Christmas is celebrated around the world. While the Christmas story may be different in other countries, we can all agree that the Christmas season is a favorite. While in America decorating the tree is a tradition, other countries have their traditions as well. Here are some unusual Christmas traditions from the United States, and around the rest of the world.
Catalonia
This region of Spain is known for its beautiful beaches and resorts. It is also known for including a figurine named "Caganer" in their nativity scenes. Caganer is a small figure of a defecating man, placed in the manger along with baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Catalonians are also known to have the Tió de Nadal, or in other words, "the pooping log". On Christmas Eve it is decorated with a face and blanket and then placed halfway into the fire. The log is then beaten with sticks.
Japan
A campaign in 1974 inspired this tradition in Japan. Apparently, on Christmas Eve, families will have Kentucky Fried Chicken for their dinner. Advertising is pretty powerful over there.
Czech Republic
Unmarried women will stand facing the door with a shoe in their hand. They will then throw the shoe over their shoulder. If the toe is pointing towards the door once it lands, then that woman will supposedly be married within the next year.
Slovakia
This tradition involves food, but not what you're probably thinking. In Slovakia, the eldest man of the house is in charge of this specific tradition. He is supposed to take a spoonful of loksa pudding and throw it up on the ceiling. Loksa pudding is basically a dish made from potatoes, flour, oil, salt, sauerkraut, and jam (or poppy seeds). The better the pudding sticks to the ceiling, the better the new year will be.
South Africa
In South Africa their Christmas tradition is to terrify younger children, basically. Children are told the story of a boy named Danny who was told by his grandmother to not eat Santa's cookies. Danny didn't listen, and out of rage his grandmother killed him. Danny apparently haunts homes during Christmas time. Oh, and they also eat fried caterpillars as a Christmas treat.
United States
A lot of our traditions come from other countries, such as coal in the stocking (England) and hiding the pickle in the tree (Germany). But, the United States has created their own tradition that was not inspired by another country. This tradition would be "The Running of the Santas". Basically, a bunch of people dress up and Santa Clause and bar crawl throughout the city. A very boozy tradition, but what else do you expect from the USA?
