If you were to take a peek into the windows of homes around the globe right now, you’d see generations-old holiday traditions being enjoyed. Like so many, you likely grew up celebrating the holidays with a meaningful tradition that’s unique to your family. In Canada, the holidays can be a wonderful opportunity to experience the melting pot we call home and learn about how other cultures celebrate this special time of year. Around the world, there are countless diverse winter traditions celebrated each year, and they can include everything from fir trees to witches to tamales and more!
We welcome you to “unwrap” a passport of incredible holiday traditions from around the world.
¡Feliz Navidad! In the Mestizo towns of Belize, statues of Mary and Joseph are carried throughout town accompanied by a parade of dancing, music, fireworks and more to commemorate the nine nights of Las Posadas.
The Donghzi Festival, or Winter Solstice, is one of the most important holidays celebrated in China and neighbouring East Asian countries. During Donghzi, tangyuan (glutinous rice) is eaten, and in Taiwan, it is also served as an offering to the ancestors.
In a country famous for its selections of Christkindlesmarkt, the cities of Germany are fantastic places to enjoy the holidays. Most open on the first day of Advent and close on Christmas Eve. The markets contain a incredible variety of Christmas delicacies, crafts, toys and more!
One of the earliest winter holidays, the ancient Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, takes place in November. Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over dark, good over evil, and usually involves fireworks, sweets and of course, presents.
Did you know that for years, the largest Christmas tree in Europe called the city of Athens home? Though this honor may not be theirs any longer, the Greek still have plenty to celebrate. On Christmas eve, children are rewarded by their neighbours with treats and coins for their kalanda (carol) renditions.
While many in North America celebrate Christmas, our melting pot of diverse cultural backgrounds means that there are a great number of different winter traditions celebrated each year. Many people in Canada and the United States celebrate Chanukah in December, enjoying latkes and donuts and spinning dreidels to celebrate the 8 days that the oil in the temple burned after Judah Maccabee fended off the Seleucid Empire. Another winter holiday celebrated by many in North America is Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa celebrates African American heritage in December, with a week-long festival honoring the seven core principles of the holiday: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith).
Italians will wish you Buon Natale while preparing for the coming of La Befana, Santa’s female equivalent who flies on a broomstick to deliver gifts on January 6, Epiphany Day. The legend says that she did not join the Wise Men on their journey to Bethlehem, and came to regret that decision. She sets out to find the baby Jesus and bestow gifts upon him, but never finds him, instead leaving gifts for other children.
The eve of December 5 marks Sinterklaas’ journey from Spain. Dutch children place their wooden shoes outside, filled with sugar and hay for his horse. Well-behaved children will be rewarded with shoes filled with sweets!
So whether it’s hanging stockings over the fireplace, enjoying a parade, or simply gathering with family to open gifts, every tradition comes from somewhere.
WorldStrides Explorica would like to wish you a joyous holiday season as happy as your travels!