Winter brings thoughts of Christmas trees, singing carols, and Santa Claus to many Americans. Most view American traditions as the only and correct way to celebrate the holidays, but many other traditions exist and are practiced worldwide.
Many nations practice some form of the Christian Christmas that is synonymous with America, but each country has different and diverse traditions that go along with their celebrations.
“In Venezuela we celebrate Christmas, but instead of Santa Claus, we believe Jesus brings the gifts,” senior Sophia Pottella said. “All the families get together for a feast just as they do in America.”
In France, almost every home displays a Nativity scene, and Christmas trees are not popular. Food is very important, just as it is in America. A great feast is held after the midnight mass on Christmas Eve called le rvellion. Some foods eaten during le rvellion include cake, goose, turkey, and oysters.
“Germans celebrate Christmas like Americans, but we have the celebration on the 24 th, and open our presents at night instead of in the morning,” junior Anne Wunderlich said. “On Dec. 6 children clean their shoes, set them outside, and hope to receive candy from Santa Claus the next morning.”
Though some countries and cultures celebrate Christmas like America, many others celebrate in an entirely different way.
Many people of African-American heritage celebrate Kwanzaa, which takes place from Dec. 26 – Jan. 1. It is practiced almost solely in the United States, and was created in 1966. Participants in the celebration wear colorful African clothing, and decorate the house with art. During the ceremony participants burn candles, listen to and perform music, and end with a feast.
Due to the fact that most Chinese are not Christian, they instead celebrate the Chinese New Year. It is the main winter festival in China and is held in late January. Participants worship ancestors, partake in extravagant meals, and give their children new clothing and toys.
Members of the Jewish religion celebrate Hanukkah, which is also known as the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah takes place over the course of eight days that can take place anytime between the ends of November and December.
One of the most well-known aspects of the celebration is the lighting of the candles. Nine candles are placed in a menorah, eight Hanukkah candles and a shammus.
The menorah begins with only the shammus in the middle, but during the course of the eight days, a new candle is added from right to left each night. Gifts are not traditionally given during Hanukkah, but many participants have begun this tradition to follow the suit of the Christian Christmas.
A winter celebration is not strictly an American or Christian event. Many countries around the world celebrate their own holidays during that same time. Each is unique and different in its own way, and each culture finds joy in celebrating it.