and the very next day (Boxing Day) to raise funds for charities and also to further their appetites for festive feasting.
Book Flood in Iceland
The cozy tradition of book flood or ‘Jolabokaflod’ dates back to the times of World War II, when paper was among the few things that wasn’t rationed. Hence, books were printed to fulfil the high demand of Iceland’s bookworms. In fact, books were also widely offered as Christmas presents with families coming together, sitting around the fire, drinking cocoa and reading aloud their favourite passages, starting from Christmas Eve and continuing till the New Year.
Candy filled shoes in Germany
Since many generations, kids in Germany have believed in the tradition of leaving out their shoes on their doorsteps before going to bed on Christmas eve. This is because they think that during the night, St. Nicholas or ‘Sinterklaas’ comes knocking from door to door, and leaves behind candies and other treats like dry fruits and chocolates.
Plates for the dead in Portugal
According to the Portuguese population, setting out extra plates and serving food and drink late on Christmas eve for their dead relatives is a mandatory Christmas tradition. This custom is called ‘consoada’ and is followed to bring good fortune to the household.