insideKENT Magazine Issue 33 - December 2014 | Page 124

CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS around

the world

BY LISAMARIE LAMB

Christmas and traditions go together like holly and ivy, Santa and Rudolph,
and turkey and stuffing. It’s part of what makes Christmas so wonderfully
enjoyable and ultimately the most longed for holiday of them all.
Year after year, we get to do the same things, from decorating the tree with
the ancient baubles that have been around for decades, to deciding what
time we have dinner and whether or not we watch the Queen’s speech.

Germany
In Germany, there is a certain magic around Christmas, especially for the
young. The Christmas tree – which originated in Germany – is kept a secret
until Christmas Eve, when it is unveiled, fully decorated and with all of the
gifts beneath, to the delight of the children. Once the tree is presented,
there is feasting and carolling, and then the gifts are opened. On Christmas
Day itself it’s really all about seeing friends and family, eating a lot (the legend
goes that if you don’t fill yourself up at Christmas then you will be haunted
by demons through the night!), and attending church or carol concerts.

However, Christmas in other countries is different to that in the UK. Whilst
we’re tucking into turkey or goose, what are other people eating? As we
hang a holly-based wreath on our front door, who is using paper lanterns
to make things colourful? Here, we look at Christmas traditions from around
the world.
Scandinavia
The ever-traditional Yule log
may hail from Scandinavia, but
this is no chocolatey treat. In
fact, the original Yule log was
just a log used at Yuletide to
keep the house warm. At the
beginning of the season, the
master of the house would cut
down a tree, after which there
would be a ceremony and
feasting as it was brought into
the house. The end that had
been closest to the ground was
placed into the hearth (with the
rest of the tree sticking out into
the room), and a fire was lit.
Gradually, the entire tree would be fed to the flames, keeping the fire alight
throughout the season. If timed right, this was the only firewood that was
required over Christmas.

China

Now, with the advent of central heating and fewer open fires, the tradition
has died out somewhat, but the chocolate version still remains a major part
of the Scandinavian celebrations. Only once it is brought into the house,
can the Christmas period begin.

Christianity is not the main religion in China, but Christmas is still celebrated
by some. The decorations in China don’t tend to be of a religious bent or
even particularly Christmassy, but instead the Chinese often festoon their

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