GLOBAL TAPESTRY OF TRADITIONS
TOP 7 GLOBAL CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS FOLLOWED THIS YEAR
Christmas is a worldwide celebration filled with joy, featuring diverse customs and traditions, from Europe's winter beauty to South America's lively festivities, adding unique regional flavors.
Credit : PINTEREST, ASSOCIATED PRESS Here are some countries that celebrated Christmas in their own traditional way:
Credit : PINTEREST Hanging calendars in Germany
Advent, meaning "coming," involves countdown calendars and chocolates, gaining popularity in 19th-century Germany with festive commercialization.
Credit : PINTEREST Noche de las Velitas in Colombia
Colombia celebrates Noche de las Velitas on December 7th, honor Mother Mary and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception with millions of candles.
Credit : PINTEREST Going to the cemetery in Finland
In Finland, families visit cemeteries on Christmas Eve to light candles for ancestors and enjoy a Christmas sauna together.
Credit : PINTEREST Decorating fir trees in Europe
Pagan Europeans worshipped trees during winter solstice. Christians later adopted fir trees for Christmas which are popularized in Estonia and Latvia.
Credit : PINTEREST Giving poinsettias in Mexico
Poinsettias in Mexico bloom in winter. A Mexican legend tells of a girl presenting weeds to the baby Jesus, which transformed into bright red flowers, symbolizing Christmas.
Credit : PINTEREST Noche Buena of Phillipines
Noche Buena features a feast with lechon and pancit, along with parols which are star-shaped lanterns that light up homes and streets during the season.
Credit : PINTEREST La Quema del Diablo in Guatemala
Guatemalans celebrate La Quema del Diablo on December 7, burning effigies to clean homes and bad omens. Communities gather for bonfires, enjoying traditional foods and festivities
Credit : PINTEREST