The holidays are a time for family, friends, and loved ones to come together and celebrate. They’re also a time for traditions – both old and new. From decorating the Christmas tree to leaving out cookies for Santa, there are endless ways that people around the world make the holiday season special.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the most unique holiday traditions from around the world. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the most unique holiday traditions from around the globe.
Japan
Image source: Unsplash
Japan is a country with a rich culture and many unique traditions. One of the most popular traditions is celebrating New Year’s Day by eating a special rice cake called mochi. Mochi is made from rice that is pounded into a sticky paste and then formed into balls. It is often flavoured with different sauces or fillings, making it a delicious treat to enjoy on this special day. In addition to eating mochi, people also often exchange gifts and share wishes for the new year. This tradition is one of the many ways that Japanese people celebrate the start of a new year and all of the possibilities that it holds.
Mexico
Mexico is home to a wide variety of unique holiday traditions. One of the most important is the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12th. This holiday honors the apparition of the Virgin Mary to a peasant farmer named Juan Diego in 1531. Since then, Our Lady of Guadalupe has been venerated as a powerful intercessor and protector, and her feast day is one of the most important holidays in Mexico.
Norway
Norway is a picturesque country known for its snow-capped mountains, pristine fjords, and festive Christmas traditions. One of the most unique Norwegian Christmas traditions is the practice of leaving shoes out on Christmas Eve. According to legend, St. Lucia—the patron saint of light—visits homes on Christmas Eve and leaves candy or small gifts in the shoes of good children. This tradition is still practiced today, and it’s not uncommon to see shoes lined up by the fireplace on Christmas Eve in Norwegian homes.
China
On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, Chinese people all over the world celebrate the Lantern Festival. The highlight of the festival is the launching of lanterns into the sky, which is said to symbolize the lifting of people’s spirits. Lanterns come in all shapes and sizes and are often decorated with traditional Chinese symbols. Another popular activity during the Lantern Festival is dragon dancing. Dragon dances are believed to bring good luck and fortune and are usually performed by teams of up to 100 dancers.
Greece
One popular tradition in Greece is to decorate your home with an olive wreath during the holidays. The wreaths are often made from branches of laurel or olive trees, and they are believed to bring good luck and fortune. In addition to being a festive decoration, the wreaths also have a practical purpose: they help to keep evil spirits away
United States of America
No matter where you go in the world, you’re bound to find people celebrating unique and interesting holidays. And while some traditions may be similar from one place to the next, there are always going to be differences that make each celebration special. For instance, in the United States of America, one popular holiday tradition is decorating a Christmas tree. Another is exchanging gifts on Christmas Day. Both of these activities help to bring people together and create a festive atmosphere.
So, this holiday season, instead of sticking to the same traditions that you always do, why not try something new? Branch out and learn about some of the unique customs practiced by people all around the world. Who knows – you might even find yourself adopting a few of them! What are some of your favorite international holiday traditions?
