In different parts of the world, the celebration of the season with cheers and thrills are in full force. This is as the festive period is now a worldwide phenomenon as different countries in the world already have set out traditions to enjoy this season of love with their loved ones.
However, the season also is not celebrated the same way all over the world. Certain places have now started to celebrate the season in specific ways that are different from the norms in other parts of the world. A few of these strange new traditions will be highlighted.
Krampusnacht – The Dark Side of Christmas in Austria and Germany
The bad Santa, unlike the ideal Santa, is an evil-looking creature called Krampus, who is an evil accomplice of St. Nicholas. He is believed to roam the streets to hunt for kids with bad attitudes.
The Pooping Log – Catalonia’s Unique Christmas Custom
In Catalonia, Spain, they celebrate Christmas a little differently than the rest of the world. One of their most unique traditions involves a character known as Tió de Nadal, or the Christmas log. But this isn’t any ordinary log – it’s a hollowed-out log with a face painted on one end and a red hat on top. From December 8th (the Feast of the Immaculate Conception) until Christmas Eve, children “feed” the log by placing nuts, fruits, and sweets inside, and cover it with a blanket to keep it warm. Then, on Christmas Eve, they beat the log with sticks while singing a traditional song that roughly translates to “Poop log, poop nougats, hazelnuts and mató cheese, if you don’t poop well, I’ll hit you with a stick.” And as if that weren’t strange enough, the log then “poops” out the treats that were hidden inside!
Other Traditions
- In Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela, there is the Roller Skate Mass. Mass on the morning of Christmas in this part of the world, sees members come in, in roller skates.
- Very prominent amongst these traditions us the Yule Cat in Iceland. Everyone here set out every Christmas for them to escape the wrath and unexpected death in the hands of this giant cat.
- In Germany, there is a tradition called Pickle in the Tree. This tradition on Christmas day will see an adult hide a pickle in a tree and give gifts to any child that finds the Pickle.
- In the Netherlands, the Dutch also observe the tradition known as “Shoes By The Fire.” Dutch kids, days before the 5th of December, will keep their shoes close to the fire. They do this in an expectation that “Sinterklaas” will fill them with gifts.
- In South Africa, there is the weird tradition of Minced Caterpillars. When people in other places enjoy minced turkey and pie, local kids in South Africa always look forward to enjoying a plate of minced crawlies. Truly weird!