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10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by Giftedgreen: 9:15am On Dec 24, 2014
Christmas is a time of presents, anticipation, excitement and goodwill virtually anywhere in the world. In different parts of the world, however, the specific traditions used to celebrate Christmas can vary widely.10

1. Nigeria

Here in Nigeria, a typical Christmas consists of buying new clothes for your kids, cooking a ridiculous amount of rice which we all know we are going to waste anyways.

And back in the days, kids usually walk around saying happy Christmas to strangers and non-strangers in the hope that they would be given money in return.

Do we miss those innocent days or what?

2. Venezuela

During Christmas time in Caracas, Venezuela, from December 16 to December 24, the streets are closed for the roller skating mass. Yes, that is exactly what it sounds like: a mass of people roller skating together through town.

Frustrating for those trying to make their way through traffic around the streets that are closed for the holiday tradition? Perhaps, but this is a very well-known tradition in the area, and many people love to participate in it each year.

3. France

In France, Christmas time is all about the light show. Imagine that – the nation that is home to Paris, the “City of Lights,” steals the show during the most lights-focused time of the year.

Examples can be found all over the country during the Christmas season; for example, during the Fête des Lumières from December 5 to December 8, Lyon features over 70 light shows that are simply breathtaking.


4. Brazil

Christmas in Brazil is the most celebrated holiday in the country, since about 90 percent of the population of Brazil consider themselves to be Christians.

Christmas is a big deal in Brazil! Because Brazil is in the southern hemisphere, it is summertime during the holiday season; temperatures can reach well above one hundred degrees Fahrenheit. December 24 is the day that begins the official Christmas celebrations.

It starts with Christmas cooking, which traditionally includes codfish and turkey with beer or juice as a beverage. Because pine trees are rarely found in Brazil, households that have a Christmas party will often feature a fake tree with Christmas lights and decorations. There can be several families at each gathering, with over seventy people attending one Christmas party.

Just before midnight, all the lights in the house are shut off (with the exception of the Christmas tree lights, of course) and the children lie in bed and await the arrival of Santa Claus.


5. Italy

Perhaps one of the most unique ways to celebrate the Christmas season is found in Italy.

In Italy, on January 5, children await the arrival of a magical figure to bring them candy and other goodies. But it is not Santa Claus they are waiting for; no, these children are waiting for a witch named La Befana.

According to legend, the Wise Men asked La Bafana to accompany them to see the infant Jesus. She refused, saying she was too busy. Now she goes house to house each year, leaving gifts and looking for the Christ child.

She is portrayed as coming down the chimneys of various homes and delivering gifts, all while holding a broomstick. Instead of leaving milk and cookies for jolly old Saint Nick, Italian children leave wine and crackers for this mystic witch.

However, in Norway, it is said that you must hide all of the brooms in your house or the witches will steal them and ride them off into the night. Perhaps they are headed to Italy.


6. Finland

In Finland, the Christmas celebrations primarily extend from December 24 to December 26.

Fir trees are set up in each household on Christmas Eve. People in Finland bake gingerbread cookies and other yummy treats.

Finnish Christmas dinner begins on the night of Christmas Eve, at the spotting of the first star in the sky – usually between five and seven o’clock.


7. Mexico

In Mexico, Christmas is known as La Posada.

It is a tradition to carry a picture of Joseph and Mary from house to house in the search of “shelter” before the birth of Jesus Christ himself.

In Mexico, Santa Claus is not usually used to symbolize Christmas like he does in Nigeria. Instead, the people of Mexico choose to use the striking red flower called the poinsettia as a symbol of the season – a tradition that has begun to catch on in other parts of the world as well.


8. Germany

In Germany, the Christmas celebration begins on December 6 and continues non-stop until after Christmas Day.

On December 6, the baking and decorating begins. It all starts with the spiced cookies and cakes, then comes the home-made cards and gifts. One of the more well-known Christmas traditions – and one that originated in Germany – is the creation of beautiful gingerbread houses. Christbaumgeback is the name of German dough that can be shaped like clay before it is baked and used to decorate the Christmas tree.

Although gingerbread and gingerbread houses are certainly a part of Christmas celebrations elsewhere in the world (Nigeria no included), none can match those created in Germany.

9. Belgium

In Belgium there are two Santa Claus figures. There is St. Niklaas and Pere Noel.

Pere Noel visits those who speak the Walloon language, in fact he visits them twice. The first time is on the December 4th he does this so he can find out which children have been good and which children have been bad. If a child is good he returns on December 6th with the presents the good children deserve if they were bad they are left twigs. The good children usually received candy and toys. With the bad children he leaves the twigs inside their shoes or in small baskets that are left just inside the doorway.

10. Estonia

Estonia claims their Christmas (Joulud) has no connection with Christianity at all even when their decorations and customs look suspiciously Jesus-like.

One of the most important Estonian peasant traditions involves the bringing home of authentic “Christmas straw,” which is supposed to symbolize the manger. Whose manger, Estonia?

Christmas Eve and Night are considered sacred, and Estonians use the two-day window for the exclusive purpose of fortune telling, predicting next year’s weather and harvest. Ancestors’ spirits are said to visit families’ houses during this time.

Another of the oldest holiday traditions in Estonia is the Christmas Eve sauna, which is exactly as unappealing as it sounds. After being required to see all of your immediate family sweaty and nude.

What is your most memorable Christmas experience? Let us know in the comment section below


http://giftedgreen.com/2014/blog/2014/12/24/10-christmas-traditions-from-nigeria-and-other-parts-of-the-world/

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Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by Maczeelly(m): 12:39pm On Dec 24, 2014
Okk....Good 2 know
Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by Marvyx(m): 12:40pm On Dec 24, 2014
Dunno about other countries but in Nigeria nowadays xmas includes gals losing their honor for a plate of chicken, young boys drinking without restriction, any xmas before election is not safe because of desperate politicians etc.
Gone are the days when churches portray Christmas for what it truly is.
Now I just spend quality time with my family. #continues eating my cucumber#

1 Like

Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by Nobody: 12:40pm On Dec 24, 2014
Leftist:
S
s for
Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by DancingSkeleton(m): 12:41pm On Dec 24, 2014
Really undecided
Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by Adyrin(m): 12:41pm On Dec 24, 2014
Rice
Chicken
Salad
Booze
Babes
Christmas clothes
















Result:





Drunkiness
Pregnancy
Broke
Fight
Debt





Be wise; its just a days celeb

6 Likes

Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by peterphd(m): 12:41pm On Dec 24, 2014
educating.

1 Like 1 Share

Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by ayusco85(m): 12:41pm On Dec 24, 2014
In Faroe Island they strip nakkedd and walk round the city on foot.




#TrueStory
Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by Nobody: 12:42pm On Dec 24, 2014
EPL
Booze
'Weeding'
Shagging
Fresh Palm Wine
Throwing Bangers
Town Hall Meetings
Dusty Village Roads
Driving Around Villages
Reuniting With Old Pals
Forming Big Boy From The City
Inter-Village Football Competitions
Bathing Unclad At The Village Stream To The Admiration Of The Girls

2 Likes 1 Share

Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by Nobody: 12:42pm On Dec 24, 2014
I wonder if people still dash kids money during Christmas.

I miss those days.

We would take food to neighbors and and get money in return.

I am challenged to really give money to kids this Christmas.

1 Like

Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by idongesit88: 12:43pm On Dec 24, 2014
oil and onions (stew) is smelling in my area

1 Like

Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by okotv(m): 12:43pm On Dec 24, 2014
since I don't participate... what's there to say
Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by Nobody: 12:43pm On Dec 24, 2014
Lolz those italian kids.
Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by Beesluv: 12:45pm On Dec 24, 2014
Killing of chicken
Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by Baddestguyp(m): 12:45pm On Dec 24, 2014
good to know
Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by Nobody: 12:45pm On Dec 24, 2014
op what of syria afagnistan and co
Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by Nobody: 12:46pm On Dec 24, 2014
Thank God there is France
Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by Nobody: 12:47pm On Dec 24, 2014
Wow.
Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by Weblow: 12:48pm On Dec 24, 2014
and in nigeria celebration varies base on location. some places is partying some drinkin some bombblast etc
Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by hensben(m): 12:49pm On Dec 24, 2014
I agree with France kind of celebration cos that was where i schooled

4 Likes

Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by PunterTim(m): 12:49pm On Dec 24, 2014
hw abt d u.s nd d u.k............or u've neva been there?
Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by seangy4konji: 12:49pm On Dec 24, 2014
Money.

Ok.
Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by georjay(m): 12:50pm On Dec 24, 2014
Mehn i miss those days wen i was a kid...#go from house to house to devour rice and meat..#banger competition btw 2streets #promise card tinz..den 3days constipation accompanied by stooling,stomach ache and tooth ache...buh instead of me 2learn my lessons...iffa hear...i wil do d same on new year...same repercussion...twas fun tho...

5 Likes 2 Shares

Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by Oluwadhemmy: 12:50pm On Dec 24, 2014
Dat akward moment wen u drink garri for xmas

5 Likes

Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by garyaustin(m): 12:50pm On Dec 24, 2014
Nice post. Keep it up in the spirit of Xmas.
Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by omanifrank(m): 12:52pm On Dec 24, 2014
seriously
Re: 10 Christmas Traditions From Nigeria And Other Parts Of The World by omanifrank(m): 12:52pm On Dec 24, 2014
Oluwadhemmy:
Dat akward moment wen u drink garri for xmas
do u do it





1999 : BRAZIL 4 - 0 GERMANY
2002 : BRAZIL 2 - 0 GERMANY
2004 : BRAZIL 1 - 1 GERMANY

Total= BRAZIL 7 - GERMANY 1.

BUT IN THE YEAR 2014
BRAZIL 1 - 7 GERMANY

WHO SAYS YOU CANNOT OVERTAKE YOUR ENEMIES IN A SINGLE Day

BEFORE THIS YEAR RUNS OUT, WHATEVER YOU HAVE LOST IN THE PAST SHALL BE RECLAIMED IN A SINGLE DAY IN JESUS NAME

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