AUSTRIA
A
Cherry Blooms – On the fourth day of December, which is Saint Barbara’s Day, young
women place a single cherry twig in a glass of water. If it blooms before
Christmas Eve then good luck and a marriage are likely to follow.
FINLAND
Molten
Tins – On New Year’s Day, folks gather to pour molten tin into buckets of icy
cold water. As the tin cools, the resulting shapes made are used to predict the
future. Of course, hearts and rings are the most hoped for shapes by those
looking for love.
ITALY
Looking
for Good Luck – Men and women looking for good luck in the coming year and
perhaps just to get lucky, wear red underpants on New Year’s Eve. As our
mothers always reminded us…make sure they’re clean and no holes.
MEXICO
The
Night of the Radishes – On the 23rd of December, in the city of Oaxaca,
families come together to carve nativity figures out of none other than the
humble little radish. The finest of the carvings are put on display in the town
square.
PORTUGAL
Gone
but Never Forgotten – During Consoada, the traditional Christmas Eve feast, an
extra seat is placed at the family’s table so that the spirits of the departed
can join in the festivities. There are similar traditions around the world.
Some leave the seat open for the baby Jesus.
SWEDEN
An
Almond in the Pudding – A creamy rice pudding dessert called Ris à la Malta is
traditionally served at the Christmas feast. An almond is hidden within the
pudding and the one who finds it in their bowl shall marry within the year.
UKRAINE
A
Spider’s Kindness – An old folk tale tells the story of a poor widow and
children who could not afford decorations for their Christmas tree. The mother
and children sadly went to bed and fell asleep. Early the next morning, they
woke to find the tree covered with cobwebs. When they opened the windows,
the first rays of sunlight touched the webs and turned them into gold and
silver. The widow and her children were overjoyed. From then on, they never
lived in poverty again. Today, trees are decorated with ornaments resembling
spider webs and an artificial spider is sometimes hidden within the branches
for good luck.More consistent traditions such as a 12-course meal, each dish representing a disciple of Jesus, and carols being sung following the meal also continue today.
UNITED
KINGDOM
A
Kiss Beneath the Mistletoe – the tradition of hanging mistletoe dates back to
the Druids. A symbol of fertility because mistletoe remains green in winter and
bears fruit in the form of berries, receiving a kiss a beneath it from a
suitor, lover, or spouse ensured a happy relationship. Popularized in 18th
Century England, the magic of the mistletoe continues a Christmas tradition
even today.
UNITED
STATES
King
Cakes – Usually associated with New Orleans and the Mardi Gras celebrations
there, many Americans now celebrate with King Cakes. In celebration of the
Feast of the Epiphany or Twelfth Night when it’s said the three wise men
visited the baby Jesus, a tiny baby figure is baked inside the cake and the
person who finds it in their slice is promised good luck and is named ‘king’ or
‘queen’ for the rest of the party. It also becomes their duty to bring the next
King Cake.
WORLDWIDE
A
New Year’s Kiss – I don’t think anyone really knows how this tradition began
but do we really care since it’s one of the most anticipated events of the
holidays for when the clock strikes twelve and the New Year rings in, couples
around the world share a kiss.
Happy
Holidays Everyone!
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