Christmas: Celebration Around the World

By Heidi Early
Published: Thu, 01 Dec 2005 09:00:00 -0500

France – Noël!

In France, Christmas is one of the largest religious celebrations of the year (Easter being the largest), as well as the largest secular celebration. Christmas is primarily viewed as a time to spend with family while enjoying rich and exciting cultural traditions. One way the French celebrate Christmas is through la crèche. La crèche is a manger scene; most families set one up in a special place in their house. The children often decorate the manger scene and fill it with santons--small, wooden figurines which represent Mary and Joseph, Jesus, and the other characters in the story of Jesus’ birth. Almost everyone attends midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The churches are decorated elaborately, and often contain a crèche, as well. After that, French families celebrate with a late feast called le réveillon. The feast often includes la bûche de Noël, which is a cake in the form of a Yule log.

Spain – Navidad!

Christmas is an extremely festive holiday in Spain. Spain’s patron saint is the Virgin Mary, and on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated. This feast ushers in the holiday season and starts the season’s festivities. Nochebuena, Christmas Eve, is celebrated by each household lighting small oil lamps when stars begin to appear in the sky. Most people attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve before partaking in a huge Christmas dinner. Families and friends enjoy another elaborate meal together in the middle of the day of December 25. Nativity plays are common throughout Spain and are often acted out by the townspeople. The holiday season doesn’t end with Christmas Day, like it does it most countries. Celebration continues to take place through January 6. Los Reyes Magos, Three Kings Day, is the last feast of the holiday season. January 6 is a very special day for Spanish children, as this is the day they receive their gifts.

Germany – Weihnachten!

On the eve of December 6th, children in Germany traditionally place a shoe or boot in front of the fireplace in hopes that Saint Nicholas will fill it with goodies on that night. Saint Nicholas Day begins the Christmas festivities in Germany. The tradition of the Christmas tree, which originated in Germany, is a big part of Christmas Eve. Until that evening, often no one except the father and mother of the family will see the Christmas tree. Then, on Christmas Eve, the children are ushered into room and greeted by a beautiful, sparkling tree--not to mention presents and delicious food.

Italy – Natale!

One well-known legend in Italy is that of La Befana. La Befana is said to be a kindly old witch who visits on December 6th. She brings toys, candy, and trinkets for good children and coal for bad children. Legend has it that, on the day of Jesus’ birth, the Wise Men invited La Befana to accompany them on their way to visit Jesus, but she refused. A shepherd also asked her to come see Jesus with him, but she refused because she was too busy. Later that evening, La Befana decided that maybe she should go to visit baby Jesus, but she could not find him. According to the story, every year on December 6th, La Befana goes out to look for Jesus to bring him gifts, but cannot find him. She leaves the gifts for the children, instead. Because of this popular legend, December 6th is a very exciting day for children in Italy.

Brazil -- Natal!

In Brazil, Papai Noel is the name for Father Christmas. Legend says that he lives in Greenland and wears silk clothing, because of the summer weather, when he visits on Christmas Eve. One popular Christmas tradition is that of amigo secreto, which means “secret friend.” At the beginning of December, family and friends gather together and draw names. Then, over the month of December, the participants exchange letters and messages using fakes names. On Christmas Day, the secret friends are revealed.

Japan:

Even though there are relatively few Christians in Japan, Christmas is still widely celebrated. This holiday was first introduced to the Japanese by the European Christians who traveled there in sixteenth century. The gift-bearer in Japan is Hoteiosho, similar to Santa Claus. Hoteiosho is said to be an all-seeing priest who brings gifts for the good children. Traditional Christmas food in Japan includes the Christmas cake, often topped with strawberries and whipped cream.