Whilst the origins of Christmas lie in the Graeco-Roman world, over the centuries it has grown to become a dominant fixture in the global cultural calendar.
This December, buckle up for a virtual sleigh ride through six different Christmas traditions around the world: we’ll be taking you far beyond the ordinary sights of red-nosed reindeers and sugar-dusted stollen.
Sweden: Gävlebocken
With a livestream followed by 100,000 visitors across 120 different countries, the Gävlebocken (Gävle goat) of Sweden is something of an internet sensation in the world of Christmas traditions. First built as a tourist attraction in 1966, there has been an annual iteration of this straw-based ruminant ever since.
Standing at over 42 feet tall, the risk has certainly paid off for Gävle residents, with thousands of visitors flocking to the region each year to see the structure for themselves. Over the decades, the long-suffering goat has been shot with flaming arrows, survived an attempted abduction by helicopter and even been ripped to shreds by jackdaws in search of grain.
Austria: Krampusnacht
An altogether more terrifying Christmas tradition comes in the form of Krampusnacht, taking place in the Austrian Alpine regions on 5 December. Ahead of Nikolaustag on 6 December, children leave a shoe or boot outside their door for Saint Nikolaus, who leaves small gifts for those who have been well behaved.
Naughty children, however, are instead visited by Krampus, Nikolaus’ demonic half-man half-goat assistant. If they’re lucky, they get away with just a beating from his birch rods; if they’re not, the most badly behaved children find themselves whisked straight down to hell in a basket on Krampus’ back.
Colombia: Dia de las Velitas
On the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which is held worldwide on 8 December each year, Colombians gather to celebrate the Día de las Velitas or Day of the Little Candles. A celebration unique to the Catholic community in Columbia, this magical spectacle sees streets, parks and homes aglow with thousands of candles and paper lanterns across the country.
Whilst not everyone participating in Día de las Velitas today would consider themselves religious, practicing Catholics light their candles in dedication to the Virgin Mary, expressing their gratitude to her and offering a prayer for the upcoming year.
Guatemala: La Quema del Diablo
On the same evening, but over in South America, Guatemalans gather together to set their streets aglow with a different kind of ritual: La Quema del Diablo (Burning the Devil). Still loosely associated with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, at precisely 6pm on 7 December pinata-style effigies of the devil are set on fire to symbolically cleanse homes of evil.
After watching the devil succumb to the flames of his firecracker belt, families head back inside to celebrate with warm fruit punch and buñuelos. These fried dough balls are glazed in anise-flavoured syrup in Guatemala.
Philippines: Ligligan Parul
The city of San Fernando is known as the ‘Christmas Capital of the Philippines’ for good reason. Every year from mid-December, the Ligligan Parul or Giant Lantern Festival is held, flooding the streets with dazzling spinning lights which symbolise the Star of Bethlehem.
These parols or lanterns can be up to 20 feet in diameter, traditionally made from bamboo or Japanese paper and decorated with bright intricate patterns.
Finland: Joulusauna
Across Finland on Christmas Eve, you’re likely to find families preparing for their annual joulusauna (Yule sauna) visit. A deeply spiritual experience, this centuries-old tradition sees Finns cleansing both their bodies and their minds before the festivities begin.
Candles and lanterns are often used to decorate, with visitors sometimes bringing a Christmas treat to appease the Saunatonttu (sauna gnome). It’s important that Finns are finished with their ritual cleanse by nightfall, as it’s said the Saunatonttu will then be joined by elves and the spirits of the dead to enjoy their own time in the sauna.
From overt tourist attractions to assimilated pagan folklore, 21st-century Christmas traditions around the world offer a fascinating insight into how different cultures and communities reflect their values and shared identities during the festive season.
Where will you be celebrating next Christmas? Get in touch with one of our travel experts to create a tailor made Yuletide itinerary for your future holiday celebrations.