Christmas is definitely not celebrated the same way across the world. Traditions stem from different belief systems and folklore. Some traditions can be extremely weird and unusual. From caterpillar delicacies in South Africa to skating to church on Christmas in Venezuela, here are some of the interesting yet unusual Christmas traditions from around the world.
Banana Christmas tree — India
In many parts of southern India where getting evergreen trees might be an issue, people tend to decorate with a tree made of bananas or mangoes. They are likely an imitation of pine trees. They decorate the branches of the mango or banana trees to make them look more festive.
Spider web decor — Ukraine
Covering trees in cobwebs is quite a fascinating tradition in and around Ukraine. To most of the world, such decor may be reminiscent of Halloween than Christmas. But folk tales say that the spiders heard children cry over the lack of funds to decorate and thus decorated trees all by themselves. When the family wake up the following day, they are delighted at the sight of their trees glistening with spiderwebs as the sun shines brightly over them.
The unusual usual tree — New Zealand
In New Zealand, where Christmas is hot, the Kiwis take an unusual approach to the traditional evergreen Christmas tree. The pohutukawa tree is celebrated and regarded as one of the most integral parts of the Kiwi Christmas culture. You would see traces of the tree on Christmas cards, in the lyrics of traditional carols as well as other Christmas decor.
Kentucky Fried Chicken Christmas — Japan
A strange tradition that the Japanese tend to indulge in would be grabbing KFC on Christmas. The tradition dates back to the 1970s, when KFC started commercialising its famous fried chicken as Christmas cuisine. Couples also celebrate Christmas Eve as a day to celebrate their romance.
Cuisine caterpillars — South Africa
Caterpillars may not be anywhere on our minds when we think of Christmas cuisine. It is mostly pies and cakes, but in South Africa they take it up a notch. Fried caterpillars involve not just any caterpillar, but specifically the Pine Tree Emperor Moth. It is believed that consuming such a delicacy brings in good fortune for the year to come.
Donald Duck at 3pm — Sweden
A tradition that emerged in the 1950s, in Sweden people gather around the television on Christmas Day sharp at 3pm to watch Donald Duck deliver a message in his raspy voice. It is quite an unusual tradition where reportedly almost 40 per cent of the Swedish population tunes into the TV to watch Christmas cartoons together.
Christmas in the sauna — Finland
While many homes have in-built saunas in Finland, the spot becomes a cosy celebratory ground on Christmas. It is a tradition to take a dip respectfully in the sauna which the Finnish regard as the home of the elves.
The matchmaking Christmas — Czech Republic
As Czech traditions of Christmas go, unmarried women’s fate is decided upon how their shoes would land. Unmarried women stand outside their houses, and throw one shoe over the shoulder. If the shoe lands pointing towards the door it is good luck. Marriage is certainly soon on the cards!
Skating to church — Venezuela
In Venezuela, especially in the capital of Caracas, people go skating in the city. Traffic on streets is stopped, and masses skate their way to the church on Christmas morning. Also, children go to bed with a string tied to their feet, with the other end dangling out of a window. When the mass gets over, there are celebrations with firecrackers, people dancing and enjoying themselves on the streets of Venezuela.
Hide ’em brooms! — Norway
In Norway, traditions make people believe that all evil comes from the dead. So on the auspicious day of Christmas, Norwegians hide all the brooms and other cleaning supplies. Men also engage in firing shotguns to shun away the evil.