As you sit down to enjoy your Christmas dinner, open presents, or pull crackers in the UK, it’s fascinating to think about how people in other countries celebrate the festive season.
From unconventional decorations to curious culinary delights, Christmas traditions around the world tend to vary wildly, often offering a glimpse of some unique cultural differences.
With that in mind, continue reading to discover 10 of the more unusual and intriguing festive traditions from across the globe.
1. Christmas dinner in Japan
If you tried to guess what’s on the Christmas menu in Japan, exotic dishes such as sushi or tempura might come to mind.
Though, the real answer is KFC, with the BBC revealing that roughly 3.6 million Japanese families take part in the tradition.
It began in the 1970s when Takeshi Okawara, the manager of Japan’s first KFC restaurant, launched a marketing campaign that introduced the “party barrel” for Christmas. The idea quickly gained traction, and today, it’s common to see people queuing up outside KFC for their Christmas feast.
2. Spider webs in Ukraine
While you may decorate your Christmas tree with tinsel and ornaments, in Ukraine, the tradition often involves fake spiders and webs.
This custom stems from an old wives’ tale about a poor woman who couldn’t afford to decorate her tree.
Legend says that a spider spun webs overnight than turned to silver and gold in the morning, bringing the woman good fortune.
To this day, Ukrainians honour the tale by decorating their trees with spider web ornaments, believing it will bring them luck over the coming year.
3. “Defecating logs” in Catalonia
In Catalonia, a peculiar tradition called “caga tio”, or “defecating logs” is celebrated. During the fortnight leading up to Christmas, families decorate a small wooden log with a painted face and often dress it in a small blanket to keep it “warm”.
Each night, children “feed” the log with nuts and sweets. Then, on Christmas Eve, the log is beaten with sticks until it “excretes” treats.
Over the years, the designs of the logs have become more creative, featuring characters such as Darth Vader, Gollum, and even Donald Trump.
4. Krampus in Germany and Austria
In Germany and Austria, Santa isn’t the only festive figure roaming the streets during the Christmas period.
Indeed, as does Krampus, a terrifying figure from Austro-Bavarian folklore. Described as a horned and hairy creature with hooves, Krampus is said to punish naughty children.
Every year on 5 December, cities host Krampusnacht, a lively event that involves parades where people dress up as the beast and playfully chase each other.
5. Throwing shoes in the Czech Republic
Single women in the Czech Republic use Christmas to predict their romantic futures for the year ahead.
Indeed, they stand with their backs to their front doors and throw a shoe over their shoulder. If it lands with the toe pointing towards the door, it’s believed that the woman will marry in the next year.
It’s certainly a light-hearted tradition that adds some fun and excitement to the festive season.
6. Pudding throwing in Slovakia
Yet another tradition that involves throwing something, in Slovakia, most senior members often throw pudding made of milk, bread, poppy seeds, and honey called “loksa” onto the ceiling.
The more pudding that sticks, the greater the family’s fortune is expected to be in the coming year. While the tradition is definitely messy, it’s memorable.
7. Skating in Venezuela
In Caracas, Venezuela, many people attend a daily early-morning church service known as “Misa de Aguinaldo” during the week leading up to Christmas.
Though it’s the way they get there that makes this tradition unique, as they travel on roller skates.
The practice is so widespread that roads are often closed to cars until 8 am to ensure that the skaters reach their destination safely!
8. Remembrance in Portugal
Christmas in Portugal isn’t just about celebrating the present, but also about remembering the past.
Indeed, families often honour their dead relatives by setting an extra place at the dining table for them on Christmas Eve in a tradition called “consoda”.
They believe that this act of remembrance brings good fortune to the house in the coming year.
9. Cleaning in Guatemala
Guatemalans have a unique way of preparing for Christmas, which involves sweeping away the old to make way for the new.
During the week before Christmas, families tend to thoroughly clean their homes, gathering dust and rubbish into a large pile outside.
Then, on top of the heap, they place an effigy of the devil and set fire to it in a tradition called “La Quema del Diablo”, or “Burning of the Devil”.
The act symbolises cleansing the home of any evil spirits and starting the new year fresh.
10. Whale skin in Greenland
If you’re seeking a more adventurous culinary experience, then Greenland could be for you. One delicacy, “Mattak”, consists of raw whale skin with blubber.
While it’s said to taste like coconut, its tough texture often makes it easier to swallow whole than to chew.
Additionally, “Kiviak” involves fermenting small Arctic birds called auks. The birds are buried in sealskin and left to decompose for several months before being served at Christmas.
While these dishes might not appeal to you, they hold deep cultural significance to Greenlanders.
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This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
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