Many countries have strange and wonderful traditions at Christmas time, so we thought we would share some of the more quirky traditions with you.
Kentucky Christmas
No it’s not an area in American, instead it is a gourmet Christmas dinner in Japan, yes – that’s right, in 1974 Mr Kentucky Fried Chicken had a fantastic marketing campaign that promoted a ‘Kentucky for Christmas’. The $40 bucket is a little diffrent to our Friday night take-away treat, as it includes cake and champange.
Yule Lads
In Iceland, during the 13 nights leading up to Christmas Eve, the children wait in anticipation for a visit from one ot the 13 Yule lads. These mischievous gnome like creatures wil leave the children who have been good gifts and for those who have misbehaved a potatoe. The Candle Stealer (Kertasnýkir) usually makes an appearance on the night before Christmas and will leave some generous presents.
Good Luck Spiders
Placing two sparkely spiderwebs on your Christmas tree is regarded a good luck in Ukraine. An ancient tale of a poor widow who couldn’t afford any ornaments for Christmas, was heard praying by the spiders in her hut, who then went to work spinning some webs which turned into gold and silver when the sun shone on them.
Light up Christmas
It has always been an American tradition to decorate their homes with lights and wreaths, buying and decorating the tree, buying thoughtful gifts for their family and friends and watching lots of TV films like Elf and Home Alone.
January Christmas
Christmas comes a little later in Italy with a visit from the Christmas witch, La Befana on Janyuary 5th. Just like Santa, La Befana comes into the home via the chimney and fills the childrens stockings with gifts and sweets for the good children and coal for the naughty ones. The soot covered witch sweeps through the house where families leave out wine and food for her.
The Night of Radishes
In the run up to Christmas professional food artists and amatuer cooks prepare for the ‘Night of Radishes’ competition on the 23rd December. The contestants have to create detailed carvings out of giant radishes with the winner recivig a cash prize. Afterwards there is some festive fun with fireworks and music.
With Christmas last year cancelled due to Covid, here’s to a jolly good Christmas this year where you can celebrate your own traditions again.
