Discovering The Unusual Christmas Traditions All Over The World

By Alaric Sowerby


My friends and I have the special ability to wander inside the bizarre. Once a travelling friend arrived home and delighted us with holiday tales from Japan. She brought in things such as anime figures and bespoke holiday calendars coming from a personalised Christmas cards supplier. A friend added in that it is a shame she couldn't bring in KFC to celebrate a Japanese holiday with us.

Commercially made chicken is considered the Japanese customary Christmas meal. It isn't Christmas without one. I knew about this tidbit yet I didn't want to expose my status as Asian traditions guru. Besides, everybody became so excited on strange Christmas practices and I did not want to ruin the fun. I knew of a few peculiar Christmas customs myself. I could not go on not sharing one story. It is required in any discussion to top what somebody else said.

I shared with my friends one Nigerian Christmas practice mentioned by a friend who mingled with a Nigerian. It seems that Nigerian folks are not any different with the rest of the world when celebrating the yuletide season. They gather together, go to friends and family they have not seen in a good while, and even buy Christmas cards from a personalised Christmas cards designer. The thing that sets them apart is actually the masquerades. Apparently, in these masquerades they showcase certain aspects of black magic.

It is tradition that they carry a woven basket in the masquerade, pour some water or wine in it, and serve it to everyone. Naturally the fluid will leak but dark magic is definitely keeping it in it. These elements of the traditions made me like to go to Nigeria and see it for myself. My pals have agreed that a magical basket for Christmas beats getting gadgets. It only takes place during Christmas nevertheless.

One more Christmas tradition which draws my dark side is the Austrian tradition of Krampus Night. I am now a fanatic of the Hungarian language simply because it seems sharp spoken. This Christmas tradition just added to my cultural interest. It happens that this Krampus is the wicked variation of Santa Claus. As opposed to dismissing mischievous children, he rebukes them.

All men wear devil costumes and move around frightening people on Krampus night. I'm not sure if it is still an active tradition but I wish I get to try this festivity even for just once. Nevertheless, if ever I can't join in such a historical and fun fair then I'll be content with receiving holiday greeting cards on said event. I'd prefer getting them from a friend who purchases from a manufacturer of personalised Christmas cards. Receiving only Christmas cards yearly is my strange Christmas custom.




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