As the holiday season draws near, many of us look forward to indulging in our favorite festive traditions. However, have you ever been curious about how other cultures celebrate the holidays? Here are ten holiday cultural traditions around the world that you need to know about.
1. Kwanzaa
Celebrated by African Americans between December 26th and January 1st, Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African heritage. Each day is focused on a different principle such as unity, self-determination, and collective work and responsibility.
2. Day of the Dead
In Mexico, the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd. This holiday honors deceased loved ones with altars, traditional foods, and colorful decorations.
3. Diwali
Diwali is a five-day Hindu festival of lights that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It’s celebrated across India and features the lighting of diyas (lamps), fireworks, and special meals.
4. Hanukkah
Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This holiday is celebrated with the lighting of a menorah and traditional foods such as latkes and sufganiyot.
5. Christmas in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th and is known as Ganna. It begins with a day of fasting, followed by a church service and a traditional meal of injera (flatbread) and doro wat (spicy chicken stew).
6. St. Lucia’s Day
Observed on December 13th in Sweden, St. Lucia’s Day is a celebration of the patron saint of light. It features the crowning of a young girl as Lucia, who wears a wreath of candles on her head and leads a procession singing traditional songs.
7. Saturnalia
In ancient Rome, Saturnalia was a festival held in honor of the god Saturn and was celebrated from December 17th to December 23rd. The festival featured feasting, gift-giving, and even temporary social hierarchies where masters served their slaves.
8. Chinese New Year
Also known as Spring Festival, Chinese New Year is celebrated in multiple Asian countries and falls on different dates each year, usually around late January or early February. The holiday is marked by fireworks, family gatherings, and special foods such as dumplings and rice cakes.
9. Mummer’s Parade
In Philadelphia, USA, the Mummer’s Parade is a New Year’s Day tradition where groups compete in elaborate costumes and choreographed routines. The tradition dates back to the 19th century and draws large crowds annually.
10. Hogmanay
In Scotland, Hogmanay is a celebration of the New Year that takes place on December 31st and January 1st. It features customs such as first-footing (visiting friends and family with gifts), torchlight processions, and the singing of Auld Lang Syne.
In conclusion, there are many unique and interesting holiday cultural traditions around the world that are worth learning about. Whether it’s a celebration of light, a feast, or a procession, these traditions are important for bringing people together and honoring the values and beliefs of different cultures.
