Winter holidays. Christmas around the world
Objective: To explore and understand various Christmas traditions around the world.
Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, marked by unique traditions in different cultures. In this lesson, we’ll delve into the rich tapestry of Christmas customs, from festive foods to unique rituals.
Warm-up
Let’s start with a quiz and see what you know about Christmas in US.
Key:
- A) December 25th
- B) Red and Green
- B) Santa Claus
- A) Star
- B) A Christmas Carol
- A) Socks
- C) Cookies and milk
- B) Poinsettia
- A) Sleigh
- A) Open presents
Answer the questions:
- What does Christmas mean to you?
- Do you have any special Christmas traditions in your family or culture?
Listening practice
Christmas Foods Around the World
Listen to the audio and answer the questions:
- Italy: Panettone
- What is the significance of panettone in Italian Christmas celebrations?
- According to legend, why was panettone created?
- How has panettone become a symbol of holiday indulgence?
- Mexico: Tamales
- Describe the process of making tamales.
- Why are tamales considered a communal activity in Mexican culture?
- What is the historical significance of tamales in Mexican traditions?
- Sweden: Saffron Buns
- What are saffron buns known as in Sweden?
- What is the historical connection between saffron buns and St. Lucia’s Day?
- How does saffron contribute to the symbolism of these buns?
- General Questions
- How does each country’s Christmas food reflect its cultural traditions?
- In what ways do these traditional foods contribute to a sense of community and togetherness?
- What is the overall message or theme conveyed in the script about Christmas foods around the world?
If you need the script, click on the panel below.
The answers to the questions.
Reading practice
Deck the Halls Around the Globe: Unique Christmas Decorations
Ah, the magical time of year has arrived, and people around the world are transforming their homes into festive wonderlands. Let’s embark on a tour of global decorating customs that prove there’s more to Christmas décor than just tinsel and twinkling lights!
1. Germany’s Quirky Tradition: The Christmas Pickle
In Germany, they’ve taken the art of ornamentation to a whole new level – enter the Christmas Pickle. No, it’s not a snack for Santa to munch on during his gift-giving spree; it’s a green, glass ornament shaped like a pickle hidden within the tree’s branches. Legend has it that the first child to find the pickle on Christmas morning gets an extra present or, better yet, the honor of opening the first gift. It’s a delightful game of hide-and-seek that adds a dash of pickle-flavored excitement to the holiday festivities.
2. Japan’s KFC-Inspired Decor
In Japan, where Christmas isn’t traditionally celebrated as a religious holiday, a peculiar decorating tradition has taken root. Thanks to a wildly successful marketing campaign by KFC, it has become a common practice for families to adorn their homes with KFC-themed decorations. Colonel Sanders figurines, chicken-shaped baubles, and red and white color schemes dominate Japanese households during the festive season. It just goes to show, sometimes Christmas décor can come with a side of fried chicken.
3. The Whimsical World of Mexico’s Nacimientos
Down in Mexico, they bring a touch of whimsy to Christmas decorations with the tradition of Nacimientos, or nativity scenes. While nativity scenes are common worldwide, Mexican households take it up a notch by including not just Mary, Joseph, and the usual suspects but an entire miniature village. From bakers to musicians, the scenes are teeming with characters, creating a festive and lively atmosphere that captures the spirit of the season.
4. The Nordic Charm of Sweden’s Advent Stars
In Sweden, Christmas decorations exude a cozy, Nordic charm. One particularly enchanting tradition involves the use of Advent Stars. These are elegant, illuminated paper stars often placed in windows, creating a warm and inviting glow during the long, dark Scandinavian winter nights. It’s a simple yet captivating way to infuse homes with a touch of celestial magic.
5. Italy’s Themed Christmas Streets
Leave it to Italy to turn Christmas decorating into a neighborhood affair. In some Italian villages, streets go all out with themed decorations. Picture this: entire streets bedecked in a specific theme, from traditional winter wonderlands to fantastical realms of candy canes and gingerbread. It’s a competition of creativity that transforms ordinary streets into enchanting holiday destinations.
Conclusion: Unwrapping the Global Tapestry of Christmas Decor
As we traverse the globe, we discover that Christmas décor is as diverse as the cultures that celebrate it. From pickles hidden in trees to Colonel Sanders sharing shelf space with Santa, these unique customs remind us that the joy of the season knows no bounds. So, as you deck the halls in your own way, take inspiration from around the world and let your imagination run as wild as a Christmas pickle hunt in Germany!
Answer the questions:
- Germany’s Christmas Pickle:
- What is the legend associated with the Christmas Pickle in Germany?
- What does the child who finds the Christmas Pickle receive as a reward?
- How does the Christmas Pickle add a playful element to holiday celebrations?
- Japan’s KFC-Inspired Decor:
- Why has KFC become associated with Christmas decorations in Japan?
- Can you name some KFC-themed decorations mentioned in the article?
- How has a marketing campaign influenced Christmas decorating traditions in Japan?
- Mexico’s Nacimientos Tradition:
- What sets Mexico’s tradition of Nacimientos apart from typical nativity scenes?
- What additional elements are included in Mexican nativity scenes?
- How does the tradition capture the lively spirit of Christmas in Mexico?
- Sweden’s Advent Stars:
- What is the significance of Advent Stars in Swedish Christmas decorations?
- Where are Advent Stars commonly placed in homes?
- How do Advent Stars contribute to the cozy, Nordic charm of Swedish décor?
- Italy’s Themed Christmas Streets:
- How do some Italian villages take Christmas decorating to the next level?
- What transforms ordinary streets into enchanting holiday destinations in Italy?
- Describe the concept of themed decorations on Italian streets.
Check yourself
Christmas Folklore Unwrapped
Hey festive friends! Today, let’s unravel some enchanting Christmas folklore and discover mythical figures that add a dash of magic to holiday traditions around the world.
1. Krampus in Austria: The Dark Side of Yuletide
Austria brings us Krampus, Santa’s shadowy companion. Forget sugar and spice – Krampus is all things naughty. Legend has it that while Santa rewards good kids, Krampus deals with the mischievous ones. With his horns and a bundle of birch branches, he’s the original enforcer of the naughty list. Have you been naughty or nice this year?
2. La Befana in Italy: The Gift-Giving Witch
Italy introduces us to La Befana, the mystical gift-giving witch. On the eve of the Epiphany, La Befana flies on her broomstick, delivering presents to children who have been good and a lump of coal to those who haven’t. Legend has it she’s still searching for the Christ child and leaves treats for kids in hopes of finding him. How’s that for a unique twist on gift-giving?
Now, dear readers, do share your favorite Christmas folklore or any mythical figures from your region! Let the holiday tales begin!
Comments:
- User123: Wow, Krampus sounds like the ultimate anti-Santa! Are there any other countries with similar dark companions?
- FestiveExplorer: La Befana is fascinating! I love the idea of a gift-giving witch. Are there specific traditions associated with her in Italy?
- HolidayDreamer: Growing up, we had the Yule Lads in Iceland – mischievous characters with names like Spoon-Licker and Door-Slammer. Each day, a new Lad would visit, leaving either a treat or causing a bit of chaos. It made December so exciting!
Feel free to share your own holiday folklore or ask more about these intriguing characters!
A unique Christmas tradition
The Night of the Radishes: Oaxaca’s Unique Christmas Extravaganza
In the heart of Mexico, nestled in the vibrant city of Oaxaca, Christmas is celebrated with a twist that involves more than just festive lights and carols. Welcome to the Night of the Radishes, a unique and quirky Christmas tradition that adds a dash of creativity to the holiday season.
The Night of the Radishes:
On December 23rd each year, Oaxaca transforms into a hub of artistic expression as locals participate in the Noche de Rábanos, or the Night of the Radishes. What makes this tradition extraordinary is its marriage of art, agriculture, and the Christmas spirit.
Cultural Roots:
The origins of this tradition trace back to the colonial period when radishes were introduced to Mexico by Spanish conquistadors. Local artisans, seeking to attract visitors to the Christmas market, began carving intricate scenes and figures into oversized radishes. The practice evolved over the years, becoming a beloved cultural event.
The Radish Masterpieces:
As the sun sets on December 23rd, the zócalo, Oaxaca’s main square, comes alive with a breathtaking display of radish sculptures. From nativity scenes to mythological creatures, local artists showcase their talents by transforming radishes into temporary masterpieces. The radishes used for this event are no ordinary veggies; they are cultivated to reach sizes that allow for detailed carving.
Significance:
Beyond the visual spectacle, the Night of the Radishes holds cultural and economic importance for Oaxaca. It attracts tourists from around the world, providing a platform for local artisans to showcase their skills and generate income. The tradition also fosters a sense of community pride, with families passing down the art of radish carving through generations.
A Unique Blend of Tradition and Creativity:
The Night of the Radishes is a testament to Oaxaca’s rich cultural tapestry and the creativity that flourishes within its communities. As families gather to admire the radish sculptures, share traditional foods, and revel in the festive atmosphere, this unique Christmas tradition stands as a symbol of the unyielding spirit of celebration and ingenuity that defines the holiday season in Oaxaca.
Have you encountered any distinctive Christmas traditions that capture the essence of a particular culture? Share your stories and experiences below!
Discuss
- How do cultural and religious differences influence Christmas celebrations?
- In what ways has global connectivity affected the adoption of Christmas traditions?
Homework
Write a short essay comparing and contrasting Christmas traditions from two different cultures.