Hohoho! (Part I)
Do you have plans for Christmas? This is one of the busiest periods of the year for hotels as people want to spend some time with their family and friends and often need to travel to do so. Below is Part I of my Blog on Christmas. Enjoy !
Holiday traditions around the world
The end-of-the-year holiday season sparks nostalgia for people around the world. Below are some of the unusual traditions taking place in various countries .
- In Austria, the notorious Krampus beast is a scary counterpart to Santa Claus who punishes naughty children. December 5 is known as Krampusnacht (Krampus Night), a time when the horned devil goes around towns to find those that were disobedient. But it’s not all doom and gloom—the next day is called Nikolaustag (St. Nicholas Day) and Santa Claus comes to spread some much needed joy after Krampus’ fright night.
- In Ireland, festivities last from Christmas Eve until January 6 (Epiphany). On December 26, known as St. Stephen’s Day, an Irish tradition known as the Wren Boys Procession takes place. Children go from door to door singing, holding a stick that is topped by a holly bush and a wren. They ask for money for the “starving wren,” which goes into their pockets.
- In Ukraine, Christmas Eve festivities are known as Sviata Vechera, (“Holy Supper”). The celebration begins when the first star is sighted in the evening sky. In farming communities, the household head brings in a sheaf of wheat, which symbolizes the wheat crops of Ukraine. It is called “didukh,” which translates to “grandfather spirit.” In homes within the city, a few stalks of wheat may be used to decorate the table.
- In Poland, carp featured during Christmas dinner are often kept in the family bathtub for days before being eaten . Afterwards, it’s common for the fish scales to be kept for good luck!