Weird And Wonderful Christmas Traditions Around The World

Weird and Wonderful Christmas Traditions Around the World

Weird and Wonderful Christmas Traditions Around the World

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Weird and Wonderful Christmas Traditions Around the World

Christmas is a time for joy, family, and tradition. But what if your traditions are a little…weird? From eating fried worms to hiding brooms, here are some of the strangest Christmas customs from around the world.

1. Krampus, Austria

Krampus is a half-goat, half-demon creature who punishes naughty children during the Christmas season. He is said to roam the streets on December 5th, carrying a sack of toys for good children and a bundle of switches for bad children.

2. Mari Lwyd, Wales

The Mari Lwyd is a horse-like creature made from a horse’s skull, a white sheet, and ribbons. It is led by a man who sings and dances, and it is said to bring good luck to homes that it visits.

3. La Befana, Italy

La Befana is a witch who delivers gifts to children on January 6th. She is said to ride a broomstick and enter homes through the chimney. She leaves gifts for good children and coal for bad children.

4. Sinterklaas, Netherlands

Sinterklaas is a bishop who delivers gifts to children on December 5th. He is said to ride a white horse and be accompanied by a group of helpers called Zwarte Pieten.

5. Belsnickel, Germany

Belsnickel is a masked figure who visits homes on December 5th. He is said to carry a switch and a sack of treats. He gives treats to good children and switches to bad children.

6. Père Fouettard, France

Père Fouettard is a devil-like figure who accompanies Saint Nicholas on his rounds. He is said to carry a whip and punish naughty children.

7. Grýla, Iceland

Grýla is a giantess who lives in a cave with her husband, Leppalúði, and their 13 children, the Yule Lads. She is said to eat naughty children, and her children are said to steal food from homes.

8. The Yule Cat, Iceland

The Yule Cat is a large black cat who is said to eat people who do not receive new clothes for Christmas.

9. The Christmas Goat, Sweden

The Christmas Goat is a large straw goat that is erected in the town square of Gävle, Sweden. It is said to bring good luck to the town, but it is often burned down by vandals.

10. The Christmas Pickle, USA

The Christmas Pickle is a green pickle ornament that is hidden on a Christmas tree. The first person to find the pickle is said to receive good luck for the year.

11. Fried Worms, Venezuela

In Venezuela, it is a tradition to eat fried worms on Christmas Eve. The worms are said to bring good luck and prosperity.

12. Hiding Brooms, Norway

In Norway, it is a tradition to hide all of the brooms in the house on Christmas Eve. This is said to prevent witches from riding the brooms and causing mischief.

13. The Christmas Spider, Ukraine

In Ukraine, it is a tradition to decorate Christmas trees with a spider web and a plastic spider. The spider is said to bring good luck and prosperity.

14. The Yule Log, England

In England, it is a tradition to burn a large log in the fireplace on Christmas Eve. The log is said to bring good luck and prosperity to the home.

15. The Christmas Truce, World War I

In 1914, during World War I, there was a spontaneous ceasefire on Christmas Day. Soldiers from both sides emerged from their trenches and exchanged gifts and sang carols.

16. The Christmas Armistice, Korean War

In 1953, during the Korean War, there was another spontaneous ceasefire on Christmas Day. Soldiers from both sides exchanged gifts and played games.

These are just a few of the many weird and wonderful Christmas traditions from around the world. Whether you celebrate with Krampus, the Mari Lwyd, or the Christmas Pickle, there is sure to be a tradition that will make your holiday season merry and bright.

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