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In the United States,
where all nations and traditions mix together, Christmas
is a blend of customs from many different countries. There
are carols from England and Australia, trees from Germany
and for that familiar, beloved figure, St. Nick, we have
to thank the Scandinavians, although his sleigh drawn by
reindeer began in Switzerland.
Today, according to a GfK Roper Report, Christmas is a
universal holiday although how it is celebrated differs
considerably in each country. In Australia, it is the main
annual holiday with schools usually closed for six weeks.
It is a time for families and since Australia, like America,
is a vast country, a lot of traveling is required. Many
families head to the coast or to the beach since it is the
height of summer and Christmas dinner is often a cold meal
of seafood of some kind. The day after Christmas is Boxing
Day (a tradition from England) followed by the Sydney to
Hobart Yacht race.
In Brazil, where the tradition of a Christmas tree is relatively
new, decorated trees are set up in November and remain until
January. There is a big family dinner at midnight and to
celebrate the end of the year, many people head for the
beach.
Christmas season in the Czech Republic starts on Dec. 6
when three people dressed as St. Nicholas, the Devil and
an Angel go from house to house with gifts for the children.
During Advent (four Sundays before Christmas) folks stop
in the town square after work for mulled wine or punch.
A few days before Christmas, many huge barrels of water
filled with live carp appear on street corners. People buy
the carp for their Christmas dinner, often placing it in
the family bathtub until it is time for it to be cooked.
The Christmas tree is not decorated until the morning of
Christmas Eve.
China and Japan, although not primarily Christian nations,
have adopted and enjoy Christmas. In China, houses are lit
with paper lanterns and trees called “trees of light.”
In Japan, stores and commercial areas are brightly decorated
and Christmas music is piped in everywhere. There are many
Christmas sales, and there is even a priest known as “hoteoisho”
who resembles Santa. He is a kind, old man carrying a huge
pack. He is also thought to have eyes in the back of his
head so the children must be good or he will know of their
misbehavior.
In China and Japan, the most important holiday is the New
Year when ancestors are remembered, debts paid, and everyone
attempts to make a fresh start.
In Thailand, Christmas trees and decorations are also prominent
throughout the major cities. Thais love to celebrate and
it doesn’t matter if the festival originated in a
different country or is of another religion; give them an
excuse to have fun and they will celebrate.
Christmas in Spain was formerly a religious celebration
spent with family, but it is now more of a holiday period.
After Christmas, the national lottery has a big prize draw.
Presents, left the night before by the three Wise Men,
are opened on Jan. 6, and on New Year’s Eve, everyone
eats 12 grapes to bring luck for the New Year.
Lastly, in Mexico, the principal holiday adornment is the
“Nacimiento” or Nativity scene. The focal point
is a stable where figures of the Holy Family are sheltered,
but the scene will not be completed until Christmas Eve
when the newborn Baby Jesus is finally laid in the manger
bed.
To all who celebrate Christmas, in whatever manner, and
wherever you live, may the human bond that unites us all
help us to understand and love one another. I wish you a
Merry Christmas and peace.
Jean Cherni is founder of Senior
Living Solutions, a retirement advisory service. Contact
her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds, Branford
06405.
H. Pearce Company REALTORS®
is a full-service real estate company with more than 100
agents and branch offices in greater New Haven and the Shoreline.
Corporate and & Commercial offices are located in North
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