Have you ever wondered how Christmas is celebrated in other countries? Do they put up Christmas trees and sing carols? Do they hang their stockings on the mantle? Well below is a summary of some countries and how Christmas is celebrated!
In Portugal, the traditional Christmas supper is boiled codfish from Norway. In Newfoundland, “mummers,” people dressed up to disguise themselves, go to friends’ homes to sing and play musical instruments. Then, everyone plays a guessing game to try to discover the identity of the mummers.
The custom of sending Christmas cards started in Britain in 1840. Besides learning the true meaning of Christmas, you’ll also discover that Father Christmas, or Santa Claus, is based on a real person, St. Nicholas, who was a Christian leader from Myra in the 4th century AD.
In Poland, Christmas Eve is a time of family gatherings, but it is also a night of magic, when animals are said to talk in a human voice and people have the power to tell the future. The main Polish Christmas dish consists of 12 courses!
At Christmas Traditions in France and in Canada, you’ll discover that, “The focus of the Celebration of Christmas is on the gift: the gift given and received, the gift celebrated, and, the gift of meaning.”
The earliest account of a Christmas tree in a Finnish home was in 1829 when a nobleman had 8 of them indoors. At Christmas with Virtual Finland, you’ll learn that women’s organizations get together to plan their Christmas bazaars in October. These meetings, called Pikkujoulu, are considered the first Christmas parties.
Though an Australian Christmas is never white, people from that country enjoy foods such as Frozen Fruit Pudding and Christmas Stars, which sound absolutely delicious!
All over the world it is amazing how every country celebrates Christmas, in terms of the their music, food, symbolism, origins, and Santa beliefs. Over here in Ghana your exciting train driver is certain there will be pounding of Fufu and the chicken and goats are definitely going to be in trouble!
In all things it is the fact that we are alive throughout the year that matters most, come 31st December when we end year our hearts should give thanks to the mighty one for taking us this far.
To passengers on board The Chronicle Entertainment Train I say, Afihyia paa ooooo, and thank you for being good readers this year, Merry Christmas!
Source: Chris Twum/The Chronicle
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