While Christmas for many people is associated with the atmosphere of a glowing tree, gifts, and traditional festive meals, some countries around the world observe unusual customs and rituals to celebrate the occasion.
These range from hiding brooms for fear of evil spirits to holding church services on roller skates and placing statues of strange characters in Nativity scenes.
This report takes a tour of some of the strangest Christmas traditions in various countries around the world, as highlighted by the French website 20 Minutes.
Philippines: The Longest Christmas Season in the World
In the Philippines, Christmas is not limited to just a few days. Celebrations begin as early as September, when streets are decorated and Christmas carols are played everywhere.
Starting on December 16, a series of nine early-morning Masses begins, reaching its peak on the night of December 24 with the Misa de Gallo. The festive atmosphere then continues until January.
Norway: Hiding Brooms to Ward Off Witches
On the night of December 24 to 25, Norwegians hide their brooms inside their homes, believing that witches and evil spirits roam on this night looking for brooms to fly on and cause chaos. This belief comes from an old folk tradition that still persists today.
Slovakia: Pudding That Predicts the Future
In Slovakia, pudding becomes a tool for predicting the coming year. On Christmas Eve, the oldest man in the family throws a spoonful of pudding at the ceiling. If it sticks, it is a sign of a happy year ahead; if it falls, the blame falls on the cook.
United States: A Pickle in the Christmas Tree
One of the strangest American traditions is the Christmas pickle. A pickle-shaped ornament is hidden inside the Christmas tree, and the child who finds it first receives an extra gift. This tradition is attributed to German immigrants, although it is not common in Germany itself.
Japan: Fried Chicken Instead of Turkey
In Japan, eating fried chicken has become a core Christmas tradition, the result of a successful advertising campaign launched in the 1970s. Restaurants experience heavy demand on December 25, with millions of orders sometimes placed weeks in advance.
Czech Republic and Poland: Fish in the Bathtub
Christmas celebrations in the Czech Republic are not complete without carp, which is kept alive in the bathtub for several days before being cooked. This tradition dates back to the communist era, despite growing criticism from animal rights activists.
Venezuela: Christmas Mass on Roller Skates
In the capital, Caracas, worshippers attend Christmas Mass wearing roller skates, with some streets closed to ensure safe passage. This tradition dates back to the 1950s, when roller skates were a popular gift for children.
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