Strange Christmas traditions from around the world

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25 dec 2014 10:35

Tió de Nadal-Spain. In Spain they decorate and then beat logs with sticks. The idea being to beat presents out of it.

Strange Christmas traditions from around the world

Caganer-Spain Caganer figurines are placed within nativity scenes. These little guys are small figurines that depict a squatting person, who is, well, defecating.

Shoe Toss-Czech Republic In the Czech Republic it is a Chrismas day tradition for single women to stand on the porch of their homes and toss their shoes back towards the door. If it lands straight, then start picking out wedding dresses.

La Befana-Italy For a long time there was a decree from the vatican banning the depiction of Santa Clause. In his place Italians came up with a Le Befana, who appears like a witch. She was invited to see baby Jesus but declined. In her regret she brings gifts to children every year, hoping to see Jesus.

Broom Hiding-Norway Speaking of brooms, Norwegian women hide their brooms on Christmas Eve. This is so the witches don’t find them when they come looking for brooms on Christmas Eve.

Banana Trees-India While the Christian population in India is a minority, the 25 million or so Christians that are there still need trees at Christmas time. So the Banana tree has taken the spot of the traditional pine.

Kentucky Fried Christmas-Japan In 1974 KFC ran an immensely popular campaign aimed at associating fried chicken with Christmas in Japan.

Krampus-Germany Good children are visited by Santa, and bad children get coal. Not in Germany. Where the demon Krampus comes for the bad children and whips them with chains.

Skates and Strings-Venezuela In Venezuela children will go to sleep on Christmas Eve with strings tied to their big toes. Come Christmas morning, the streets are closed and parishioners heading to early morning mass will skate by and pull on the strings of anyone still asleep.

Sleeping on the Floor-Finland Most in Finland will spend Christmas Eve asleep on the ground to allow the dead a nights sleep in a comfortable bed.

Spiders-Ukraine Spiderwebs are a most popular Christmas decoration in Ukraine. And count your blessings if you actually find a spider, its considered very good luck.

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