The Junior Age

Category: Festivals

Fascinating Christmas Traditions From Around The World

There are many exciting and unique Christmas traditions all over the world. You probably already know that every country has its own way of celebrating Christmas. Travel the world with us and discover these traditions from different cultures and parts of the world.

Also read, Top 10 Interesting Facts About Christmas

Christmas Traditions In Italy 

Along with the Christmas tree, the Italians set up the nativity scene. which was invented in Italy in the Middle Ages. Naples is famous for its Nativity scene called Presepe Napoletano.

In Italy, children not only believe in Santa Claus, but also in La Befana. Children in Italy receive gifts on the night between 5th and 6th January from a witch known as La Befana. It is believed that La Befana flies around on a broomstick. She brings candy to good children and charcoal to the bad ones. She puts these in a sock that is hung on the night before. In modern Italy, La Befana is known as the Christmas Witch.

Norway Christmas Traditions

Say hello to Nisse! Nisse is a mythological creature from Scandinavian folklore similar to a gnome. According to tradition, Nisse protects the house and the family and brings presents for the children. Norwegians leave a bowl of oatmeal for Nisse under the Christmas tree. If Nisse does not get his bowl of oatmeal, it will get naughty and break things in the house. On December 23 which is celebrated as Little Christmas Eve, Norwegian families decorate the tree together and make a sweet gingerbread house. The main celebrations are on Christmas eve, rather than December 25.

The Netherlands Christmas Traditions

Sinterklass (St. Nicholas) brings children presents in the Netherlands on 5th of December. Children usually leave a shoe out by the fireplace or window sill, filled with carrots for Sinterklass’s horse.

It is popularly believed that Sinterklass lives in Spain and every year arrives at a different harbour in the Netherlands. Children play treasure hunt games to follow the clues to find their presents.

Christmas Traditions In Greece

In addition to decorating the Christmas trees, the Greeks also decorate Christmas boats. Greece is a

country of sailors and in the olden times men were often sailing for several weeks in winter. When they returned home, small boats were decorated inside the house to honour their courage.

Iceland Christmas Traditions

Modern equivalent of Santa Claus in Iceland is known as the Yule Lads. In Iceland, Christmas is celebrated for 13 days and the celebrations start on December 12. Each night before Christmas, children are visited by 13 Yule Lads. Children leave their shoes under the window, hoping to receive sweets from 13 mischievous trolls called the Yule Lads. If they have been good, they will receive sweets but if they have been bad, the Yule Lads leave them a rotten potato.

Christmas Traditions In Japan

Even though Christmas is not a religious holiday in Japan, it is celebrated and gifts are exchanged.

The Japanese have found an interesting and innovative way to celebrate Christmas. Rather than gathering around the table for a turkey dinner, families head out to their local Kentucky Fried Chicken. The tradition originated in 1974 after a successful marketing campaign called “Kurisuma-su ni wa kentakkii!”, means Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas.

Germany And Austria Christmas Traditions

People in Germany and Austria celebrate St. Nikolaus Day on December 6. St. Nikolaus and his companion Krampus come and visit children to reward those who have been good and punish those who have misbehaved. On the previous evening, children put their polished shoes outside the front door and St. Nikolaus fills them with sweets, fruits, and small presents.

The main presents will be given to the children on Christmas eve. Traditionally, Christmas gifts are brought by the Christkind (child of Christ). Santa Claus also exists in Germany and is simply called the Christmas man (Weihnachtsmann).

Catalonia, Spain Christmas Traditions

Old Caga Tió or Tió de Nadal (Christmas log) is a cheerful character known for his generosity in offering gifts and treats to small chil-dren, despite their poor treatment of him.

Basically it is a small wooden log covered in a blanket with a warm smiley face. Caga Tió usually arrives at homes in early December and families take care of him until Christmas day, by feeding him dry bread, orange peel or dried beans. However, for Caga Tió to produce gifts, children are instructed to beat him with a wooden stick and sing to him, ordering him to poop presents.

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The Festival Of Lights Diwali

Diwali is the biggest and most important religious festival in India. It is not only a Hindu festival, but it is also celebrated by Sikhs and Jains. Diwali, the festival of lights, symbolises the ‘victory of light over darkness’, ‘knowledge over ignorance’, and ‘good over evil’. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on November 12, 2023.

Also Read, Diwali Legends And Stories

When Is Diwali Celebrated?

Diwali is celebrated every year and marks the start of the Hindu New Year. Diwali usually falls within the Hindu lunar calendar month of Karthik and it falls on Amavasva, which means moonless night. The exact date varies each year as the Hindu calendar is based on the Moon.

How is Diwali Celebrated?

Diwali celebrations are spread over five days. On each day certain specific rites and rituals are performed and a specific god or goddess is worshipped. However, the common traditions are cleaning one’s homes and workspaces, decorating these with lamps and flowers, and making rangolis.

Meaning Of Diwali 

The word Diwali or Deepavali means “row of lights” in Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. Diwali is known as the ‘festival of lights’ because houses, shops, and public places are decorated with small oil lamps called ‘diyas.

Did You Know?

Diwali is an official national holiday in many countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Fiji, Mauritius, Guyana, Ma-KNOW? laysia, Singapore, Nepal, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.

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Diwali Legends And Stories

The Festival of Lights has many legends and lore associated with it. There is no single story behind the origin of this festival. Even though there are many stories and historical narratives behind this festival, they all ultimately represent the victory of good over evil.

Also checkout, Everything You Need to Know About Diwali and Its Celebration Across India

The Return Of Lord Rama To Ayodhya

The most commonly associated story with the celebration of this festival, especially in north and west India, is from the Hindu epic Ramayana. According to Hindu mythology, Diwali is celebrated on the day Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana returned to their home in Ayodhya after 14 years in exile and after defeating the evil king Ravana.

When Rama, Sita, and Lakshman returned from Lanka at night, villagers lit rows of oil lamps along the streets to guide them home. These lamps are known as diyas or divas. Through this, the festival of Diwali was born. To this day, people celebrate Diwali by lighting diyas or candles in their homes – a true festival of light.

The Birth Of Goddess Lakshmi

Many people honour the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi during Diwali. The lights and lamps are said to help Goddess Lakshmi find her way into peoples’ homes, bringing prosperity in the coming year! The story goes that Goddess Lakshmi was provoked by God Indra to leave the divine world and enter the Milky Ocean. Without her, the world turned dark. After churning the milky ocean for 1,000 years, Goddess Lakshmi was reborn and once again brought her blessings of good fortune. Many people believe that Diwali is the celebration that marks Lakshmi’s wedding with Vishnu.

The Victory Of God Krishna

In south India, Diwali commemorates the victory of the god Krishna over the demon king Narakasura. Once the demon was killed, Lord Krishna called for a day of festivities. This day of festivity is called Naraka Chaturdashi and is celebrated the day before Diwali. Some regions of India burn effigies of the demon to celebrate Diwali.

The Story Of Mahavir’s Enlightenment

In Jainism, Diwali commemorates the anniversary of Lord Mahavir’s attainment of moksha, or freedom from the cycle of reincarnation, in 527 BC. Lord Mahavir was the 24th and last Thirtankar of Jainism (spiritual leader). First referred to in Jain scriptures as dipalikaya or light leaving the body, Jains believe that the Earth and the heavens were illuminated with lamps to mark the occasion of Lord Mahavir’s enlightenment. Jain’s light lamps on Diwali to symbolise keeping the light of Lord Mahavir’s knowledge alive and sweets are also distributed.

Bandi Chhor Diwas

For Sikhs, Diwali is significant because it celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, and 52 other princes with him, in 1619. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was being held by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir with 52 princes. Sikhs call Diwali as Bandi Chhor Diwas, meaning the day of liberation.

Sikhs celebrated the return of Guru Hargobind by lighting the Golden Temple in Amritsar with diyas and this tradition continues today.

Kali Puja

People living in the Indian states of West Bengal and Assam celebrate Diwali as Kali Puja. Goddess Kali is worshipped. People believe that she destroys all evil. Lamps are lit in her honour, and in return, she promises a renewal of life and justice on earth.

The Legend Of Bali

The powerful King Bali ruled over the netherworld, Earth, and heavens. All the gods feared him so much that they sent Lord Vishnu to get rid of him. Lord Vishnu took the form of a dwarf and appeared before Bali. He asked him that he be granted control of all the land which he could cover in 3 paces. Because of the dwarf’s small stature, Bali granted this request, and it was then that Vishnu grew to enormous proportions, covered all Bali’s kingdom in two paces, and with the third pace stomped him down into the netherworld. However, Vishnu granted Bali the right to return to earth for one day each year, and it is thus that Bali is celebrated during Diwali alongside other legendary figures.

The End Of The Pandava’s Exile

The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic. When the five Pandava brothers returned to their kingdom from their exile it was on the dark and moonless night of Kartika Amavasya. To celebrate their return the people of their kingdom lit innumerable earthen lamps to welcome them home. Later, lighting earthen lamps also became a vital part of celebrating Diwali. The 5 Pandavas, namely – Yudhishthira, Bhima, Ariuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, had lost everything they had in a game of dice (gambling) playing against Kauravas. When they were left with nothing to bet, they were punished with 12 years of exile. During these 12 years, Pandavas lived in hardship.

Watch full video on, A Cultural Journey Across India | Diwali Traditions and Festivities

Unique Dussehra Celebrations In India

Dussehra is celebrated throughout India with different rituals and activities. The Dussehra festivities involve lights, decorations, food, and colourful clothes. However, the celebrations vary across the different regions of the country.

Also Read, Everything You Need to Know About Diwali and Its Celebration Across India

Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

The Kullu Dussehra, which is well-known all over the world, is held in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Around 200 local deities from nearby villages are brought to participate in a religious procession. Another unique aspect is that these celebrations in Kullu begin on Vijayadashami, the day when Dussehra festivities end in India. Further, on the last day of the celebration, a pile of thorn bushes is burnt to depict the burning of Lanka.

Kolkata, West Bengal

The Bengali community celebrates Dussehra with Durga Puja, which transforms entire state into a dynamic and lively hub of culture. Vijayadashami is celebrated on the tenth day of the famous Durga Puja. On this day, married women offer vermilion and sweets to the goddess. They also put vermilion on each other’s cheeks. At night, the idols of the goddess are taken to nearby rivers or water bodies to be immersed.

Bastar, Chhattisgarh

Dussehra is devoted to tribal deities and has nothing to do with the defeat of Ravana. The festival is celebrated for 75 days and is believed to be the longest festival in the world. The festival is held in honour of Goddess Danteshwari (the guardian deity of the tribal belt of Bastar in Chhattisgarh) other divinities. There are many rituals associated with this festival, including chariot processions, the tribal chieftains’ conference, and the thanks. of Lanka.

Mysore, Karnataka

The Mysore Dasara has been celebrated for more than 400 years. The Mysore Palace is decorated magnificently and there are many cultural performances that take place during the Dussehra festivities. A procession with 12 trained elephants adorned with colourful attire are taken around the streets. One of them carries the idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwar atop a golden mandap. The  procession starts from the mysore palace to Bannimantap.

Almora, Uttarakhand

Almora celebrates Dussehra with a parade of demons. The mountain streets of this small town in Uttarakhand are filled with various villains from The Ramayana. They’re made by local people and are paraded across the town before burning them. A total of 33 effigies of Ravana’s family members are burned to celebrate Dussehra.

Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu

The Dussehra celebrations at a 300-year-old temple of Goddess Kali, in the village Kulasekarapattinam are very unique. People are required to dress up as gods and goddesses. The people dance holding flaming clay pots throughout the night and end the festival with an enactment of slaying of Mahishasura on the beach.

Did You Know?

Ravana is a symbol of evil for most people across India. However, in Mandore, Rajasthan, people celebrate him as a deity. It is believed that Ravana’s wife Mandodari is from this town. While people remember Ravana for his evil deeds, here he is celebrated for his genius achievements in the field of astrology and ayurveda.

There are some temples in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Andra Pradesh that worship Ravana as a deity.

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Fun Facts About Dussehra

1. Dussehra comes from the Sanskrit word Dash Hara, which means “the defeat of the Sun” in English. Vijayadashami, means victory on the tenth day.

2. Dussehra is celebrated in Ashwin, the 10th month of the Hindu Calendar. It falls sometime around October or November.

3. Dussehra marks the end of the summer season and the start of the winter season.

4. Dussehra marks the harvesting of Kharif Crops and sowing of Rabi crops. It’s an important occasion for farmers of all beliefs.

5. Dussehra also marks the homecoming of Pandavas from their exile of 13 years. When the Pandavas had lost their kingdom, they were in exile for 12 years. It was said that if they were discovered in the 13th year, they would have to start their exile all over again. So, on the commencement of the final year, they hid all their weapons inside the hole of a Shami Tree. After the end of the 13th year on the sacred day of Vijaydashmi, they retrieved their weapons to worship them along with the tree. Thus, the Shami Tree is considered to be a symbol of goodwill.

6. In Kerala, Dussehra is considered an auspicious day for introducing children to the world of letters. Children between three and five years of age are initiated into learning by making them write a mantra on a tray of rice grains. After the ceremony, study materials such as slates and pencils are distributed by those children. The ceremony is called Ezhuthiniruthu in Malayalam.

7. In northern India, barley seeds are sown on the first day of Navaratri. These sprouts are used and considered a good omen for good fortune and wealth on the day of Dussehra.

8. According to a popular legend, Goddess Durga, along with her children, Lakshmi, Ganesha, Kartik, and Saraswati came to her birth place on Earth to stay for some time. On the day of Dussehra, she returned to her husband Lord Shiva.

9. Dussehra is also believed to be the day when Emperor Asoka had converted to Buddhism.

10. The burning effigies signify the killing of all evils of the soul, which are represented by the ten heads of Ravana.

Also Read, Dussehra : A Celebration Of Victory!

Word Check

Kharif crops are typically sown at the beginning of the first monsoon rains and are usually harvested between October and November. Examples are rice, cotton and maize.

Rabi crops are harvested in the spring season while it is sown in winter. Examples are wheat, gram, and barley.

Mahabharata is a major Hindu Mythological epic. This great epic narrates the great war between the Kauravas and Pandavas. The Pandavas were the five brothers Yudhishtira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, who are the main characters of the Hindu epic Mahabharata.

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