If you think your holiday traditions are weird, wait until you hear about these. From throwing shoes to burning scarecrows, some people celebrate the festive season in very unusual ways. Here are some of the funniest holiday traditions from around the world that will make you laugh out loud.
Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, single women throw a shoe over their shoulder on Christmas Eve. If the shoe lands with the toe pointing towards the door, it means they will get married soon. If not, they will have to wait another year. Talk about a shoe-in for love!
Norway
In Norway, people hide their brooms on Christmas Eve to prevent witches and evil spirits from stealing them and flying around. Some even fire a shotgun into the air to scare them away. That’s one way to sweep away the bad vibes!
Japan
In Japan, many people eat fried chicken from KFC on Christmas Day. This tradition started in 1974, when the fast-food chain launched a marketing campaign called “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii” (Kentucky for Christmas). It was so successful that now millions of Japanese people order their buckets in advance or wait in long lines to get their finger lickin’ good feast.
Colombia
In Colombia, people celebrate the Day of the Little Candles on December 7th, the eve of the Immaculate Conception. They light candles and lanterns and place them on windowsills, balconies, porches and streets. The result is a beautiful display of lights that symbolizes hope and faith.
Venezuela
In Venezuela, people go to early morning mass between December 16th and 24th on roller skates. The streets are closed to traffic and children tie strings to their toes and hang them out of the windows. As the skaters glide by, they tug on the strings and wake up the kids. This is how they roll in Caracas!
Sweden
In Sweden, every year since 1966, a giant straw goat is erected in the town of Gävle for Christmas. And every year, someone tries to burn it down. Despite security measures and surveillance cameras, the goat has been destroyed 37 times out of 54. It’s become a game of cat and mouse between the arsonists and the authorities. Some people even place bets on whether the goat will survive or not.
La Befana – Italy
In Italy, children don’t wait for Santa Claus to bring them gifts on Christmas Eve. Instead, they wait for La Befana, a friendly old witch who flies on her broom and delivers presents on January 5th, the eve of Epiphany. According to legend, La Befana was too busy to join the Three Wise Men when they visited baby Jesus, so she decided to follow them later but got lost. Since then, she has been searching for him and giving gifts to all children along the way.
So next time you kiss under the mistletoe or take your kids to visit Santa, remember that cultures around the world have different beliefs. Try something new and fun this year! I hope you enjoyed my post. Let me know what you think in the comments section below.
Merry Christmas!
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