The Winter season traditions are quite festive…and involve gatherings of family and friends…special foods…music…and much merriment. Some world traditions this season are religious in nature…others hold true to traditions…and all are reasons to celebrate.
COLOMBIA …DECEMBER 7TH
Festivals begin by lighting candles lit in celebration of the Virgin Guadalupe…called “The Day of the Little Candles.” Festivities continue during “ Las Novenas” that begin December 16th which includes making foods such as egg custard commonly called “natilla” … hot chocolate…tamales…ham and turkey.
PUERTO RICO…DECEMBER
In the month of December…the tradition called “Parranda” meaning “party or spree.” A mostly unsuspecting host will be woke up by friends and families singing and playing music outside their house past 10:00 PM. Food will be served of course…and lots of laughter. This tradition is all about reconnecting with family and friends.
NETHERLANDS…DECEMBER 5TH
The holiday season begins on December 5th when Sinterklass brings gifts for the children. In order for him to bring gifts…children must place a shoe in front of the chimney with a carrot for his horse and sing loudly. Another tradition includes drawing a family or friends name from a hat…and a handmade gift is made for that person. The gift is then hidden and a short poem is written…giving clues about the handmade gift.
ST.NICHOLAS DAY…DECEMBER 6TH
In many European countries…St. Nicholas Day celebrates St. Nicholas of Myra…the man who inspired the tradition of Santa Claus and Father Christmas. He gave all his money to the needy and was known for his compassion for children and those in need. The holiday honors the man on the anniversary of his death…December 6 343 A.D. Parades…feasts…and gift giving are part of this tradition honoring him.
ST. LUCIA DAY…DECEMBER 13TH
In honor of this 3rd century saint…many girls in Sweden dress up as “Lucia brides”…in long white gowns with red sashes and a wreath of burning candles on their heads. They wake up their families by singing songs and bringing them coffee and twisted saffron buns called “Lucia cats.”
KWANZAA…DECEMBER 26TH to JANUARY 1ST
Kwanzaa means “first fruits” and is based on ancient African harvest festivals and celebrates family and unity. During this spiritual holiday…African Americans dress in special clothes…decorate their homes with fruits and vegetables and light a candle holder called a kinara.
ECUADOR…DECEMBER 31ST
Families dress a straw man in old clothes on December 31st…as the straw man represents the old year. Family members make a will for the straw man that lists all their faults. At midnight they burn the straw man in hopes their faults will disappear with him.
HONG GONG…DECEMBER 31ST
In Hong Gong …people pray to the gods and ghosts of their ancestors…asking that they fulfill wishes for the next year. Priests read out loud the names of every living person at the celebration and attach a list of names to a paper horse and set it on fire. The smoke carries the names up to the gods and the living will be remembered.
FRANCE …”E REVEILLON DE NOEL”…DECEMBER 24TH
This Winter holiday highlight offers a late night meal after midnight mass. The French start with “amuse –bouches”…which means to amuse the mouth. Smoked salmon canapes…fish roe spread…foie gras…seafood including oysters whet everyone’s appetite …followed by the main course which is usually a Christmas turkey with chestnuts. For dessert a Yule Log…is enjoyed.
NEW YEARS EVE…JANUARY 31st
Ringing out the old year…and welcoming the New Year…by celebrating with fireworks…music…and food is the theme of New Years Eve. Happy New Year!
Keep Traditions Alive,
Victoria