Ranking of the 5 strangest Christmas traditions in different parts of the world

Celebrating Christmas involves a multitude of local and global traditions. In each country, some customs come from pagan beliefs, and many of them also result from the prevailing climate. It is worth knowing that even in Poland there are many differences – depending on the region, gifts are brought by Santa Claus, Santa Claus, Angel or Baby. See what traditions are cultivated in other countries!

In South Africa, there is no snow on Christmas Day. During the holiday season, temperatures are high there, so instead of gathering at home, families feast together in gardens and parks, where they light a barbecue, feast and sing carols.

Did you know that there are as many as 25 million Christians living in India? Despite the tropical climate, they try to follow Christmas traditions and, like in other countries, Indians also decorate Christmas trees. However, a detail worth paying attention to is the type of tree, because in India it is very difficult to obtain a coniferous plant. Instead, decorations are placed on mango or banana trees.

Every child knows that to deserve gifts from Santa Claus, they must be good all year round. In Poland, the only punishment for lack of exemplary behavior is a cane, but in Austria, Switzerland and Germany, naughty children receive Krampus. You can recognize him by his fur, horns, devil-like face, and unusual decorations made of cowbells.

The Japanese, although they are not Christians, eagerly celebrate Christmas – not because of religious values, but because of the customs of Western countries. In Japanese homes you can often find a decorated Christmas tree, artificial snow or colorful lights, but on the tables there is a completely different dish – instead of carp or dumplings with cabbage, the Christmas menu includes a bucket of fried wings from a popular fast food chain.

Before the Norwegians adopted the Christian faith and before they started celebrating Christmas, they believed that on this day witches wake up from sleep, visit houses, take the brooms from the inhabitants and then fly away on them. To this day, a tradition is maintained according to which Norwegians look for the best, unusual hiding places for brooms – usually only family members know the place where they are protected against theft.

Despite the multitude of differences in how different cultures celebrate Christmas, there is certainly a common denominator. Regardless of the climate, who brings gifts, the Christmas menu or the type of tree decorated, the most important thing in every region is time spent with loved ones.

All the best this holiday season, as well as many successful trips to Iceland or Zanzibar in the new year 2021, from the Margot Travel team!