While many people are familiar with the holiday traditions of gift-giving and feasts around the world, there are lesser-known customs that offer a fascinating glimpse into diverse cultures and festive celebrations. Each of these unique traditions helps transform the human experience. From ancient customs to quirky festivals surrounding vegetables, these 12 holiday traditions, nonetheless, spread holiday cheer.
- Krampus of Germany, Austria, and Hungary
Every year, on December 5 or 6, the children prepare for Saint Nicholas—Santa Claus—to visit them. If they’ve been well-behaved, he’ll reward them with gifts. However, if they’ve been naughty, they face something more terrifying than coal.
Krampus, also known as the “Christmas Devil,” is a half-man, half-goat who visits naughty children. For punishment, he’ll carry a bundle of branches with him and swat children or bring them back with him to the depths of hell.
However, children aren’t the only ones involved in these celebrations. Krampusnacht—Krampus night—is when the adults dress up as Krampus to frighten the children into behaving themselves.
Krampus is heavily rooted in these countries’ cultures, dating back to the end of the 16th century. Yet, more recently, the United States adopted Krampus, turning the frightening tradition into a horror/comedy film made in 2015.
- Panevin and La Befana of Italy
In Italy, it’s not Santa Claus who brings presents. It’s a witch called La Befana who arrives on a broomstick. Every year on January 5, during the eve of Epiphany—the Panevin celebrations—she’ll bring smaller gifts like candy to the children.
The Panevin Celebrations date back to ancient Roman times. Typically, they’ll have a bonfire consisting of a pile of branches, wood, and brush. Whatever used to be used but now is destined to be burned will go into this pile. Traditionally, a puppet that mimics the appearance of an old lady is placed on top. The Vecia—old lady—represents all previous years’ calamities.
Communities all over Italy celebrate this ancient tradition, including the eager children waiting for the arrival of La Befana at Panevin.
- The 13 Yule lads of Iceland
Unlike most countries, Iceland has not only one Father Christmas but 13. These mischievous 13 Father Christmases are named the Yule Lads, who take turns visiting children on the 13 days leading up to Christmas.
On each of those nights, children will place one of their shoes on the windowsill. If they’ve been good, the Yule Lads will leave candy; however, if they’ve been naughty, they won’t hesitate by putting rotting potatoes in the shoes.
Similarly to Snow white’s dwarfs, each Yule lad has a unique name. There’s Sheep-Cote Clod, Gully Gawk, Stubby, Spoon Licker, Pot Scraper, Bowl Licker, Door Slammer, Skyr Gobbler, Sausage Swiper, Window Peeper, Door Sniffer, Meat Hook, and Candle Beggar.
- Los Posadas of Latin America
This Latin celebration—La Posada—is a religious festival that commemorates the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of sanctuary so Mary could give birth to baby Jesus.
La Posada takes place between December 16 and 24. Posadas—inns or lodges—traditionally feature hot food, drinks, desserts, piñatas, and, of course, music and dancing.
The festival began when the Spaniards taught Latinos and Native people about Christmas and Christianity.
- Takanakuy, aka the Fighting Festival of Peru
Takanakuy, translating to “to hit each other” in Quechua, one of the indigenous languages of South America, is celebrated in the remote communities of Peru. In many of these communities, the lack of law enforcement to settle disputes is the reason they take it into a public arena.
Men, Women, or children all begin and end with a hug. The desired result is peace going into the new year, and leaving whatever angered you in the past.
Takanakuy is celebrated every December 25th, and a fighter challenges another by calling out his or her name.
- Mari Lwyd of Wales
During the holiday season, carolers will go door to door with a horse’s skull wrapped in a white drape named Mari Lwyd–also known as Grey Mare.
Mari Lwyd is typically carried around by a rowdy crowd of people and challenges homeowners to singing contests in hopes of being rewarded entry into their homes and being provided with celebratory food and drinks.
This tradition was first recorded in the 1800s, stemming from ancient Celtic rituals, ultimately believing that it would bring luck to all participants.
- La Quema del Diablo of Guatemala
Every December 7th, Guatemalans celebrate La Quema del Diablo–the burning of the devil. The burning of the devil is a spiritual and ritual cleansing that is believed to banish bad spirits during the Christmas season.
This celebration can be traced back to colonial times when the burning of the devil was a little more intimate. Many Guatemalans believed that the devil lurked in the cracks and corners of their houses, so they would burn their trash to banish him.
However, in recent years, environmentalists have attacked this celebration and even attempted to ban it.
- Single women tossing shoes of Czechia
Single men and women have a unique holiday tradition in the Czech Republic that predicts their relationship status in the coming years.
Every Christmas morning, men and women grab their favorite pair of shoes and head outside. Typically they stand with their back to the door and throw the shoe over their shoulder waiting to see how it lands.
If the heel lands towards the door, they’re going to be single once again. However, if the shoes point towards the door, they’re gonna be married in no time.
- Night of the radishes of Oaxaca, Mexico
Night of the Radishes—La Noche de Rábanos—is celebrated in Oaxaca, Mexico, and it has been held every December 23, since 1897.
People will carve very intricate and detailed radish sculptures that will be held on display for hours before they begin to wilt. The winner will win cash.
Additionally, fireworks, parades, and food carts selling bunuelos–fried pastries coated in a sugary syrup–and esquites–Mexican street corn–will all be a part of the annual celebration.
Oaxaca dedicated masses of land to grow radishes specifically for this event.
- The Gavle Goat of Sweden
The origins of the Gavle goat are believed to be rooted in Pagan traditions. The goat is a common decoration centerpiece in Sweden, especially during the holiday season.
In the Swedish community of Gavle, a 13-meter, three-ton goat is constructed out of wood and straw, later to be erected in the marketplace. As part of the tradition, members of the community will attempt to burn it down as the rest of the community watches eagerly, waiting to see if they are successful.
- Hide the brooms of Norway
Norwegians take their superstitions very seriously. On Christmas Eve, it is believed that people across Norway will hide their brooms in their closets. This practice is done so that witches and evil spirits won’t take them and ride across Norway.
- Christmas boats of Greece
The Christmas boat–Karavaki–is one of the most sacred traditions in Greece. Instead of decorating Christmas trees, Greeks will decorate boats. They do this so that the connection between Greece and the sea stays alive.
Many do this to appreciate Saint Nicholas for protecting their sailors. This tradition is also done to honor families, fathers, and friends who have worked out in the sea.
