Most of us living in the US and Europe know the common Christmas traditions of the western world. Although Christmas is a Christian religious celebration, it's surprising to find it is celebrated throughout the world, sometimes in places we wouldn't expect, and sometimes mixing Christian with local traditions and religions..
"Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas!"
EGYPT
Although only 15% of the people are Christians, most of whom belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church, they are not the only Egyptians who celebrate Christmas. It is popular as a secular holiday with other religions there.
● Owing to its secularism and equality, the Christian holidays of Easter and Christmas both are national holidays and festivals in Egypt just like the Islamic holidays.
● Coptic Christmas is celebrated on the 7th of January [as it is in Ethopia and some Orthodox Russia Seria].
● Owing to its secularism and equality, the Christian holidays of Easter and Christmas both are national holidays and festivals in Egypt just like the Islamic holidays.
● Coptic Christmas is celebrated on the 7th of January [as it is in Ethopia and some Orthodox Russia Seria].
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● During Advent, the 43 days before Christmas [November 25 through January 6], Coptic Christians eat a vegan diet, no animal products. It is called "The Holy Nativity Fast".
● Baba Noel [Father Christmas] is expected to climb through a window, not come down a chimney. I'm not sure if he rides on a sleigh or a camel.
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▲ Image source: tripadvisor.com/Locationrt-Sharm_El_Sheik0 ▲ Imager Source: egyptianstreets.com/christmas
▼Image Source: egyptianchronicles.blogspot.com/12-2015 ▼ImageSource: theriskfactorblog.wordpress.com/egyptian
▼Image Source: egyptianchronicles.blogspot.com/12-2015 ▼ImageSource: theriskfactorblog.wordpress.com/egyptian
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● Al Ghetass commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ which is also talked about in the holy Quran. Celebrated since ancient times in the region which is present-day Egypt. This is a festival celebrated by all of the community of Egypt. The celebration is a grand affair and includes traditional sweets.
“EidMiadl Majid!” [Egyptian Arabic for Glorious Birth Feast]
“Eid almilad” [Arabic]
CHINA
In China, only 2.4% of the population is Christian, so it's possible to assume most Chinese don't know much about Christmas. Nevertheless, in large cities [most of them are large by our standards], the holiday has been embraced. Shopping malls and some streets are decorated in traditional themes, including Christmas trees.
● In China, it is called "Sheng Dan Jieh" which means Holy Birth Festival, but the event is celebrated as a generic holiday, not a religious one. Some describe it as more like Valentine’s Day.
● Most of the world's artificial Christmas trees and decorations are produced in China by people who do not know what the items are used for. When it comes to light displays, China beats nearly everyone, but New Year is when you see their very best.
● In China, it is called "Sheng Dan Jieh" which means Holy Birth Festival, but the event is celebrated as a generic holiday, not a religious one. Some describe it as more like Valentine’s Day.
● Most of the world's artificial Christmas trees and decorations are produced in China by people who do not know what the items are used for. When it comes to light displays, China beats nearly everyone, but New Year is when you see their very best.
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● A popular Christmas Eve tradition is giving apples. Stores sells them wrapped in colored paper. In Chinese, Christmas eve is called "Ping'an Ye" which means peaceful or quiet evening which was translated from the carol "Silent Night".
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● During Christmas time, the gift shops are full of flowers, chocolates, and Teddy bears. Restaurants serve “a romantic meal” for two. There is not the family element of the Western Christmas in China.
● Santa is not depicted as riding in a sleigh pulled by reindeer [the Chinese do not find this believable]. In China Santa is always shown with a saxophone in his hand. The heritage of Santa playing the sax is unknown. Also, there Santa’s little helpers are his sisters.
“Sheng Dan Kuai Le!” [Mardarin]
“Sen Dan Fai Lok!” [Cantonese]
● Santa is not depicted as riding in a sleigh pulled by reindeer [the Chinese do not find this believable]. In China Santa is always shown with a saxophone in his hand. The heritage of Santa playing the sax is unknown. Also, there Santa’s little helpers are his sisters.
“Sheng Dan Kuai Le!” [Mardarin]
“Sen Dan Fai Lok!” [Cantonese]
AUSTRALIA
AUSTRALIA
Christmas comes to Australia close to the middle of the summer. While the traditions brought to Australia from England resemble those in North America, with Christmas trees, Santa, presents, singling carols, and eucalyptus wreaths, some of the activities may seem different.
● Santas wear the traditional bright red fleecy suits, lined with white fur and big black boots to fight off the northern winter, but you’re likely to see them of surfboards or delivering presents on the beach.
● Santas wear the traditional bright red fleecy suits, lined with white fur and big black boots to fight off the northern winter, but you’re likely to see them of surfboards or delivering presents on the beach.
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● It is likely to see Santa’s sleigh being pulled by six white boomers rather than eight reindeer. Santa himself may even be a boomer.
● It is likely to see Santa’s sleigh being pulled by six white boomers rather than eight reindeer. Santa himself may even be a boomer.
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● Aussies are lunch people and so Christmas Lunch (rather than dinner) is often a picnic on the beach – or at least outdoors -- but instead of turkey of ham, Aussies will be feasting on barbequed prawns (although can find ham and turkey, too). These are relaxed, mostly casual affairs which can include breaks for a spot of cricket or a splash in the backyard pool, a dip in the ocean. Christmas crackers are a must – as is the need to wear of colorful paper crowns and telling of bad-jokes from the goodies found within.
● When Australians talk about Christmas Crackers, they don’t mean biscuits – i.e. not Ritz, Saltines, or Cheese-it type crackers – but festive gifts that make a snapping sound when opened to reveal some goodie or present. Sometimes known as bon-bons, they are very popular for Christmas celebrations in the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa.
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● At Christmas children are on their summer break so long road trips are common.
“Merry Christmas!”
“Merry Christmas!”
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Similar to New Zealand and Australia, Christmas is a summer holiday in South Africa, and most of the Christmas traditions are based on Dutch and British heritage from the time the area was settled in beginning in the mid-sixteen hundreds.
The Republic of South Africa has population of 55 million inhabitants of diverse cultures, religions, origins, and languages, of which Bantu-speaking people number 35 million. Only some are originally from that area; others have come from other regions. Some of the major ethnic South Africans include Zulu, Basotho, Venda, Xhosa.
This information isn’t very Christmasy but it explains, in part, why South Africans have traditions from everywhere, and many mixed together. For everyone, however, the Christmas season is nationwide. In some cases the ethnic South Africans have adopted European Christmas traditions of not. When I traveled there, I found that many have simply absorbed those part of the Christian tradition they desire into the traditions and stories of the own cultural and religious framework.
The Republic of South Africa has population of 55 million inhabitants of diverse cultures, religions, origins, and languages, of which Bantu-speaking people number 35 million. Only some are originally from that area; others have come from other regions. Some of the major ethnic South Africans include Zulu, Basotho, Venda, Xhosa.
This information isn’t very Christmasy but it explains, in part, why South Africans have traditions from everywhere, and many mixed together. For everyone, however, the Christmas season is nationwide. In some cases the ethnic South Africans have adopted European Christmas traditions of not. When I traveled there, I found that many have simply absorbed those part of the Christian tradition they desire into the traditions and stories of the own cultural and religious framework.
This is a long-winded way to say that Christmas in South Africa incorporates the Western European traditions of Christmas and has become an integral part of life.
Beautifully decorated Christmas trees seem to be a universal symbol of the season, and presents go under the tree. Some children put their stockings out for Santa to fill. Caroling by candlelight events take place on December 24th, church services, and the like. But there are difference, big and small.
● Santa goes by a number of different names, including Sinterklaas (St Nicholas) and Kersvader (Father Christmas) for those who speak Afrikaans (offspring of Dutch dialects, not a combination of Dutch and native languages).
Beautifully decorated Christmas trees seem to be a universal symbol of the season, and presents go under the tree. Some children put their stockings out for Santa to fill. Caroling by candlelight events take place on December 24th, church services, and the like. But there are difference, big and small.
● Santa goes by a number of different names, including Sinterklaas (St Nicholas) and Kersvader (Father Christmas) for those who speak Afrikaans (offspring of Dutch dialects, not a combination of Dutch and native languages).
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● South African Santa doesn’t depend on Reindeer to get around, but has various means of delivering his gifts to children all over such a large country.
The most classic is the sleigh, sometimes pulled through the sky by reindeer, but also by giraffes. Some of the other means are less romantic. But he can always depend of his African helpers.
The most classic is the sleigh, sometimes pulled through the sky by reindeer, but also by giraffes. Some of the other means are less romantic. But he can always depend of his African helpers.
● Houses and malls sport elaborately decorated trees similar to the northern hemisphere. But South Africa has its own traditional tree as well…the Baobab, also called the Upside Down Tree because the branches resemble root feeding into a trunk stuck in the ground.
This unique local tree is perfect for outdoors, but the baobab finds its way into the home in many kinds of decorations.
This unique local tree is perfect for outdoors, but the baobab finds its way into the home in many kinds of decorations.
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The mundane indoor tree becomes something special with the native African influence in the decorations.
● On Christmas Eve, many Africans travel to their villages to celebrate the day with family. Airports and bud stations get crowded. The villages have colorful celebrations many don’t want to miss, including masquerade parties, particularly ones related to the nativity, street singing and music.
● Christmas Day is celebrated with opening presents, going to church, and then with outdoor picnics, similar to New Zealand and Australia. The Christmas feast is the highlight of the whole celebration. Many families gather for a traditional meal much must include braai (barbeque) of roasted meat (sometimes goat), roast turkey, duck or beef, or suckling pigs with yellow rice, raisins and vegetables, salads.
Enticing desserts such as the classic Christmas pudding, mince pies, or a traditional dish called Malva Pudding (or Lekker Pudding). There is plenty of food and people drop in unexpectedly on friends, and are always welcomed. Christmas Crackers are popular.
● Christmas Day is celebrated with opening presents, going to church, and then with outdoor picnics, similar to New Zealand and Australia. The Christmas feast is the highlight of the whole celebration. Many families gather for a traditional meal much must include braai (barbeque) of roasted meat (sometimes goat), roast turkey, duck or beef, or suckling pigs with yellow rice, raisins and vegetables, salads.
Enticing desserts such as the classic Christmas pudding, mince pies, or a traditional dish called Malva Pudding (or Lekker Pudding). There is plenty of food and people drop in unexpectedly on friends, and are always welcomed. Christmas Crackers are popular.
● On Christmas day, children in costume go from door to door (like Halloween) in anticipation of gifts or treats. Many families stock up foods, candies, and little gifts to give the children. In some places, the children sing Christmas songs for money.
Image Source: face2faceafrica.com/christmas-africa
Famed as the ‘rainbow nation’, South Africa is home to dozens of different cultures and languages, including 11 official languages. That means there are many different ways to say Merry Christmas. Some of the most common ways include:
‘Geseënde Kersfees’ – Afrikaans
‘UKhisimusi omuhle’ – Zulu
‘Krismesi emnandi’ – Xhosa
‘Le be le keresemese e monate’ – Sotho
■
Sources
Update 2020
https://www.expatica.com/za/lifestyle/holidays/christmas-in-south-africa-106730/
https://www.trafalgar.com/real-word/how-christmas-south-africa-celebrated/
https://face2faceafrica.com/article/these-popular-christmas-traditions-are-deeply-rooted-in-african-culture
https://t.cafricawanderlusom/destinations/african-christmas/ - good site
https://www.portfoliocollection.com/travel-blog/give-me-an-african-christmas
https://www.sa-venues.com/events/southafrica/christmas-day/http://realestate.com.au/lifestyle/7-aussie-christmas-traditions-love/
https://thenet.ng/8-ways-santa-claus-nigeria-different-others-elsewhere/
https://northernnatalnews.co.za/182237/top-5-ways-celebrate-south-african-christmas
https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/south_africa.shtml#:~:text=The%20Christmas%20meal%20is%20either%20turkey%2C%20duck%2C%20roast,recipe.%20People%20also%20like%20to%20pull%20Christmas%20Crackers%21
http://realestate.com.au/lifestyle/7-aussie-christmas-traditions-love/
https://thenet.ng/8-ways-santa-claus-nigeria-different-others-elsewhere/
https://northernnatalnews.co.za/182237/top-5-ways-celebrate-south-african-christmas
https://www.christmascarnivals.com/aroundtheworld/south-africa.html
https://www.portfoliocollection.com/travel-blog/give-me-an-african-christmas
https://www.news24.com/news24/travel/the-best-south-african-christmas-traditions-20151210
https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/australia.shtml
https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/australia/articles/how-is-christmas-celebrated-in-australia/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_in_Australia
https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-christmas/christmas-traditions-around-the-world-ga1.htm
https://www.adventuroustrails.com/christmas-in-australia
http://www.worldofchristmas.net/christmas-world/australia.html
https://www.realestate.com.au/lifestyle/7-aussie-christmas-traditions-love/#:~:text=7%20Aussie%20Christmas%20traditions%20we%20all%20love%201,4%20Boxing%20Day%20barbecues.%20...%20More%20items...%20
http://www.worldholidaytraditions.com/en-us/countries/australia.aspx#:~:text=Holiday%20Traditions%20of%20Australia%20%22Merry%20Christmas%22.%20Christmas%20dinner,white%20boomers%2C%20or%20large%20kangaroos%2C%20pull%20Santa%27s%20sleigh.
https://egyptianstreets.com/2017/01/04/why-egyptian-muslims-celebrate-christmas/
Sources 2017 and 20918
http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/merry.htm
http://christmas.lovetoknow.com/chinese-christmas-traditions
http://www.clubpimble.com/fun-pimble/15-countries-that-have-different-names-for-santa-claus
http://www.all-about-india.com/Christmas-In-India.html
http://randomvacay.com/worlds-12-weirdest-christmas-celebrations/
http://www.geishablog.com/uncategorized/celebrating-christmas-in-japan/
http://www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/beyond-a-traditional-holiday-15-unique-ways-to-celebrate-in-japan
http://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/newzealand.shtml
https://www.reference.com/holidays-celebrations/people-south-africa-celebrate-christmas-2ddc577ab1a8d6dc
http://goafrica.about.com/od/peopleandculture/a/christmas.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Itx1nyHbDE
2020 Photos
https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/south_africa.shtml#:~:text=The%20Christmas%20meal%20is%20either%20turkey%2C%20duck%2C%20roast,recipe.%20People%20also%20like%20to%20pull%20Christmas%20Crackers%21
https://www.etsy.com/listing/660479323/ankara-african-ornaments-red-and?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_b-home_and_living-home_decor-ornaments_and_accents-ornaments&utm_custom1=_k_50f9a2f36c0f1970c1c5fd2aefccb7ab_k_&ut
https://www.etsy.com/listing/660479323/ankara-african-ornaments-red-and?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_b-home_and_living-home_decor-ornaments_and_accents-ornaments&utm_custom1=_k_50f9a2f36c0f1970c1c5fd2aefccb7ab_k_&ut
https://face2faceafrica.com/article/these-popular-christmas-traditions-are-deeply-rooted-in-african-culture
https://t.cafricawanderlusom/destinations/african-christmas/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuFr76btbnE
https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/south_africa.shtml#:~:text=The%20Christmas%20meal%20is%20either%20turkey%2C%20duck%2C%20roast,recipe.%20People%20also%20like%20to%20pull%20Christmas%20Crackers%21
https://dutyfool.com/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g297555-d1656739-i87252881-Coral_Sea_Waterworld_Resort-Sharm_El_Sheikh_South_Sinai_Red_Sea_and_Sinai.html
https://egyptianchronicles.blogspot.com/2015/12/december-25-2015-at-1232am.html
Image Source: face2faceafrica.com/christmas-africa
Famed as the ‘rainbow nation’, South Africa is home to dozens of different cultures and languages, including 11 official languages. That means there are many different ways to say Merry Christmas. Some of the most common ways include:
‘Geseënde Kersfees’ – Afrikaans
‘UKhisimusi omuhle’ – Zulu
‘Krismesi emnandi’ – Xhosa
‘Le be le keresemese e monate’ – Sotho
■
Sources
Update 2020
https://www.expatica.com/za/lifestyle/holidays/christmas-in-south-africa-106730/
https://www.trafalgar.com/real-word/how-christmas-south-africa-celebrated/
https://face2faceafrica.com/article/these-popular-christmas-traditions-are-deeply-rooted-in-african-culture
https://t.cafricawanderlusom/destinations/african-christmas/ - good site
https://www.portfoliocollection.com/travel-blog/give-me-an-african-christmas
https://www.sa-venues.com/events/southafrica/christmas-day/http://realestate.com.au/lifestyle/7-aussie-christmas-traditions-love/
https://thenet.ng/8-ways-santa-claus-nigeria-different-others-elsewhere/
https://northernnatalnews.co.za/182237/top-5-ways-celebrate-south-african-christmas
https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/south_africa.shtml#:~:text=The%20Christmas%20meal%20is%20either%20turkey%2C%20duck%2C%20roast,recipe.%20People%20also%20like%20to%20pull%20Christmas%20Crackers%21
http://realestate.com.au/lifestyle/7-aussie-christmas-traditions-love/
https://thenet.ng/8-ways-santa-claus-nigeria-different-others-elsewhere/
https://northernnatalnews.co.za/182237/top-5-ways-celebrate-south-african-christmas
https://www.christmascarnivals.com/aroundtheworld/south-africa.html
https://www.portfoliocollection.com/travel-blog/give-me-an-african-christmas
https://www.news24.com/news24/travel/the-best-south-african-christmas-traditions-20151210
https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/australia.shtml
https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/australia/articles/how-is-christmas-celebrated-in-australia/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_in_Australia
https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/holidays-christmas/christmas-traditions-around-the-world-ga1.htm
https://www.adventuroustrails.com/christmas-in-australia
http://www.worldofchristmas.net/christmas-world/australia.html
https://www.realestate.com.au/lifestyle/7-aussie-christmas-traditions-love/#:~:text=7%20Aussie%20Christmas%20traditions%20we%20all%20love%201,4%20Boxing%20Day%20barbecues.%20...%20More%20items...%20
http://www.worldholidaytraditions.com/en-us/countries/australia.aspx#:~:text=Holiday%20Traditions%20of%20Australia%20%22Merry%20Christmas%22.%20Christmas%20dinner,white%20boomers%2C%20or%20large%20kangaroos%2C%20pull%20Santa%27s%20sleigh.
https://egyptianstreets.com/2017/01/04/why-egyptian-muslims-celebrate-christmas/
Sources 2017 and 20918
http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/merry.htm
http://christmas.lovetoknow.com/chinese-christmas-traditions
http://www.clubpimble.com/fun-pimble/15-countries-that-have-different-names-for-santa-claus
http://www.all-about-india.com/Christmas-In-India.html
http://randomvacay.com/worlds-12-weirdest-christmas-celebrations/
http://www.geishablog.com/uncategorized/celebrating-christmas-in-japan/
http://www.coca-colacompany.com/stories/beyond-a-traditional-holiday-15-unique-ways-to-celebrate-in-japan
http://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/newzealand.shtml
https://www.reference.com/holidays-celebrations/people-south-africa-celebrate-christmas-2ddc577ab1a8d6dc
http://goafrica.about.com/od/peopleandculture/a/christmas.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Itx1nyHbDE
2020 Photos
https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/south_africa.shtml#:~:text=The%20Christmas%20meal%20is%20either%20turkey%2C%20duck%2C%20roast,recipe.%20People%20also%20like%20to%20pull%20Christmas%20Crackers%21
https://www.etsy.com/listing/660479323/ankara-african-ornaments-red-and?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_b-home_and_living-home_decor-ornaments_and_accents-ornaments&utm_custom1=_k_50f9a2f36c0f1970c1c5fd2aefccb7ab_k_&ut
https://www.etsy.com/listing/660479323/ankara-african-ornaments-red-and?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_b-home_and_living-home_decor-ornaments_and_accents-ornaments&utm_custom1=_k_50f9a2f36c0f1970c1c5fd2aefccb7ab_k_&ut
https://face2faceafrica.com/article/these-popular-christmas-traditions-are-deeply-rooted-in-african-culture
https://t.cafricawanderlusom/destinations/african-christmas/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuFr76btbnE
https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/south_africa.shtml#:~:text=The%20Christmas%20meal%20is%20either%20turkey%2C%20duck%2C%20roast,recipe.%20People%20also%20like%20to%20pull%20Christmas%20Crackers%21
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https://egyptianchronicles.blogspot.com/2015/12/december-25-2015-at-1232am.html
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