Amazing christmas customs around the world
By Nambu Bernadette
In a few days, Christmas will be celebrated around the world. In prelude to the celebration, we have compiled a fe christmas traditions you might want to try.
One tradition everyone may not be familiar with, is hiding of brooms and mops on Christmas nights in Norway. It is believed that hiding these objects will prevent those who have already died from visiting on Christmas day or using these objects to fly. If you believe in spirits, witches and more, you might want to try it.
The one charming tradition you may want to try with your family is sharing and reading of books by a fire. This tradition is practiced in Iceland, where on Christmas eve, families exchange books and spend the rest of the evening by a fire reading and enjoying sweet treats.
If you happen to love the kitchen, you might want to try the Egyptian tradition of making a fruitcake and offering to someone you care about. This should be a mixture of dried fruits and nuts to be eaten during the feast. After receiving this gift however, you may want to follow the Polish tradition of waiting for the very first shinning star in the sky before eating on Christmas eve. This is always considered as a sign from heaven that its time to eat.
In many black communities, going to church and playing Christmas carols is a must.
In parts of Africa like Senegal that have a Muslim-majority, Christmas is celebrated by both Christians and Muslims. The capital city, Dakar is often decorated with Christmas trees and traditional masks covered with Christmas lights.
In Tanzania, the most important is the Christmas dinner. A goat or cow is bought in January, fed throughout the year and is used for dinner on Christmas eve.
We hope you get to try a different practice this season.
