From defecating figurines to spider webs, fried caterpillars to witches…some Christmas traditions around the world defy what is normally associated with the festival. If this has piqued your imagination, read on! By Bindu Gopal Rao
1. La Befana—the Christmas witch, Italy
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Children in Italy are well-versed with La Befana, a witch who rewards good kids with gifts on January 6, the morning of the Epiphany. If the child has been bad, all they get is a lump of coal. This sweet (or sooty) judgement has been an Italian tradition since the 8th century, marking the end of Christmas celebrations in the nation. Legend has it that La Befana hosted the biblical magi at her cottage, but did not accompany them to Bethlehem despite being invited. Instead, she wished to stay back and clean her home. However, the witch decided to go meet Jesus with gifts but was unable to find her way. The Three Wise Men, however, met Jesus on the Epiphany. And hence, the tradition was born. It is believed that La Befana continues to travel the world on Epiphany Eve even today, looking for children to gift the good ones with candy, and coal for the bad.
2. The Caganer, Spain
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In Spain, don’t be surprised to see an unusual figurine of a little boy with his pants down squatting and pooping! This figure is Caganer, a cheerful little boy who wears a white shirt, red cap or a traditional barretina, black pants and a belt. While it may sound like sacrilege, Catalan families believe that the Caganer is a good luck charm, which symbolises fertility and good fortune. Some others believe that this figurine is a testament to the fact that one can never prepare for Jesus’ arrival. As per a third theory, it signifies that everyone can’t afford to gift Jesus expensive gifts, and that’s why the shepherd boy, Caganar, gave manure!
3. Christmas Spider, Ukraine
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Think spiders, and you would probably associate it with Halloween. In Ukraine, they are an integral Christmas symbol. It is believed that a poor widow once wished to decorate her Christmas tree, but noticed that some spiders spun a web around it instead. When the family saw the tree on Christmas morning, the web turned into silver and gold because of sunshine. Thereafter, the family witnessed a reversal of fortunes. Therefore, most people in Ukraine decorate their Christmas trees with spider-shaped ornaments, hoping to invite good fortune in the new year.
4. Yule Goat, Sweden
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In Sweden, Christmas is associated with the tradition of the Yule goat—a goat believed to be Santa’s ride while delivering gifts. The story of the Yule Goat has a connection with the town of Gävle as well. In 1966, the town decided to celebrate a grand Christmas for which a giant Yule goat made of straw was erected. This decoration lasted till New Year’s Eve, and then was burnt down. In fact, the Yule Goat has been destroyed 35 times in its 50-odd-year history, despite taking various security measures! Irrespective, small goats made of straw are part of Sweden’s Christmas decorations to date. The Yule Goat set up in the town continues to attract tourists worldwide, and has even made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for its size.
5. Krampus, Austria, and Germany
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If children in Austria have been good throughout the year, St Nicholas visits them to reward them with gifts. However, kids who haven’t been good need to face Krampus—a mythical half-man, half-goat of the Alpine region. Part of the pagan celebrations of the winter solstice, this character eventually became a part of the country’s traditions.
In Germany, adults dress up as Krampus to scare their kids into behaving on Krampusnacht or Krampus Night.
6. Eating fried caterpillars, South Africa
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The sun-dried Emperor Moth is a juicy caterpillar that is deep-fried and eaten on Christmas as part of the holiday feast. With a taste similar to tea, it is said that these caterpillars are a rich source of protein. These insects are collected around the festive season, preserved, and eaten throughout winter. A must in Christmas feasts, South Africans continue this tradition even today.
7. Hiding Brooms, Norway
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Cleaning up for Christmas? In Norway, it is better to do so in advance as it is tradition to hide all the brooms before Christmas. Norwegians believe that witches and spirits roam through the dark nights of December, and could steal a broom for their Christmas-night rides.
8. Throwing Shoes, Czech Republic
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On Christmas, single women in the Czech Republic traditionally throw a shoe over their shoulder towards the door. If the shoe falls pointing to the door, it is believed that the woman will get married in the coming year. However, it it doesn’t face the door, the girl will remain single for at least another year. Those looking for love through the year must kiss under a gifted mistletoe. According to another Czech tradition, by fasting on Christmas Eve one can see a golden pig as a symbol of good luck.
9. Christmas Eve Saunas, Finland
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Joulusauna, meaning Christmas sauna in Finnish, is an old Christmas tradition. Finnish people gather with their families on Christmas Eve at their homes. During this time, everyone dips in a sauna that is used to cleanse and purify their bodies and minds before gnomes and spirits do the same after sunset. After the family enjoys the sauna, they get ready, feast, and open presents together. The tradition is so prevalent that cities like Helsinki, Turku, Tampere and Rovaniemi have seen old public saunas being revived.
Related: Check Out These Unique Christmas Celebrations From Around The World!
