Embracing the Season: Christmas Traditions Around the Globe
4 December 2023 · Iwona Lebiedowicz
As we gather to celebrate Christmas this year, a tapestry of traditions, shaped by diverse cultures and beliefs, unfolds in splendid variety.
At PAB Languages, we’re privileged to have colleagues from over 50 countries, each bringing a unique perspective on this festive time.
Here’s a glimpse into how some of our team members celebrate Christmas:
Bulgaria In Bulgaria, Christmas is observed on December 25th, following the Gregorian calendar. ‘Budni Vecher’ (Christmas Eve) is crucial, with a feast typically comprising an odd number of vegan dishes. The meal includes beans soup, ‘sarmi’ (cabbage leaves stuffed with rice), stuffed peppers, sweetened boiled wheat, pastries, and ‘oshav’ (dried fruit compote). Post-midnight, non-vegan delicacies like ‘banitsa’ and ‘baklava’ are enjoyed. Traditionally, the table remains laden with food overnight to welcome divine blessings, and it’s common to place straw under the tablecloth and a wooden plough behind the door for a prosperous harvest.
Poland In Poland, Christmas Eve, or ‘Wigilia’, is the highlight. The ‘Kolacja wigilijna’ (Christmas Eve supper) begins only after the first star appears in the sky. The table features twelve dishes, symbolising good luck for the coming twelve months, and it’s customary to try a bit of each. Carp often takes centre stage, accompanied by ‘Bigos’ (a dish of cabbage and bacon), various herring preparations, and ‘kompot z suszu’, a drink made from dried fruits. Desserts like ‘makowiec’ (a poppy seed roll), ‘kutia’ (mixed dried fruits and nuts with wheat seeds), and ‘piernik’ (a moist honey cake similar to gingerbread) are popular. Carol singing and decorating the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve are cherished traditions, with some families even partaking in the custom of breaking a bauble to ward off evil spirits.
Portugal The holidays are very important to the Portuguese. Scenes of the Nativity, or “Presépio”, are seen in every small town and home. Some towns assemble a living Nativity Scene. On Christmas Eve, a family dinner or “Consoada” is celebrated with boiled salt codfish and potatoes with cabbage. After the meal, people eat traditional fried desserts: “filhós”, which are traditionally made of fried dough; “rabanadas” or “fatias douradas”, bread slices that are dipped in egg and then fried, and powdered with sugar and cinnamon; “azevias”, Portuguese fried pockets depending on the region, but the main ingredient of the filling is chick pea, and powdered with sugar ; “aletria”, which is vermicelli pasta cooked in sweetened milk, and topped with cinnamon, typical of the Northern regions. Bolo Rei (King Cake) is also a particularly favourite dessert among the Portuguese during Christmas time. It is a round cake glazed with fruits, nuts and sugar. Whoever gets the broad bean (hidden in the cake) has to buy the “Bolo Rei” in the coming year. Festivities end on January 6th, Kings’ Day (in Portuguese,”Dia de Reis”). The “Janeiras” are a Portuguese tradition, in which a a group of people stroll the streets of small villages singing in the New Year. The “Janeiras” are somewhat similar to Christmas Carolling, as this tradition also involves a group of people going from house to house singing and sometimes playing instruments.Traditionally, people go out to the streets to sing the “Janeiras” between December 25th and January 6th. The “Janeiras” tradition varies from region to region.
Colombia
From the 16th December for 9 consecutive days, leading up to Christmas, many Colombians take part in ‘Novenas’. A joyful celebration, at every Novena there is no shortage of food, with traditional treats Bunelos and Natilla being the main delicacies. Families will take it in turns to host the celebrations each night. Don’t be surprised if you hear music roaring out of the window – Colombians combine prayers and songs to take part in this colorful feast!
Romania
On December the 6th, Romanians celebrate Saint Nicholas (or “Sfantul Nicolae” in Romanian) a very popular character among children as they will receive small gifts on this day.
Saint Nicholas is also the spiritual patron of Greece, Russia and of many other cities in Eastern Europe. According to the Romanian tradition, St. Nicholas comes with gifts on the night of December the 5th. He places the gifts in everyone’s polished boots, except for those who have been naughty – they receive a whip or a stick instead, as punishment – so behave!
Germany
Did you know the first appearance of the indoor Christmas tree was recorded in 1605 in Strasburg, Germany? Christmas ornaments looked very different from the sparkly baubles we are used to now – decorations hung on the tree of that time were roses cut from paper, apples, wafers , gilt and even tinsel! We can thank Germany for one of the most famous and long-standing Christmas traditions of all time!
Philippines
December the 16th marks the beginning of Simbang Gabi, an important day in the lead up to Christmas. Similar to Colombia, for the next 9 consecutive days before Christmas, Filipinos will wake up extremely early to attend mass at church. Filipinos strongly believe that if one completes all nine morning masses, their wishes will all come true!
They also attend church for the final mass on Christmas Eve , named ‘Misa del Gallo’. This religious tradition was brought by the Spanish evangelizers through Mexico to the Philippines!
France
In France, Christmas is called Noel. This derives from the French phrase ‘les bonnes nouvelles’ meaning ‘the good news’ in English. In the south of France, the French burn a log in their homes from Christmas Eve right up until New year’s day! This is an ancient tradition in which farmers would use part of the log to ensure good luck for the next years harvest.
United Kingdom In the United Kingdom, Christmas is steeped in a blend of historic and contemporary traditions. The celebration begins with the advent, leading up to the Christmas Eve, where anticipation fills the air. On Christmas Day, families gather for a hearty feast, featuring the classic roast turkey, accompanied by stuffing, roast potatoes, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts, drenched in rich gravy and cranberry sauce. The festive meal isn’t complete without the traditional Christmas pudding, often flamboyantly set alight with brandy and served with brandy butter or cream. Another highlight is the pulling of Christmas crackers, which adds fun with their paper crowns, jokes, and small trinkets. British homes are adorned with festive decorations, including wreaths, holly, and ivy, and the Christmas tree twinkles with lights and ornaments. The Royal Christmas Message, a broadcasted tradition since 1932, is a significant part of the day, where the monarch addresses the nation, reflecting on the year gone by and sending Christmas wishes. Carol singing, church services, and local nativity plays are also integral to British Christmas traditions, echoing the country’s rich history and communal spirit.
Each tradition reflects a rich cultural heritage, bringing its own charm to the festive season. As we exchange stories and customs, it’s a wonderful reminder of the diverse world we’re a part of, united in the spirit of Christmas.